SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Cynosure, barque, from Newcastle. EUbank Castle, brigantine, from Gatlin’s Hirer. British Ambassador, ship, from New castle. To-day. Wanaka, s.s , from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Candidate, barque, for London. A. C. De Freitas, barque, for London. Hero, cutter, for Wellington. Aspasia, schooner, for Napier. Janett, ketch, for Waitapu. St. Kilda, s.s., for Dunedin. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Arived—Rotomahana, from the South ; Wanaka, from the North ; Kiwi, from Gisborne and Napier; Samson, from Mauukau and way ports. Sailed —Rotomhana, for Sydney, via the East Coast; Euterpe, ship, for Timaru, to load for London ; Kennedy, for Nelson and West Coast. V Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Richard and Mary, schooner, from Greymouth. Pone Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Hawea, s.s., and Wakatipu, LB., from the North. ’ .. ' To-day. Arrived—Taiaroa, s.s., from Timaru; Stella, C.G. 5.8., from the Bluff. Bluff, Yesterday. Sailed— Arawata, for Melbourne; Annie Hill, for Westport.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Cimstichurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a-m. daily. For Temuka, at G a.m. and 10 a.m., daily,. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 420 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Water ton and Longheach, 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a-m. ? 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Ftbm Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.36 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8115 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach, at 10 a. m. daily. From Elgin/ Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Monday, March 28. Mr. W. J. G. Bluett, at the Homestead, Elgin — Live and Dead Stock, &c. ; 12 o’clock. Friday, April 1. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their salerooms, Ashburton—Building Sites ; 1 p.m. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their rooms, Ashburton—Valuable Freehold Farm, in the Hinds district; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-night, Saturday, March 19. Meeting of persons interested in the for mation of a Football Club, Quill’s Com mercial Hotel, 7-30 p.m. - Monday, March 21. County Council—Special Meeting, re re ception of the Governor ; 11 am. Service of Song—“ Eva”—in the Presby terian Church, at 8 p. m. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Thursday, March 24 Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, Town Hall. Tuesday, March 29. Ashburton Racing Club—General Meet ing, Quill’s Hotel, 4 p.m. Thursday, March 31. Ashburton Libraiy—Annual Meeting of Subscribers, in the Library, 8 p.m. [ Wednesday, April 6. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m.j 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Train a Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex preasj, and 450 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.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.ml (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4 p.m.)

Wellington Rates. —Times must be dull in Wellington when the large sum of LIO,OOO is in arrears for rates. The Forthcoming Exhibition. —Pre- parations for the Industrial Exhibition are going on apace, and exhibits are coming in freely from all parts. In order that the various articles may be properly classified, the Secretary requests that they be sent in not later than Tuesday next.

Presentation. —Father Goutcnoire was presented at Waimato on St. Patrick’s Day with an address and a purse of 112 sovereigns by the members of his late congregation at Timaru, on the occasion of his leaving the latter place t) take charge of the district of Waimate. The Lotteries Act. —The police authorities at Auckland have instituted proceedings against the proprietors of the American War Diorama under the Lotteries Act, for an infringement of the law by distributing gifts at the Theatre Royal.

No Gold. —lt was reported some time since that gold had been found up the Palea river, inland of Hawera, by a surrey party. A prospecting party have been out a month on the land, and one of the party has interviewed the editor of the Taranaki Herald, and stated that they made a most thorough search but could see no trace of true quartz.

The Rev. C. M. Pym at Nelson. — Speaking of the Rev. C. Pym’s mission services the Colonist says:—“ The ten days’ mission services in connection with the Episcopalian Church commenced on Saturday evening last, when the Rev. C. M. Pym held a prayer meeting and opening service at the Shelbourne street school-room. The rev gentleman, who is acting as missioner, was formerly an officer in the 7oth Regiment, with which he served in India, and was present at the siege of Delhi ; but, having laid down his sword, ho was admitted to holy orders, and is at present the rector of Cherry Barton, in Yorkshire. In parochial mission work in England the Rev. 0. M. Pym lias had much experience, and he is spoken of as a gentleman who wins the esteem of those amongst whem ho works, whilst his earnestness creates a deep im pression upon his hearers. During the short time he has been in Nelson this ap pears to have been felt, for the interest in these mission services is evidently increas ing. On Sunday the missioner delivered three addresses at Christ Church, and the evening service was very largely attended, and there was another large congregation at the Cathedral Church last night. Similar missions in different parts of England have been marked with signal success, and in some even the records of crime have illustrated the good that has been done, for for so general has been the effect that the police reports have shown a considerable diminution in the number of offences.”

Ashburton Fire Police. —A meeting of the Fire Police was held last evening, in the Borough Council Chambers, Mr George Jameson, captain, in the chair. There was a full attendance of members. MrC. P. Cox moved and Mr W. H. Gundry seconded —“ That we enroll ourselves as Volunteer Fire Police and Salvage Corps, elect a captain, and request the Mayor to appoint a fire inspector of the Borough.” An amendment was proposed by Mr St Hill, and seconded by Mr Boyle, but as there was little difference in the proposal horn the original resolution, it was lost and the latter carried. A considerable discussion between these present then took place, as to the desirability of naming the corps “ Fire Police,” and it was aftcr wai’ds resolved to call the corps “The Ashburton Fire Police and Salvage Corps.” A lengthy discussion then took place between Mr St. Hill and Mr Harri son, on various matters in connection with their duties in cases of emergency, while some laughter was indulged in by the other members. Mr St. Hill then moved, Mr Gundry seconded —“ That Mr Rudolph Friedlander be appointed cap tain.” Mr C. P. Cox moved —“ That Mr George Jameson be elected captain. “Mr Hodder seconded the resolution, but Mr Jameson said ho would resign in favor of Mr Friedlander. Mr Friedlander was then unanimously elected captain. Mr Zouch proposed that there should bo two lieutenants appointed, which was carried. Mr Hodder proposed, Mr Gundry seconded—“ That Mr George Jameson be elected lieu tenant.” Mr Wood was also elected lieu tenant. Some difficulty was then ex perienced in getting a member to act as Secretary and Treasurer, but on the cap tain consenting to act as such, he was elected unanimously. The following gentlemen were then elected as members of the Fire Police, viz. Messrs R. Friedlander (captain), G. Jameson and Wood (lieutenants), Hodder, Harrison. St. Hill, Cox, Shury, Gundry, Poyntz, Boyle, and Stephenson. The captain in structed the members present that notice of meetings would be forwarded them by postal card in future, and that regular drills would be held once every two months. It was decided to use the badge already supplied to members for the pre sent. After a vote of thanks to the chair man, the meeting adjourned.

Plenty to Choo.se From. —A recent advertisement for a junior clerkship in a Dunedin paper, drew forth 103 applica tions.

Mistaken Identity. —A London paper gives an account of of a case of mistaken ident : ty ir connection with a distinguished personage. An .aged couple in high life who were celebrating their golden wedding, by way of concluding the festivities on that occasion, adjourned with the children and their respective belongings to a theatre, in which to accommodate so large a party two boxes had been knocked into one. The eldest son, who strongly re sembles his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, stopped forward and occupied the centre seat with the ladies of the party beside him ; upon which the orchestra struck up the National Anthem and the audience rose to their feet eu masse, the innocently unconscious party of course doing the same themselves.

The Dangers of Dynamite. —Persons cannot be too careful (says the Kumara Times) in the use of dynamite when using it for blasting stumps, especially when in close proximity to the streets of the town. Recently a number of people in Main street wore suddenly alarmed by hearing a dull explosion, followed by a crashing of wood and glass, and a second after seeing a heavy knot of wood, about 201bs weight, descend in the street opposite Rugg’s right-of-way. On examination of the cause of the alarm it was found that a person in close proximity to the rear of Mr Rugg’s premises had blasted a stump in his garden, a portion of which had taken off a piece of board from the front of the bowling saloon, while another portion bad smashed one of the Kumara Hotel windows.

The Progress of Chicago. —Chicago continues to increase with the same wonderful lapiclity which won for her in early youth the proud title of the Light ning City of the West. Statistics com piled at the close of last year show that trade in all its branches in the great food emporium of the middle States has never been so prosperous. The grain received in 1880 was 101 millions. In 1850 it was thought a great thing to have received sixty millions. 5,375,000 hogs were slaughtered in Chicago last year, as against 5.089.000 in 1879. The hog trade in Chicago began in 1856, with a slaughter of 22.000 for the twelve months. Now the packing houses can make away with 100.000 in a single clay. In addition to the five million odd swine which met with their death in Chicago, 1,300,000 passed through the city en ‘route for slaughter houses elsewhere. The Imveiual Cabinet. —lt is openly stated in political circles (says the Home Hews) that the secession of Lord Gran ville, the Marquis of Hartington, and Mr Forster may be expected at any time, while the chance of retaining Lord Sel borue or the Duke of Argyll is regarded as a very doubtful one. There can be no doubt that the position of such men as these in a Government which includes a Chamberlain and a Dilke is exceedingly evnharassing ; and it is a marvel to many persona that they have managed to go on together so long. A disruption is sure to take place shortly, and, according to present appearances, the break-up will most likely take place over the proposed legislation for Ireland. This may possibly explain a telegram which we published recently, stating that changes in the Cabinet were probable.

An Arduous Duty. The London newspaper Truth, says that the most arduous duty of the British Minister at Brussels (Sir Saville Lumloy), is that of seeing, once a fortnight, to the proper packing of a box of Belgian biscuits destined for the Queen of England. Her Majesty one day lunched at Laeken, and expressed high approval of some biscuits which made their appearance on the occasion. Queen Marie Henrietta ex plained that they were home-made, and the like of them could nowhere be purchased (the secret ef their manufacture resting with the palace confectioner), but pro mised that Her Britannic Majesty should henceforth receive a regular supply. Every other week, accordingly, a packet af these edibles is despatched to : Sir Saville, and his Excellency confides them to a Queen’s messenger. The messenger returning from Berlin is usually selected to be the custodian of the precious charge.

The Winter Palace at St. Peteks eckg.—About three thousand persons live in the Winter Palaco at St. Peters burg, some of whom have boon born, baptised, confirmed, and married within its walls. There are families which have even had the honor of dying out in it ; and in St. Petersburg, a contemporary states, the story finds common acceptance that there is a meadow somewhere on its roof, where cows are put out to graze. Certain it is that there are huge cisterns on the root which in winter have to be kept from freezing by heating furnaces in the lofts below. It is said that before the Russian architectural mind thought of these furnaces the water in the cisterns was kepi in a liquid state during winter by red-hot cannonballs, which after being heated on the roof were dropped into the water. When one of these forced its way through the lead into a lady’s apart t.nent, nearly setting fire to the Palace, the system of heating was changed.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Renter's Agency.) Monetary, &c. London, March 17. Consols remain at par. The total reserve of notes and bullion in the Bank ofEngland is 1,17,750,000. Best Sydney copra is quoted at 1, 14 15s. Best selected transparent kauri gum realised to-day 1.9 7s, 6d The Wool Sales. At the wool sale to-day 10,900 bales were offered, making a total of 222,000 catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale was firm, and there was an active demand. 18,000 have been withdrawn since the opening of the sales. Disturbance at Aldershot. A Somewhat serious disturbance oc curred to day at Aldershot. A drunken Irish soldier was being arrested by the police, when a number of civilian sym pathisers endeavored to prevent his being taken into custody. A riot en sued, and lasted for some time, but it was finally quelled by large bodies of police arriving on the scene, and over powering the rioters, numbers of whom were arrested. The Offer of the Porte Declined. Athens, March 17. The proposal recently made by the Porte to the Ambassadors of the Powers at Constantinople, to cede the Island of Crete to Greece, in settle ment of the Turco-Greek difficulty, as announced yesterday, has been under

the consideration of the Hellence Go vernment. After full deliberation, the latter has informed the Powers that it must absolutely decline the offer of the Porte. ' Prospect of Peace in the Transvaal. Capktown, March 17. Intelligence has been received from Natal that the negotiations between the Boers and Sir Evelyn Wood have had a satisfactory result. The Boer leaders

have now given a general consent to the conditions of peace laid down by the British, but have, however, reserved a few points for further consideration. The Russian Home Policy. St. Petersburg, March 17.

From a semi-official source it has been ascertained that it is generally understood in Russian Court circles that the Czar Alexander 111. will follow the late Emperor’s policy of reform, and his efforts in the direction of main taining the peace of Russia.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Cricket. Melbourne, March 18. The cricket match between the Aus tralian Eleven and Fifteen of Victoria was commenced here to-day. The weather was very fine, The Fifteen went first to the wickets, and were all disposed of for 87 runs. The Austra lians then went in, and their first in nings closed for 136. Murdoch was the highest scorer, being not out for 57. Jarvis was bowled for 22. Election -for Maldon. The election for the seat for Maldon, which place was rendered vacant by the departure of Mr Service, took place to- day, and resulted in the return of Mr MTntyre. The Victorian Police Force. The Board appointed to inquire into the management of the police force, particularly with reference to the Kelly outbreak, has commenced its sittings. He’s Coining. Melbourne, To-day. A telegram from Galle announces that the P. and O. Company’s steam ship Hydaspes sailed from that port yesterday for Australia. Amongst the passengers is Mr Marshall Wood, a well-known sculptor. The .Markets. ■ Sydney, March 18. Hermesssy’s brandy, case, 37s fid ; bulk, quarters, 12s. Kerosene, Dia mond, per gallon, is Devoe’s, is qd. Patna rice, per ton, L2l 17s fid. Sugar Company’s No. 1 pieces, per ton, L 36. New Zealand wheat, per bushel, 4s. New Zealand oats, as 3d. Maize, per fiolb, 3s. Tobacco, Raven twist, per lb, is qd. Candles, D.R.f.’s, per lb. D.R.O.’s, B^d.

Testimonial to Laycock. . Sydney, To-day. An influential committee has been formed to prepare a suitable reception for Laycock, the oarsman, who will re turn to Sydney this month from Eng land. A public subscription for a testimonal to him is being raised, and L 350 have already been subscribed, and the amount is increasing daily. An Enquiry. Brisbane, To-day. According to private telegrams from London, Messrs Griffiths and Ilemmant, on behalf of the Opposition, have opened an enquiry into the steel rail contract, and have commenced taking evidence on the subject.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) The Sculling Championship. Auckland, To-day. White is doing daily sculling exercise for the match against Hearne, for the championship of the colony. The Case Against the Diorama Proprietors. The case against Lieut. Hermann, for holding a lottery in connection with the Diorama, has been adjourned. Typhoid. All the typhoid fever cases in the Hospital are convalescent. One patient died last night. The Victors Vanquished. Wanganui, To-day. The five representatives of the Wan ganui Rifles, who won the comp inies trophy at Nelson, were challenged by an other team of five chosen from the same company. The match and the conditions of which were the same as those of the match at Nelson, came off this morning, and resulted in a victory for the second team. Thp Nelson representatives scored 418, and the second team 447 ; or seven points more than the winning score at Nelson. The Property Tax. Wellington, To-day. The Property Tax payments up to last night were : Auckland, L 21,182 ; Hawkes’ Bay, L 7,870 ; Wellington, L 23.248 ; Nelson, L 4,880 ; Canterbury, L 83,811 ; Waitaki, L 5,978 ; Otago, L 23,154; Southland, L 4,240; total L 124,449. The Two Lawyers. Dunedin, To-day. M. V. W. Downie Stewart withdraws un reservedly all the statements made by him reflecting on Mr. MacDormott's profes sional character, and regrets that, under amisapprehenaion of the facts, he should have made them. The action will there fore be stopped. The Kaitangata Relief Fund. The Kaitangata Relief Fund has paid L 1,410 during the year to the sufferers, and has carried forward L4OO Death from a Kick. William Forbes, aged eight years, died in the hospital to-day from a kick from a horse, causing a fracture of the skull. He was playing in a paddock at Forbury and was flipping the horse with a switch, when it struck out and kicked him.

JOTTINGS.

[By Sinecure.] A friend of mine has written, asking whether the Governor on his return trip could bo induced to stop at Dromore, in order to receive an address of of welcome, it being the first time the local authorities —a station porter and his assistant—have had the honor of welcoming his Excel lency. Not knowing- his Excellency’s movements, I cannot give a decided reply, but would hardly think it possible to leave Dromore out in the cold if the Rangitata Island Railway township is visited.

Myself and another went “ bobbing ” for eels the other evening. We had some good sport, although ii: was a long way +o go, and a rough and wet road to the lagoon. Seated at our post, our friend S 1 suddenly came upon us, singing out here?” (Hie). “Bobbing,” replied I. “ B—b—b—b—bobbing. (Hie). So —so —am —l, I’ve (hie) lost my (hie) road.” After consulting a small bottle which S 1 always carried with him on his nocturnal journeys, we put him on the right track for Ashbuton. Greengage was married about six months ago. Shortly after the happy event, he came to me and said “ Well, old fellow, do you know, that after all, there is nothing like getting married. You feel so awfully jolly, when you know that you have a lovable wife always looking out for you, and ever ready to meet you with a smile,” “ Ah,

that is indeed happiness, replied I.” Wo did not see each other for some time, and when we met, Greegage was not so “gushing,” but still exultant. He gave me the following account, and requested meto get it published for the benefit of husbands. I willingly consented, because wives would then see for themselves how husbands like Greengage managed. Til's is what ho says—“ When Igo out ; on business ’ during the evening I promise to be home at !) o’clock. Half-an-hour later my wife feels uneasy; at ten —aggravated; half-past ten—‘considerably viz,’and recites an address to herself made up on purpose to give me when I come home (N.B. — Greengage says this is the time he is conspicuous by his absence) ; at eleven o’clock —she fancies something has happened ; half-past eleven—tears come very fast; twelve o’clock—unendurable suspense, and Oh ! if she only knew the worst; and at one o’clock is completely knocked up, and goes out to search for mo, when I return, and she says, throwing herself in my arms, that ‘ I am so glad you have returned safely.’” Greengage says this is the only way to prevent a scolding or a “curtain lecture.” I myself doubt it.

There was a gentleman named Gum bottle living near Timarn a few years back who was entirely bald, with the ex ception of a single lock, which he always combed over the side of his head. He would never have his photo, taken if lie could possibly avoid it. On one occasion, however, some young ladies so captivated the old man’s heart that he at last, con sented, in fun, to have a picture taken of the top of his head. It was taken, and about a week afterwards, while passing the photographer’s shop-window, he noticed quite a crowd of people examining intently a picture therein. He stopped and looked at the picture, which was labelled “ Eclipse of the moon, the phenomenon as it appeared at midnight.” Imagine his disgust when he found that the picture was nothing more than an enlar red photo, of his owm bald head, with the black lock running round the edge ! Of course the young ladies knew nothing of the matter.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASH BU ETON. —To-Day. (Before J. N. Wood, Esq., R.M.) LARCENY. John Kelly, alias “ Kelly the Rake,” was brought up charged with the larceny of a pair of blankets, one pair of boots, and one handkerchief, the property of S. Lucas. Samuel Lucas identified the pro perty as his. He was engaged on some work at a farm near Chertsey, and was camping out in a tent there. Left the tent to go to Chertsey for some stores, and on his return he met the prisoner coming from the direction of the tent. On reaching the tent he found it was ransacked, and these things now produced in Court, he identified as the property taken out of the tent. Sergeant Felton said there were a number of previous con victions against the prisoner, and that ho had just been let out of the lock-up for drunkenness. After hearing the arresting constable’s evidence, the prisoner was sent to gaol for six months, with hard labor. ALLEGED >ORGERY AND EMBEZZLEMENT. James Scott was brought up, on remand, charged with these offences. The accused had been out on bail and was re-arrested on the information of R. H. Rhodes for embezzling the sum of L2fi 15s on one charge, and Ll 7 4s 2d on another. The accused was remanded until 11 o’clock on Friday next, bail being allowed, himself in L 509 and two suritiea in L 250 each.

How the Afghans Fight.

A correspondent of the Pioneer con tributes to that paper “ Some re miniscences of the war in Afghanistan.” Referring to the fighting qualities of the Afghan soildery, he says : —“ An Afghan never thinks of asking for quarter, but fights with the ferocity of a tiger, and clings to life until his eyes glaze and his hands refuse to pull a pistol trigger, or use a knife in a dying effort to maim or kill his enemy. The stern realities of war were more pro nounced on the battle fields in Afghan istan than perhaps they have ever been in India, if we except the retributive days of the Mutiny. To spare a wounded man for a minute was probably to cause the death of the next soldier who unsuspiciously walked past him One thing our men

certainly learned while in Afghanistan, and that was to keep their wits about them when pursuing an enemy or passing ovei a hard-won field. There might be danger lurking in each seem ingly inanimate form studding the ground, and unless care and caution were exercised, the wounded Afghan would steep his soul in bliss by killing a Kaffir just when life was at its last ebb. The stubborn love of fighting “in extremis ” is promoted doubtless by fanaticism, and we saw so much of it that our men at close quarters always drove their bayonets well home, so that there should be no mistake as to the deadliness of the wound. The physical courage which distinguished the untrained mobs who fought so resolutely against us, was worthy of all admiration ; the tenacity with which men badly armed and lacking skilled leaders clung to their positions was remarkable, to say nothing of the sullen doggedness they often showed when retiring. But when the tide of the fight set in against them, and they saw further resistance would involve them more deeply, there was so sudden a change always apparent that one could scarcely believe the fugitives hurrying over the hill were the same men who had resisted so desperately but a few minutes before. They acted wisely ; they knew their powers in scaling, or making their escape by fleetness of foot; and the host gene rally dissolved with a rapidity which no one but an eye-witness can appreciate. If cavalry overtook them, they turned like wolves and fought with despera tion, selling their lives as dearly as men ever sold them ; but there was no rally in the true sense of the word, and but

faint attempts at aiding each other. Their regular troops were but little amenable to discipline, by reason of deficient training, and they resorted to the tactics they had pursued as tribes men when once they were forced to retire.

SPORTING

SOUTH CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB AUTUMN MEETING. The following nominations were re ceived last night for the Handicaps at the Tiinaru races : Timaru Gup. —Longhands, Hilarious, Sir Garnet, Titania, Sylvanus, Lady Emma, SirModred, Romeo. The Governor, Joker, Libeller, Luna, Natator, Grip, On Dit, and Randwick, Flying Handicap. Hilarious, Sir Garnet, Titania, Sylvanus, Lady Emma, Sir Modred, Hilda, The Poet, The Governor, Joker, Libeller, Billingsgate, Castanette filly, Luna, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Randwick, and Talent.

South Cantf.uburt Jockey Club Handicap. — Longlands, Sir Garnet, Hilarious, Lady Emma, Sir Modred, Hilda, The Poet, Romeo, The Governor, Joker, Castanette filly, Luna, Libeller, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Randwick, Talent, Sylvanus, and Titania. Handicap Hurdle Race.— Sailor Boy, Winfield (late Thilo), Clarence, Agent, Topthorne, Milo, Little John, Mokara kara, and Johnny.

Winter Oats Handicap.— Hilarious. Sir Garnet, Titania, Sylvanus, Sir Modred, Hilda, The Poet, The Governor, Joker, Libeller, Billingsgate, Castanette filly, Luna, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Randwick, and Talent.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE.

CHAPTER. I. — (Continued.)

So far as I know, I slept for some considerable time. It was a sensation, I believe, of my feet waxing cold that first loosened the bonds of slumber. While I was in that semi-conscious state, which had a peculiar discomfort, I became dimly al've to the fact that there was in the room some presence other than my own. There was move ment—a stirring in the air, as if some creature had come in. The events of the day returned to my memory, which was still only half alive. I started up, rubbing my eyes, for I could not be at ail sure that I was awake and in my right mind. When I went asleep I was alone Yes, certainly. But even if it were not so, what strange, pale face was this now gazing at me across the dimily lighted space of the shadowy room? i was but half awake. My nerves were in an excited state. The ghost in the house had been my last conscious idea. And now this strange fac£, which seemed to be ad vancing on out of the gloom—was it a creation of my own fancy ? Or was it someone playing a trick upon me? In any case, now was my time to fathom the mystery. Trying to be courageous and gather my wits together. I advanced. The face receded, and passed into the deeper shadow, till it appeared to be suddenly swallowed up in the draperies of the heavily curtained window. I rushed forward, but was not swift enough. Before I touched the curtains the face had disappeared. I was certain, however, perfectly cer tain, that as I drew the curtain open I felt resistance to my hand, and at the same time a gust of colder air rushed against my face, as if from an open window. At first I felt as if about to faint; but my will, fortunately, was strong, and I threw the curtain aside and put my hand on the window. It was closed. I tried the bar, which could only be fixed from the inside, and it was as I had left it early in the evening. At this discovery my agitation over powered me; my head swam, and I fainted. When I recovered conscious ness I was lying in the broad recess of the curtained window, and I felt a trickling sensation on my forehead, and suspected, what I afterwards found to be the case, that I had struck my head on some article of furniture and was bleeding. This involuntary blood-let ting helped to revive me, and 1 sat up.

Fora few minutes I remained partly stunned and bewildered. I felt a creep ing sensation, as if I had been struck by a frost wind. After a while my heart began to beat less audibly, and 1 rose to my feet. At that moment the embers of the fire suddenly sank into the bottom of the grate, sending up a faint flickering light, which was abso lute cheerfulness as contrasted with the horrible semi-darkness that had hitherto prevailed. I felt my courage returning, and managed to ring the bell. The ayah came, alarmed that I should have summoned her at an hour when she supposed I had retired to rest. I did not tell her what I had witnessed, only

asked her to light, a candle. She did so, and as the light fell upon my face, she gave a light scream. I had forgot for the moment that blood was trick-

ling from the wound I had received, or I should not have asked her to light the candle. As it was, I had to make the best excuse I could in answer to her inquiries. I said I must have slept long by the fire, and in moving about the darkened room had fallen and hurt myself. The wound, however, was found to be a mere scratch ; and in a few minutes the ayah had succeeded in removing from my face all marks of the disaster. I asked her to leave the candle with me, and allow me to retire to rest. She did so; and after the door was closed upon her I proceeded with the candle to examine the window more minutely. The mystery was as much a mystery as ever. The window had certainly not been opened by any one, and no trace was visible on the walls

of any possible means of egress or ingress. I felt more nervous than ever, and was about to turn and quit the room altogether, so much did my fears oppress me, when something lying on the floor within (he recess attracted my attention. I stooped and picked it up. It was a small piece of white cloth —a few inches square—very frail in the

texture, as if half rotted with damp or age, and adorned with a peculiar kind of embroidery such as I thought I had seen before, but could not recall where. On one edge there was a hem ; the other three edges being torn and jagged. It looked like a piece of cloth wrenched out of a garment by the foot being suddenly placed upon it. I felt I had made a discovery. Returning to the fireplace, I sat down to think. It seemed clear to me now that my visitant, how ever he or she

had effected an entrance, was no spirit. The piece of linen was certainly not lying there when I had closed and barred the window for the night; nor could it belong to the apparel of any

member of my household. It was no unlikely that it was part of the loose garment of dingy white which I now remembered ray strange visitant wore. I am naturally strong-minded, and gradually began to recover my com posure. I said to myself: ‘ I shall find out the secret. The first link of the chain is between my fingers. I never before heard of ghosts tramping bits out of their drapery, and no doubt the ghost I saw had been nearly as much afraid as myself when I so .suddenly approached it, and had not got away without a little flurry. This accounts, too,’ I thought, ‘ for the resistance to which I felt to my hand when I first laid hold of the window curtains.’

I was more than ever persuaded that a trick was being played upon me. I did not feel, however, as if I could sleep in the room that night. If my visitor was, os I suspected, a mortal like myself, there is no saying what he or she might be induced to attempt, should the desire of revenge prompt a second visit. My life was not safe in such circumstances, when a barren win dow and a locked door were not suffi cient to protect me from intrusion. I resolved for that night to occupy the bedroom where my two eldest children slept, which I could reach without dis turbing the rest of the house. I was about to take up my candle and go when I imagined I heard a sound behind me. In my state of ner- ■ vousness I started and almost dropped . the candle. I looked towards the win dow, but the curtains hung motionless, and were parted as I had left them. A thought struck me. If my visitor were to return after I had retired, how should I know? I pondered the .mat ter a little, and then proceeded to action. Trickery must in this: Case be met by trickery. I went to my work- .

box, took out a real of thread and drew off a few yards. There were curtain fasteners on each side of the window about two feet from the floor, and be tween these I stretched and made fast the length of thread, so that no one could enter the room from the window recess in the course of thef night withy out unconsciously breaking the frail barrier I had erected. This would afford me sufficient proof as to whether the privacy of my sleeping room had again been invaded. Taking up rriy candle and the bit of cloth, I then passed quietly out, locking the door of the room, and carrying the key with me. I felt myself stronger in the presence of my children, and soon managed to fall asleep.

CHAPTER 11. My first quest next morning on leav ing the apartment where I had slept was for the purpose of ascertaining whether my bedroom had been again entered after I had left it on the pre vious evening. I unlocked the door and cautiously looked in. Enough light came through between the drawn curtains to show me that the room was apparently as I had left it. I advanced to the window and found the thread there, unbroken, and evidently un touched. I must confess I felt some what disappointed. My fears had pro bably exaggerated my conceptions of the danger, and I had anticipated a second visit as more than probable. After thinking, however, I came to the conclusion that it was better as it was. Had my strange visitor for any purpose entered my room a second time, and found that I had quitted it, the effect might have been the reverse of favor able to a discovery of the trickery, which discovery could best be forwarded by my making as little change in my usual habits as possible. It was not improbable, seeing that no suspicion had been aroused by the knowledge that I had changed my sleeping apart ment, that the “ ghost ” might be em boldened to pay me a visit on the fol lowing night; and by that time I hoped to be able to arrange for the intercep tion of my strange visitor, and the detection of the trick. In the course of the morning I made up my mind how I should proceed. Mrs Wevil generally left after breakfast on her errands to the neighboring vil lage or elsewhere, not generally return ing for a few hours; and I thought this a good time to obtain an interview with Andrew, the old gardener, who, I saw, was engaged jn trimming the walks in front of the door, I had no doubt now that what I had seen had been also appearing to the servants who had so suddenly departed on the previous evening; and I had no doubt also that Andrew knew the whole story about the ghost having been again seen in the house. I opened the parlor window and spoke with him over the balcony. ‘ Will you come up-stairs, Andrew ? I should like to speak to you.’ He stood for a moment in hesitation, scratching his head. I think he would have preferred anything to entering my house at that moment; but evidently he did not see his way to refusing. A few moments later he was in the

drawing-room. ‘ Andrew,’ I began, with some inten tional solemnity of manner, ‘ you see the position lam in.’ His expression indicated that he considered the position an exceedingly unpleasant one. ‘ The story has got about,’ 1 went on, ‘ that this house is haunted.’ He turned pale. ‘You think it is haunted?’ I asked, looking at him fixedly. He hesitated a few moments, shook his head slowly, and succeeded finally in saying, ‘W’at is folks to think ma’am ? ’

‘ I acknowledge,’ I answered, ‘ that the thing has a queer look. When ■ people appear, and vanish as suddenly. as they came, it is difficult to think of them as creatures of flesh and blood like ourselves.’ ‘ ’ Tain’t possible-like,’ was Andrew’s comment; and I observed that with the words his face took a more healthy hue. The quiet tone I assumed reas sured him. Ghosts, when they can be reasoned about, lose half their terrors. ‘No,’ I answered him; ‘it is not possible. But Andrew, if we look at these things from another point of view— ‘Be there another ? ’ he eagerly asked, as I paused to allow him time for expression of opinion. ‘Yes,’ I srid, ‘there is another. Before I believe in your interpretation, Andrew —Before I can believe it pos sible that spirits can wander about the world with no other reason than to frighten people, I must test mine.” His eyes, awakened to new interest;, were looking at mine veiy enquiringly. I explained at once. i'tti&iAr

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1881.



Jp - HINTING, Of Evbst Dbscbiptiok, NEATLY AND CHEAPLY EXECUTED, AT fJIHE Q.UARDIAN QFFICE. PLACARDS AT AN HOUR’S NOTICE. THE ASHBURTON GUA.RDIAN OFFICE, SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS, ; East street, ASHBURTON. TO SUBSCRIBERS, Subscribers to this Journal are requested to communicate with the; Proprietor when any' Slays or' omissions in the Delivery of thu Paper occur, V ; ; ; . m - W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor. TllAlliJ PROGRAMME ; CARDS in jLJKafirferjfinoat ■ styles, with; -Pencils and Rih&k&S, printed at the Gctakdiaw East street, near Railway Station,



Wanted. WANTED— A SITUATION as geneial Servant. Apply, Office of (his Paper. 389 a WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED BOARD and RESI DENCE, near the Post-office. Apply, by letter, to “X,” Office of this Paper. 383 a T 0 COMPOSITORS. WANTED-A good NEWS HAND. Piece-work, Is Id. per 1,000. Apply at once, Office of this Paper. WANTED KNOWN—That ALL EX HIBITS MUST be at the Build ing before the evening of TUESDAY, the 22nd. Particular attention to this will oblige the Committee. 390 a WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 UNCLE TOM—“ What’s little missy’s name 1” EVA. 354 a TT7ANTED KNOWN That the W undersigned is now landing 100,000 feet Best Union KAURI, ex Aratapu,from Kaipara. Joshua Tucker, next Jameson and Roberts, Ashburton. 302 a WANTED KNOWN,—That 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 ANTED 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. Address: Cameron street west. 86a ITVVA —At the Presbyterian Church, on \i MONDAY NIGHT, 21st March, 8 o’clock, Rev A. M. Beattie in the chair ; Connective Readings by Dr Stewart. 355 a WANTED KNOWN—The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlery is to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Tinwald. Good strong Cart Collars from 135.; Cart Winkers, Bs. Cd.; Plough Back-bands, 6s. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Fanners will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. TTTANTED 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 Ser"ants 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. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a SERVICE OF SONG by the Presby terian Church Choir, on MONDAY NIGHT, 8 o’clock. Tickets everywhere. Is each. 356 a



WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the . public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 ON’T FORGET—“ EVA,” a Service of Song, taken from “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Most entertaining and instruc tive. 357 a WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the ‘‘Guardian” office, opposite the Railway Station. Special Advertisements. O TICE. Miss Yerrall Wishes to inform the Ladies of Ashbur ton and.the surrounding districts that she will be at ASHBURTON the THREE DAYS of the EXHIBITION to take orders and measures for Ladies requiring Stays, Corsets, Belts, and Shoulder Straps, &c. A case of these several articles will be at the Exhibition, of Miss Verrall’s own make. For any information required apply to Mr. Thiele, Baker and Confec tioner, where Miss Verrall will be in at tendance. COLOMBO STREET (Oposito Cookham House), Christchurch. March 10, 1881. 324 a The best value FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best de scription. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout, can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satisfac tion. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarves, Bags, Portmanteaux, Rugs, and Blankets, at Wholesale Prices. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Yalue for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch ; EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 369a* Manager.



Special Advertisements. J. Sherriff, Monumental mason, Manchester street south, and Bar badoes street (near the Cemetery). A largo Stock of Head-Stones, Tombs and Monuments always on hand. Designs for warded on application. 323 a 0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1. AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* W. il. 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 Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards. 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per I,OCO, for Cash. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 30ua



I Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— Multitudes suffering under a complication of disorders might obtain relief through these healing and purifying remedies, which should be employed without a day’s delay. When the weather is variaule and colds and influenzas are prevalent, this Ointment, well rubbed upon the throat and chest, gives the greatest ease, and checks all tendency to inflamation in the lungs and other organs. The Pills assist the curative action of tire Ointment, inasmuch as they purify the blood and so quicken its circu lation that congestion is rendered almost im possible. Holloway’s treatment deals most successfully, too, with that very troublesome and often tedious aliment, indigestion, which is the bane oi thousands from overwork and fast living in the present day.—Advt,