COMMERCIAL.

Auctioneers’ Reports. Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the Live Stock Market, etc., for the week ending Thursday, July 7th 1881, as follows:—For yesterday’s sale at Addington there was a very full market of sheep, accelerated to a great exten.t by the heavy drafts of extra prime mutton from South Canterbury. Both lor Weight and quality the “ trade ” could for nothing better than these sheep, whilst various fees frofMßSfflfcts nearer home—although not quite so heavy—were equally suitable for but chers’ purposes- Amongst our principle sales we placed crossbreds for Messrs W. Wright, F. Hartnell, and H. Maddiscn, at from 15s to 16s, and a few extra heavy lots at ißs. Orthe whole, prices, though irregular, ruled but a shade lower than- last week, and few lots were turned out unsold. _ The enquiry for is still well maintained, and where asy. young or fresh conditioned lots are brought into .the market, they invariably com mand a-good price. At yesterday’s sale we placed several lines of half-bred hoggetts at 8s 5d to 83*63; fresh merino wethers at 8s to. 9s, crossbreds from 8s 6d to 12s 6d, according to age and condition. In the fat cattle market there w£S a noticable falling off in supply, not more than about half the previous week’s entry being penned. This had the effect of quicken ing trade a little, and there were less cattle in proportion unsold than for some weeks past. Frices too, were a shade better, but the general tone of tfaeonarket was not sufficiently good to warranters. In quoting anything more than a slight temporary advance, consequent on he limited supply. In store cattle there is little doing, the enquiry being limited, as is also the supply, and where sales are effected extremely low rates are the order of the day. In pigs there were very few on offer. Prices for porkers and bacon pigs are firm, but stores are at a discount. v r .The totals yarded for the day com prised, sd4.B sheep, 267 head of cattle, and 154 pigs of winch our entry included 2765 sheep, 133 head of cattle, and 33 pigs. The' Christchurch Corn Exchange. Com Exchange report for the week ending Friday evening, the Bth July:—Business dur ing the week has been exceedingly quiet; the market has, however, a healthy tone, and prices although without alteration are firm.— Wheat r:Good sound milling wheat is _ worth from 3s.Sd to 3s rod per bushel; exceptionally fine tuscan, 4s per bushel. Good seconds will command from 2s fid to 2s 8d per bushel. Chick wheat, is 6d to 2s fid per bushel. Oats —Prices are firm at last week’s quotations. Good stout milling, 2s id to 2s 3d, f.0.b,; good feed quality; ts 8d to is xod per bushel. Barley.—-Good malting samples are in fair de mand, -at from 2S gd to 3s fid per bushel. Second; class quality, 2s 3d to2s fid per bushel. Feed quality is iod to 2s id per bushel. There is a pretty fair demand for the latter. Pota toes.—The market appears to be in the same volatile:'condition which has characterised it from the beginning, buyers and sellers being apparently uncertain as to the value of the article, a few sales have, however, taken place during the week at from 33s to 35s per ton, at suburban 1 railway stations, sacks extra. These are the prices for immediate delivery ; for for ward delivery, say in the middle of September, 42s fid ta-45s per ton, and in some instances a shade over the highest quotation; in all cases, sacks are extra. Grass seed.—The market is vary quiet, and practically neglected. There is, however, ho change in values, which arc firm at last week’s quotations, viz.— 4s fid to 59 for well-cleaned farmers samples. Cocks foot, 3#d to 3j£d per lb. Cheese and Butter. —The firmer is still dull of sale at 3d to per lb. t tiio latter is in fair demand at from 8d to Bj£d,perlh. Hay.—L2 10s to L2 ijs per ton delivered in Christchurch.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails qloso at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under r'. Saturday, July 16.

For«the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, See., per Wanaka, as follows Ordinary letters at 6.30 p .tn. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers,, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.nu'r; f registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p. m. train.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

r AUCTION SALES. Wednesday, July 13. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his rooma- Trecs; 12 o’clock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c \ Monday, July 11. Borough Council, -at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-o’clock. 1 ■'Tt-BaDAY, JULY 12. Lecture, in the Wakanui Schoolroom, at 7.3 d pim. L. O. L.--Dinner, Somerset Hotel, 8 p.m. Ashburton School Committee. Tuesday, August 2. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. - Wednesday, August 3. County* Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11- o’clock.

BIRTH.

Saunders. —On July 8, Mrs S. Saunders, of a son, stillborn.

MARRIAGE

Whxtton —Joyce.—At Dunedin, on July sth, by the Rev. Dr. Stuart, Sarah Jane Joyce, of Dunedin, to Thomas Bain Whitton, M.D., of Naseby, Otago.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.10 p.«i.]

Held Over.—We have received are port of the meeting held at Mount Somers for the purpose of bidding fare well to Mr F. E. Tomlison, also several letters from correspondents, and our usual Sydney letter, which are now in type, but unavoidably held over.

Excursion Trains. —The first of the cheap excursion trains from Christchurch to Dunedin passed through Ashburton last night at ten minutes to eleven o’clock. The fares were only 25s from Christ church and 19s lOd from Ashburton, and from other stations at proportionately low rates. A large number of passengers booked from Christchurch, twenty from Rakaia, and forty from Ashburton. The Railway Band travelled in the train. We regret to learn that the members of the Band conducted themselves with great discourtesy to the lady travellers. They determined among themselves that they would be the sole occupants of one large carriage, and accordingly, when the guard put some ladies in the same carriage, they immediately pulled out their pipes and began smoking some very queer tobacco, on purpose to drive their fellow-passengers out. Fortunately some gentlemen, whose wives and sisters were in thv train, insisted that the smoking should atop, and at length the offenders desisted.

New Billiard Boost. —The new Bil liard-room of the Somerset Hotel, which is now very handsomely and comfortably furnished by Mr Shearman the proprietor, is to ( be opened to-night by the lessee, Mr Hicks. The table is one of Thurston’s best make, and is well placed on a concrete foundation.

Bad Manners. —We noticed in one of the carriages of the special night train to Dunedin last night that a number of the bandsmen belonging to the Railway Band were so utterly ill bred as to commence smoking in a carriage where a number of ladies were crowded in, evidently with the intention of driving them out through the effluvia of their noxious fumes. Had a poor unfortunate “ swagger ” even com menced to light his pipe in such a carriage the probabilities are that he would have been marched off to the look-up without more ado.

■Volunteer Meetino. —A meeting of the local Volunteer corps was held on Thursday, at Mr Bullock’s auction rooms. There was a good attendance, and Captain Bullock presided. The Chairman stated his intention of interviewing the Com missioner of Crown Lands re a site for drill-shed, and also said ho would see Colonel Packe to ascertain whether Snider rifles could be obtained for the corps. Captain Bullock also notified that it would be necessary for the meeting to elect an officer in his place, as he had failed to pass the necessary examination in the specified time. Private Murray proposed that Captain Bullock be re elected, and Private Dunn having seconded the motion, it was put and carried. Sergeant Vaughan was eleetad Secretary in room of Corporal Felton, resigned. Resolved that L 3 bo spent in the purchase of single-sticks and boxing gloves for the use of the corps. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to bandmaster Savage, for his past ser vices. A Committee was appointed to obtain a suitable souvenir to Bugler Savage, who, with his father, was leaving the district. Votes of thanks were passed to the officers, and to Color- Sergeant Dolman especially, for their services in the past. After passing several accounts for payment, the proceedings terminated.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [per rkuter’b agency.] Money for Queensland. London, July 7, The new loan for the Government of Queensland of Li,000,000 was placed on the market to-day. Commercial. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 495; New Zealand wheat, ex ship, 48s; Adelaide hour, ex warehouse, 345; Australian tallow, best beef, 365; best mutton, 38s. Selected transparent kauri gum is quoted at Lio 17s 6d per ton. The AnglorFrench Duties. Paris, July 7. In the Chamber of Deputies last

night, a debate took pace on the on subject of the negotiations now pro ceeding for the renewal of the Anglo- French Commercial Treaties. In the course of the discussion M. Tirard, Minister of Commerce, stated that France would insist upon specific duties being levied upon British goods, and no fresh treaty could be concluded on any other basis. Reprieved. CONSTAHTINOPLH, July 7. Midhat Pasha is to be exiled to Arabia for his complicity in the murder or Sultan Abdul Aziz. The sentence of death passed in his case has been commuted. Recovering. Washington, July 8. This morning’s bulletin reports that the President continues to make satis factory progress, and is hourly gaining strength. His medical attendants are sanguine of his complete recovery. A Successful Commission. Capetown, July 7. Intelligence is to hand from Pretoria that the Royal Commission empowered to settle the frontier and other ques tions in connection with the Transvaal is making good progress, and every hope is entertained that a successful issue will result from its labors. AUSTRALIAN. [per bbotbr’s aobnct.] Struck Gold. Melbourne, July 8. The diamond drill at Stawell has struck gold at a depth of 1,700 feet. The Placed Ones. Melbourne, To-day. It is announced that Sir Bryan O’Loughlin will be Premier, Attorney- General, and Treasurer in the new Ministry. Mr J. M. Grant will fill the portfolio of Chief Secretary and Minister for Education. The other portfolios have not yet been allotted..

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] A Miscarriage of Justice. Auckland, To-day,

At the Supreme Court the charge of perjury against Shepherd, a Whatawhata settler, broke down on a technical flaw in the indictment. The Auckland Arson Case.

The arson case against the brothers Bendon is fixed for Monday. Frightened Away. The Juvenile “Pinafore” Company were summarily brought to Auckland last night, owing to the prevalence of scarlet fever at the Thames. The local Health Board had forbidden the matinee. Three Startling Items. Hawbra, To-day. The first train with goods came into Hawera on Thursday evening.

Mrs Hone Pihama was thrown from a horse whilst on her way to Parihaka and rendered unconscious for some time. She is progressing favorably. She is a kindly old lady and very hospitable, but a strong Te Whiti-ite. The new theatre at the A. C. camp, Bahotu, will be opened this evening. Exhibition Visitors. Dunedin, To-day. Over 600 persons arrived in the city this morning by the Exhibition trains. Mr Scaly’s Lecture. Invbbcakoilli, To-day. Mr N. J. Sealy, of Timaru, lectured last night to a good audience on the de sirability of substituting progressive land tax for the Property Tax. The Mayor occupied the chair. The lecturer’s views met with great acceptance, and an unani mous vote of thanks to him was carried. A largo number of his pamphlets, “ Are we to stay here 1” have been sold to-day. Poisoning by Phosphorised Oats. A valuable mare has been poisoned at Winton by eating phosphorised oats.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Pee s.s. Wakitipu ax Wellington.] London, June 27. The Homo Buie members in the House of Commons strongly condemned the action of the Executive in proclaiming County Waterford under the Coercion Act. They contend that there has been no occurrences in that county of a char acter sufficient to justify the extreme steps taken. London, June 28. A revolting murder has been committed on the Brighton railway line, and the crime, from the air of mystery and the peculiar circumstances surrounding it, has created intense excitement throughout the United Kingdom. The body of a murdered man has been found in a tunnel. The victim was stabbed in several places, and it is evident, also, that robbery was the motive of the crime, as the clothes of the murdered man were rifled of their contents. One of the carriages of the Brighton train has been found to be saturated with blood, and bullets have been discovered embedded in the wood work. No clue as to who the murderer is, has yet been obtained, but the police and the railway officials are making every effort to unravel the mystery. The identity of the victim has not yet been established. London, Juno 29. The Empress of Germany is seriously ill. She has undergone a dangerous operation, and her condition is considered critical. Prince Bismark continues to suffer acute pain. No improvement has taken place in his health during the last twenty four hours, and his illness, coupled with that of the Empress, has occasioned great anxiety throughout the German Empire. London, Juno 30. The German Empress is considerably better and hopes are entertained of her recovery. It has been decided in Russia that in future political executions shall be in pri vate. Public executions are credited with arousing enthusiasm among the Nihilists, and gaining them fresh adherents. The Home Rale party are appealing to the electors in various parts of England and Ireland, and advising them to organ ise, in order to return men favorable to the land law system they advocate. The police are using every effort to pierce the mystery of the murder on the Brighton railway line, but without sue cess as yet. The terrible affair is causing a strong sensation, and there is again a falling off in the railway traffic, timid people being afraid to travel. It is also insisted that all carriages should be lighted in passing through tunnels. The offering of two small loans by South Australia has again attracted atten tion to colonial loans, and several jour nals are discussing the matter, and point ing to the heavy indebtedness of the colonies.

ALLEGED ARSON IN PETER STREET.

[The following concludes our report of the evidence taken at the Court yesterday in the charge of arson preferred against Robert Gould Ruxton, Marjorie Theresa Ruxton, and Mary Buckman :—] Eliza Jane Thompson : I am an ap prentice to the dressmaking. I was in !Mr Buxton’s employment for two months as a tailoress. I have been there during the whole of the day every day. Nearly every day have been through the whole of the house, and had an oppor tunity of seeing all the goods. The 21st was the last day I was there. Mr Ruxton told me he was going to Christ church, and there would be no work until Friday morning. Friday was wet, and I could not go. I had been often away before, but only for a holiday. Ho gave no other reason, except that there would bo no work. The stock was about the same as usual when I loft. The window was never dressed. I hare seen this roll of grey tweed in Let No. 4 before, and the two rolls of sheeting. The hat case produced was under the writing desk. I saw this serge (produced) a week before the fire. These corduroy breeches were in the shop also at the time. In lot No. 5 the trousers were in the place. They were there a fortnight before the fire. (Witness here Identified some other articles of clothing, etc., in lots 5, 6, 7, and 8, as having been in the shop a week or a fortnight before the fire.) About -two months before the fire I saw Mrs Ruxten mark the ribbons produced. The woollen gloves produced were in the shop, but were removed about a fortnight be fore the fire.

T. Quill recalled—The paper produced is a list of the goods which I arid to Mr Ruxton.

Eliza Jane Thompson’s examination continued—l have seen the chain and locket produced. Mrs Ruxton wore things like those. Mrs Ruxton told me since the fire that her locket like that was burnt. I paid the Property Tax bill out of the cash box for Mr Buxton. I recollect several of these receipts. They were on the file in the shop. I paid a cheque of Mr Buxton's for L 5 on the 20th June. These things (in lot 12) I saw in Mr Buxton’s shop some time before the fire. I have seen tweed very much like that in Mr Buxton’s shop. Cannot swear if it is the same.

By Mr Branson : I will swear that I have seen those identical gcods in Buxton’s shop. I could not bo mistaken. I will not swear that he never had exactly similar goods to those at hia shop in Aitken street. Cannot see any mark on that roll. I can identify this roll by the piece cut out. I cut it out myself. The Inspector said Mr Branson was very hard on the girl, and appealed to the Bench to protect her, Mr Branson said he had done nothing wrong. He had strong lungs, but ho could not help that. He would 1 ‘ roar as gently as any sucking dove.” Cross-examination continued : I have measured out fifteen pieces of tweed. That was the week before the fire. I can identify five of the pieces. Mrs Buxton got me to mark the num ber of yards of each piece on pieces of paper. I fixed them on the large roll, not on the pieces cut off. All this occurred exactly one week before the fire. I was not in the shop on the day I left. I don’t think those pieces were in Christchurch a week before the fire. I used sometimes to go to the house in Aitken street. Have never been further than the kitchen. Miss Buckman carried on business there as a dressmaker. She was accustomed to make ulsters and ladies’ dresses. She was accustomed to make coats and trousers for Mr Buxton and send them to his house. She sent over some pieces to Mr Buxton to make up for her. Miss Buckman used t# come over to take things. I was the only girl em ployed in Buxton's. There were three employed by Miss Buckman. It was a common thing for Buxton to send over things which had been cut out by him to Miss Buckman’s to make up. I am not certain whether I did take over the ulster produced or not. 1 am positive I have not taken the coat produced over to Miss Buckman’s. There was no secrecy about the taking of the things over. Miss Buck man used to make the things used in her business from what Buxton sent over. Tweeds are not used in ladies’ drosses that I know of. I was four months with Miss Buckman, and two months with Mr Buxton. I was away from Mr Buxton’s fifteen days. I don’t know whether Mr Buxton used to send things which he had cut oat to be made up in Christchurch. I took one parcel to the railway station, to be sent to Mr Nixon, a tailor, in Christ church. That was a week before the fire. Mr Buxton did not tell me whether he was coining back from Christchurch. I should have come back to the shop if it had not been a rainy day. I was never in Miss Buckman’s parlor, nor in her work room, but I was in her kitchen, where the girls worked. There was a Singer’s and also a Wanzer sowing machine. The Singer machine was in the kitchen. That had been brought there about three weeks before the fire. Neither of those ma chines had been taken from the Peter street house to Aitken street. I did not know that Miss Buckman was going to leave Ashburton, or going into business at Timaru. I recollect the time when Miss Buckman left Peter street to go to Aitken street. There may have been some goods taken across.

Annie Coffey deponed : I am a dress maker, employed by Missßuckman at her house, up to last Saturday. I worked in the back room. I was in the habit of going over the whole of the house. I re collect the fire. Do not recollect any of the things produced. They might have been in the house without my seeing them. They are not things of the sort Miss Buckraan used. She did not use any tweed to my knowledge. 1 left last Saturday. About a week before the fire there was nothing in Miss Buckman’s bed room of the sort produced. The work came to Miss Buckman’s to be cut out. I did not notice some things after the fire which were out there before. They wore clothes of Mr Buxton’s, and a few dresses of Mrs Buxton’s. The only alteration I noticed after the fire was that the house seemed in confusion. Mr Buxton’s sleeve board was there. There were some pillow cases also; a picture like that produced was brought there. By Mr Branson : Before the fire I had seen some packing cases in the house. One contained groceries, and the other house clothing. I saw some boxes, but do not know what they contained. It might have been the case that after Mr Buxton was burnt out in Peter street, ho fell back on his stock in Aitken street. I do not know what goods Mr Buxton brought into the house. I was not allowed to roam all over the house and search anything. I helped to make up the coat produced at Miss Bookman's. I have not, to my knowledge, helped to make up the coat produced. I have helped to makeup a coat like this other coat produced a few days before the fire took place. Mr Buxton’s little boy brought over some thing one evening, but I do not know what it was; it might have been ulsters. I was sent over by Mrs Buxton after the fire to Sergeant Felton to ask him to come up as she wanted to speak to him. By Inspector Pender: I do not Icnov if the blue coat produced was sent back to Aitken street to be altered. I never saw any tweed used by Miss Buckman. Margaret Meharry deposed: lam a dress maker. Was at Mr Buxton’s at the time of thp fire. I ussd to go all ever the house every morning. Did not see nnj pieces of tweed there. I was in Hiss

Buckman’a bedroom. Was in the house just before the lire. Did not see any of Mrs Buxton’s or Mr Buxton’s wearing apparel there. There were some clothes in the back bedroom—a pair of trousers and a coat. I did not see anything more. After the fire 1 saw a dock which had bsen in Mr Bnxton’a front toom. It was a round clock. I never saw any of the twesds produced before. By Mr Branson: I saW some boxes pre viously at Miss Buckman’S, some packing cases and a trunk. Do not know what they contained. All thsse boxes and cases might have contained all the goods pro duced. Have often carried goods from Buxton’s to Miss Buckman's to be made up. James Tait deposed: I am a saddlor in Ashburton. I remember the fire. I sold Mr Buxton some goods about June 22nd. They were of a similar kind to those pro duced (Pelham bit, etc.) A week before I sold him the brushes, etc., produced. I saw the picture produced at Mr Buxton’s, and identify the trap harness as some sold by me to Buxton. By Mr Branson: I cannot swear if the picture produced is the same one that I saw at Mr Buxton’s. I only know it is exactly like it, as it contains a photograph of Mr Buxton.

At this stage the Court adjourned until this morning.

On the Court resuming at ten o’clock this morning the case was proceeded with. —lnspector Pender called Alfred Harrison, agent for the Transat lantic Insurance Company at Ashburton, who deposed ; I recollect Buxton effecting an insurance in our company. It was a renewal of a policy, and took place on 12th March, 1881. The insurance was on L2OO stock-in-trade and LIOO on fixtures, furniture, wearing apparel, &c. They were in the house which was recently burned down. I delivered the policy to Buxton. The policy was prepared in ac cordance with the proposal. He has claimed the full amount insured. I asked him to furnish full particulars of the details of the loss. He said he would do so, or Mrs Buxton would do it. At the time when the insurance was effected I saw the stock and furniture. I was at the house. The goods consisted of tweeds, &c., and all the requisites for a tailor's trade. There were also gloves of an unusually rich kind. The tweeds I saw wore similar to those in Court. I examined the portmanteau and trunk in Court. Was present when an inventory was taken of their contents. I have no doubt the inventory produced is the one.

Mr Branson objected that there was no proof that the inventory was the same one. The witness could not swear it was. The Police Magistrate said that Ser geant Felton had sworn to that. Examination continued:—l valued the goods in both boxes at LI3G. The goods are very similar to those I had seen in the shop. I particularly remember the expen sive silks being exactly similar to those in the shop. The goods are suitable for a tailor’s and also for a milliner’s shop. By Mr Branson : I do not identify any of the goods as having been in the shop. They were of a similar nature. When the second insurance was effected, Miss Buckman was carrying on business on the same premises. I think 1 can swear that. I don’t know what business it was she was carry ing on. I believe it was dressmaking. The ladies' gloves produced are very pro bably what would have been part of the stock of a dressmaker’s shop. The silk gloves might be worn by gentlemen. The buttons produced might bo used by either youngtor old ladies. Gentlemen sometimes wear ribbons. I should think the things the stock of a milliner. It is an unusual

thing for a milliner to sell gentlemen’s gloves, but it is not at all impossible that she might. I helped to re-pack the box produced. The large majority of goods, in it are those suitable for a tailor’s shop. The ties produced are children’s ties. The hooks and eyes and mixed pins are used by milliners. The cloth produced is suit able for the army. Mr O’Reilly said it was red flannel for ladies’ petticoats. Examination continued : There are

some ladies’ stoekings in the box. I saw some of Buxton’s wearing apparel when he effected the insurance. I should be always willing to insure for two-thirds of the actual value of the goods. I did not make an exact valuation, but satisfied my self that there was fully sufficient to cover my risk. In the Peter street shop there was not, in my opinion, more than sufficient to cover my risk. I took the risk over all I saw there. There may have been goods there that belonged to Miss Buckman, but there could not have been many of them. The shop fittings wore not of much value. The house was not exten sively furnished. I thought I was covered in insuring the furniture and jewellery for LIOO. I took only a cursory observation of what I saw there. It was quite a suffi cient observation for me to see that I was covered in the risk. I satisfied myself when I insured for L3OO, that there was a good L4OO worth of goods there. If I had made detailed examination of the goods, it might have proved that goods of a larger value might have been there. It was possible. I don’t say probable. The lot of squares for ladies’ ties was un doubtedly a bigger lot than that now pro duced. I should not be surprised to learn that the lady’s jacket with a life belt be longed to Miss Buckman. I did see a life belt there.

By the Police : I understood that to be part of the goods I was insuring. While I was looking at the goods, Miss Buck man’s name was not mentioned to mo, to my recollection. She was there, working in another room.

By the Bench : I was not aware that at the time when the second insurance was made, t here was another insurance in the Standard office. I know it was about the same time that I ascertained that. I did not know that when I made the valua tion. I knew at the time when the policy was out that there was at least L 550 worth of goods in value there. The previous policy in my office was for the same amount as the second. I was the only insurer at the time of the first policy. I was never asked, to my recollection, to insure for more than L3OO. I will not swear that I did not caro to insure for so large an amount as L6OO. I don’t think that, at the time when I insured for L 430, that there was L6OO worth of goods. I was told by Mr Branson that people generally sent in their detailed claims immediately. W. H. Gundry, agent for the Standard Insurance Company at Ashburton ; I know the premises and store of Mr Buxton in Peter street. I effected an in surance for him. The policy is made out in the name of Mr Buxton. The pro posal was for Ll5O in the Standard. The policy was delivered to Mr Buxton. He put in a claim for the amount, and stated the loss by fire was total. He claimed Ll3O on the stock, and the rest for fur niture and eflects. The certificate by two householders that the stock was there was not completed. He went to the premises at the time of the fire and on Saturday morning. I went to Mr Buxton’s resi dence on Monday morning. There were no remains of stock on the scene of the fire on Sunday. I saw no remains of harness. There were the remains of a small piece of tweed, and of a small piece of lining for coats. On the Wednesday after the fire I saw Buxton, and stated that I did not think he had filled in sufficient particulars of his loss. He had sent in his claim then. He told me he had a list of his stock taken in January, and a list of what he had sold, and he would gire it to me. By Mr Branson : I recollect, on the Monday after the fire, I met Buxton Sergeant Felton. It was quite an acciden tal meeting. 1 had not informed Buxton I

was going to meet him. I had some conver sation withhim as to hisloss. He saidhehad lost some jewellery of Mrs Ruxten’s and some diamond studs of his own, also a gold albert chain and a solitaire. He said it was a mere chance he had saved his watch, worth LBS, though I might not believe it was. He said if he had been offered just before the fire to take L 2,000 to go out of his shop he would not have taken it. I smiled at that, thinking It rather heavy and exaggerated. When we were leaving he said Miss Buckmaa had a very fine stock, and if she had been burned out no one would have believed what the actual loss would have been. He asked us to go over to her house. He said he had a risk on some other goods of his at another place; I think he said Ll5O. Ho said it was in an insurance company with Mr Hodder. Ho did not ask me to look at some other goods of his in Aitkan street. I knew at the time when he in sured with me that ho had already in sured for L3OO in the Transatlantic Com pany. My clerk went to make a valuation; his name is William Smith. My practice is to insure from two-thirds to three fourths of the value of goods. To insure for L 450 the stock, &c., should bo worth at least LCOO. My clerk was satisfied that there was that value there.

By the Police: It was in November last that he insured with me. Ho said he had a risk of Ll5O on goods in a dwelling house on the other aide of the line with Mr Hodder (the Norwich Union Co. John Nixon, a tailor, living in Christ church, deposed: On the 12th June I received a large parcel of goods from Mr Ruxton. It contained men's clothes cut out to bo made up. That was the first time I had received any goods from him. I received some more on the 16th June. I received a note from Ruxton on the 13th, and the first parcel, to which it referred, on the 15th June. The second parcel was a large one of men’s clothing, tweeda to be made up. Did not receive any instructions in connection with that. 1 received a note on the 20th June, and also a parcel of goods. I think on the 20th ; that was the third parcel. The note produced is not the one. The one produced is the second note, and refers to the second parcel. I received three par cels, and that was all. Some of the par cels I did not open from want of time. I could value the goods without opening the parcels. On looking at the end of the parcel I saw it was tweed. I cannot tell how many suits there ware. I saw Mr Ruxton for the first time on the 22nd June. That was at my house. I don’t think I ever spoke to him before. He w anted to take the goods away that were on my premises. He said, “ I have five suits of clothes, eighteen pairs of gaiters, and some pieces of tweed at the railway station, which will settle my hill.” He said he wanted the things made up. He said he wished to come and fit his own coat on at 12 o’clock. He did not come the next day. On Friday night, at half past ten he came to my house, and intro duced a person whom he represented as Mr Lancaster, and told me he wished the goods away. They were the goods in my possession. He said he was going to have them made up in another place, and he would give me the five suits, the gaiters and the tweed. I told him I would not give up the other goods until he paid me. Mr Lancaster said, “ D n me, my coat is disappointed, and I won’t have it now.” This was all that took place that day. I did not see Mr Ruxton until the following Thursday. I did not give up the things. He came to my place on the Wednesday, and said he would like to get the things. 1 replied that I should have to give up the goods to the police, or the Insurance Company. He brought Sergeant Hughes to force me to give up the goods. This was on the Thursday. I gave the things to him be fore Sergeant Hughes, and he paid me my bill. I said to Ruxton, “ Where are the five suits of clothes and eighteen pairs of gaiters that you got down town 1" By Mr Branson : The letter dated June 15th, from Mr Ruxton, is in the hands of the police. (Letter produced and read.) I received a parcel on the 15th June. [A number of letters were read from Ruxton to witness, requesting certain work to be done to clothes.] I did not receive the goods on the same week. Buxton came down to Christchurch. I received the parcel on the 16th, before the parcel came to hand. [This witness appeared to en deavor to be rather facetious in his re marks.] I made up Casey’s suit and for warded it on Saturday. I sent it by rail to Ashburton. I had_not made up the

overcoat mentioned in Ruxton’s letter o; June 16th when he came to Christchurch,

None of the goods were ready on the 23rd June. On the Friday night I had partly made up some goods. I was per fectly sober at the time. I had not been drinking heavily before. I was sober enough to do business. I did not make up any of the goods between the Friday night and the 30th of June, because I had seen that a fire had taken place at Ruxton’s shop, and considered the goods belonged to the in surance company. I received L 3 12s 6d altogether that day from Ruxton, before Sergeant Hughes. I told Sergeant Hughes that Ruxton had had a fire in Ashburton, and that I had some goods of his in Christchurch. I know Mr Hobbs. Ho has taken away work from me because I was working for Ruxton, but not be cause I was drunk.

His Worship here cautioned the witness as to his mode of giving evidence. Mr Branson said the witness was no thing more than a drunken reprobate, and his evidence was totally unreliable. Cross-examination continued —lt was not through spite that X went to the Police Station and gave information, but because I did not get my money. . 1 left a note at the White Hart Hotel, asking Ruxton to meet me. I never asked Mr Ruxton for the loan of a sovereign. Ido not recollect using threatening language towards him. I was brought up before the Christchurch Bench on the Thursday for drunkenness, and was let off on the understanding that I took the pledge. I became acquainted with Mr Ruxton through a Mr Childs of Beath and Co., six months ago. I always work for Mr Hobbs. I have never received goods from any one outside this district except ing Mr Ruxton. I was in business in Akaroa. My partner got ten years for burning the house down. I lost L2OO by it. I was never in goal for anything but drunkenness and for turning Mr Wooll corabe out of ray house. Mr Wooll combe sentenced me himself. I did attempt to dance a Highland fling before Ruxton and Lancaster, and I said that they had a Scotchman to deal with and no fool. I was not drunk at the time. I may have been slightly excited with liquor. I knew what I was doing. I have had several intimations from Ruxton. The last letter I wrote to him was on the 25th June. (A letter from the witness was then read, apologis ing for his conduct, and asking Ruxton’s advice as to what he was to do with the goods after the fire.) Richard Lancaster deposed: I am a butcher, residing in Ashburton. I was in bed at the time of Ruxton’s fire. I have had three suits of clothes made and one top-coat at Ruxton’s. The latter was ordered a month before the fire. I paid for the one suit. By Mr Branson : Ruxton told me that my top-coat was all right, and was, I think, at Miss Buckman’s. I believe Ruxton said that it was sent there to be lined. The coat produced is the one I ordered. I never went to Christchurch with Ruxton.

Nixon, re-called : I recognise the coat produced as one sent up to mo for making up. I did not complete it, oiying to the fire.

Samuel S. U'Laren : I am a clerk for Mr T. R. Hodder, who is agent for the Norwich Union Insurance Company. I do the clerkship in connection with the Insurance department. There has been an insurance of Ll5O effected on table linen, household furniture, «fcc. Wo fill up the insurance proposal, and the Christ church office forward the policies to the insured. It was originally effected on a property in a house in Wills street. There was no insurance on the stock in trade effected through us. The insurance was transferred to another house. By Mr Branson : I was shown some jewellery in the boxes. Also sheets, blan kets, and miscellaneous goods. I value the goods seen by me at more than Ll6O. Mr Ruxton wished to have the goods insured for L2OO. I de clined, because I considered it too much. Ruxton came to me. I did not go to Ruxton to ask for the insurance. I wont to Ruxton’s house and saw the goods. By Mr O’Reilly: I never said that in consequence of the smallness of the place I did not consider the goods of more than two-thirds more value than I had accepted. I do not identify all of the goods pro duced as the ones I insured. The house was a small house. I believe I saw all the boxes. The goods I saw were partly of the kind produced, such as handkerchiefs, but not the piece goods. Henry Dillon Hopkins : lam a draper’s assistant at Orr and Co.’s, Ashburton. I knew the premises in Peter street, lately burned down, and occupied by Mr Ruxton. I passed it on the night of the fire on my way home. I saw the stock in the shop about two days before the fire.

This was between six and seven o’clock. There was a little stock but not much. I noticed that the window w«s changed. It used to be dressed with goods. On this occasion there was more in the window. I noticed that the window panes were frosted over about two days before the fire. I noticed that the shelves in the shop were very bare of stock. I was at the scene of the fire rather late.

By Mr Branson: I should be surprised to hear that the window had been painted three months before. The nakedness and absence of goods made me look through the window to see what was in the shop. It was seven o’clock in the evening. There was a light in the shop. I was not sent there by anyone to look in the shop. I could not see into the shop without stepping on the ledge of the front of the shop. I held on by the centre sash of the window. I looked into the window, and held on to the window sash for two or three minutes. I saw a counter in Mr Buxton’s shop. I did not know whether there were any goods under the counter. Mr Branson said as a matter of fact there was no counter in the shop at all. Examination continued : I did not look through any other window in the house. ■ By Mr O’Reilly : 1 saw the partition in the shop, but did not see any stock on the walla. It might have been the boards of the partition. Eliza Jane Thompson, re-called : I have seen the picture amongst lot 12 in Mr Buxton’s front room the Monday before the fire. I missed seeing some goods on the shelves, consisting of ties, &c. Recognised some of the goods produced. They were not in the shop on the night of ~ the 20th.

By Mr Branson : They might have been elsewhere in the house.

Wm Sparrow, manager of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, Ashburton, deposed : I was at the fire at the time. Was not there afterwards. That was about ten o’clock. I have seen woollen goods after they have been exposed to fire. [The Police were about to ask a question regarding the appearance of burnt cloth, but counsel for the ac -.used objected, and the objection was allowed.! Mr Branson and Mr O’Reilly objected to the police not calling Mr Smith, Mr Gundry’s clerk, who made the valuation of the goods for insurance. Mr Branson stigmatised the conduct of the police as most unfair. He asserted that the police knew Mr Smith’s evidence would tell against their case. The Bench thought it would have been more satisfactory if Mr Smith had been examined, but they could not compel evi dence to be called for the prosecution. Mr Gundry recalled: We have a policy of Miss Buckman’s. . It was dated last February. My clerk, Mr Smith, made the valuation of her goods. She ap plied for an insurance on some goods in Buxton’s house. The Standard Com pany objected, on the ground of two in surances being proposed for goods in one building. She then removed the goods to a house in Aitken street, and the insurance was granted. It was, I think, in March that her goods were removed. I did not inspect the goods. Mr Smith did. Miss Buckman ob tained a conditional policy on the 12th February before the goods were removed, it was afterwards the Company objected, and then she took them away to Aitken street.

By Mr O’Reilly : I produce press copy of the proposal for Miss Buokman’s pro posal. The proposal was L 25 on jewel lerry ; wearing apparel, and linen in pri vate use only L 3 5; on stock-in-trade, LBS; on two sewing machines, LlO. The policy was dated 14th February, but not issued until the 17th May. This closed the case for the prosecution. [Left sitting.]

EPIDEMIC DISEASES

(by cable. ) Sydney, July 8. A fresh case of small-pox has been reported to the authorities to-day from Glebe, one of the suburbs adjoining the city in the south-west. Later. Another case of small-pox is reported this evening. The sufferer resides in the centre of the city, and is a young woman named Monaghan. Sydnkt, To-day. A fresh case of small-pox is reported this morning, making the third within the past twenty-four hours. The disease has again appeared in the heart of the city, in Sussex street. The sufferer is a girl eleven years of age. [by telegram.] Wellington, Yesterday. It having been represented to the Central Board of Health by the Local Board of Health of the Borough of Thames, that a formidable infectious epi demic disease exists within the said Borough, and that special precautions are required to prevent spread of such disease, a proclamation has been issued that it shall not be lawful for any person other than medical men or officers of the Load Board of Health, to enter into or visit any house, knowing the same to be occupied by any person suffering from such disease, or being in such house to leave it, or to remove any articles therefrom, without permission in writing from such Local Board.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1881.



o o E. Any person found Trespassing on my Freehold Property, known as the North Side of the Maiden Stream of the Rangi tata, will be prosecuted. ADAM JACKSON. $ O'TiOE OF REMOVAL. . JOHN BOOT AND HARVEY, SHOEMAKER, Begs to intimate to his numerous friends and customers that he has removed into his nefr Premises, next to the Panama House, TANCRED STREET, Where 'he hopes to merit a fair share of public patronage. Every; description of Boots and Shoes made to order on the shortest notice. Repairs neatly executed. 199 c John Mcech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., B U R’N B_T T STREET, site the Mail Office. Cheap AtrHouse in Town for New and j jSecondhand Furniture. All kinds of . Furniture repaired or ex- To GOOD .PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819 EW- : ANp LARGE DISCOUNTS. in the £ RETURNED toallOustomers purchasing Mens’ or Boys’ Clothing, Forthia Month only, at EVEfETT BROS., X/HaVXIOOK STHBBT, Two Shillings in the Pound returned to all customers-purchasing in Mercery, Dresses, Manchester, Millinery, and SAVE.: SA in the £ or 10 per cent, on purdfetes,) 4a in the £ora) per cent. .AvIUDIIi.;) V 822 a jEAHjOTV Copies of me New Scale of Fares and Charges on (he New Zealand Railways can now be procured at Office of this Paper.



Wanted. WANTED— 20,000 Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mato and Hunt. 201 c i WANTED the public to know that the Somerset Billiard Room will be opened This Evening. Lovers of the game will find an excellent table, Ac. R. Hicks, Lessee. ANTED KNOWN—That the Under signed is prepared to put and keep in ORDER GARDENS, by the day or year, at very low rates. Apply, J. Lino, Mayo’s Block 185 c WANTED immediately—CHlCOßY DIGGERS. Apply at Works, Moore street. E. B. Pbarcb. 180 c TTC7ANTED EVERBODY to know that y V HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a TTE7ANTBD KNOWN—That A. Farqu yy har has leased BUTLER’S BIL LIARD SALOON, and requests a visit. Pool every evening at 9 o’clock. 930 \TTANTED KNOWN—That Robert W Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 81c WANTED KNOWN.—Young Ladies’ Journal, Is 7d ; Bow Bells, Is 7d; Family Reader (Monthly}, Is 2d ; (Quarterly) do., 2s 2d ; Family Herald, Is ; London Journal, ls4d ; &c., &c. A large assortment of School Books and Stationery of every description. Hymn and Prayer Books, &c., &c. Subscribers wanted for every Newspaper and Periodical published. Books, Piece Music, &c., not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices. L. F. Andbewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Ahdrewes 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. Andbewes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. 102 c WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), New Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. TT7ANTED KNOWN—Every descrip. yy tion of Plain and Fancy Printing executed on the shortest notice, at the Guardian Office, nearly opposite the Rail way Station.



Special Advertisi The best value MONEY is MEN’S AND BOYS’ Manufactured THE NEW Z Clothing E Which can be purchased Branches all over N« A SINGLE GARMEI WHOLESALE ! THOUSANDS OF I CUSTOMS Testify that the New Ze Factory’s Garments are Value for Beady Money. Ashboston Be; EAST ST I WM. SP^ 75c *• A LL work and no j XI a dull boy,” com ing the truth of this adage Frederick OF EAST STI HAIR D R E Has just imported a NOVEL AND AMUS wherewith to while awa; hours of winter nights, requirements of both old include playing cards, “ s chess and draught men an gammon, dominoes, go-bi lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite i to prevent disappointmer selections from his large sto NOVELS at their earliest THE SMOKER’S FRI and to preserve the right has just imported the fo of TOBACCO Nail Rod Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., and CIGARETTES: Hava Vanity Fair Cigarettes, «! large selection of novel WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, a Saloon, Bu: Dr James M JJAVTNG taken the I nett street, at present c Cambridge, Chemist, will



Special Advertisements. RBEAVEN begs to inform the in , habitants of Ashburton and the surrounding district that he will COM MENCE BUSINESS on SATURDAY NEXT, as General Stationer, Bookseller, Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. The largest and best selection of Litera ture, Ac., erer offered for sale in the dis trict. The best goods, choice selection, and extremely moderate prices, being the proprietor’s moto, he hopes thereby to merit a fair share of public patronage. Note the time and address — SATURDAY, JULY iith. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Next the Guardian Office, East street. 206 c Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be required. (Anyone hiring an instrument and subsequently wishing to Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase of same. H. M. JONES, Stationbb aitd Booksbllbb, East street and Baring Square. 365 a



B ONE Bone Bust ON small quantities. £5 10s per ton. 195 c SALE, Prices, MAYO U S T, in large or £6 10s and & HUNT.



Hayes’ |J| IMB B R YA R D ,S. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. ALPHEUS HAYES. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, &c., to hand. 608 a



Holloway's Pills.—The sudden changes, frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system. Holloway’s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matters, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bowels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkably effective, especially when aided bv friction ol the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, _ and bene ficent progress, and sound health will toon be I re-established.—Advt,



Vert Voracious. —ln an uprcountry township in New South Wales, some per ambulating cows hare recently amused themselves by eating half a print dress, a pair of drawers, and neatly a whole clothes-line full of napkins and towels. The Breakwater. The heavy seas lately experienced, says the Timaru Her ald, having thoroughly tested the blocks placed in position at the end of the mole and established the certainty of their resting on a sound foundation, the upper tier is now being removed, with the ob ject of completing this part of the struc ture by the usual process. The first of: the series of top blocks or monoliths, will probably be laid next week.