SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Tui, s.s., from Kekerangu. Oreti, s.s., from Wellington. Beautiful Star, s.s., from Westport. Sailed. Saturday. City of Lahore, ship, for London. Wakatipu, s.s., for Port Chalmers. Hawea, s.s., for Wellington. TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Saturday. Arrived Lancashire Lass, from Timaru ; Norval, schooner, form Raro tonga, ■ f • * ’ Wellington, Saturday. Arrived —Te Anau, from the South ; Wallace, from Nelson; T. B. Taylor, schooner, ifroin Lyttelton. ; Sailed—Te Anau, for tire East Coast; Malay, barque for Newcastle.

COMMERCIAL.

r Ashburton Guardian Office. '■ i' 1 Monday afternoon. Mr. T. Bullock, reports At my property saleoh Saturday there was not a very large attendance, on account of harvest operations having commenced. ■ The following properties were sold Lot 29, Trevorton (by order of the mortgagee), containing 1 rood 38 perches, together, with a four-roomed house thereon, for the sum of Li 70 ; and 2 roods. East town belt, fenced-ordjvhrought L 74 > T.S. 488, Burnett street; ‘ in the estate of T. Hudson, realised LSO ; T. S. 422, Tancred street, L6O; part of lot 37, East : town belt, quarter acre, LiS ; a farm- of 96 acre's, Longbeach, was passed in, not reaching owner’s limit; also several sec tions in Tinwald, and two properties in Trevor ton. Taking into account the busy season of the year, and the depression which has been felt in-this district for some time past, the sale may be considered satisfactory.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, ; for the following places (subject to _ necessary alterations) as under:— Tuesday, February 1. For Otago and Australian. Colonies, per Rotorua, at 1.40 p.m!; late fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van 2.30 p.m. train! For ;Northern Ports and Fiji Islands, per Penguin, at 1.40 p.m.; late fee letters, 2 p;m. ; guard’s van, 2.30 p.m. train. Tuesday, February 8. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, &c., per To Anau. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows,:^- 11 For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10 a. m., and sp. m., daily. Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p. m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Cjldstre&m,;Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine; At 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka,. at 6 a.ni. and 10 a.m., daily. t For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a. m., and %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, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and'Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a. m. TVTn.ITH; arrive at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 4.35 p.ui., and 7.50 p.m. Fronl Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 am. .daily. : FraM xfemuka 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. Froiti Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p. m, , w! St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

" ' AUCTION SALES. . To-morrow, , Tuesday, February 1. Quill a^ E fi,Q., at. the County Saleyarda— -700 mixed Sheep. Tuesday, February 8. Davies and Winter—T. S. Nos. 332 and 334, Rakaia. ' k MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. k / To-morrow, - Tuesday, February 1. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment” Society, ’■ Monthly Meeting, frora fiiSO to 8.30 p.m. Degree Temple, Fortnightly Meeting, Templar Hall, at 8 p. m. Horticultural Society, Monthly Meeting, at Jacobson slid Eyton’s office, at 8 o’clock. .Wednesday, February 2. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock!

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p. m.] The Ashburton Guardian. MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 1881.

To Correspondents. man’s” letter will appear to-morrow. Property Assessments. —The Board of Reviewers will sit at Rakaia on Tuesday, Bth February. District Court. —The next sitting of this Court in Ashburton will be held on Thursday, the 10th of February. Mrs. Holder.— This lady’s addresses at the Town Hall yesterday were very well attended, and she was listened to with apparent attention and interest. The Building Society. —The usual monthly meeting of the Ashburton Per manent Building and Investment Society will be held at Mr. Bullock’s office, to morrow, between the hours of 6.30 and 8.30 p.m. Australia v. Canterbury. —ln this issue we are only able to give our readers the telegraphic report, but we propose issuing an “extra” this evening which will contain full particulars (by pigeon gram) of the day’s play.

The Weather. —An ominous fall of the barometer last night was followed by a disagreeable nor’-wester to-day. We fear some of the over-ripe crops have suf fered, but as the glass has been steady since noon, wo trust this is the last of our unwelcome visitors.

Railway Fares. —Considerable disgust is expressed in Timaru at the short sight edness of the railway management in granting single fare tickets for visitors to the cricket match only as far south as RangitaK Quite a crowd of Timaru residents, armed with portmanteaux, turned on their heels at the station on Saturday morning, on finding that the concession did not extend to Timaru. Cricket Banquet.— On Saturday even, 4 ' ing a banquet arranged by a com mittee of gentlemen, was given to the Aus tralian cricketers, in Messrs. Ford and Newton’s rooms, Christchurch. About sixty were present, Mr. E. C. J. Stevens, M.H.R., occupying the chair. The pro ceedings were of a very cordial descrip tion, and during the course of his re sponse to the toast of the evening, Mr. Murdoch (captain of the visiting team) remarked that their reception in New Zealand had been most kind and liberal— that the Christchurch ground was equal to anything they had played upon, and that on the occasion in which Australia suffered defeat at the hands of Canterbury it was no fluke, but a well deserved defeat.

The Auckland Regatta. Anniver sary day in Auckland was celebrated by the usual regatta on Saturday. The sail ing races passed off successfully, but most of the pulling matches had to be post poned till to-day, owing to the lumpy sea. As mentioned in the “extra” issued by us on Saturday evening, the Sovereign won the Champion Race, for brigantines, schooners; and ketches of 50 tons and up wards, the Torea being second, and the Borealis third. The race for Trading Cutters of 25 tons was well contested, and resulted as follows ;■ —Rangatira, 1 > Fannie, 2. For the Open Sailing Boat Race there were seven entries, and the Hattie May was first followed by the May Flower. For the Race for Trading Vessels of 25 tons and under 50 tons, the Ada was first, with the Reward second. The race for yachts under six tons brought out five vessels, and the race resulted in favor of the Jessie Logan, with the Tory second. Open Sailing Boat Race, five entries, Shrimp, IMagic, 2. Race for Trading Vessels, under 26 tons, seven entries, Garnet, 1 ; Henry, 2- Race for Sailing Boats or Yachts, four entries, Daisy, 1 ; Lizzie; 2. Open Sailing Boats, second class, Magic, 1 j Imp, •2. This was a capital race, tha second boat being only 15 seconds behind. Race for Foreign going vessels' Gigs, Dunloe, 1 5 Jocelyn, 2. Race for Coasting Vessels’ Gigs, Rotomahana, IGlenelg, 2. What might have been a fatal accident happened to a small steamer, named the Planet, during the Champion Race. The Edith ran into the Planet, smashing her funnel, steam pipe and bulwarks, and breaking her own libboom. Some people on the Planet, fearful af an explosion, leaped overboard, but were rescued. . The steamer was tow«d to the wharf, Since the above was put i» type we the result of the Champion Four-oared Outngger Race, Which Will he £yt>nd i# aether colpmp.

A Fatal Bathe. some boys were bathing in the Aparima, South!'ml, on Friday, a son of Mr. Hugh Moiioy, aged ten years, was carried out with the current and drowned.

The Taupo Country. —The Hanera Star of the 22nd instant says “Three gentlemen, having lately passed through the Taupo country to Wanganui, rc a>rt having discovered several caves, conta ued in which are large quantities of a: -in. Other caves were also explored, in winch sulphur was abundant. The explorers’ attention was also .attracted by a lagoon, the surface of which was covered wi h a greenish substance. The substance nay be oxide of copper, but owing to the vol canic stratum, little or no signs of the ore could be discernible on the surface of she ground in the vicinity. Two of the gentlemen, whose principal object is shat of prospecting for gold, purpose renewing their researches, as there appears to be traces of the existence of that metal in the country to the south of Taupo.”

A Caution to Bailiffs. —The following is from this morning’s Press : —A Lyttel ton tradesman is reported to have made the most of an opportunity last Friday night. It seems that one of those most unwelcome and uninvited guests woo, when duty calls, hesitate not to invade the innermost sanctum of their neighbor’s premises, had quite unexpectedly taken up his quarters within the tradesman’s domestic oasis in London street. The tradesman appears to have borne the surprise with a degree of meekness and graciousness quite unlooked for by his guest, who, probably finding the former so good-natured, just stepped off the threshold of the premises for a minute or two. His vexation at finding the door closed and locked, upon essaying to enter again, may be left without further com ment, as may also what took place wiien his employer, the head bailiff, discovered the situation.

Tying the Knot. — A young man and a young woman were recently contesting possession of a piece of property in Ireland, the one claiming under an old lease, the other under an old will. “It just strikes me,” said the judge, “ that there is a pleasant and easy way to ter minate this old lawsuit. The plautiff appears to be a respectable young man, and this is a verv nice young woman. They can both get married, and live happily on the farm. If they go on with law proceedings, it will all be frit' ored away between the lawyers, who, i am sure, are not ungallant enough to wish the marriage not to come off.” The lady blushed, and the young man stammered that they liked each other a little bit ; so a verdict was entered for the plaintb: on condition of his promising to marr > the defendant within two months, a yof execution being put to the verdict ti': the marriage should be completed.

Whitewashed Babies.— A misaio >ary, stationed at one of tbe South Sea isl ids, determined to give his residence a emit of whitewash. To obtain this, in tne absence of lime, coral was reduced to powder, by burning. The natives watched the pro cess of burning with interest, believing that the coral was being cooked for them to eat. NeA. morning, they beheld the missionary’s cottage glittering in the rising sun, white as snow. They' danced, they sang, they screamed with joy. The whole island was in commotion. Wuite wash became the rage. Happy war, tire coquette who could enhance her charms by a dab of the white brush Conten tions arose. One party urged their super ior rank ; another obtained possession of the brush and valiantly held it agains - '. all comers; a third tried to upset the tub, to obtain some of the precious cosmetic. To quiet the hubbub, more whitewash was made, and in a week, not a hut, not a domestic utensil, a war club or a garment, but was as white as snow ; not an inhabi tant but had a skin painted with grotesque figures ; not a pig that was not whitened, and even mothers might be seen, in every direction, capering joyously and yelling with delight at the superior beauty of their whitewashed babies. — Ghdmbers' Journal.

The Fashionable Laugh. A low and sly beginning is made with the “ te-he,” as though mirth was struggling inside to break out through maidenly reserve, and the mouth is kept tight closed, while the eyes are _ kept opened wide, thus giving an expression of mingled demureness and mischievousness. Then follbws the “ Ha-ha-ha,” higher and louder, with a parting of the lips to show the teeth, if they be white and regular. The “ Oh-h-h ” comes next, in a tone of surprise, reproof, or artless gaiety, accord ing to the nature of the tiling laughed at, and the voice rises into a pretty little scream. The ensuing pause covers a sudden sense of the impropriety of making so much noise, the eyes are cast down, and a blush can in most instances be pro duced by holding the breath, with the lungs very fully inflated. The final “ Ha ha-ha ” is given as a crescendo, spirited, and without any show of restraint, like the outbursting hilarity of a milkmaid. This novelty in laughs is heard every where in the metropolis, and is sure to become popular at the summer resorts. With a little alteration it can be made to fit any mouth. —Cincinnati Enquirer.

Corn Exchange. —A general meeting of the subscribers to the Corn Ex change was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday last to consider certain amendments in the rules as drafted by the committee. Present —Mr. T. Bruce, President (in the chair), Messrs. Patterson, Job Osborne, G. B. Woodman, E. H. Banks, H. J. Mathias, Smithson, and J. W. McAl pine, secretary. The Chairman stated the business of the meeting. Mr. Job Os borne thought it desirable to adjourn the meeting till Saturday, February stb, for a fuller attendance, as any expression of opinion now given would not be that of the majority of the members of the Farmers’ Club. He would move—“. That, this meeting stand adjourned for a week.” Mr. E. H. Banks, in consideration of the great counter attraction of the cricket match, concurred with the last speaker, and seconded the motion. Mr. G. B. Woodman thought that as there was a quorum the meeting should go on. The motion was then put and agreed to. There being a quorum of the committee present the applications for the post of secretary were opened and considered. These were thirty-two in number, out of which thirteen were pul aside fur-ihe considera tion of a sub-committeo on Thursday next, when the appointment will be made.

The Case of John Murphy. The fol lowing appears in the Ifeiv iScalynd Tin >cs of Thursday last : —Judgment was delivered yesterday in the Court of Appeal case, the Queen v. Murphy. Murphy had been convicted and sentenced to four years’ hard labor, at the Christchurch Supreme Court, for forging a sale note to deliver grain, and appealed, in error, on the ground that a general verdict was given on all *tho counts, one of which charged him with forging a “writing obligatory,” which had not been been sustained. Arguments were heard some days ago, and his Honor the Chief Justice now said it was quite clear front the authorities that where there was any bad count in an indictment, and a general judgment was given, the judg ment must be reversed. The fitst count charged the accused with forging a writing obligatory, and a writing obligatory was a document under seal, and of the same force as a deed, which this sale note \vas not. But there were other counts iii tile indictment which might be supported by the evidence, and the case must there fore be .remitted back to the Supreme Cpurt at Christchurch, fer the proper judgment to be' given under the good counts. Mr. Justice Richmond concurred in the judgment.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Commercial. London, Jan. 28. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain amounts to 2,340,000 quarters. Australian tallow —Best beef, 355, 6d. ; best mutton, 38s. Four and a' half per cent. New Zealand 10-40 Loan, Best Scotch pig iron, No. 1, f.o.b. in Clyde, 525. 6d. ; best Australian leather, ioJ^d. The Debate on the Coercion Bill. The debate in the House of Com mons on the second reading of the Irish Coercion Bill was resumed to-day. Mr. Gladstone made a lengthy speech during the evening, in the course of which he reminded the House that the increase of agrarian outrages and land league had progressed together, and were strongly connected. The coercive measures which the Government pro pose to adopt are aimed solely at the punishment of evil doers and abettors in its agitation. The debate was again further adjourned. The Turko-Greek Difficulty. Jan. 29. It is announced that the British Government is in accord with other Powers in regard to the action to be taken for the settlement of the Turko- Greek difficulty, and has agreed to the proposed Conference at Constantinople at the same time. It is known that the Powers heve been informed that Eng still believes in the compromise decided on by the Berlin Treaty to he yet bind ing on Turkey. The Native Rebellion Collapsing. Caff.town, Jan. 29. Intelligence to hand from Caffraria states that the rebellion of the Pondo mise, Tembus and other tribes is daily collapsing, and it is expected shortly to be completely quelled.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Satisfactory. Auckland, To-day. The Union Sdsli and Door Company have declared a dividend of 10 per cent. The Education Act. Archdeacon Maunaell delivered an ad dress on the Education Act. He pro tested strongly against any attempt to re-introdnee denominationalism, but claimed that the New South Wales system of admitting ministers and other qualified persons to give religious instructions, at convenient hours, should be empowered under the Act. Suicide. Wellington, To-day. W. R. Welsh, and old settler at the Taita, committed suicide near his brother’s residence at Opope, on Thurs day, by cutting his throat. It is supposed that drink was the cause of the rash act. His body was not found till Sunday. Gold. Dunedin, To-day. The Keep it Dark (Reefton’s) return for the month was 102ozs. retorted gold from 42G tons stone. The Weather. The weather during the past week has been unusually sultry.

THE BOER REBELLION.

A British Defeat. (By Cable.) London, Jan. 28. Telegrams from official sources have been received this evening from Natal announcing a serious British defeat in the Transvaal. The information to hand states that Sir George Colfey made an attack in force on the Boer position at Langsnek. Heavy fighting ensued, but the enemy offered a strong defence, and finally inflicted a severe repulse on the Colonial forces, which were com pelled to retire, with heavy loss in killed and wounded. Sir George has now decided to await the expected re inforcements from England and India before resuming offensive measures against the Boers.

Jan. 29,

Further news to hand from the Transvaal states that in the defeat at Langsnek, Sir George Collet's force had 198 rank and file killed, and five officers killed and three wounded.

SPORTING.

WELLINGTON RACES. [by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. Volunteer was scratched at 10.30 this morning, for all his engagements at the forthcoming Race meeting. D.J.C. ANNUAL MEETING. Dunedin, Saturday. The following entries have been re ceived : Handicap Hurdle. Race. —Artful Joe, Waikari, Sailor Boy, Little John, Agent, Milo, Carrigan, Clarence. Tally-ho Handicap. —Sunbeam, Maud, Artful Joe, Waikari, Sailor Boy, Little John, Agent, Milo, Carrigan. Novel Race. —Sunbeam, Maud, Little Nell filly, Miss King, Jasper, Talent, Sultana, Playboy, Moabird, Sir William, Dolly, Banvon, Huntingdon. Steeplechase. Sailor Boy, Little John, Agent, Carrigan, Clarence. Porbukt Handicap. —Castanette filly, Hilarious, Longlands, Lady Emma, At lantic, Luna, Fishoook, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Hornby, Mischief, Governor, Le Loup, Titania, Sylvauus,Volunteer, Rand wick, Sir Modred, Virginia Water. Flying Handicap. —Castanette filly, Hilarious, Legerdemain, Nautilus, Luna, Fishhook, Jasper, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Mischief, Governor, Talent, Le Loup, Titania, Sylvanus, Volunteer, .Randwick, Sir Modred, Virginia Water.

THE AUCKLAND REGATTA

One of the Boats Swamped. [By Telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The Champion Four-oared Outrigger Race, postponed from last Saturday, took place this morning, under fair conditions. The course was three miles straight, and the prize LIOO and accompanying trophies. The competing crews were those of the Thanies, Mercury, of Mercury Bay, and the Auckland; represented the city. A start was made at 10.20 beyond the coal steamer. The Mercury crew at once as turned the lead, and with a regular^ahd ; powerful stroke and good reach, icame right away from the others, who pujlled more directly toward? the wharf. , After a brief struggle between the ; second and third boats the Thames dropped slightly to rear, while the Mercury went pn in.- creasing the lead. They made a mistake of keeping too far in the channel, and consequently had a heavy rip to contend

against. Each splash of their oars washed a volume of spray over their heads, and at : times the boat was almost hidden from; view. When off Stokes’ Point the Mercury Bay crew was leading fully Half a mile, and then suddenly the boat filled and went down, while the crew supported themselves as best they could in the water. The steamer which accom panied the race went off to their assistance. The Auckland and Thames crew mean while kept steadily on, the former, when passing the coal hulk, having a clean lead of 40secs. The Thames put on a spurt, and, by dint of better rowing, lessened the disparity somewhat, but not sufficient to alter the result. Auckland finished a good first. .General regret is expressed for the mishap which befell the Mercury Bay boat, and if the race is not rowed over again a challenge will probably be the result. The spectators numbered about 3,500.

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN V. CANTERBURY FIFTEEN. Fiest Day—Saturday, Jan. 29. [From our Special Reporter] Christchurch, Saturday. [The following appeared in an “extra” issued by us on Saturday night:—] The Australians commenced their innings at 4.15 P-m. Spoffbrth and Groube going to the wickets to the bowling of C. Frith and Fuller, Fowler taking the wickets. Frith commenced the bowling, Groube sending his second ball to leg for 3, and the next Spoffbrth cut for 3. The next went to leg for 2 for Groube. Fuller’s second ball clean bowled Spoffbrth. I—3—B. Murdoch then joined Groube. Runs then came freely, the fielding not being of the best. When 30 was up on telegraph W. Frith relieved Fuller at the southern end of the ground, Fuller taking C. Frith’s place next over. At five o’clock Mur doch hit Fuller for 4, which brought 40 up on the board. When 50 had gone up Beard took the ball from Fuller, but the batsmen seemed inse parable, and runs came steadily. With the score at 67, C. Frith took the bowling again, relieving Beard. Still the two men kept scoring. Groube was at last caught by W. Frith at mid off off C. Frith, after having played a fine innings of 42, without having given a chance. 82 —2 —42. Mac donald then joined his captain, and, making 7, was caught by Fowler, at the wickets, off Frith. Time was then called, Murdoch being not out for 43. 3 7 —95- The following are the scores : Canterbury Fifteen. Ist Innings. Corfe, b Palmer 9 Watson, run out ... 2 Leach, c Murdoch, b Spofforth... 18 Ashby, c Murdoch, b Spofforth... 2 Hartlancl, b Palmer 0 Secretan, not out ... ... 30 Ollivier, b Spofforth ... ... 2 W. Frith, c Tobin, b Spofforth... 16 Fowler, b Spofforth ... ... 8 Reeves, b Palmer ... ..., 0 Coterill, b Palmer ... ... 0 Redmayne, c Boyle, b Spofforth 1 C. Frith, b Palmer 0 Beard, b Palmer... 0 Fuller, run out ... 0 Extras ... ... ... 2 Total 90 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs.Wkts. Spofforth ... 133 11 48 6 Palmer ... 132 14 40 6 Australian Eleven. Ist innings. Spofforth, h Fuller ... ... 3 Groube, cW. Frith, hO. Frith 42 Macdonald, c Fowler, bW. Frith 7 Murdoch, not out ... ... 43

To-day’s Play.

(By Telegraph.) Christchurch, To-day. The cricket match was resumed to day. It was glorious weather, and there was a large attendance. Slight joined the captain, runs coming steadily, and 120 soon appeared. Slight got a nasty knock on the head from W. Frith, and had to retire. Jarvis took his place, and was well held by Secretan at point, without scoring. 4o —124. Boyle followed, and Ashby went on at the south end. Later. At 3.50 pm. the game stood—6 —3

THE PLAINS WATER SUPPLY.

The Opening Ceremony. [Per Pigeon Post]. [From our Special Reporter. ] [We must apologise to our readers for an omission which will be apparent from the following report. Unfortu nately onie of our messengers appeared without its despatch. Our to-night’s extra ” will contain the report in full.] We left Ashburton by special train at 8.20, and after a three hours’ ride, in cluding stoppages, reached Methven. One could not help noting by the way the immense amount of land under crop on the Methven line; between the stations of Sherwood and Urral, the train passes throngh one enormous cornfield, and many were the expres sions of regret at the havoc the heavy nor’-wester which had sprung up at the Rakaia, was creating among the ripe corn ; one gentleman, who has a large area under cultivation, remarked that it meant a loss of two bushels to the acre, on a large proportion of his crops. On arriving at Methven, we found our townsman, Mr. M'Rae, await ing us with a number of convey ances, and after a ride of some eight miles through a very fertile country, we arrived at the dam at a quarter to one. This is situated in the gorge of the Pudding Hill stream, which is the most northerly branch of the Ashburton river. The scenery here is a relief from the monotonous expanse of tus sock through which we had previously rbeen travelling, the mountain range to the west [pyesenting.a and romantic appearance. The dam has been thrown across the river at a point where ithe channel is only 300 feet ipider and the rocky banks on both sidCJf^afr ford a first-class foundation from whicfy

to start the work. It was commenced by the contractor. Mr. -James Wilkie, on May roth, and, after a stoppage for a short time on account of the frost, the work went on until ifs; completion on November nth last. The dam and weir consist of a concrete wall 6 feet 3 inches in width at the base, having a batter of i inch to the foot on the lower side and 2 inches to the foot on the upper side. This wall is sunk below the bed of the river an average depth of 5 feet, and is carried up at the ends to a height of 13 feet, whilst the centre of the wall, for a width of about 200 feet, is only 10 feet 9 inches high, over which the water flows when the sluices are shut down. At the north end the wall is carried up to the full width of 6 feet 3 inches for a distance of 47 feet, and in this portion is placed the discharge sluice, having an aperture of 3 feet by 2 feet, and a larger one at a lower level for the purpose of scouring away any shingle which might collect and block the discharge outlet. On the down stream side of the dam at this point the dam has further been pro tected from scour by three smaller walls let into the solid rock. The whole of the work is still further protected by boulders being piled up against it to a

depth of 30 feet on both sides, level with the top of the work, and sloping down at an angle of 3 to 1 to the level of the river. The whole arrangements are of so substantial a nature that the veriest tyro at engineering could at once give his ipse dixit that the Pudding Hill dam will never be moved from its resting-place by any flood that may run over it. There are just 700 cubic yards of concrete in the work, which all agreed in saying was most creditable to the engineer and contractor. The great fall in the river bed does not allow the water to be dammed back any great distance, but still a very respectable sized pond is created by the stoppage of the river, and the native forest on the steep hills on each side, and the music of the tuis and other native birds .make one fancy he is in another land, instead of being only thirty miles from flat dreary Ashburton. On arrival at the dam, the party was photographed by an artist from Rakaia, after which Mr. Walker opened the water supply, remarking that he would defer making a speech till after lunch, merely saying that the County Council considered this a most important work, and one which would confer a great benefit on the district through which the water intended to flow. He then took off the screw, and declared the waterworks open in the name of the : County Council. As the water flowed down the channel three cheers were given. There was a splendid stream of water running down the race, and after strolling about for half an hour or so, and admiring the beautiful and picturesque scenery, an adjournment was made to a tent close by, where was a bountiful repast provided J by Mr. R. Patton, of Methven, to which ample justice was done^ After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, 1

Mr. Walker asked those present to fill their glasses to the toast of the day —“Success to the Waterworks.” lie felt confident in asking them to drink this toast. He was asking them to drink to a great work; it might not be great as compared to works executed by king doms before, but in proportion, to our means it was a great work, and one which he felt sure would never fall to ruin, but would last through many generations It was interesting to note the cost of the works which was as fol lows :—Dam and weir,. Li,490 ; con crete channel, Li,Boo ; earthwork, to Dundas, 32 miles, L 650. It 'was therefore easy to see that the work was within our means. (Hear, hear.) He felt he was fortunate in being Chairman of the County Council, and he trusted this would not be the only work of irnportance the Conncil would undertake, and he hoped other parts of the plains would soon participate in such a benefit as they had to-day seen in augurated for this portion. Mr. Purnell proposed the health of the “ County Council,” coupled with the name of Mr. Walker. He had no doubt that the work would be of great benefit, and that ere long we should see towns and cities springing up on the plains. He did not know of a County Council in New Zealand equal to the Ashburton Council. They did not waste time in discussion, but worked in a business way. Mr. Baxter offered his cordial thanks to those who had drank his health so heartily. It had always been a pleasure to him to work under the County Council. It was only three months since the work was projected, and to day they had the result before them, and he thought that the cost would be recouped in one year, by the benefit conferred on the farmers.

The Mayor in thanking them for the way in which his health had been drunk would return the compliment by proposing “the health of Mr. Wright, the member for the district.” Mr. Friedlander then spoke. iu eulogistic terms of the way in which Mr. Wright had worked in the House for the district he represented. Mr. Wright, who was averse to taking up their time, as it was necessary soon to make a start homewards, briefly re turned thanks. Mr. Jacobson proposed “The health of the ladies,” coupled with the name of Mr. Cameron, which -Mr. Cameron replied to in suitable terms. After “ The Host” and “ The Press” had been duly honored, the party re turned homewards shortly after three o’clock.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

ROMANCE OF A JANITRESS. [Continued, ] I had heard from Mr. Talbot’s at t mdanl that he was dangerously ill. As he seemed to have neither mother, wife nor sister, I felt very sorry for him. It is bad enough to live alone, but still worse to die alone —to take no look of love across the river. I was thinking of the sick man one morning, wishing I could do something for his comfort, when my door opened and, to my astonishment, Dr. Col ville came in.

“ Good morning, Miss Ruth, why what a- pretty nest you have here! With, bright-colored chintz, birds, flowers, and sun-light, you are to be envied. Will you hire this room out furnished? If you will, I’ll be your tenant/’ and not waiting for an answer he seated himself in an easy chair, then said : “ I have come to hear the story. Tell the truth, but spare me the love passages. Don’t look indig nant ! ” I interrupted him by saying that I always told the truth, and that all the love I had given had been recipro cated.

“ Well, well, we won’t qunrrel. I sav Mr. Flemming to-day, and he wished me to ask you the story of your life, and the whys and the wherefores of your leaving your country home ? ” Mr. Fleming’s name was enough. Much as I disliked the idea of looking back, I was afraid to refuse. As I hesitated for a moment, scarcely know ing how to begin, the doctor said : “Just tell me of your home,” and so I obeyed, as if under mesmeric in fluence :

“My home was away among the Green mountains. It was a fine old mansion, overlooking green meadows, through which a beautiful river wends ; its bright waters sparkle like silver gems through silver boughs ; proud old trees tower above the roof; hawthorn hedges enclose the yard and gardens, and make sweet the air; high moun tains rise in the distance, their tops hidden in the clouds; the village church nestles down in the valley, with its quaint white tower, a row of poplars waving quietly in front of it; and over the low churchyard wall hangs the ivy whose leaves never change. O ! how dear is every tree and spot about that loyed place. There were fourof us—father, mother, and Bah, My mother was my idol—l will rrdf attempt to describe her. My father was a descendant of one of the old Covenanters, stern and cold, I do not remember of ever sitting on his knee nor having my arms about his neck; he never kissed his children ; he shut us out from his life completely— he did not seem a part of us. But we were happy, mother, Ben, and I; all our childhood joys and sorrows we shared with her. Ben was a gentle boy, shrinking from a harsh word or look, in constant, dread of father’s anger, while I did not know what fear was. I think father saw something of his own nature in me, and till I was about twelve years old I seemed to be his favorite. Then I angered him and was unforgiven to the end. His last act showed that he considered I had forfeited all claim to my birthright. When I heard my father’s will read was the first time for years I had thoughts of that occurrence. Then the scene came vividly before me. “It was on Sunday, a warm, bright October day. The trees flushed with life; some amber, some ruddy, and others still green. Oh ! how pleasant it was. The air was filled with the aromatic scent of leaves, and my brother and I, forgetting that it was Sabbath, thoughtlessly strayed down into the orchard. We had always spent Sunday afternoons with mother, who, by singing us hymns and telling us Bible stories, made the time pass happily. But this day she was not well, and we were left to our own resources. Had it not been for mother, Sunday would have been a day of perfect misery to us, as lather insisted upon having it a day of rest. We knew that father had forbidden us to leave the house after church, but every thing in nature seemed to call us out and we found ourselves under the old apple-trees, I making wreaths of leaves and Ben telling of his sea life that was to come. I said : ‘ I can climb better than you,’ so in a moment I was at the top of the tree. Ben made the attempt to follow me, but was a poor climber. I was laughing merrily at his awkward efforts, when without any warning father appeared before us. He said : ‘ Ben, come here.’ Ben was pale with fright, but came down instantly. “My father had a cane, with which he struck him across the face, drawing the blood —had raised the stick for an other blow, when I rushed towards him, seized the stick, threw it as far as I could, stamped with rage and said: “ How dare you ? Strike me ; it was my fault. I don’t think it half as wicked to climb trees on Sunday as it is to get in such a rage. Why doesn’t God strike the birds and squirrels for playing about ? If it is so wrong, He would teach them to keep still.’ (This was poor philosophy, but remember I was but a child), “My father looked at me for a moment, then walked towards home. My brother was trembling with emotion in conscouence.

“ We did not tell mother, and as my hither never mentioned it again, we for got altogether. ! Mother wasn’t quite well "after this, though she lived some years, sometimes suffering intensely, then having hours of ease. When she was able she tried to reconcile me to the thouglltrof ’her ' death. She would’ say; ‘Darling, it is only my poor, suffering body that will be taken from you. My spirit will always be near you, watching over , you. You’re not to grieve, for you will give me pain. You must stay with your father and care for him;’ “At first I was perfectly incpnsol able; but when I saw her and heard her pray to be taken, I gave her up to God. At last she left us. The last words-were r* Care for your father,’ and with her arm about Ben’s neck she fell, asleep. .J : obeyed Iber,. tried to be happy, felt she was near me, fancied I could feel her band upon my head, her kiss on my face. After she was. gone, father grew more stern. I knew he ’ loved my mother, but he never mentioned her, , . ( “ Beb waif’so Unhappy that 1 urged him to leave and go to the city.

Father made-no objections, so w e were left alone. I did what I could for him, but cotild get ho nearer. “ About a year after mother’s deal It he told me he was obliged to go to the city. Remained a few days then went again, arid again. The last time he brought home a wife—a widow sister of his lawyer’s. She hid two daughters. ‘ I was an ignorant country woman,’ so they said, and it was true ; I had never been at school"WfW^ ,ra ’ teacher had been my mother, with whom I had read many modern'and ancient authors. -- -*■

“ The new wife.had only been L th«eA. a few months when my father,- troe~ttr — his nature, turned his face tor and died without a iaSt'wbrd. « My stepmother’s 'brother r wa’s4fi'#<V After the funeral they came to mv room, asked me what T intended''dbirig, T as I must now earn rnyliyigg. said that my father had'disinherited me, owing to my rebellious cpnd-PFt-v-'l I could, in reviewing my life, only re member that one childish act bf ’anger. But I did not question tb9U“sti9ej,oß truth of what she said. Mrs. Hopkins said : ‘ There is all your fathef left ybu, twenty-five dollars; this will be enough,, to take you to the city, arid' then you must get some situation. You are only fitted for a servant, ; asr you have nb education.’ ■ ■

“ I knew she spoke the truth,. I ... asked our minister for a Je|ter, took a last look at my dearly-lovedihomri/and with the letter and any gift,) I I. came to the city. Saw the-* advertise- C ment for a janitress, and answeied it in person. Fortunately, Nfry Ijem iri£ trira A ‘ Mr. Morton had beeri schoolmates, so the letter from him gave me- this . position. 4 .7:: • Mr. Fleming has been rooslh kind tetii W me, and tries to make me forgeiimyaiaA menial position. All the tenants treat" ‘ me with respect lam always b&fST having no time for unhappy thought!. If I only Joiew my brother -was liyjqg- | I should be content; but as I have had k | no letters from him since father’s maif- \ riage, and the last time I heard he was on the eve of sailing fop South AmericaJ I fear he has been lost at sea. “Now, Doctor, you may think it strange that I should thus frankly give ' you my whole ,life,.buGrememberl am j not a city lady, but ail ignorant country a woman.” ... r. . • - The doctor said“ Yoti’ye .done right. To repay you forTt, I hay«| gpo,4 ft ; news for you. lamp, what would you .wish for P 7 t hK ’ “ Two irapossibilsties-*-riiy bid. hbn^f^. ■ arid my brother Ben.” • : : ' v‘ “ Now, listen to my story. Once bn a time there was a very sick £ thinking he was goirig to die,'made a father confessor ofhisdqctppjitold him'/, r that he was a lawyer; a few. months 1.. before had forged a will defrauding an orphan of her home for the purposed enriching his sister. . This , gjrjwas made to believe ’ that ne‘f brother%as lost at sea —all- h'isMettetVwefe interr.. ’’ cepted. These were written from South America. Now, never mind, Miss Ruth, don’t; faingndrifall qd floor in your favorite attitude.”

As the doctor was speaking I drew closer to him. lat tfiisi .dalj& his hand, exclaiming : “ Oh, my brother is, alive 1 Thank; God! Tell me all about - I 1 The doctor said ; “ Please don’t squeeze my hand so, city'girls would know better. Now sit down. ;.qufekly/-, i and I will tell you.' My patient, Mr. * Talbot, is your stepmother’s brother. He has made all the reparation In' his power. Written to her to leave, bag and baggage, and to put everything in the exact order you left it. The words of kindness you sent the side, man Stith the flowers touched his heart; that, i with the fear of death, gives .yori back'O. your home and your brother.. you are,- r not to cry and spoil yotir taCC, for I’vd l 1 got a favor to ask., I- want yon to put your hand in mine and say with your namesake of Bible renown ; * Where’er -thou goest I will go ; thy people will be my people thy God, tpy God."’ ’ tV[ | I don’t khbw what answer T‘ made, but I felt myself drawn close to that noble heart, and a feeling of perfect trust and rest came to tne, which has never left me, though more than a year has passed since that happy day. —■ After a few minutes’ silent joy the doctor said: “ I have watched jrou ' closely since that day, and have grown to love you as I never thought to love, : J and I did not intend telling you yfct’j-'- 1 * but I forgot my intentions when I heard the story of your life and felt you were so alone, and as I have none to care for me; I thought perhaps- yott 1 ft would come and be an. old man’s dar- ; ling. I won’t ask such an independent woman to live with me altogether, you can stay at my city, home; one-half of the year, and I will live at your country paradise the ether half. So now \ Mr. Fleming can get a rieWqanitfess, for * in one week from to-day I want you to . take charge' of ‘ rife. I "-Will- paijf ! ' !

better salary than he dqes,and give you a new name—Mrs.' Arthur Colville. Don’t blush, but go and tell Bridget to ask all her friends to the wedding, and to order the largest cake to be had in the city.” ■}i i All this happened months ago —spelt happy months !. Ben came home, inudi ii ' withmis wife has spent the summer with ! us. We have lived our childhood- days over again. J, feel that .9 ; near us rejoicing with her children^ The doctor has given up 1 hiff ' rc tiee, and says that he has to devote his whole time to .the work of ; keeping his j wife in order, who still insists upon, rub . . f , ing the house.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JANUARY 81, 1881.



tfEAVELLEES’ GUIDE.



Trains-Brave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., ; ’1(X30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. ' v Trains .Ashburton for Timaru and at ,7; a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), “andC 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no. far thertban Timaru. Trains k Arbive. ,at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a. m. (Express), 4.35 p,m.,End 7.50 p.m. Trains ' Arrive -at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m. , 5. 34 p.m. (E*preß»)f-and-8.15 p.m.



Special Advertisements. Commercial and fancy ; STATIONERY. The Undersigned has opened up a NEW ASSORTMENT of the above. Cream, Blue, and Hand - made Notepapers; Ruled, Plain, Fancy, and Repp ditto. Good Business Envelopes, No. 7, Court, Albert, Queen, Tinted, Repp, and others. Pens, iGillott’sj .Mitchell’s, BrandauCr arid Co.'s. Inks—Stephen’s Blue Black, Walkden’s Black and Colored, Antonina, Copying, &c. Workboxes, Albums. Books, &c..<; ■ H. M. JONES, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT,



O. Carstens & Co. (Lath Wkston’s), J .J PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, AND STATIONERY. s ... ' Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipeß Hafltod, Twist, and Yamty Fair ’ , , Tobacco -. ||&;Mmical Instruments, etc., etc. rcutting, Shaving and Shampooing 620*



Special Advertisements. HE BEST VALUE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch EAST STREET. WM. SPA K ROW, FOR READY MONEY IS THE MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND 751* Manager.



jgREAD ! BREAD ! ! BREAD !! ! The Inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding districts are reminded that good wholesome Bread can be at all times procured from the undersigned. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS made for Supplying Harvest and Threshing Machine hands. Assemblies, Parties, &c., supplied on reasonable terms. An assortment of Biscuits, Pastry, Cakes, Ac., always on hand. A. O. Aitken, BAKER AND CONFECTIONER, Saundeks’ Buildings, ASHBURTON. 792 j^OTICB TO PARENTS GUARDIANS. AND The Borough SCHOOLS will be RE OPENED on TUESDAY morning Feb. Ist, at 9.30 o’clock. By Order, J. WARD, 26a Secretary.



IST o T E. I beg to inform my Friends and Customers on account of a Severe Illness throughout my family I am compelled to CLOSE BUSINESS for a few days. JAMES TASKER, Butcher, 27a Trevorton. F 0 A second BINDER. 21a R SAL E. hand DEERING TWINE For particulars apply to FRIEDLANDER BROS. '\\T ANTED. —THE GUARDIAN tells » » your Wants for Is. —cash.



A Football Team for Australia. —At the banquet given to the Australian Cricketers on Saturday evening, Mr. Stringer announced that a football team was being organised in Christchurch, to visit Australia. The FA'shion. —Fashion says/ ‘ Gathered waists are still very much' in favor with young ladiel” They are With the young gentlemen also. What Relationship. —. She Slow, are those two men that have just passed brothers ? ” He —“ I—aw— know that one of them is ; but I’m— aw—y not quite sure of the other. ” 1 Not to be Wondered at.— There are some thirty-five thousand more females than males in Philadelphia, and yet §pme people wonder why some girls ro?rry. bow legged men. 1 The Basis of his Sermon. —“My ser rdedtj shall stand, oii Aese three pints,” said si colored preacher not many Sundays ago : ‘l, the expoundin’; 2, the enlargin’; and 3, the arousin’.”



Holloway’s Pills.— Mind and body aw, so closely entertwihed that for the former fd be vigorous the latter must, be healthful. The- ! first step towards the maintenances of, health, is,; ff , to secure perfect digestion, which.: is 'readily obtained by this noted medicine, the" most com petent effectually to restrain every adverse Influence which can mar, impair, or vexationsly modify this all-important 'process;.' "The student, merchant, map , oC. humblest labourer" may each in turn derive vigour, ease, ard strength from oc9asipna or a longer course of Hollowdy*d purifying Pills. However wayeri gthe ntind, the nerves this 'fine'medicine will tract the derangement to its sourse, where it' will over- . r throw it and establishedbrdtr and parity frip' lace— Adyt. rdiio IbtmoO viin



THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PÜBLISHED pri c e olHs p i i. 1 ’ 1 : ’’ \ DYERTISERS 1 are' A| the ASHBURTON OUAftDlAar commands the i LARGEST rOIROtTMCW-UUiH TIQN ip :the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisements are very reasonable.