SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Sea Bird, brigantine, from Hokianga. Go-Ahead, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Circe, brigantine, for Timaru. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Tararua, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Wakatipu and Grafton, from the South ; Murray, from Nelson ; Oreti, from Manukau ; Spray, schooner, from Greymouth. Sailed—Wanaka, for Picton. Melbourne, Yesterday. Arrived —Rotomahana, s.s., from the Bluff. Sydney, Yesterday. Sailed—City of Sydney, for Auckland. London, April 20. Arrived —Ship J. W. Parker, from Lyttelton, and Wave Queen, from Napier.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List. Butter, inferior to best, per lb, gd to is ; eggs, per dozen, is 3d ; cheese, prime quality, per lb, 4d to 6d ; bacon, prime smoked, per lb. Is; hams, in cloth, per lb, is to Is 2d; flour, in bags, per icolbs, 12s; oatmeal, per 25lbs, 4s; lard, per lb, yd. The Christchurch Corn Exchange.

' The following is the report for the week ending Friday, the 27th of April ; The Easter holidays, in which is comprised the Autumn Race Meeting, has so completely absorbed public attention, that business in the grain trade has been exceedingly quiet. Values in all classes of grain are unchanged. The tonnage now on the berth loading grain for the United Kingdom is rapidly relieving the stocks held by the rail.vay au'horitks, and ere long the block w ill be completely removed. Wheat —There is no change to report in values. Tuscan wheat, in large lines, con tinues to be the favorite parcels with shippers, 3s gd to 3s lod per bushel being the prices ob tainable free on board in Lyttelton. Velvet chaff and pearl of really first-class quality, also in large lines, will command 3s yd to per bushel, f.o.b. Wheats of a grade below the before mentioned, 2d to 3d per bushel less. Chick wheat varies a good deal in quality, and ranges from is gd to 2s gd per bushel. Oats. —The market has been rather better supplied during the oast week, bin prices arc in no way altered, and the tone of the market is decidedly firm. Good stout milling samples are readily saleable at from is gd to is lod per bushel ; feed quality, is yd to is Sd per bushel. Bar ley.—There is no alteration to note in the value of this cereal. There is perhaps a better inquiry for lines of really good malting, prices, however, are unchanged. For this quality, 2s 6d to 3s fid per bushel is obtainable; inferior malting samples are very unsaleable, prices nominal. Feed barley is coming into requisi tion at from is fid to is gd per bushel. Grass Seed.—The demand is not so brisk as in pre ceding weeks, and’parcels coming to lunl arc not so eagerly sought after. Iloldeis, however, have in no way abated their demands. Well cleaned farmers parcels are siill saleable at from 3 s 6d to 4 s 5d per bushel ; in differently cleaned, acccording to sample. Potatoes. —Growers appear disinclined to do business at the money offered, while buyers are equally opposed to make any material ad vance. Sales have taken place at from 35s to 36s at country stations within a radius of from 7 to 8 miles of Christchurch ; 40s per ton has been given where the potatoes have to be pitted, and delivery taken when required. Cheese and Batter. —There is no alteration in values during the week ; the former is in plentiful supply, at from 3d to ter is more free of sale at from yd to 7)44. Hay.—sos to 55s per ton, delivered in Christ, church.

Auctioneers’ Report. Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, for the week ending April 21st, xBBx, as follows : For yesterday’s weekly market at the Ad dington yards, a fair supply of mutton was penned, just sufficient for trade requirements and (after the first few lines) to maintain a good demand and clearance throughout the sale.. There was a large attendance, and though bidding at the commencement of the auction was somewhat dull, this soon gave way, and taking the average of the day’s prices for fat sheep we consider values 6d to gd pet head better than last week. Mr Hurst’s crossbreds brought as high as 14s 6d; merino wethers from the Rokeby Station, 10s yd to xosgd. On account of other owners, we also sold both crossbred and merino sheep equal to the above quotations. Taken as a whole, the sale of fat. sheep was a most satisfactory one. At the present time there is an especially good demand for prims merino mutton, as will be seen by the above prices, but this only refers to the best quality. In the supply of store sheep there is a marked falling off, but values are unclianged. .Two, four, and six-tooth cross breds for turnip feeding are in strong request at from 8s to 9s, if in very fresh condition, to 10s. Aged merinos are dull of sale, but young sheep of this class are very scarce, and would if on offer command high prices. The im provement noted in the beef trade for several weeks past has caused a temporary filling of the market, and yesterday the supply was considerably increased. This of course checked to a certain extent the late rising values, and prices were easier than last week ; still the bulk of the large entry was cleared at values much more satisfactory than those ruling for he average of the past six months. In store cattle there is no alteration to quote, with very coming to hand. During the winter months we expect to see trade very slack for this class of’ stock, excepting perhaps for good lines of two or three-year-olds in fresh condition, which merely want a little “topping up ” for butchers’ purposes. The totals yarded for Wednesday’s sale comprised 7,879 sheep, 397 head of cattle, and 325 pigs, of which our entry included 3,455 sheep, 20S head of cattle, and 42 pigs. In fat sheep our prin cipal sales were—s° mixed crossbreds at 14s 6d, 120 at X 43 2d, 30 at 14s 3d, 50 at 14s, 120 at 14s, 43s at 14s, 50 at 135 6d, no at 12, 9d, 81 .merino wethers at 10s gd, ico at 10s 9d, 35 at xos Bd,. 68 at xos 7d, 100 at 8s gd, 138 two-tdoth crossbreds at xxs, 40 at 12s 3d, 63 at lis gd, 68 at 14s; stores—loo cross bred at 93 6d, 367 merino ewes at 3s lod, 188 crossbred ewes at 8s 6d, 130 merino wethers at 4s 6d, 103 at 3s gd, 200 merino wethers at 7s gd, 104 crossbreds at 8s gd, 50 at 6s gd ; lambs, to 6s 6d. Fat cattle, 4at 1.8, 4at L 7, 3at L 6 17s 6d, 3 at L 7 is 6d, 2 at L 7 12s 6d, 2 at L 7 xos, 3 at L 6 15s, 4at L 6 10s, 2 at L 7 ss. 4at L 5 ss, 9 at 1.5 15s, 2 at L 7 2s 6d, 3 at L 5 10s, 12 at L 6 10s ; stores—l2 weaners at 265, 11 head mixed cattle at 1.2 gs 6d, 4atL3 2s 6d. Pigs—ll at 14s 6d, 12 at 15s 6d, 6 at 50s, 6 at 435, 5 at 15 s. Sale of Dairy Stock—On Saturday last we held our usual weekly sale of dairy stock at the Tattersall’s yards. About 20 head were penned, and half the number sold at from L 3 to Lx 1 10?. For really good dairy stock there is considerable enquiry, and anything like a sound, promising milker is worth from L 8 to Ll2. , Country Sales.—On last Thursday at Halket we held a highly successful clearing sale for Mr Lewis Curtis, of land, household furniture, stock, farming implements, etc. We disposed of the farm, containing 200 acres, to Mr S. C. Moule, at 1.7 per acre cash. 214 lambs brought 7s xod ; 35 ewes, 13s 3d ; 74 lambs, 8s ; 26 ewes, 8s gd ; two-year-old colt, Ll 7 ; two-year-old filly, Dl7 xos ; draught horses, LlB to L 25 ; cows, L 4 10s to L 7 1 os; drays, L 8 to Lxß xos; ploughs, harrows, harness, and sundries at equally satisfactory prices.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, April 23.

For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco. Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of Now Zealand, Ac., per Hawea, as follows ;—Ordinary letters at G. 30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at G p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.in. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. in. 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 6 a.m. .and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p. m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Scafield, 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 10.20 a.m., 4.35 p.rn., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, Ac. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily.

From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. ______

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Saturday, April 23. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Meekly Sale ; 12 o’clock. Monday, April 25. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr. Reany’s Farm, Mount Somors—Horses, Cattle, Imple ments, Ac.; 1 o'clock. Wednesday, April 27. Mr. T. Bußock, at Mr William Innis’ Farm, Wakanui—Stock, Implements, &c.; 1 o'clock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ac. Wednesday, April 27. Agricultural and Pastoral Association "Annual Meeting, upper room of Town Hall. Monday, May 2. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, May 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Winchester School Committee.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a. m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.3 G a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p. m., and 7.50 p. in. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a. in., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.16 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1881. The Wellington Asylum Enquiry.

TOWN EDITION. [J&sMed at 4.30 p.m.]

We have always entertained most adverse views of the wisdom of appoint ing Royal Commissions, of the manner in which their duties are exe cuted, and of the accompanying ex pense incurred by the country. To every rule, however, there must be an exception, we have waited expec tantly for this in the present instance, and our patience has met with its reward. We allude to the outcome of the Wellington Lunatic Asylum enquiry. Although this enquiry has occupied a great lime, and the evidence taken would fill volumes, still, none will deny its usefulness. To Mr Shaw, who, by his untiring efforts forced upon the Government the necessity for an enquiry of a most searching charac ter as to the conduct, of the Wellington Asylum, is, of course, due the thanks of the whole colony. The motive of his actions may have been of a personal character, but, nevertheless, the fact exists that by his energies he has succeeded in expos ing a. state of affairs, which, although they would possibly in the days of the Spanish Inquisition have reflected credit on their originators, in a country laying claim to the title of - Civilisation and Christianity, is a disgrace, the 1

magnitude of which is unutterable. The charges made have been sub stantiated and show that, instead of being a hospital for the curative treat ment of the insane, the Wellington Asylum was nothing more than a prison, its governor having every facility for the gratification of a feeling of petty spite, by the infliction of tor tures of a demoniacal character, on any poor victim who incurred his dis pleasure, possibly in nine out of every ten cases, by some act for which they, owing to their mental deficiences, were totally irresponsible. It is also shown that these tortures in several instances, notably that of the man Hall, who for seven months was kept in a straight jacket, were carried on with the know ledge of the Inspector appointed for the express purpose of in specting these institutions and exposing the failings in the con duct thereof. A perusal of the evidence rnd of the report of the Commission points, therefore, to three facts—An existing defection in the legislation on the subject ; gross cruelty on the part of the Superintendent ; and, lastly, an entire ignoring of his duties and unpardonable favoritism by In spector Skae. Taking the first of these, it is shown that the Lunatics Act in its present form is entirely at variance with the end sought to be arrived at. The Inspector is a mere visitor to the various asylums, possessing no power beyond that of writing letters of re commendation to the Colonial Secre tary, or of probalionally releasing a patient. It is therefore clear that we had been belter off as regards the public pocket had the inspectorship been vested in unofficial visitors. We at least should have saved the salary of a sinecurist, for as such we regard Inspector Skae’s position under the Act. Of course, we shall have legislation on the subject at the meeting of Parliament, and we hope proper regulations for the grada tion and guidance of the officers ap pointed thereunder will be framed, but, nevertheless, the discredit, in that such regulations were not made long since, exists, and is reflected on the Government of the colony. In reference to the second item, we are glad to see the Government have awakened to a slight sense of their duty, and this so far as to summarily dismiss Mr Whitelaw. Possibly no other course remained open to them after the report of the Commission. We inclined to this opinion, but had hardly expected such promptitude ; in fact their alacrity is refreshing. Mr Whitelaw has since been arrested on a charge of cruelty to the patients under his charge during his of the Asylum, and the'evidence against him is of a most damning character. His irascibility of temperament is no excuse for his actions, and his unfitness for the post he occupied is undoubted. Regarding Dr Skae, his appointment, and the manner in which he has failed to carry out the duties, few and simple as they were, we cannot view the action of the Government with other than disfavor. We can only presume that the effort made in discharging Whitelaw was too great, and the relapse so sudden that it would not permit of any immediate action; they therefore call upon Dr Skae to officially explain upon the subject. In our opinion this is merely farcical. It is shown that he, in his capacity of Inspector, although having no full powers, yet was required to report on the faults of the manage ment of the Wellington Lunatic Asylum, and this at stated intervals. What do we find but that he has displayed a feeling of entire indifference and we cannot see that he has any claim for consideration. If Whitelaw was deserving of dismissal, how much more so is the person condoning his offences. Even were it possible or probable to explain away the dificulties connected therewith, which we fail to see, we have it in evidence that in the appointment of Mr Whitelaw as Superintendent he displayed gross favoritism and abuse of the trust reposed in him. To him was entrusted the duty of appointing a fit and proper person having the necessary qualifications to the post of Superinten dent, and what do we find? Knowing, as he admits in his examination, that the proper person would be a medical man, and that special training and ex perience were most requisite, he ap points Mr Whitelaw on the recom mendation of a Lord Kinnaird, whose only knowledge of the fitness of the applicant was “that he had known him ever since he was a boy and as a clerk at a goods station, and subsequently on a passenger station in Scotland.” This is culpable in the extreme, and we cannot but condemn the Government for their misapplication of leniency in the matter.

San Francisco Mail. —We would remind correspondents to the Homo Country that the outward mail via the above route will close at the local Post Office to-morrow. Post Sessional. —Mr Stevens met the Christchurch electors last evening, and received at their hands a vote of confi dence. —Mr. Ormond also addressed his constituents at Waipara last evening, and and received a similar tribute of merit from those present. Personal. The death of the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, at Taunton, Somerset shire, England, is announced. The de ceased gentleman was 91 years of age, had been 63 years in the Wesleyan ministry, and was the father of the Rev. Joseph Hosmer Fletcher, of Sydney, and formerly of Taranaki. Heartless Parents. —An inquest was held at Oamai-u, yesterday, on the body of a child aged four years, named Lammas, who died suddenly on Tuesday. The verdict was to the effect that death was accelerated by neglect on the part of its parents, and the jury, in cautioning them, said that they had narrowly escaped a charge of manslaughter. Harvest Festival and Gift Auction. —The harvest festival and gift auction in connection with St Mark’s Church, Rakaia, was held yesterday. There was but a small attendance at the church in the afternoon. Rev. W. H. Elton, the late incumbent, read the prayers, the Rev. Mr Chambers read the lessons, and the Rev. Mr Pascoe was the preacher. In the evening an entertainment and gift auction were held,. and were fairly pa tronised. To Sheepbreeders. The Prairie Farmer (Chicago) estimates that in ten years’ time it will require the fleeces of eighty-four millions of sheep to supply the population of the United States with the wool they require for their home manufactures. At the present time there are about forty millions of sheep in the United States, so that there is a great in- I centive to the sheep-breeders’ industry. '

Tbey Object. —A good deal of dis satisfaction is expressed at Mr Watt being appointed Resident Magistrate at Oamaru, and it is proposed to petition Government against his transfer thereto. Trouble Among “The Talent.” — Messrs Drake and Snider, two well-known bookmakers, have laid an information under the Vagrunh Act, against Messrs Hobb and Goodwin, for using the total isator at the late meeting of the C J C. The case will be heard at Christchurch on Monday next. The Census Returns. —Regarding the privacy of the census papers, a corres pondent writes to the Taranaki Herald that he found papers forwarded to the office amongst some goods sent to car penters who were employed in building a house for him near Stratford. Every one of them was complete, no names being cut off, and they belonged to the census taken in 1867. Ten were found by him. Most of them he destroyed. Two are now in the possession of the editor of the Herald.

The English and American Mails. —The City of New York, with the London mails of the 24th ult., left San Francisco for Auckland on Friday, the 10th instant, one day after due sailing date. She is duo in Auckland on Monday week, and, if she arrives to time, the mails will be brought on to Welling ton direct from the Manakau. The P.M. s.s. Zealandia, with the March colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco on the 20th instant, one day in advance of time-table date. Encourag bment to Locallndustries — The “ Gazette ” issued yesterday contains a notice (hat a bonus of LSOO will be given for the first twenty-five ton cheese (pro duced in a factory working on the Ameri can principle, and to which factory any farmer, subject to certain conditions, may send his milk), whhich shall be exported from New Zealand and sold at such prices as shall show that the articles are of fair quality. A bonus of LSOO will .also be given on the first 100 lons of fresh meat exported froih New Zealand in vessels fitted with refrigerating machinery. Such meat must have been collected in a re frigerating chamber in this colony, and must have been landed in Europe in a sound marketable condition.

Sensible Remarks. —ln receiving "a deputation of noblemen and gentlemen from the county of Tyrone, the Lord- Lieutenant of Ireland recently made the following sensible remarks:—“ When as senting to receive the deputation I made one stipulation, which I must always make in future when about to receive a deputa tion of any sort, namely—that it must be public, and reporters present. I me;.lion this inasmuch as a short time ago, at the request of some gentlemen who attended as a deputation, wo dispensed with the presence of reporters, and the result was that what I said was very much misrepre sented, and distorted versions got abroad which were very disagreeable to me, and might bear bad results.”

Canadian Pacific Railway. —Home papers contain particulars of the ratifica tion by the Canadian Parliament of the contract entered into between the Do minion Government and a syndicate of English, French, and American capital ists for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The significance of this intelligence is, perhaps, hardly sufficiently realised in England. To Australia and New Zealand the new railway will mean nothing short of a revolution in their ex port trade By the projected line it will be possible to carry dispatches from London to Esquimalt, the naval station on the Pacific, in thirteen or fourteen days, and New Zealand will be readied in less time than it has ever been yet. The Year’s Takings. —The Wellington correspondent of the Press telegraphed yesterday: —“Although the complete accounts for last financial year will not be ready much before the end of the month, it is understood that a pretty close know ledge is now arrived at as to the result of the year’s operations. The figures will be found somewhat as follows : —Customs, about L 1,307,000, or L 57.000 above the estimate ; scamps, L 142,700, or L 2,700 above the estimate ; railways, about L 829,000, or Llll,OOO below the estimate ; postal, L 151,000, or L 6,000 above the estimate ; telegraph, about L 72.000, or LB,OOO short; judicial, about L 57,000, or L 3,000 under ; land transfer and deeds registry, L 38,700, or LG,700 to the good ; land sales, about L 290,000, or 99,000 on the right side. These figures, of course, must not be regarded as official, or any thing beyond an approximation, but they will probably not be found far wide of the truth.”

A Peculiar Case. Tha Appellate Court in Parip has just quashed a sen tence of three months’ imprisonment for indecency, passed on a man named Didier, it being proved that the defendant was a somnambulist, and irresponsible in that state for his acts. A doctor ser t him to sleep in an ante-chamber of the Court by simply looking fixedly at him, and then, x-etiring to a distance, pronounced his name, whereupon Didier rushed to wards him, despite the efforts of the turnkeys to prevent him. In the presence of the judges, moreover, he wrote a letter, with his eyes shut, from dictation, and a hu-ge needle was stuck into his neck with out his betraying any signs of sensibility. A fit of somnambulism, it was stated, sometimes comes on him while walking out of doors, and when in an hospital he was observed copying music, having no recollection of it on awaking. The doc tors there also noticed his automatic sub mission. The Court accordingly ruled that ho was not morally or legally respon sible for his actions.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per HEUTEIt’s AGENCY.] No Pomp or Ceremony. London, April 20. The executors of the will of the late Far! Beaconsfield have declined a pro posal made by the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone that the funeral of the de ceased Earl should be publicly per formed. The will of the late Earl directs that the funeral should be of the most simple character, and that his body should be interred in his wife’s vault at Hughenden. That Frontier, In consequence of the continued difficulty in the way of the settlement of the Turko Greek frontier question, the Powers have now made proposals to the Governments of the countries that a convention should be held under their auspices, with a view to bring about a complete and final determina tion of the frontier difficulty. The American Harvest. New York, April 20. American harvest prospects are un favorable, owing to the crops generally having been severely damaged by frost.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Mount Brown. Sydney, April 21. It is reported that an auriferous quartz reef has been discovered at Mount Brown goldfield. Lady Gordon- Lady Cordon was a passenger by the City of Sydney, which sailed to-day.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] A Good example. Auckland, To-day. Mr Clark, Mayor, hrs sent to England for L 250 worth of books for the Free Public Library, absorbing the whole of his honorarium, although he has previously given the first two cheques he received, amounting to LSO, to public charities. The Same Old Game. The police brought four cases against publicans to-day for bread es of the licensing laws. The cases are proceeding. Jack Ashore. Timaru, To-day. Two ships loading for Home at this port, viz , the Mercia and the Comadre, were deserted by their crews lately. The men got leave to go ashore, and never came back. Both vessels are re-manned now.

MORITZON’S CASE.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. On the Court re-assembling this morning the Foreman of the jury in Moritzon’s case said that there was no prospect of an agreement between them. At Mr Haggiu’s request, the Judge explained to the jury that they need not acquit or convict on all the three counts in the indictment. The jury again retired for a few minutes. They said on return that they disagreed on the first countand found prisoner “not guilty ” in the other two. A long dis cussion ensued between the Judge and counsel as to whether or not such a verdict could be recorded. Eventually His Honor decided to enter a verdict of acquittal on the last two counts and allow the prisoner to be tried again on the first count. The Judge in dis charging the jury told them that they had allowed their sympathies and not their reason to prevail. Three remain ing indictments and the two decided cases were then adjourned till the July sitting, pending the decision of the appeal court. The counsel for the defence strongly urged the prisoner’s liberation on increased bail. The Judge said when a point was reserved after conviction the question of bail was within the discretion of the Court, but in view of the numerous cases of the kind be would not grant the ap plication.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBU ETON. —To-Day. (Before J. N. Wood, Esq., R. M.) Drunk and Disorderly.—A first offender was fined 5s on a charge of being drunk and disorderly.

Breach or Bridge Regulations.— Henry Moffatt was charged with having driven a traction engine over the Ash burton bridge in the day time, and after hearing the evidence, which was of a conclusive character, his Worship fined the defendant LlO and costs. CIVIL CASES. Ivess v. Chattaway—Claim, L 6 4s 6d. Judgment by default for amount and costs.

Same v. Battlin—Claim, L2 ss. Similar judgment. Stevens v. Norrish—Claim, L 4 17s. Mr O’Reilly for the plaintiff, Mr Branson for defendant.—A verdict was given for plaintiff for 2s Cd.—Mr O’Reilly applied for costs.—His Worship remarked that there were railage fees to the extent of 12s. Mr O’Reilly could not expect professional service fee on half-a-crown.—Mr O’Reilly replied that he merely asked for Court fees. His Worship thought the summons ought to have been served by the plaintiff.—Mr Branson requested that only the cost of the summons should be allowed.—Mr O’Reilly asserted that his Worship had given judgment.—His Worship denied Mr. O’Reilly’s statement. He should only give judgment for cost of summons.—Mr O’Reilly said his Worship was reversing his decision. He had given judgment for the cost of summons and mileage, and on his (Mr O’Reilly’s) requesting particulars had altered his decision. —His Worship : Very well then, I’ve reversed it.—Mr. O’Reilly: What is the amount now your Worship ? His Worship : Two and sixpence, and costs 7s. The plaintiff should have served it himself. The case is a most trumpery one. —The plaintiff submitted that he had offered to serve the sum mons, but the Clerk told him it must be served by the bailiff.—The Clerk of the Court, in reply to his Worship, said he might have told plaintiff it was custom ary for the bailiff to serve the summons. He had not, however, declined to permit plaintiff to serve the plaint himself.— His Worship declined to allow mileage fee.

Stephens v. Ward —Claim, L 8 ss, —Mr O’Reilly for the plaintiff, and Mr Crisp for the defence. —The claim was for rent, the defence being that the rental at which the premises had been leased was only half the amount of that claimed.—His Worship considered the defence offered was a good one, and gave judgment for the amount of LG 5s and costa.

Stuart v. Morley—Claim, L 9 7s 6d.— Mr Branson for plaintiff— Judgment by default.

Dudson v. Harrison—Claim, L2 14s.— Mr O’Reilly for the plaintiff, and Mr Branson for the defence. —The claim was for value of produce which had been placed in the hands of defendant for disposal by auction, a reserve being put thereon by plaintiff, and such goods being sold at a price below the reserve.— The defence proved that Mr Harrison’s clerk pointed out to plaintiff's represen tative that the rule was that no reserve would bo taken on produce, but'that if the price reached did not meet plaintiff’s approval, he could be in attendance at the sale and buy in. Plain tiff’s representa tive ageed to this, and was present at the sale, but made no effort to prevent the disposal of the goods, although they did not realise the amount he had previously specified.—His Worship gave judgment for LI 17s, which amount had been paid into Court, disallowing an application for costs.

Fox v. Clarke —Claim, LlB 10a 7d. — Mr O’Reilly for the plaintiff—A set-off of LI 2s was admitted, and judgment given for L 9 6s 7d.

A Child Tried for Murder.

The Chicago Iribunc, of Jan. 12, says ; —One of the most extraordinary murder trials on record was concluded at Machias, Me., to-day. The prisoner is only nine yean, old ; the victim was seven. To convict the child, who has scarcely graduated from petticoats, and who cannot possibly have any com prehension of the awful crime laid at his door or the guilt and penalty r t aching to it, the court has sat for three days, and gone through all the routine to which adult criminals are subjected. Warren Longmore, the prisoner, was at Freeman Wright’s house on the Bth of October last, after school, when a boy, attracted by the noise of the discharge of a gun, pro ceeded to the premises and discovered Longmore digging a hole with a spade in a manure heap back of the barn, with the prostrale body of Wright still breathing, with a track of bood leading from the door of the house to the spot. The wounded boy had been shot in the head and neck, two of the shots penetrating the brain, and he lived but a short time. Longmore told very conflicting stories regarding the affair, claiming that he took the gun down to shoot a cat, while Wright was to stand by and keep her from getting away, and that somehow the gun went off, with the result noted. Realising somewhat the terrible result of the shooting, he determined to hide the body of his late comrade, and before life was extinct dragged it from the house across the yard, and behind the barn, where he was surprised digging a grave. A medical examina tion of Wright’s body developed the most singular part of this phenomenal affair, for, beside the shot-wounds, Wright’s skull was fractured in two places over each temple. It is charged that Longmore, after dragging the body to the back of the barn, dis covered that Wrrght was not dead, and deliberately struck him with the spade to complete the horrible deed. Long more was not known as a vicious lad, and it was claimed that the shooting was accidental, and Ins subsequent work the result of the craved condition which the realization of his awful deed threw him into. Wright’s parents, however, maintain that it was a case of pre meditated murder, and that their little boy was coaxed over there by Long more for the purpose of killing him. There was a lot of conflicting testi mony, and the trial, which is here regarded as an insult to the intelligence and' the humanity of the community, and a travesty upon justice, resulted in a verdict of manslaughter—a result mainly due to the judge’s charge to the j ur y-

Speech by Miss Parnell.

Miss Anna Parnell spoke on Feb. 13 at a meeting of the Ladies’ Irish National Land League, held at Clare morris. She said :—You know also for about twelve months the landlords of Ireland have not been getting as much rent as they think they are entitled to—(cheers and laughter)—and they are very savage in consequence, and perhaps within another twelve months they will get less —(cheers) — and then they will get still more savage. Well, some other people are getting savage too —not Irish landlords. I will mention three of them three Christian gentlemen. They are Mr Gladstone, Mr Forster, and honest John Bright (Loud groans and hisses.) Well, the reason why they are savage is that the Irish people refuse to be satisfied with a mixture of buckshot and good intentions instead of food and clothes; that they refuse to be pleased and happy when they are turned out of their homes in the dead of winter, and when they are robbed of all they possess; that they refuse to be pleased and go down on their knees and call Mr Gladstone and Mr Bright their friends, and so it is no longer possible for Mr Gladstone, or Mr Bright, or Mr Forster to parade themselves in Ireland as the friends of Ireland —(hear hear) — and that is making them very savage. Well, now, what is it they want to do? They are bringing in a Bill—they are trying to pass a law, which will enable the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland to put any person, man woman or child, in prison, and keep them there for a year and a-iialf. Mr Forster, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Bright hope that when the Habeas Corpus is suspended the relief branch of the work of the Irish National Land League will fall into confusion, and the tenants who are evicted may be left to want, and that the families of persoms imprisoned may be left to want and starvation. That is what those Christian men, Quakers and such like, want to do, and that is what we will prevent them from doing. (Cheers.) We will see that the wives and families of people imprisoned—if they are Land Leaguers—shall not starve, and we will see to this as long as the Land League has a penny to give us. It has a great many pennies—(laughter and cheers) —and if the men and women of this country take up a manly and womanly altitude respectively, they will have a great many more pennies— (cheers and laughter)—for I do believe that the Irish people of America will send us vast sums of money if we only act rightly. If we are not cowards or fools they will send us money, and make extraordinary sacrifices to help us. Now, there is one thing I just ivant to say to you. It is intended for the ears of the women alone. (Laughter.) You know something about those nice young men, the regu lar Irish Constabulary. (Cheers and laughter.) Now, lam not going to ad vise you not to have them for sweet hearts —(laughter)—because I know that you won’t. My advice is, if you see one of the green coats coming into your houses, you ask him to walk out. (Cheers.) If one of them speaks to you in the street, don’t answer him at all. Have no communication with him, and then I think you will be quite safe. Now, we never can tell what is going to happen. All we can do is to be prepared for it. Within a month from this there may be a thousand people imprisoned, or there may not be twenty; there may be 5,000 people evicted or there may not be 100; but we must be prepared for the 1,000, and we must be prepared for any number of evictions. The lady sat down amid loud cheers.

SPORTING.

SOUTH CANTERBURY J.O. RACES. The following are the weights declared for the Timaru handicaps : Timaku Cup, If miles.—Natator, 9st; Grip, Bst 111 b ; Sir Modred, Bst 101 b ; Randwick, Bst 21b ; Titania, 7st 10lb ; Ltfnglands, 7st 101 b ; Libeller, 7st 81b ; Lady Emma, 7at 51b ; Hilarious, 7st 31b ; On Dit, 7st; Sir Garnet, 6st 51b; The Governor, 6st 31b ; The Joker, 6st; Luna, ssfc 121 b ; Romeo, sst 71bs ; Sylvanus, sst 71b. South Canterbury J. C. H \ndicap, 1| miles. —Natator, Bst 13Ibs ; Sir Modred, Bst 121 b ; Grip, Bst 101 b ; Billingsgate, Bst 71b; Randwick, Bst 2lb; Libeller, 7st 111 b; Longlands, 7at 101 b; Titania, 7st 101 b ; Hilarious, 7st 91b; Lady Emma, 7st 21b ;On Dit, 7st; Sir Garnet, 6st 51b ; Luna, 6st 31b ; The Governor, 6st; Talent, 6st; The Joker, 6st; The Poet, sst 101 b ; Hilda, sst 71b; Castanette, sst 71b ; Sylvanus, sst 71b; Romeo, sat 71b. Hurdle Race, 2£ miles—The Agent, 12st ; Clarence, list 10lb; Sailor Boy, list; Little John, Oat 121 b; Milo, 9st sib ; Winfield (late Thilo), 9st; Johnny, Bst 71b; Mokarakara, Bst ; Topthorn, 7st 71b. Flying Handicap, three-quarters of a mile.—Natator, 9st 51b ; Sir Modred, 9st 51b ; Grip, Sat 131 b; Billingsgate, Sat 111 b, Hilarious, Bst Blb ; Randwick, Bst 71b; Libeller, Bst 4lb ; Titania, Bst ; Luna, 7st 131 b ; Lady Emma, 7st 131 b ; Talent, 7st 101 b ; On Dit, 7st 101 b; Sir Garnet, 7st 51b ; The Poet, 7st 11b ; The Governor, 7st; The Joker, 7st; Hilda, 6st 71b ; Castanette, 6st; Sylvanus 6st E. Griffith, Handicapper.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

A QUESTION IN GRAMMAR.

To the Editor. Si?,. —Would you kindly inform me, through the columns of your paper, ■whether it is proper or not to style the sun “ He ” and the moon “ She,” or does a hard and fast rule apply in grammar assigning the neuter gender to those orbs of light.—lam, &c. , Fraoe. [Under the rules guiding the grammar of the English language there are properly speaking only two genders, masculine and feminine, but a neuter gender is sanctioned by universal usage, and consequently all names of inanimate objects ought to fall under this head. Such objects, however, owing to the process of personification, are often spoken of as animate, conscious, or sentient beings, and, as such, are invested wi:h sex suggested according to anology. Under this rule the sun, considered as, a god, is designated masculine, and the moon, as a goddess, feminine. Therefore no hard and fast rule relative to gender applies. The German and Classic languages, we believe, distribute iuanani mate objects over the three genders, but in Italian, French, Spanish, Portugese, and Hebrew no neuter exists.— Ed. G. J

LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

To the Editor. Sir, —On reading your leader of last evening, advocating so ably the establish ment of a local industry, namely, the manufacture of crockery and potteryware, I began to reflect, amd continued doing so, until now I find myself, pen in hand, intent on the perpetration of a letter, for which I beg space in the columns of yoor widely-circulated paper. I wish to direct attention to the sun-flower, the growth of which and manufacture into oil, feed cake, and linen, would take, as an industry, ,a very important place. The seeds contain oil of a choice quality—equal to, if not better than, the finest lucca. When the oil is extracted the residue makes good oil cake, for feeding cattle, ,&c. Then the stalk is a mass of fibre, which, when prepared,, would give flax of first - late quality. The roots when burned would produce .kelp, to bleach the flax,' and “there's your product splendid. ” It seems to me that there should be no difficulty in grow ing sunflowers in Canterbury; ’that the procuring an oil mill, or a dozen oil mills for that matter, is within the bounds of possibility; that it would be most devoutly to be wished to have a linen manufactory springing up in our midst; but to persuade our farmers to grow sunflowers - ay, “there’s the rub.” This, however, I leave in the hands of the capitalists to do. I think it my duty to put the thing before my fellow townsmen, and I belieye f the time is not far distant when they trill thank me for so doing.—l am, &c., ■< J. Carsost.! ' [We publish Mr Carson’s letter with great pleasure, as we bejieye the Isun flower (helianthus) grows to perfection Jb Canterbury. In Germany, Russia, India, and other countries it is now grown on a large scale, and possesses great economic value.— Ed. (?.] . ■ ;V

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1881.



THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN C ' . : ptTBXJSHED EVEEY EVENING. PRICE—ONE PENNY. DVERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the 'LARGEST CIRCUIjA .TION-'in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisements are very easonable.•



Hayes’ fj| IMB E R YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thikty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. rp H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



THE Daily increasing NEW ZEALAND trade proves the CLOTHING FACTORY excellence of Manufacture THE Produce and dis- NEW ZEALAND pose of Thou- CLOTHING FACTORY sp"ds of Gar ments Weekly ' TIIK Buy and sell for NEW ZEALAND Cash only CLOTHING FACTORY THE Are therefore pa- NEW ZEALAND lionised by CLOTHING FACTORY Thousands of Discerning Cus tomers THE Is the Premier NEW ZEALAND Establishment in CLOTHING FACTORY New Zealand THE You can Purchase NEW ZEALAND every and any CLOTHING FACTORY article of wear ing apparel THE Their productions NEW ZEALAND give universal CLOTHING FACTORY satisfaction to wearers THE Display in Cloth- NEW ZEALAND ing is the Largest CLOTHING FACTORY in the Southern Hemisphere THE New Season s NEW ZEALAND Goods for Au- CLOTHING FACTORY tumnand Winter THE Hats, Caps, Shirts NEW ZEALAND and Hosiery, at CLOTHING FACTORY WnolesalePrices THE Every article in NEW ZEALAND Mercery, &c., at CLOTHING FACTORY Wholesale Prices NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— -1 N East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager.



Wanted. WANTED T •ral out NTED at once—A MAN for gene ral out-door work, must be a good Milker; references required. Apply to W. C. Walker, Yaletta. 537 a ANTED-An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Gwirdian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need appty. AIiTED—'TENDERS for 4CJ Acres, more or less, of Turnips, at Methven, to be fed off V>y the 25th July. Tenders to be sent into Pooock Brothers, Methven, not later than the 25th of this month, April. 5‘JGa WANTED —A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a W~ ANTED—MRS PAULING begs to notify that she has taken that Commodious House in Moore street, nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will be 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 ANTED"to PUPhIIa'sE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a ttt 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. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a



WANTED TO SELL —PIANOS. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £26 ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can bo obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a 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 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. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE bogs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 X/ET'ANTED THE GUARDIAN tells » » your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. jyj-R W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a Encourage local enter- PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H, M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barinv Square. 3G5a



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*



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.



All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will bo inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. Ail notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed Tub Manager ; literary communications should bo addressed to The Editor.



Picnic at Waterton.— On Friday last a picnic, in connection with the Waterton Good Templars, took place at the Hinds rivor bed. About 50 adults and children left Waterton in the morning and pro ceeded to the Hinds, and after indulging themselves in some enjoyable games, they retired to the beach, where a splendid spread was provided by Sisters Shutt and Norriah. After some more games and feasting, the party commenced the return trip about 4 p.m., having enjoyed them selves immensely. In the evening an entertainment was held in the Library Hall, when about 120 persons were present, Bro. Savage, W.C.T., presiding. A number of songs, readings, and recita tions were given by the following ladies and gentlemen :—Mrs Bysh, Sis. Moore, A. Norrish, L. Pearsons, and N. Read, songs by Mr J. Davis, Bros. M. Day, W. Syden, W. Mcßae, S. Norriah, and G. Pearson, also, a piece by a juvenile Templar. Mr Jennings, Bros. Norriah and J. Clothier gave readings, and Bro. Savage gave a recitation. Altogether, a very pleasant evening was spent. After passing a vote of thanks to the chairman and singing the National Anthem, the pro ceedings closed.



The best thing for the hair is castor oil and brandy—enough.of the latter to thin the oil. ’



Cats. —What a change from the days when “Jock Graham” made his histori cal and profitable importation of the feline species does the following • paragraph indicate. It is from the Hokitika Star : “ Wharf street is one, of those thorough fares which should be avoided until .the forenoon, as whoever has the temerity to go there earlier is in danger of becoming a prey to the legion of starved oats which infest the whole neighborhood. On Friday morning, it was with the utmost difficulty a passer-by escaped a. feline invasion, as cats—great and small—fairly chased him out of the street.”



Meetings jp ÜBL I G MEETING In compliance with a resolution passed at a meeting of the Ashburton Bbfough Council, held on Monday, the 18th:inst., ! I hereby convene a PUBLIC MEETING of Ratepayers, to be held at the Town, Hall, Ashburton, on THURSDAY, the 28th April, at 7.30 p.ra., to consider the advisability of calling upon the Govern.-, ment to remove the engine shed from the centre of the town to a more convenient site, the same being a nuisance. i HUGO FRIEDLANDER, , Mayor.; Borough Council Office, April 22, 1881. 593 a i SHBURTON AGRICULTURAL & A PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.



I The ANNUAL MEETING of MEM BERS will be held in the upper room of the Town Hall on WEDNESDAY.ApriP 27th. Business : The Election of Officers, etc. GEO. JAMESON, y Secretary. ’ Members are reminded that the annual aubscription of one guinea is now due. AKAIA CATHOLIC CHURCH. MASS will fee at 11 o’clock oh SUN DAY, the 24th, at Mr William Dohorty’s. LOST —A young spotted SOW, from Mr Lancaster’s slaughtered. Finder re varied on returning same .to Mr Isaac Hoaee, Wakanut road. 591 a 549 a Ecclesiastical. JL/A i , 371 a EDMUND COFFEY. Lost. mHE GUARDIAN is oh every Tea J- Table in Ashburton.