SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Jane Douglas, s.s., fromj Kaikoura and Wellington. Penguin, s.s., from Akaroa and Dune din. Rotomahana, s.s., from the North. To-day. Wakatipu, s.s,, from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Penguin, s.s., for Wellington and Northern Ports. Jane Douglas, s.s., for Kaikoura and North; Rotomahana, s.s., for Melbourne, via South; SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Helena, brigantine, from Dunedin. Sailed —Tairoa, for the South. Auckland. To-dny. Arrived —Rotorua, s.s , from Sydney, via Russell. 1 ' ’ Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—-Edith Reid, from Kaipara. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Frederick Bassett, from New castle.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. • > To-morrow, Thursday, May 19. R. Wilkin and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Horses, Farin Stock, Implements, Aftj 12 o’cloak. Friday, May 20. Mr, Alfred Harrison, on the Farm of D. Evans, Waterton—Live and Dead Farm Stock, &c:; 1 o’clock. Saturday, May 21. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr Hayes’ Timber Yards— Timber ; 11 o’clock. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings —Usual Weekly Sale;; 12 tfplodsi ‘ Monday, May 23, R. Wilkiri and Co., at .The Grange, about two miles .from Ashburton Farm Stock, Implements, &c.; 11.30 o’clock. Saturday, May 28. Mr. T, Bullock, at bis Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro pertica. " MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c . - To-mokrow, Thursday, May 19. Thistle' Lodge, S.C., Monthly Meeting, Masonic Hall, 7.30 p.m. , . Tuesday, May 24. Lecture-on “ Hydropathy,” Town Hall, 7.30 p.m. Farmers’ Ball, at Moffatt’s Mill ; com mence; at 8 o’clock. ■ 1 Monday, May 30. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Upper.Ashburton Road Board —Meeting to elect fiVe new members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a.m. ; - Wednesday, June 1. County Council,, at the County Council Chambers, - at’ 11 o’clock. Monday, June G. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting.. Meeting tp; elect Committee for the Waka uui Library, in the Wakanui School room . Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building and ln vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from G. 30 to 8.30 p.m. ‘ Thursday June 9. Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet ing. ; . Saturday, June 11. Ashburton School Teachers’ Association, Borough School, 2 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails dose at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : t Thubsday, May 19. For Fiji,' to connect witli the Southern Cross at Auckland. Saturday, May 21. For the United Kingdom', via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, Ac., per Wanaka, as folloMT—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p .m. ; late fee letters, at 7 pm. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.tn. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, ■a follows, For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a. at, and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p,m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, C jldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. For Temuka, at G* a.m. and 10 a.m,, daily. For Timarn and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreot, Ashburton Forks, Mount J3omers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ajihton, Water ton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at tbo Ashburton Post Office—, : From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 «.m., 4.35 p.ni., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timarn at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m.’, and 8.15 p.m. daily. Givcn.ai'iccv, A --li'k.:.-;- n T.y j Mount Seniors, and .\.,libm-D»n D**rgi» i 011 \ s and Bai nrdav■.-> al 3p. in. j L’juiti A-j’iivii, \1 alci.-t.yn, and Long- ! Leach at 10 a. m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p- m. , Wr Sr. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a. m. ? mod (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Tijiaku ani> South, at 7 a.m. . 10.30 a,m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding'no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from CHMSTCHUEph at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 435 p.m,, arid 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive ax, 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 Praevalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [J.tsi teil at 4.30 w.j

Templap. Halt- Company.— A mooting of the hliiu-eholdo s in this Company is convened to be hold in the back room of the Hall at eight o’clock to-morrow even ing.

Farmers’ Ball. —A fanners’ ball is announced to take place in the Wakanui flour mill on the Queen’s Birthday. Par ticulars as to prices of tickets and where same can he obtained appear in our advertising columns. Postponed.— The ordinary stock sale at the Ashburton Saleyavds fallingonTuesday next, Queen’s Birthday, has been con sequently postponed until the 31st inst. Poisoned Wheat. —Members of the Ashburton Sparrow Club are informed by advertisement appearing elsewhere that they can, on and after Saturday next, ob tain poisoned wheat at the shop of Mr Cambridge, chemist. Entertainment. —Mr Lcvoi, advance agent and general business manager for Signor Tambourini and company, whoso projected visit to this town has been billed for some days past, arrived here to-day, and has nearly completed the necessary preliminaries. The company has mot with great success wherever they have appeared, up to the present, and as we have had a dearth of anything in the form of professional performances for some time past, doubtless good houses will greet the visitors. The prices have been fixed at what are termed “million figures,” therefore the public have nothing to complain from this direction. A Visitor.— Mr Greig, Manager and Superintendent of the Madras Central Railway, passed through Ashburton by the express train yesterday. Mr Hnnnay, Resident Manager New Zealand Railways, accompanied Mr Greig on his journey. Mr Greig leaves New Zealand for India directly, as his furlough expires in a few weeks.

Appointment.— Dr Alexander H. Ntil, of Dunedin, has been selected for appointment as Resident Medical Super intendent of the Wellington Lunatic Asylum. A New By-Law.— The Dunedin City Council intend preparing a by-law to regu late the playing of games such as cricket, football, Ac.—on Corporation reserves.

Trees. —The County Council to-day advertise for tenders for supplying and planting trees in the County saleyards, near Ashburton.

Accident. —On Sunday morning (says the Lyttelton Times ) an accident of a serious nature happened to a child of Mr. Mophat’s at Malvern. It seems that a piece of lighted wood fell out of the fire on to the child’s clothes, thus igniting them. The child perceiving this, ran outside, and before the flames cou’d bo extinguished it had been severely burnt about the upper part of the body. The little sufferer was immediately attended to, and is at present as well as can be expected. The Akaroa Constituency. —Mr Montgomery addresses his constituents at Akaroa towards the end of the present month.

The Big Dock Idea. —At a meeting of the Auckland Harbor Board yestenla/ it was decided to purchase four acres at Calliope Point, at L2OO per acre, as a dock site.

Ashburton Steeplechases. —Nomina tions for the various events at the Steeple chase Meeting to be hold at Tinwald on the 27th inst., must he in the hands of the Secretary previous to eight o’clock this evening. Weights in the open events will be declared on the evening following the running of the Grand National. Telegraph Interruption. —The West ern Australian line has been interrupted beyond Esperance Bay since yesterday morning. Emigration from Adelaide. —A tele gram received at Dunedin states that the Cuzco sailed from Adelaide for Plymouth on Saturday with 300 passengers. Police Court. —The dealing with a “ first offender ” comprised the whole of the business at this Court to-day. Ho was was dealt with in the usual manner.

Wrecked. The Trevelyan, which arrived on May 9th at Melbourne front London brought the captain and six men of the schooner'Edward Slattery, wrecked at Tristan d’Acnnha on March 8. The master states that ho was conveying stores to the island, when a calm set in, and the vessel drifted ashore. They barely escaped with their lives. The population of Tie island is 10(1. Larrikins and Chinese. —The larrikins in Melbourne are carrying on a vigorous anti-Chinese crusade. An outrage was committed by three at St. Kilda, on May 5, upon a Celestial. When arrested the hands of the prisoners were covered with blood.

Heuo Rusk.—Advices from Queensland state that the population at this rush is steadily increasing, and now numbers three hundred. All men working are getting gold, and several nuggets have been found.

’ Hyde ©path v. —ln the advertising colulims, of the present issue appears a number of testimonials to the ethcacy of the hydropathic treatment received by patients at the hands of Mr S. Wallis, at the institution, Christchurch. These in clude cures in the case of bronchial, rehu matic, tumoric, and other affections. Sthay Sheep. —Elsewhere appears an advertisement, re stray sheep, from Chert sey. Ploughing. —Mr G. Dolomore invites tenders for cross ploughing 150 acres near Dromorc. Furrow slice to be 9x 5.

Wakanui Lujrarv. —A public meeting will be held in the Wakanui schoolhouse, on Monday. Ist proximo, for the purpose of electing a new committee to superin tend the business in connection with the above institute.

,Chinese on the Australian Gold tfffeLDS. —The following items on the sub ■i': —The Resident in the ry of Victoria urges come to that district to ild, as it is hopeless for vith the Chinese. Men required to develop the Tabor.—A goldfield has Ithe head of the Mary eighty Chinese arc .-i) tbr* groiHVf'COultur Mf an .'em- •< .1 iv. T xi; - ::i Knot i:;i . Tli , b■'! ■ -in. -i f briefly referred to in n telefram published by us last evening : —I was on board the steamer Tararna on the afternoon of April 28, the day on which she left Port Chal mers. She had five boats. The two for ward boats were life-boats. I think each of them in ordinary weather could carry 81! people, including the crew. The two after boats were of the same build, but were not fitted with cork. They carried about 30 people each. I would put fhe difference in carrying capacity between the fore and aft boats at three people. The groat advantage in the cork is when the boats get full of .water. The dingy would carry ten or twelve people. The other life-saving apparatus on board the ship were six life-buoys and twelve life belts, which were in the bell-lockor for ward of the steerage when I last saw them. These belts were cork packets. This was all the life-saving apparatus on board.— In cross-examination ; According to the carrying capabilities that I have given of the boats on board the ship, and the num ber of them, the boats would not have carried all the people on board at the time of the accident. The masts and sails and rigging were in good order when I last inspected the vessel. —Following the conclusion of Captain Cameron’s examina tion, a lengthy discussion took place be tween Mr Smith, counsel for the mates, and Mr Simpson. R.M., as to whether the mates were charged with the loss of the Tararua by any wrongful act or default on their part, and eventually the Court undertook the responsibility of so charging them, though not in a formal manner, and on the application of Mr Smith the inquiry was adjourned until Thursday, to permit of the preparation of his defence.

Ashburton Brass Band. —Thosehaving at heart the musical interests of the town, will, ive feel certain, deeply regret to hear that we are about to lose from our midst one of its most energetic votaries, viz., Mr J. S. Savage, that gentleman being about to leave the district. Mr Savage was one of the promoters of the Ashburton Band, and during his residence hero hs has always been to the fore in all musical matters; indeed, to his untiring efforts the band owe their success. Last evening, at a meeting thereof, Mr Savage tendered his resignation of the bandmastership, con sideration of the acceptance of the same being deferred. It was also decided to tender to Mr Savage, previous to his departure, a complimentary concert, as a slight token of the appreciation of his un flagging energies on behalf of the band. It is, wo believe, intended to constitute the performance a sacred one, and we have no hesitation in predicting an over flowing house. The Biter Bit. —The New York Herald of a recent date relates that a lady, while in a passenger railway car in Philadelphia, had her attention attracted to a very handsome,diamond ring on the finger of a gentlemanly looking passenger beside her. She left the car and went to a store, whore she made several purchases, but on putting her hand into her pocket for her purse found it had disappeared, and in its place found the diamond ring that had attracted her attention. Taking it to a well-known jeweller, he pronounced it worth LSOO. It is supposed the sotting of the ring caught in her pocket, and it was stripped from the finger of the thief. The pocket-book contained about LlO, and the lady is the richer by L4OO. Practical Spiritualism. —A strange case (says the Melbourne correspondent of the Tablet) is at present occupying the attention of the Supreme Court. Some months ago there died a wealthy mine owner, Mr G. Lament, who it appears before his death fell into the hands of the Spiritists. The evidence so far clearly shows that these good people not only took a deep interest in his spiritual wel fare, but also in his temporal possessions, as they got him to make a will, shortly befox-e is death, leaving the bulk of his fortune to Mr E. F. McGeorge. The principal person concerned in getting Mr Lament under complete spiritualistic influence was Mrs Jackson, a well-known medium, who lives with McGeorge as his wife, notwkh standing that her own husband is not in Spirit Land, but is heart}’and well, and as large as life in the land of the living. This sort of shady morals does not seem to affect Mrs Jackson much in the eyes of her co-religionists, nor, indeed, in her own. The relatives of Mr Lament have now applied for revocation of the probate of this will. The strongest evidence against M’Georgo and Mrs Jackson has been given by their own followers, who do not • appear to he delighted that Lament’s fortune has been left to them. Perhaps if Mrs Jackson and M'Georgo had been a little liberal with their ill-got ten goods, we never should have heard anything about this affair.

The Dunedin Tramways. —The City Council having called the attention of Mr Proudfoot, the tramway proprietor, to the fact of his using open cars on the lines, also of laying down plain rails instead of grooved rails, Mr Proudfoot sent a letter to the Council yesterday protesting strongly against the attitude taken up to wards him. He said—“ The cars are the very best I have been enabled to put upon the roads since the fire (which occurred in December last), and I could not bring from the other side of the world cars along the cable wire. The cars required for these tram way lines are not kept in stock like other goods, such as bar iron, pels, pans, &c. Apart from this, however, I hold that you have not the slightest light to interfere in the matter of cars, whether open or other wise. It is my loss and not yours. If I fio not satisfy the public I am prepared to at once suspend all traffic whatever on the city tramway, and wait until the new cars arrive. Possibly this is the best method of settling this alleged grievance. If your Council agree to this, please intimate me to that effect at once.” As to the grooved mils he said—“ You have no right to insist on my using grooved rails, you are again travelling beyond the agree ment. It is not so nominated in the bond that I should use grooved rails. At least I fail to discover so, and I do not know that there is an Act of Parliament which can compel me to do more than is in my agreement.” It was admitted by the Mayor that the Council had no power as to rails, and as to the other matters it was generally admitted that Mr Proudfoot had a good excuse for the tone of his letter, which was received.

A Strange Arrest.— The Christchurch Telegraph of Monday evening contains the following : —A gentleman was, on Friday night, an imnato of the Ellesmere Arms. Some person rode up in plain cloth us, and called this gentleman outside the private room, and said ho wanted to boo him “ relative to that little affair at Lyttelton,’ and proceeded to arrest him on a charge of forgery, and actually hand cuffed him. The man gave no name, nor did ho produce a warrant. He refused to believe the statement of Mr Judge, the landlord, tiat he had known this gentle man for some two years, and that he was in the habh of leaving his horses in his charge for months at a time ; and that he was in good circumstances, and thoroughly indepcndcit of everybody. Ho was, moreover, identified by several other individuals. The gentleman in question suffered tin indignity of the handcuffs for the period «f about a quarter of an hour, when the landlord inquired of the pre sumed ollior how he intended to convey his “ prisoner ”to town. “ Oh,” said the officer, “Ik can walk down to town along side my harso refusing to allow the gentleman to ride his own horse. This, for a jourmy of sixteen miles, was beyond a joke. It eventually transpired that the officer had tido-!' V tb„ --ply ■■■•• i;,'. ■ ... i :.u ■„ li; : Iv.-d, '■ I.L a.a. a. !: a., and. u r..' a U.uk tweed suit, vnd was seen walking iu from the Head (f the Hays.” As this latter charge was mired conclusively to bo an impossibility, the officer began to enter tain the inqrossion that he had made “ a little mistake,” and at once proceeded to liberate bis I’ictim. Without one word of apology, the officer rode off’ eating very bumble pie ndeod. Assaui.ttn! an M.H.R.—At the Hold anga R.M. Court, John Lundon, M.H.R. for the Ray of Islands, charged a man named James M'Leod with using language calculated t> provoke a breach of the peace. M'lood pleaded “ not guilty.” John Lundm deposed that the affair arose out of the defendant being deputed by the County Domicil to go to Auckland to moot the numbers of fhe Government. M‘Leod considered that ho ought to have gone as one of the deputation, and used insulting laignago. Defendant said to him that ht never had M.E. G. on his back ; also, bat be (plaintiff) had neither house nor mmoy. When cross-examined, Lundon declhed to state his occupation. He had bcenin gaol, but Robert Graham, as stated, dll not put him in. Ho de clined to stats who put him in, or whether ho had been ried by a jury. J. M'lner nay deposed that he heard M‘Lcud say lie had ueverbeen in gaol, nor had even had any Government mark on his cloth- 1 ing. He di< not say that Lundon had any but that ic M'Leod had not. Dofen- 1 dant denied the charge. He believed ' M.E. in bis summons to mean Minister '■ of Education Had known defendant , thirty-eight years, but never know any , good of him. *Mr Lundon addressed the , Court oxplahing how he got into gaol, j and how ho git out. M'Leod was bound I over to keep tie peace for three months, |

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [PER REUTER’S AGENCY.] Monetary and Commercial. London, May IG. Consols remain, at New Zealand Five per cent., 10.40 Loan, 1043/3 ; New Zealand Five per cent. 1889 Loan, 104, ex div. ; New Zealand Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 Loan, ior]Z. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 475; New Zealand wheat, 445; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 33s ; Australian tallow, best beef, 34s 6d ; best mutton, 365. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day, 10,000 bales were offered, and there was a good demand. Nailing their Colors to the Mast In the House of Commons this evening, consideration of the Irish Land Bill was resumed. In the course of the debate the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone made a speech, in which he said the Government attached its fortunes to the Bill, and would strenuously oppose any amendments which might be proposed affecting the principles of the measure as in troduced. The Turko-Greek Difficulty. Constantinople, May IG. The Ambassadors of the Powers have under consideration the conditions now placed by the Porte upon the pro posed transfer of the territory in Thessaly and Epirus to Greece. After deliberation, the Ambassadors un animously decided to reject the stipula tions of the Porte, and the latter has been urged to withdraw them. Minister for the Interior. St. Petersburg, May IG. General Ignalieff has been appointed Russian Minister of the Interior in place of General Loris Mclikoff, resigned. AUSTRALIAN. [per reuter’s agency.] The Flying Squadron. Melbourne, To-day. It is understood that the detached squadron, after visiting Melbourne and Sydney, will proceed to Auckland. The Reform Bill. 1 It has transpired that a farther meet i ing of the Cabinet has been held to 1 consider the reform question, and that it was definitely decided to demand a ' reduction of qualifications for occupiers ! to Lio, instead of L:o, as decided at Monday’s meeting of the Cabinet. The . Reform Bill was under consideration in ■ the Legislative Assembly last night. 1 The Council’s amendments were dis cussed in a desultory manner, and with out any decision being come to regard ' ing them. The Census. Adelaide, May 17. , The census taken on 3rd April shows the population of South Australia to be 275,000. Going for Another Cup. Mata is favorite in the betting for the Adelaide Birthday Cup, at 3 to 1, NEW ZEALAND [per press association.] Waimate Steeplechases. Waimate, To-day. The Waimate steeplchases are fixed for June Ist. The following are the principal events : —Steeplechase Handicap of 100 sovs., Maiden Plato of 50 sovs., and County Cup of 75 sovs. Entries and nominations will close on Friday, May 20th. Shuffling the Cards. Dunedin, To-day. Captain Anderson takes temporary com mand of the Albion, exchanging with McGee, of the Taiaroa. Webster, chief officer of the Te Anau, has been appointed to the command of the Hero, Captain Logan going home. Lusus Naturae. A man named Pel or Hodge Kirk, an expressman, committed suicide by hang ing last night. On his body a letter was found, stating that the cause of the act was separation from his, wife and family. Last week his wife sued him for main tenance. The letter added :“ I suppose the jury will bring in a verdut of insanity, but 1 am not insane and never was.”

RANGITATA TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

+ Yesterday, at the meeting of the Gera! dine County Council, in le this matter, r letter was read from the Ashburtor County Council, and also a report of tin last meeting of the committee appointed in the matter. A letter was received from the Hon. the Minister for Public Works in which thatgentleman wrote as follows : “ No doubt the fracture of throe of those piles while being driven afforded some justification for the objection to their use, but as it is very desirable that If possible the loss from the condemnation of material procured at so great expense should bo avoided, will yoa allow mo to suggest that a further trial should bo made, and that say 12 piles should be driven either in their present condition or with such alterations as the engineer may think it right to make. 1 venture to think that such a further fv : >| is worth, making, and .1 shall !■. ', : j;. : v--i y- m -e. , i .!■•.■ i his j-’iggi ia. The lolin v iug resolution was passed by the Council : “ That, in reply to the Minister 11 of Public Works’ under date April 29th, 1881, this Council, taking into considera tion the undoubted fact that the use of solid iron pipes in the Rangitata river has been condemned, not only by the engineer consulted (Mr Higgenson), but by Mr Rush, the contractor for the pre sent bridge, does not feel justified in ex pending County funds on the experiment indicated in the letter from the Hon. Minister for Public Works.”

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[ eh s.s. Rotorua at Russell.] London, May 2. Ireland is in a very disturbed state, and the number of agrarian outrages is in creasing at an alarming rate. In conse quence of the state of feeling in Dublin, and the violence of the Land League agitators, the city has been proclaimo I under the provisions of the Coercion Act. There is intense excitement throughout the city and country, as well as a feeling of grave anxiety. London, May 3. A Nihilist manifesto has been placed in different parts of St. Petersburg, laud ing the assassination of the Czar, and threatening the life of the present Emperor. Sixty thousand immigrants left British ports for America during the month of April. London, May 14. Considerable alarm was created by an explosion of a box of powder outside Chester Barracks. The explosion was the work of some miscreant not yet dis covered. A deputation from the British and Intercolonial Trade Tariff Union, consist ing of the Lord Mayor of London, the Right Hon. Win. McArthur, Mr West garth, and Mr Sargood, waited on Earl Kimberly, Secretary for State for the Colonies, to-day, and laid before him a number of important suggestions affecting the joint interest of the mother country and the colonies. The deputation sug gested the enlargement of the constitu tion, and the appointment of a Royal Commission to enquire into and report upon the defence of British colonies ; also to enquire into British colonial commerce, taking evidence in all important centres of population throughout British do minions upon the operation of the various tariff's in force. Further, the deputation represented the desire that the Imperial Government should learn the views of the inhabitants of the colonies, beforehand in all cases where treaties were about to be entered into with foreign countries, the case of a treaty with China being especially referred to as one upon which the colonies should have been heard, inas much as the treaty was found to be a con siderable obstacle in the Australian colonies to legislation for the restriction of Chinese immigration. The question of establishing a Customs Union for the colonies and mother country was also represented as one xs liicli the commission should inquire into and report upon. Earl Kimberley, in reply, said he was pleased to receive so important a deputa tion, and assured the gentlemen compos ing it that the Imperial Government would always be glad to listen to any suggestion affecting the interest and wel fare oi the colonies from gentlemen acquainted with colonial affairs and identified with colonial interests. He promised the deputation that their sug gestions should have the most careful con sideration of himself and colleagues. He traversed the subjects introduced by the deputation at considerable length. His speech, however, was mainly a recom mendation to adopt the free trade prin ciple, under which, he observed, Australia was fast progressing. London. May 8.

Owing to serious disturbances and violent demonstrations of the Land Leaguers in the cities of Cork, Kilkenny, and Kinsale, those cities have been pro claimed under the Coercion Act, and a number of arrests will shortly be made. Mr John Bright, in a letter on Irish affairs, argues that Irish laborers are better off at the present time than English laborers, and that the only hope for the latter was the development of industries. Archduke Rudolf, the heir apparent to the Crown of Austria, was yesterday married to Princess .Stephanie of Belgium. Mr Bradlaugh. the member for North hampton, has issued a manifesto to his constituents, in which he protests, on behalf of himself and constituency, against the treatment received ini the House of 'Commons. Ho announces his intention of continuing his demands for admission until his right to sit is recognised. Wheat prospects in the southern pro vinces of Russia are said to be splendid. London, May 9. It is announced that the Boers are making preparations for war. There is some uneasiness at the announcement, as it is uncertain whether the Boers contem plate further hostilities with the British or whether they are merely preparing for contingencies arising from disaffection of the native tribes. Daly, who was arrested some time ago and imprisoned, has been released. It is understood that the Marquis of Lome intends to resign the Governor- Generalship of Canada, in consequence of the climate of Canada being unfavorable to the health of ..the.Marchioness. London, May 10. Mr Gladstone's speech in moving the adoption of ths address to the Q iesn in favor of Lord Beaconsfield’s memorial was highly praised hy the London press. Mr Bright delivered a grand speech on the Irish Land Bill. He claims that it would do justice to Ireland, and expressed the belief that the Bill would be hereafter regarded as a blessing to the country. The Irish members have resolved to obstruct the Bill.

MY QUEEN.

( Continued.) " London, June 23. “ My dear Miss Dormer, —As the aunt of Major Leonard Campbell, I venture,to address you, and to express the hope that you, and your sister will come and pay me a visit in London. You are not strangers to me by reputa tion, as I have heard much of you from my nephew, and I should be 1 1-» in-’hc you’- .a;yiahuaiu 0. > 1 ti 1 ;■ t k th u p-rli.ips ymi may find in London facilities lor providing your marriage outfit which the country does not offer, and whilst you are staying with me you may be able to accomplish some of that agreeable task. In the hope that I soon may have the pleasure of making your ac quaintance, I remain, with every con sideration and esteem, —Your obedient servant, Dorothea Ca.mpi!ei.l.” “ P.S.—Card enclosed to enable you to find Oxford House with little difficulty.” This letter the old postman brought us one summer morning from the nearest town, and its arrival caused as much excitement in our quiet house hold ns a boom-shell would in an enemy’s camp.

My father, with his usual kindness, urged our acceptance of the invitation, and Lily said how much she would like to see Lady Campbell, of whom Leonard had so often told her, as well as to have a glimpse of the unknown splendors of London. I shrank from going amongst strangers, but my scruples were over-ruled by Lily’s wish that I should accompany her, for she declared that without me she could and would not go. So the next week saw usonourjourney. My father put us into the London coach, and, after a tearful farewell, we left him for the first time in our lives. After a wearisome journey we arrived at Lady Campbell’s door. It was evening • and we were surprised at I entering a well-planted garden—for the J

--- . . k suburbs, and not, as we had imagined, in the town. Lady Campbell stood on the threshold to receive us. a she was a tall and stately woman, with dark piercing eyes. She had been maid of honor to Queen Caroline, and. she made me a courtly how as I advanced ; but, when her eyes fell on Lily’s blushing face, her glance softened, and she stooped and kissed her. Then, leading the way through a large hall, she took us to a small oak panel room where supper wasserved; - it was lighted by, wax tgpers in heayy silver sconces, and the service was- of fine old Dresden china.. - ‘ Draw near, young ladies,’ said / Lady Dorothea ; * I am sure your long journey must have made you’both tired and hungry.’ ■ ' ' '. During the supper the slight reserve i of her manner gradually thawed, and J she conversed easily - and agreeably. Soon after the meal we were shown* to : our rooms, where we were glad to rest after the fatigues of our journey. Lady Campbell was most kind and. . gracious to me; but Lily seemed to enjoy her special favor. To her she never tired of speaking of Leonard, her favorite nephew, telling her long stories of his boyhood and youth; while I, as was my wont, sat apart and listened. ‘ My love,’ she said one morning, ‘ I am going to take both of you to a rout at Mrs Egermont’s next Tuesday. All the world will be there, and I am anxious you should both do justice to yourselves; so I have ventured to send for some stuffs from a silk-mercer’s . in the city, and I hope you will each : * choose a gown and, ringing the bell, , she desired a footman to bring the packages she had ordered. . ; r They soon covered the table in rich : and tempting profusion. Lady Camp- > bell would not hear of thanks, and, finding we did not decide as quickly as , she wished, she choosed for us herself —for Lily a pink brocade, with sprigs of silver Tillies of the valley, and a delicate grey for me, with Wue convolvulus twining over it in long and graceful sprays. ; The evening arrived, and Lady Campbell’s carriage conveyed us to Mrs. Egremont’s mansion. As we entered the grand saloon, a gentle murmur of 1 admiration greeted Lady Campbell’s beautiful charge. Lily had never looked more lovely than she did on that night. The rich pink dress she wore suited her to perfection, and her only ornament was the diamond-set miniature of her betrothed. Her hair, differing from that of the powdered belles around her, fell in clustering’‘ rings on her neck. ■' ; A foreign Count sam» Italian songs to the company ; and, after he had left the instrument, Mrs Egremont invited Lily to sing. Her voice, though un- ■ trained, was sweet and melodious, and*,, after I had played the prelude, she sang in her touching tones the old ballad bf v * Barbara Allen.” Her voice lingered over the last pathetic wqcds, 1 Sipjce. my love died for me to-day, I’ll die for. him to-morrow, and a great silence fell on the crowded assembly—silence which was broken at last by a burst*of applause. While many rose to con gratulate the young songstress on Her rare talent, a gentleman who was a stranger to us offered her his arm to conduct her to her seat, when, with a half-uttered cry, he started back as his eyes fell on the miniature on her heck. ‘ Good heavens,’ he exclaimed, ‘ why,’ ’ that is Leonard Campbell, who wasshotj’ Lily gazed at him for an instant, and ‘ then, with pale lips apart and eyes dilated with horror, she fell senselessat, t . his feet. I clasped her in my arms, and saw and heard nothing that passed .* around. All my attention was ab sorbed by my heart’s idol. VVe bpre her gently from the saloon, and placed her on a couch in Mrs Egremont’s own room, where every remedy was resorted to, in order to restore consciousness. . After a few faint gasps, she came back' ‘ ‘ to life and misery. Presently 1 she clasped my hand—and her touch was,, like ice.

‘ Go to him. May,’ she whispered— , ‘go and ask him what it means/and if* ‘ it is true ; and, oh, return at once !’ ' With faltering steps I moved to the door, and there, with a face whose re morseful anguish L can never forget, stood the man whose cruel random ■ shaft had struck the heart of my only ! sister. Lady Campbell was beside me. ‘ Tell me,’ he said, * what have I , . done ?’ ‘ Sir,’replied Lady Campbell, in stern accents, ‘ you have wrought a cruel work by your thoughtless words ; you have, I fear, given a death-blow to one who was to have been the wife of my’' nephew, who is to me as a son. But tell me—as briefly as may be—the.,- meaning, of your words.’ 1 In trembling tones he said that he. had just returned from Ireland, whither,. he had gone with Leonard’s regiment as assistant-surgeon. He knew Leonard well, he said. Two days before he— the speaker—had left Ireland there was a dinner given by the officers to some M , , neighboring gentlemen, and afterwards . cno of the officers, who had drunk rather deeply, made same remarks’'on' Leonard’s approaching marriage, and whispered to a brother officer, loud ■ enough for Leonard to hear, that his fiancee was only a country farmer’s daughter, who was glad to marry a man of Campbell’s position, and that he would soon tire of her pretty face. Leonard heard the words, and after, i dinner sent a challenge to the young officer. Next morning, at daybreak, they met, and Leonard, the noble, The true-hearted hero of my poor Lily’s life, fell dead, shot through the heart. The young man broke down here* and ..., sobbed bitterly; but, recovering him-- ‘ ' self, he continued— ‘ I can never forgive myself for ray wicked carelessness; but, when 1 saw the portrait of poor Leonard on that lady’s breast, my first feeling of as tonishment bewildered me, and I scarcely knew that I had spoken.’ ‘ May Heaven forgive you, sir,’ said Lady Campbell, ‘but, if any harm should come to Miss Lily Dorrfterv I never can f and she turned and - left him. Lily insisted on knowing everything, ind we imparted to her as gently as we :ould the death-warrant of her hopes ind happiness. She listened V ,! vith her sweet face rigid as marble. Take me .home ’ was all she said.; We r - i :onveyed her to Lady Campbell's house " - it once, but the next day she repeated ‘ icr request to be taken hortie; so Ladjy ! f Campbell herself went firs* to pur. 91^” iome to break the Sad hewi to otic 1 ither.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY MAY 18, 1881.



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT ST .R EET, Opp6site the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Forzdtnre. All kinds, of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN POR SEGOND HA»D.iiEPRNITURE. 819



Wanted. WANTED— A SITUATION as house keeper by a middle aged woman. Apply to Mr Jbph.son, Tinwald Store. 805 a WANTED —A general SERVANT. Apply to Mrs F. P. O’Reilly, Walcanui road. 786 a WANTED —Person to adopt a Child two months old. Apply, Office of this Paper. 785 a WANTED Several TEAMS to CART crain, also to PLOUGH, immediately. For particulars apply to Gould and Cameron, Springfield. 80Ga WANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to farm an im proved freehold. For particulars apply to W. H. Gnndry, or W. 8., Box No. 1, P. 0., Ashburton. 801 a WANTED at once—TENDERS for 60 chains (more or loss') of WIRE FENCING (stakes and wire). Labor only. Apply, Office of this Paper, where the specifications may be seen. 780 a WANTED— MRS PAULING begs to notify that she has taken that Commodious House in Moore street, nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will bo glad to ACCOMMO DATE PATIENTS requiring surgical or medical aid. Mrs Pauling has had very considerable experience as Ladies’ Nurse, both at Home and in New Zealand. 528 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verrall is now showing her W T inter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. G3oa ANTED KNOWN—That W. Fergie’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 bo promptly attended to. 760 a XTT ANTED KNOWN That VV 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. Groat Reduction in Price. 101 a ANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), NewJ Zealand Gattiic, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. 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 bo made to order. Having had large ex perience both at Home and in the colonics, J. M. feels confidence in soliciting a share of public support. 758 a



1 VTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.— L. F. Andrewes | begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that ho 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. Anduewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Siationer, East street, South. 208 a Special Advertisements.« El NOOURAGE LOCAL ENTER [i PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (.tost arrived). 1,000, 7s Gd ; i .£ftiQQt.6a 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and | Organs for sale on deferred T from 30s per month. * H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barim* Square. 365 a ** 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, “ suneezero,” Arc.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotco, &c., Are. 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 ho has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO :—Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, Arc., Ac. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, Ac., Ac., 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 ! no ! Sell the damaged goods at the best prices obtainable, and got ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is j what ho will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a W. 11. SPOI’K MAN'S are now m Canterbury unamoers, < tiiii.v.-, ' Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a "VTOTICE TO FARMERS AND iM 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 A CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a 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* Ball programme cards in ' very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, pi-rated at the Guardian Office. East street, near Railway Station.



Special Advertisements. fJIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager. Hayes’ rjpIMBER YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a eery large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in largo or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a



MASONIC CONCERT. A Concert will be given in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, Ashburton, on WEDNESDAY, Bth JUNE, Tickets can be obtained from members of the Committee: • ' Bro. R. W. Shearman, P.M.Z. , • Bro. W. H. Oundry, W.M. ; H. 18*. Bro. G. St. Hill, S. Bro. H. Stephenson, P. M. Bro. C. Braddcll, P.M., S.E .>.?• Bro. J. Bradley, W.M. !fl r Bro. R. Friedlander, S. W. Bro. H. Zander, 1.W., P.S. Bro. Thos. Quill, P.M. Bro. W. Sparrow, W.M. Bro. S. B. Nelson, S.W. Bro, D. M'Farlane, S, W. Bro. W. H. Zouch, S.W. Bro. E. Saunders, S.W. X' Bro. H. J. Weeks, Musical Director. All Masons are particularly requested to attend in regalia. Doors open at 7.30 p. in. ; to commence 8 p.m. HENRY ZANDER, 829 a Hon. Seo. o T E. An Extraordinary MEETING of the Exhibition Committee is hereby called fof TO-MORROW EVENING, at the uppec. room of Town Hall, at 8 p.m. A full attendance requested. S. E. POYNTZ, 830 a Hon. Sec. Mr E. G. Wright W 11,1, 'AI Ki- r i.. ■ I ; I, i., ■i < H';> .•!' At the TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. ON MONDAY NEXT, May 23rd, at 7.30 p.m. 810. i BOYS’ AND YOUTHS CLOTHING. WE have, on account of holding too largo a Stock, Reduced the Prices of our Boys’ and Youths’ Tweed Suits and Overcoats. Intending pur chasers will save money by giving us. a call. EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. 822 a



Sinai Joi.r.Y Dons auk Thkv, —lt is calculated that L 3,000 is spout annually in Milton on alcoholic drinks. The Premier. —The Hon. J. Hall will address the electors of the Sehvyn district at Lecston on Thursday, 20th inst. Oney What is Huh it. —From a Victor ian exchange wo learn that the Govern ment intend to recognise the services of Houston, who behaved so gallantly on tho occasion of the late torpedo explo sion. IJoi.i.ow.vy’s I’ii.i.s.—The chicfcst wonder of modern times. —'Phis incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatulency, purifes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout the globe astonishes everybody, and a single trial convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove all complaints incidental to the human race. They are a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of the blood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and gentle aperitive action are the prolific sources of the extensive curative range of Holloway’s Pills. [Advt.J