SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Falcon, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. St. Kilda, s.s., from Westport. . Lucy James, ketch, from Havelock. Onward, schooner, from Hokianga. Wave of Life, brigantine, from Kaipara. Ocean Bird, ketch, from Waitapu. Kate McGregor, schooner, from Kai para. To-day. Wakatipu, 8.5., from Sydney, via Wel lington. Ringarooma, b.b., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Grafton, s.s., for Wellington and West Coast ports. Inch Murren, ship, for the United Kingdom. To-day. Ringarooma, s.s., for Melbourne, via Hobart and the South. Wakatipu, a s., for Port Chalmers. Gareloch, ship, for London. St, Kilda, s. s., for Dunedin. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Maud Graham and Emperor, from Lyttelton. Hokitika, Yesterday. The s.B. Charles Edward has been de tained here f~r the last two days through the heavy weather prevailing- The weather is still very boisterous. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Examiner, barque, from Lyt telton. , Sydney, Yesterday. Arrived last night, City of New York, from Auckland; to-day, Rotorua, from Russell.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following? places (subject to the neces saryralteiations) as under Wbdhbsday, May 11. Foritho United .Kingdom, via Brindisi (for specially addressed correspondence only), Continent of Europe, Point de Galle, Indian the East, China, Japan, Aden, Mauritius, Natal, Cape of Good Hope, SUez,: the Mediterranean Ports, and Australian Colonies, &c. , per express train 1 (tp connect with s.s. Ringarooma at Bluff),' as follows Ordinary letters, at 7 a.m. ; hooks and newspapers at 6 a. in. ; registered letters at 5 p.m- on Tuesday I2th ; money orders at 4 p.m. on Tuesday 12th. Bate lee letters may be posted in the travelling Post-office van attached to the Uxpress train on Wednesday, May 11th. For Northern Ports, per Taiaroa, at 1.40. :p.m,; jlatejfee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van, ,2.30 p.m. train. Tuesday,. May 17. For Chatham Islands, per Island Lily. The -next • mail > for the United Kin 5- pomt (via, , San Francisco) will leave on May 21. I "I . , ' " - Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :-r, » For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m.,;. and 5 p.m., daily. Fos; Chjertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Culdstreara, 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 a.m., 10 a. m., and 4.20 p. m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a. m. UTaila 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. Froin Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m, .daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. m. 5.35 plml, and 8.15 p.m. daily. From'Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, arid ’Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long ' beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. . W, St. G. Douglas, ? . ' Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. ' Thursday, May 12. Dan Henderson apd Co. , on the premises, East street—The whole of the Property known as the Ashburton Hotel; 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14 Mr. T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Race Privileges; 2 o,clock. Dan Hpodetson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings —Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. Saturday, May 28. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. ’; To-morrow, Wednesday, May 11. Local Industries Association —Meeting, upper room, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Monday, May IC. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. ■ | Monday, May 30. Upper Ashburton Road Board—Meeting to elect five hew members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a. m. s Wednesday, June 1. County Council, at. the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. .. Tuesday, June 7. v Ashburton ,Pers»nent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, fromf6.3b tb j &80 p.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. - Trains; Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.60 p.m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m.' (Express), 4.35p.m., and 7.50 p.ni. Trains” Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1881. The Political Outlook.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 430 p.m.]

Scarcely a month will elapse before our representatives will be “ in Parlia ment assembled,” and, judging from the pre-sessional utterances of members during the recess, our Ministers will be even more strongly ensconced on the Cabinet Benches than they were during the latter part of last session. The hon. member for Clive, in his speech to his constituents, took occasion to find fault with almost every act of the present Ministry since their accession to office. He carefully abstained—as, indeed, he always does—from enun ciating any fresh policy, or pointing out in what direction he would support or otherwise treat the policy of his Excellency’s advisers. The Hon. George McLean in his address at Waikouaiti, on Saturday night, told his hearers that he was really a follower of no party, and would sup port the present Government, or indeed any other, so long as he thought they commanded the confidence of the people and were acting for the well-being of the colony. The attitude of Mr Bryce towards his late colleagues will be watched with some lit/ij£ interest, albeit his post sessional address, delivered after he had resigned his portfolio, was undoubtedly favorable to the gentlemen with whom he had so recently been associated. But at the same time there pre sus picions still remaining in the minds of political querists that Mr Bryce had other questions besides the one which was the cause of his Ministerial vaca tion. Of the other members who have taken their constituents into their con fidence we should surmise that “As you were ” will be their motto. When the collective wisdom of the colony again finds itself within the four walls of the House of Assembly the Govern ment will, we think, find it no difficult task to stave off the assaults of the dis contented, whether they come from Sir George Grey, Mr Macandrew, or one of the “Middle,” or lately termed “ Young New Zealand ” party. We have every confidence, and wish to give the Hall Ministry a consistent and fair support, believing that they have the fullest confidence of the country, in their desires for retrenchment; but we shall be glad to see them at the opening of the next session met by a compact and not factious Opposition.

A presumably strong Ministry never has the power, nor is it so effectual, until an Opposition is raised to restrain its vagaries. We would like to see an Opposition sufficiently powerful though numerically non-dangerous, led by a man who possesses the fullest con fidence of his followers, a good tactician, and a thorough statesman. This has been found over and over again to be absolutely necessary for successful Go vernment by party. Although Sir George Grey has announced his inten tion to assume the leadership of the Opposition, the venerable knight must pardon us when we express a doubt as to his being able to raise sufficient fol lowers in the present House to make it more than an Opposition in name only, and that any attempt from him will only render the present Government more secure. Out of those members who are unfavorable to the present Ministry we hope an able leader and a good and efficient band of followers, capable of gathering up the ends of the “ great Liberal party,” will come forward and exercise a watchful care over the acts of perhaps the most powerful Cabinet we have yet had at the helm in this colony.

School Committee. —A meeting of the Ashburton School Committee will be held this evening. Fatal Accident. —A man named Hoey was killed by a fall of earth at Springston yesterday. High School. —lt is notified elsewhere that this school will re-open for the second term on the 18th inst. Insolvency. —A notification of the filing of a declaration of insolvency on the part of Daniel Evans, farmer, Waterton, appears elsewhere.

Received the Royal Assent.—A despatch has been received by the Go vernor announcing that the Queen-in- Council has assented to the “ Deceased Wife’s Sister Marriage Bill," which was passed by the Assembly last session.

Police Intelligence. —This morning, at the Police Court, H. Hamblin, a refractory inmate of the Old Men’s Home, was charged with vagrancy, and was re manded for three days. Cornelius Sweeney was fined 6s, or in default twenty-four hours’ imprisonment, on a charge of drunkenness. The same accused, on a charge of using obscene language in a public place, was sentenced to three days’ hard labor.

Attempted Suicide. —A scene of a somewhat sensational character (says this morning’s Press ) occurred last evening, near the Worcester street bridge. A young lady—respectably connected, it is believed, and well dressed—was observed to throw herself into the river, apparently determined on suicide. AMr Day, of the Telegraph Department, was present, and at once rescued the rash one from her watery “refuge.” She came out none the worse for her damp experience. Borough Council. —A special meeting of this body was held this afternoon. There were in attendance his Worship the Mayor, Crs Roberts, Parkin, Si. Hill, Friedlander, and Williamson. The meet ing was held under the Municipal Cor porations Act for the purpose of adopting the Balance Sheet for the year ended March 31st last. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr Williamson —“ That the Balance Sheet as read be adopted and signed by the Mayor. This was the whole of the business and the meeting then terminated.

The Late Accident at Balclutha.— An inquest was held at Balclutha, on Wednesday, on the body of John Russell who was drowned some time ago from the’ Balclutha Bridge works, and whose body was found at Stirling the other day, A verdict of “Accidental drowning” was returned, and the jury agreed that no blame was attributable to anyone. De ceased was single, and had no relatives in the colony, and was a native of the South of Ireland.

Aquatics. —The following account of the first contest between Trickett and Kirby is from a late Australian exchange : —“ A sculling match took place on April 19 on Southampton Water between Kirby and Trickett. The water was rough, a strong north-easterly wind blowing right across the course during the time the race was being rowed, and Trickett was nearly swamped. Kirby led at the start, and for a third of the distance there was a good race. Then Trickett gradually began to move away and won easily. Time, iO^min.”

The Windy North. —But for the erec tion of the breakwinds which were put up on portions of the Rimutaka incline after the accident, which happened there in September last, there might have been an other catastrophe, recently, a very severe gale was experienced in the Wairarapa district, and on the following mortiing it was blowing a perfect hurricane at the scene of the former disaster. The two Fell engines and the breakwinds, how ever, proved officious in preventing any accident ; though the iron sliding door at tached to the cab of the trailing engine was torn off by one of the gusts of wind, and the rod on which it slides was praashed like a pipe-stem. They Couldn’t Agree. —The hearing of the charges of embezzlement of Go vernment money against Wilkinson, at Hawera, occupied the attention of the Supreme Court at New Plymouth, the whole of Saturday. About nine o’clock at night the jury retired, and at eleven they intimated that they were not likely to agree. Judge Richmond said he would return to the Court at twelve, when he would consider whether he would lock them up till Monday morning. At 12 o’clock, there being still no sign of agree ing, the Judge dismissed the jury. The second indictment was proceeded with yesterday.

Fires. —A house, occupied by George Westbury, a plate-layer, at Wangomarino, was burnt down on Sunday night, through a kerosene lamp, which exploded.—The store and residence of D. M. Darroch, at Upper Matakano, was also burnt. The amount of insurance is not known.— Fisher’s coal and wood shed, Wellington, was destroyed by fire last night. The flames had a good hold when first dis covered, and as a strong wind was blow ing, the building was lowered to the ground. Halley and Ewing’s sawmill and several cottages in the neighborhood of the coal yard, had a narrow escape from destruction. The shed and contents were insured for L2OO in the Union office. The Sparrow Nuisance. —There was not a very large attendance at the meet ing held in the Willowby Schoolroom last evening, to take into consideration the small bird pest. Mr S. S. Chapman was voted to the chair, and briefly stated the object of the meeting. It was proposed by Mr John Williams, seconded by Mr Hayman, and carried—-“ That a Sparrow Club be established at Willowby, to be called the Willowby Sparrow Club.” A committee was elected to carry out the objects of the meeting, the members being Messrs John Williams (chairman), Grice, Hayman, S. S. Chapman, and R. Frisby. Mr S. S. Chapman was ap pointed secretary. It was decided that the members’ fee should be 5s per annum. The chairman and secretary were re quested to write to the the large absentee land-owners in the district, asking them to subscribe to the Club. After deciding to hold the next meeting on the 16th May, the proceedings terminated, with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Tenders. —Mr Pavitt advertises for tenders for ploughing about 80 acres near Dromore.

Postponed. —Mr Bullock’s property sale is postponed from the 21st May to the 28th.

A Homicidal Editor. —Mayne, of the Bathurst Sentinel , has been committed for trial for assault with intent.

More Sydney Centenarians.— John Robertson, an old resident ef Sydney, who had almost reached his 102nd year, died recently.

Serious Accident. —On Saturday even ing, Christopher Fleming, a well-known miner, was dangerously hurt by a fall in his claim, near Naseby. He died this morning.

More Libel. —M'Minn, the editor of the Manawatu Standard, swore four criminal informations against the editor of the New Zealand Times on Saturday. Cross informations will be laid.

Steeplechases at Oamaru. —At a meeting, it was decided to hold a steeplechase meeting on June 9. The sum of L2lO will be given in prizes. The progiamrae has not yet been arranged.

Race Privileges. —The sale of the privileges of a publican’s booth, confec tioner’s ditto, gate fees, and rights of sports and cards in connection with the County Steeplechases, to be held on the 27th inat., will be disposed of by auction by Mr T. Bullock on Saturday next.

What might be Expected. —Authentic information has been received from Wil cannia of the discovery of an alluvial field 29 miles from Mount Browne, near Vegetable Creek tin mines. The Chinese continue to arrive daily, and now out number the adult Europeans three to one.

Freedom op the Press. —A new Press Bill has passed the French Chambers ; henceforth there will be no stamp, no caution money, and no previous authorisa tion for posting bills, hawking, or for drawings or cariacatures. The Press will be absolutely free.

The Rbbfton Murder.— Very little evidence of any moment was elicited during the hearing of the murder case, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Grey mouth, yesterday. After the Magistrate had cautioned the prisoner in the usual way, M’Gahey said he had nothing to say, except that he was innocent, and would reserve his defence. He was then committed to take his trial at the next criminal sessions at Hokitika.

Accident. —A rumor gained currency in the town this afternoon to the effect that an infant son of Mr Prender gast had been accidentally drowned in the Wakanui Creek. Enquiry on the part of. our reporter, how ever, showed that the rumor, although correct in some respects, had considerably magnified the evils resulting. Mr JPren dergast’s little boy fell into the creek on Sunday afternoon, but his screams at tracted his father's attention, and he was fortunately rescued, receiving only a se vere ducking.

Presence of Mind.— A somewhat alarming accident took place at Drury Lane Theatre the other evening. At the conclusion of tha first act of The World, the act-drop fell forward upon the foot lights with a heavy crash. Many of the audience sprang to their feet, and were preparing to leave the theatre, when Mr. W. Rignold, hastily stepping forward motioned to them to remain seated, and assisted by several other members of the company, removed the canvass. The footlights had been promptly turned out, and thus very little damage was done. The act-drop had to be dispensed with for the rest of the evening.

A Village Burnt to the Ground.—A dreadful calamity has befallen the little village of Pierrefitte, in the department of the Correze. The other morning an inhabitant was carrying a pan of burning coal to his cottage, when the wind, which was blowing very hard, drove some of the embers to the thatch, and quickly set fire to the building. Favored by the wind, the flames spread rapidly, and in less than an hour the whole village, with the exception of the school-house and the church, was destroyed. No human lives were lost, but a number of cattle perished in the flames.

The Channel Tunnel. —Satisfactory progress is being made in the preliminary works for the proposed tunnel between Dover and Calais. Its promoters Colonel Beaumont, R.E., and Captain English, R.E —are now able to employ three shifts of men constantly throughout the twenty-four hours, and are sanguine of being able to bore about thirty feet per day when all the machinery is per fected. At present two drills, worked by engines, driven by compressed air, are at work, and about thirty laborers are em ployed. The bore is seven feet in diameter, and the soil chalk, which is so firm that the engineers are of opinion no brick or cement will be required to shore it up.

Very Sleepy. —Dr Gelineau, of Paris, applies the name narcoleptic—suddenly seized by sleep—to a curious affection. A hale man, in the prime of life, falls fast asleep two hundred times in a day ; his eyelids close, and the fit lasts about five minutes; he dozes off while speaking ; at his meals, in a theatre, at work, when walking; yet his memory remains un affected ; ho is sharp in his business—a cooper. This is not sleeping dropsy, nor coma, ending in death, peculiar to negi oes of equatorial Africa. It is presumed that the quantity of oxygen accumulated in the nervous centres is too small, or used up too rapidly, or the blood vessels are too narrow.

A Monkey or a Dog.— Mr Spencer Walpole contributes to the new number of MacMillan’s Magazine an interesting paper, upon his late colleague, Frank Buckland, It abounds with genial gossip and pleasant anecdotes about the popular naturalist. “ Once,” says Mr Walpole, “ When Mr Buckland was returning from France, laden as usual with ‘ specimens ’ living and dead, a monkey putting its head out of his pocket attracted the atten tion of the booking clerk, who insisted, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, that it was a dog, and must be paid for as such. Nettled at this, Buckland plunged his h£y?id into another pocket and pro duced' a tortoise, and laying it on the sill of the tieket window, said— ‘ Perhaps you will call that a dog too V The clerk in spected the tortoise —‘ No,’ said he, ‘we make no charge for them, they’re in sects !’ ”

A Suicidal Hoax. —Some little ex citement was caused in Hamilton on Sunday morning (May Ist) by the sight of a man hanging over the river by the neck from one of the projecting flooring beams oi the bridge. Quite a number of persons, accompanied by Constable Wild, hurried to the spot, while Sergeant MoGoven ran down the river in search of a boat or canoe. On reaching the part of the bridge near the east end the supposed man was found to be a cunningly-devised dummy. It was with some difficulty the people on the bridge hauled it up, and Sergeant McGovern after returning from the river side ran hurriedly along the bridge calling to the constable and others to handle the poor fellow less roughly. A shout of laughter, however, revealed the fact that it was a sell. On the back of the figure a paper was pinned saying hard times was the cause. As the dummy now hangs in the police station, it has all the appearance of a man at a very short distanbe.—New Zealand Herald. 1

N. Z. Grand N ational:‘—“ Mazeppa’ ’ fancies Agent and Blush Rose are the two best in this event at the weights.

Good for the Revenue. —A recent haul in the way of the capture of a den of Celestial gamblers made by the police in Mayton realised L6O in the way of fines.

Uncharitable. The Bruce Herald reports that Mr T. Spurgeon when preach ing at the Baptist Chapel on the Ist inst., asserted that the late unfortunate pas sengers in the Tararua perished on account of their sins.

Gold at Waimate. —The residents in the Waimate districts are so confident of the gold bearing resources of the district, that they at present advertise a guarantee, of LSOO as a reward to the discoverer of a payable goldfield in the county. A further reward of LIOO is offered for the discovery of a second payable goldfield.

Hard-Up Civil Servants. —We are informed that the necessities of the tele graphic servants have been so great, in some instances, from reductions and the expenses they have been put to in conao-> quehce of their removals, that they have been compelled to borrow money from their fine fund to enable them to provide the necessaries of life for themselves and their families. Whatever may be our financial difficulties, it is to be hoped that members of the House will lay this fact to their hearts, and, in the desire to spare the calls on the colonial chest, will not in flict needless privations on a body of men who perform the hardest work in the ser vice on the lowest pay. —Wairarapa Standard.

Roslyn Tramway Accident. The inquest on the body of Garrett, who died from injuries received at the Roslyn tramway accident, was continued at Dun edin, yesterday. The relatives of the deceased, the conductor of the cars (Peter Hennan), and the Company, were repre sented by lawyers. Mr Denniston, having objected to the Coroner’s way of taking the evidence down, provoked the following reply from the Coroner : —“I by no- means underrate the value of lawyers’ services, but at the same time X am convinced we are quite competent to make the fullest inquiry without legal assistance, and on that principle I intend to act.” From a telegram in another column, it will be seen that a verdict of manslaughter was brought against the conductor.

Thb Late Wreck. —A telegram from Wyndham last night says: —“ Contrary to expectation, no more bodies were washed ashore up to ten o’clock yesterday morn ing. It was hoped, after the eighth day, that the bodies would float and wash in" quickly. Grappling irons have now been provided, which will save the risk hither to in recovering the dead from the back draft. When a body was observed, one man was attached to the end of a line, and he rushed into the surf, in order to prevent as fnuch as possible further dis figuration, for it is almost impossible, in their present; decomposed and battered condition, to recognise the features. It appears, from a survey which was made last Friday, that what is known locally as Otara Point is marked on the Admiralty chart as Waipapa Point, and the reefs are shown quite out of position. The wreckage is becoming obscured by the shifting sands, and to show the high sea that must have been running at the time of the disaster, it may be stated that the water has hot since come within twenty yards-of the debris, Strange to say, the barn in which we sleep and the shanty in which we mes? are constructed of the remains of the wreckage of the William Ackers.” By a telegram from Invercargill to-day we learn that eleven bodies were washed ashore on Sunday night at South Otara Point,- in cluding those of Thomas Crawford, Cap tain Garrard, Dr Campbell’s son, and the body of a lady passenger, undentified, and also the body of a little girl and other males, including a Chinaman ; the r : ght arm of a lady, broken near the shoulder, also came ashore.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[ [per keutbr’s agency.] ) Monetary and Commercial. > London, May C. * Consuls have advanced to The market rate of discount has been reduced to 2 per cent. Bank rate re r mains at Adelaide flour, exvvare r house, is unchanged at 48s. The 1 total quantity of wheat afloat for Great ’ Britain is 2,070,000' quarters. Aus -1 tralian best beef tallow has advanced to ; 34s 6d ; best mutton remains at 365. > Trade Returns. ' The Board of Trade returns for last month show the imports to have amounted to L 35,200,000, being an increase of L 5,375,000 as compared with the month of April, 1880. Ex ports amounted to L 18,125,000, or a decrease of Lsoo,ooo as compared with last year. Still Advancing. London, May 8. Telegrams have been received from the headquarters of the French army in Tunis stating that the force is slowly advancing towards the capital. A Further Protest. The Porte and the Bey have issued a further protest to the Powers against the action of the French Government in sending an expedition to Tunis. The Police and the People. News has been received that several riots have occurred in Ireland over the service of writs for the eviction of tenants. The collisions between the police and the people have been of a serious character. A New Ministry. Capetown, May 7. On the retirement of the Hon. J. Gordon Sprigg and his colleagues, Mr Scanlan was sent for. and has since formed a new Ministry.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Fatal Accident. Adelaide, To-day. Mrs Newton, passenger for Auckland by the Orient steamship Potosi, which arrived on Sunday from England, has met with an accident on board, result ing in her death. Acquitted. Melbourne, May 9. Mrs Jones, of the Glenrowan Hotel, who was committed for trial on a charge of harboring the Kellys, has been acquitted. The Flying Squadron. Melbourne, To-day. Extensive preparations are being made for the reception and entertain ment of the Royal Princes, on arrival here of the detachment of the Flying Squadron. Several grand balls will be given, including one by the Mayor, in : the Exhibition building.' 1 Water for the Miners. ■ Sydney, May 9. i News to hand from Temora goldfield i reports that heavy rains have lately 1 fallen there, and it is estimated that | sufficient water has been stored to wash; , 50,000 loads of stuff. I

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Unable to Proceed. Auckland, To-day. A telegram from Archbishop Steins, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, who left for Europe, via Sydney, in ill health, reports that he is so much worse - that he remains in Sydney, being unable to pro ceed on his journey. Another Vacancy. Nelson, To-day. Mr Acton Adams, M. H.R., who has been seriously ill for some time, notifies his resignation of his seat in the House. Manslaughter. Dunedin, To-day. At the conclusion of the inquest on the body of the unfortunate man Garrett, who was killed by the recent tramway accident, the jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against the conductor, who was committed for trial. Bail was allowed, himself in LIOO and two sureties of LSO each.

ENQUIRY INTO THE WRECK OF S.S. TARARUA.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. The wreck enquiry was resumed this forenoon. Mr Denniston represents the Customs, and Mr Allan Holmes the Union Steamship Company. The first mate is still under examination.

LATE EUROPEAN ITEMS.

[Per s.s. Wakatipu, at Wellington.] London, April 27. Emile Girardin. the well-known French journalist, is dead. A terribe accident, occurred on board the warship Manus at Wilhemshaven. While the artillery were practising a shell burst, and 26 persons were either killed or wounded. The proposed remissions of duty on silver plate, announced by Mr Gladstone in his Budget speech, have been abandoned. The Czar of Russia has congratulated Prince Gortschakoff and the St. Peters burg!? police for the action they took in bringing to justice the persons concerned in the assassination of the late Emperor, and has presented them with; portraits of himself set in diamonds. London, April 28. The Bey of Tunis, terrified at the active proceedings of the French Govern ment, and at the hostile attitude of his own people, has surrendered to the in vaders. It is likely that hostilities will cease .unless the Tunisians show a dis? position towards further resistance. At the half-yearly meeting of the Orient Steamship Company, the report was adopted. No dividend was declared, and the Directors agreed to forego a part of their commission in order to make up the require, sura to bo, carried' ty the credit ,of the reserve fund. Sir Thomas Elder’s horses, from South Australia, have arrived in excellent con dition. The Right Hon. ; t W, E. Gladstone has addressed a circular letter to the Roman Catholic Bishops of the United Kingdom, in which he intimates that , he cannot agree to make the change they require in the Irish Land Bill, which would, he says, give the Bill an entirely new character. .; > ; Edward Miall, proprietor and editor of the Nonconformist, is dead. He was 72 years of age. 1 Heavy floods have occurred in the Missouri river, causing great destruction to property. The amount of damage is estimated at 4,000,000d015. In consequence of the threatening at titude of the Boers, British troops again occupy Potchefestroom, in the Transvaal. A bailiff in Galloway was roasted till he promised to resign his position. The Jewish agitation in Germany con tinues. Houses are being sacked and the Jews illused.

A Train on Pire.

A sensational incident (says a late issue of the Sydney Evening News) occurred on the train from Dubbo to Sydney. In a second class carriage were about a score of passengers, in cluding some of the members of the Austrian Band; and shortly after Bowenfels had been passed, Herr Kuhr noticed smoke issue from under one of the seats. Considerable alarm was caused. The carriage was soon filled with smoke. Several members of the party climbed out through the window and on to the roof of the carriage, where they commenced shout ing at the top of their voices to the driver. One man, Alfred Burgess, fell off in the attempt to climb on to the roof, and was afterwards picked up ; un conscious ; another, more skilful, managed to get out and mount the roof with a portmanteau and cloak in his hand. Matters began to be very critical by this time, and the shouts of those on the top were redoubled. It was not until after they had spent about twenty minutes in this way, how ever, that they were noticed by the driver, and the train stopped. Mean while, those left inside were half suffo cated with the smoke, one lady having fainted, and all being terribly alarmed. As soon as the train was stopped, the passengers were transferred to another carriage, and the fire was put out. It was discovered that a large hole had been burned in the floor. Burgess was a blacksmith, resident ac Bathurst. He was conveyed to the Sydney In firmary, and died next day.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE MEMBER FOR COLERIDGE.

TVk tup U'nT'rniJ

Sir, —Can you inform me whether it is the intention of the hen. member for Coleridge to meet his constituents before the ensuing session of Parliament ? lam sure Mr Wright deserves naught but thanks for his conduct as our representa tive in the past; but I, and no doubt other electors, would like to hear some thing of his intentions for the future.—l am, &c., Elector. [We have no heard whether Mr Wright intends to address his constituents before the next session. We should certainly like to hear his views on several matters which will be brought before Parlia ment. — Ed. (?.]

ufferings of a Jury.

‘T~ w A |iat )W | n g account of the suffer ings of j ur y } locked up at Patea recently, , e cause they were unable to agree, u given by the local paper, which sai No refreshment came from %|kudge : s order, it being no body’s q|siness to attend to it, as usual. Stne jurors begged of the con stable to fa;h them a loaf, or a live sucking pig 0 r anything eatable, for which they Mendered money j they**®*, begged to haw over-coats fetched, from | the hotel; but that officer • would hot budge from *the floor for ■>«nything*‘le*» ,r than an. earthquake men cooped up in a 4naU with three' chairs • They could not all sitatocej . i the floor at. once.-;.- stand, and were closey packed at that 1 Hat pegs were fey«lse tHeji have hung themseleS ; 1 Oh£ ! * jib'tdr 1 ’* fell asleep on the fable,' ahd' When he fe woke found he fitting q gum and was fct- neaiup tbe window aai woke iwitha stiff neck, I-. A third tried » sit on the. “ cold ” fire, J| but found a Ijht had jpSt beert applied *' ® The coal-bx served him. Four M squatted on f he floor playing uards, when they -tad been euchred.Mhayd Wk stood up to make room for another card party. S, the jurors had to^uat* h || down or in relief there not being though room foralUpj 1* lie on the floor ai once. At daylight j.| the constable entend and threw water;: on the fire, which lirury u to the Statute in r thatcase made'shd” 71 provided. 1 Jlirofa iaplored him to«fr| bring a drink of water, but he only remarked they ought- to have agfeedj || on their verdict, and not sand out on a trifle like that. Such vrL the freat-'- v g ment of these jurors, and su& was the |j; sumptuous arrangements of > jury-room.” We learn, the same paper that the judge, ptr matter being brought under notions the next day, said that he ordered refreshmetffe fo be supjjliedTd and this ought to have- beetv' dbnte v ' l; lu Jf appeared there had been some mis- ■f" management, .which* he-boped ufouki *1 not occur agaiiv^^^^ mmmr ;

Hanlan’s Home Reception.

Hanlan has been enthusiastically. re- ceived (says an exchange) in jivefy part of the Ddmmibn ; visifed."' At New York he was q[uite the lion of the hour, and the Yankees quite claimed him for theirown. beaten him it wofllu have been nothiilg v in American eyes. s “ After all,” 5 they 'Hj ttvotild have, said,,; "it w^ , 6nly,<Miej d -d Britisher beating another/ But | of course victory •is " another ! thing from defeats dnd ‘iW'the Spates Hanlan'. was, IMCV to “ hi « home ’’ and to “ America ” he were a dtiieh iofthe Great Republic. , A great crow,d assembled at the rail way station 'pp seejthe littfef |ch»ntpii«i off to Canada, call/was aj y Niagara, and a, deputation- of the ;in- j, habitants waited on Hanlan and in duced him to break his journey 'there and visit the famous Falls. , At la^t".;. ! ; the terminus at Toronto whs reached at 7.20 on the evening of March .... Here, the station jy, US * be_sjeged with; iT . spectators, ; and the cheering \ iwasj; >; tremendous as the train pulled up. Haitian was conducted to; a sleigh and accompanied'-by thfe Mayor ’• of Tororitb, ’ and the chairman,, Of the recepfioia, f , committee. Then over 1,000 torch- ‘ bearers, headed by bands, followed the sleigh in processipn., , xhjmpipn. ■* was thus ttiken’to 5 lltO Ojjera HOusO, v where the Lieutenant-Governor, .of. i Ontario came on to the stage and wel comed Hanlan back to his city. j f The speech was received with loud * applause, as was the champion’s reply, in which he spoke of the great kindness shown to him in England.. . .\ The Mayor of Toronto, in the name. of the'people of that city, then pre sented him with a silver tea service and a purse of Lxoo, and Mr T. B. Whitefoot, editor of th pfSporismany i with the' Sportsman Challenge/Cup; This had been really given him in London; but as Mr WhitefoOt had accompanied Hanlan to Canada, the ? latter wished the public presentation made in his own city. Still further '• presentations took place from; the Lacrosse Clubs and Sriowshoe Club. , Ou the next day the champion attended a grand reception given by the Lieu tenant-Governor at Government Hpnsq., , , The municipality also : conferred' thh | freedom of the city on' him. Hanlan has announced his intention of retiring altogether from aquatics! 1 ' l '

A Mischievous Middy’s Joke.

Some few days ago we published. la - paragraph referring to what is known as/ ' the “St. Elmo’s Light.” , The follow-v ing, from the 'San Francisco. Chfonide , explains the mystery: — “Dr Ford ( Clark, a young sea-going surgeon' and 1 an enthusiastic savant, arrived* in San : ' Francisco a short time since : as the - surgeon of the British ship John o’, Gaunt. The ship was from Calcutta, , ? The voyage was long, and as it was so" t monotonous as not to furnish to the active intellect of the young surgeon all the phenomena that the savant could crave, one of the midshipmen * t determined to improvise some pheno mena for him. At first he contemplated; a sea-serpent, but as sea-serpents ate ' ’ becoming very romtabn,' fmid ! 'die 'JaL^' good deal of trbuble, he finally deter mined on the electric light occasionally seen by unusually tough shell-backs i • aloft in the rigging of ships at sea, and which is known as St. fire. ; ffd; 1 I got the mate’s bull’s eye lantern, and on a very dark night he dimed aloft, lit it, and made it fast to the mast-head, f Descending he rushed into the cabin v and announced to the doctor a remark ably well developed case of St. Elmo’s light. The doctor bounded on deck, ; examined the light, made a sketch of - it, and finally tire midshipman boldly volunteered to go up and interview it. He went up, blew the light out, and’ descending, told the doctor, he had; ' 1 touched the flame with his, finger,: whereupon he instantly receivedg trerpen-* ( dous electric shock, and St. Elmo’s light disappeared. Dr Clark found the de praved young man’s pulse at s ioi} so he ’ ‘ put the midshipman’s arm in a. sling, / put a whisky sling imp! the. midshipman 1 ,. * knd put the midshipman; 'and '/both'l' slings into bayV’apd. during the rest of the cruise, and as a premium innocently;paid ;to W. /case of ' very atrocious wickedness, he pre scribed to the young hero who had

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1881.



JoHn Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., B U R'N ET T STREET, ■ Opposite i-jbfya MaU Office. ■ Cheapest, House ip. Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. ,n :i GOOD PRICE i GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819



Wanted. r m. 1 WANTEI>S-A BOY, accustomed to a hotel, to make himself generally useful. Apply at once to Sutler's Family Hotel. 765 a WANTED - A good general SER VANT. References required. Apply. “X,” Office of this Paper. 733 a WANTED —Contract Ploughing, Cart ing, or other WORK for 5 Teams of HORSES, Prices very low. Apply, Office of this Paper. 752 a RANTED. TENDERS to be sent in to the under signed by SATURDAY, the 16th May, for PLOUGHING about 80 Acres near Dromore. FREDK. PAVITT, 762» Ashburton. WANTED KNOWN—That W. Fekgie’s EXPRESS runs to and from Tinwald Twice Daily. Goods con veyed at most reasonable rates. Orders left at Jephson’s Store, Tinwald, or W. Patching’s, Ashburton, will be promptly attended to. 760 a WANTED KNOWN—That John Moison (late in the employ of Mr Nealas) has opened business in Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, where all descriptions of Boots and Shoes can be made to order. Having had large ex perience both at Home and in the colonies, J. M. feels confidence in soliciting a share of public support. 758 a



‘TUT’ANTED KYBRBODY to know that W HORSE COVERS dm be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Vkrrald is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, , Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN Tha* HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS* Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash" burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a WANTED TO SELL —PIANOS H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £26 ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a YTT ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes 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, alid all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. TY7ANTED KNOWN—Every descrip- W tipn of Plain and Fancy Printing executed on the shortest notice, at the Guardian Office, nearly opposite the Rail way Station. TT7ANTED THE GUARDIAN tolls * » your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. OTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Horne. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a fTINCOURAGE LOCAL ENTER- Hi PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 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 Banns’ Square. 365 a fjl H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. ■ NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. 369a* W. SPARROW, Branch Manager.



Special AdVertißements- n ■-'S'? ' *y W. H. SPACEMAN'S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a OF REMOVAL. Daniel Fitzpatrick, BOOTMAKER, Begs to return his sincere thanks to his friends, and to the general public, for their liberal support accorded to him since commencing business, and by paying every attention, and civility to his customers, he asks their continuance in future. Also that they may find him in future in East street, next Orr and Co. (late Trickett), with a well selected Stock of BOOTS and SHOES of every kind. Please note the Address FAMILY BOOT & SHOE DEPOT, East street (Next Orr and Co). 7Ha O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, 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. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* Hayes’ fpIMBER YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a i i A LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDRESSER, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, «fcc., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. FLOODED OUT. F.C. was floooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do ? Sue the Council for damages ? No 1 no ! Sell the damaged goods at the best prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a



Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— Diseases of the Bowels.—A remedy, which has been tested and proved in a thousand dif ferent ways, capable of eradicfing poisonous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Holloway’s Ointment repeatedly on the abdo men a rash appears, and as it thickens, the alvine irritability subsides. Acting as a deri vative, this unguent draws to the surface, re leases the tender intestines from all acrid mat ters, and prevents inflammation, dysentery, and piles, for which blistering was the old hishioned, though successful treatment, now from its painfulness fallen into disuse, the dis covery of this Ointment having proclaimed a remedy.possessing equally derivative, yet, per fectly painless powers.—[Advt.] ■