SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived, Saturday. Awaroa, schooner, from Dunedin. Firth of Lome, barque, from Glasgow. Yesterday. Star of the South, s.s., from Oamaru. Otari, ship, from London. Sailed. Saturday. Aratapu, brigantine, for Auckland. Emerald, ketch, for Foxton. Saucy Labs, schooner, for Wellington. Wanaka, b.s. ', for Wellington. * SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. . Wellington, Saturday. AVrived-i'-Hariaodies. barque,from Ade laide ; Edwin Bassett, from New castle. Sailed—Kiwi, for Napier and the East Coast V, ..Samson, for Manukau, via way ports.' , . . , . 1 ' ■ ' Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived Rotorua, s. s., from Mel bourne ' ~ '

COMMERCIAL.

\ .Aehrurton Guardian Office, Monday Afternoon. Mr. Alfred Harrison reports for the week ending March 19th t —Business con tinues dull, but for the benefit and guide of customers Ijshallconfine myself to quoting Saturday’s" figures,, realised,at my yards and rooms—Entries of horses were numer ous and. afterq long hard fight (a very windy ope),l succeeded in disposing of a few of them > draughts found no buyers ; 5 hacks brought!rom L2 7s Cd to Ll 4 10s; 1 irjsfre diidlfoal, Ll2 5s • trap and harness, Lli? 17s 6d‘; 1 plough, 12s fid; and 1 do.; L 5 10s. Pigs—7 suckers 7s fid each, 10. at 10s fid, 5 at 20s, and 1 at 295. Geose, 7s T fid per pan ; ducks, 3s 2d, 3s 4d, 3s 7d, and 3s 9d ; fowls, 2s 4d to 2s 9d. Produce—Onions, Id to lid per lb.; potatoes, L 3 to L 5 per ton ; cheese, 4d to 5d ’ per lb ; apples, 5s fid per case. A quantity of furniture and effects were sold at fair prices. Chick wheat is being asked for, but veiy little is coming to hand. Attendance good, and the slightest im proyemeUt ia noticeable.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Monday, March 28. Mr. W. J. G, Bluett, at the Homestead, Elgin—Live and Dead Stock, &c.; 12 o’ofcpfc. . . . ' Friday, April 1. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their salerooms, A?hbijrton—Building Sites ; 1 p.m. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their rooms, ’Ashburton—Valuable Freehold Farm, in the Hindi district; 12 o’clock. ; MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. ’ To-night, Parade Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, with Band, at 12 noon sharp. Monday, March 21. County Council —Special Meeting, re re ception of the Governor ; 11 a.m. Service of Song:—“.Eva”—in the Presby terian Church, at 8 p.m. Borough Council, at Borough. Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Thursday, March 24. Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, Town Hall. .:: Tuesday, March 29. Ashburton Racing Club—General Meet ings Quill’s Hotel, 4 p.m. Thursday, March 31. Ashburton Libraiy—Annual Meeting of -Subscribers, in the Library, 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 6. County Council, at the County Council ■Chambers,, at 11 o’clock. . ■

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton fob Christ church, and intermediate stations at 6 -a. m , 10.30: a. m., and (Express) 5.48 .p.tn. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timaru Unit Sooth, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.60 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains ;~Aitsivß at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), '4.35p.in., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from TrsiAßtr AND South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1881.

TOWN EDITION., [lssued at 5 p. m. J

Borough Council. — A meeting of this body will be held in the Council Chambers this evening, at 7 o’clock.

Clean Charge Sheet.— There was no business for transaction at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning. Scholastic —There aro eleven candi dates up for examination for the Christ church Normal School junior scholarships. Still They Come. —Thirteen candidates presented themselves at the barristers’ and solicitors’ examination held at Christ church to-day.

Convalescent. —We are pleased to notice that Mr Craighead, tailor, has so far recovered from his recent indisposition as to resume business again. The Maori “Parliament.” This assemblage is now in solemn conclave at Orakei, but an Auckland telegram says that no interest is excited by the debates of the sons of the soil. Volunteer Parade,. — The Ashburton Rifles, with the band, will meet at the Town Hall on Thursday next, at twelve o’clock, to form a guard of honor to his Excellency the Governor, Sir A. Gordon.

Arrest. —An old offender named Job Brown was arrested this morning, on a charge of drunken and disorderly conduct, and with using obscene language. Ho will figure at the Resident Magistrate’s Court to-morrow morning.

Fire. —On Saturday night some stacks belonging to Mr James Shaw, near Bangiura, were destroyed by fire. They were valued at LICO, and wore uninsured. The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary.

The Great Autumn Handicap.— The handicap for this event will be de clared in Christchurch this evening. Lure up to the present has been regarded in tho light of a favorite, the knowing ones averring that she has been “ saved ” for this race.

The Weather, —The very dry weather that has been experienced throughout this County during the last two months is begining to be seriously felt by. our graziers. We hear that very little feed is now obtainable, consequently stock must suffer more or less. A good day’s rain would be a most welcome change.

The Industrial Exhibition. —Tho tide of exhibits for tho Exhibition is still on tho flow, and the Committee and inde fatigable Secretary are receiving an un deniable tost, both as to their patience and unflagging energies. A number of additional cases of exhibits came to hand to-day, and the work of unpacking is now in full swing.

Important to Farmers. —lt will bo seen from an advertisement in our issue to-day that Mr Back, railway traffic manager, announces that nearly all grain arriving at Lyttelton is being stored in the railway sheds, and farmers are advised, in order to save storage charges, not to for ward grain until further notice, unless consigned to a vessel in harbor.

“Eva.”—To-night the choir of the Presbyterian Church, under the leader ship of Mr Savage, will perform a service of song entitled “ Eva,” in that place of worship. The performance will commence at 8 o’clock, the chair being taken by the Rev. A. M. Beattie, and the connective readings accompanying the service being I’endered by Dr Stewart. As the per formers have had the piece in rehearsal for some time past, its success should be assured, and we have little doubt the at tendance will be large.

Accident. —A serious accident occurred at Waterton last evening, the victim being a little girl, three years of age, named Alice Munroe, the daughter of Mr Munro, a farmer residing in that district. The child was proceeding along the road lead ing from her father’s house, her intention being to meet her elder sister returning from Sunday School, when a gun was fired from behind the hedge lining the road, and some of the shot struck her in the eye. The little sufferer was brought into town this morning by her parents, and attended by Dr Stewart, who is unable to give any decided expression of opinion regarding the extent of the injuries in flicted. It is not at present known who fired the shot, but the matter is being in vestigated.

Award Cards for the Exhibition.— Speaking of the “Certificate of Merit” forms, which are to be used in connection with the forthcoming Industrial Exhibi tion, the Lyttelton Times says:—“The design, which was prepared in the litho graphic department of the Lyttelton Times establishment, is a highly creditable example of colonial productive skill, and the mechanical portion of the work dees full justice to the artistic excellence of the design. The colors used arc Vermillion, ultramarine, dead gold, black and white, upon a ground of pale salmon. The richly illuminated border includes four circular panels, within which are groups and views representing art, commerce, manufacture, and agriculture. The title is in bold, ornamental lettering, enriched by scroll tracery. For the second degree certificates, the same design has been used, but the rich coloring is dispensed with. It may fairly be said that those certificates have been rendered so tho roughly presentable, that recipients will preserve them with pleasure. It may be added that the certificates have been printed upon one of the more modern card surface, technically known as “dull enamelled.’ ’’

Football.—A meeting of those in terested in the formation of a football club was held on Saturday evening, in Quill’s Commercial Hotel. There were about twenty gentlemen present, and Mr McLaren was voted to the Chair. It was resolved—That a football club be formed. The subscription to bo five shillings. The opening day was fixed for the second Sat urday in April, and it was decided to play, if possible, near the cricket ground. The Rugby Union rules were adopted. The officers were then elected, the result being as follows :—Captain, Mr A. Fooks ; Secretary, Mr E. Mayo ; Treasurer, Mr St George ; committee, Messrs J. Fooks, McLaren, Branson, Brett, Hodder, and the office-bearers. Besides those present/ about fifteen other players have given their names as willing to join, so that the club will start with about thirty-five mem bers. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr Stevens spoke at. some length on foot ball. He said that being an old Austra lian player himself, ho took great interest in the game, and hoped those present would work well together and make a good club of it. Being in correspondence with one of the best Victorian clubs he was able to state that the Australian team having abandoned the idea of a trip to England, would most likely visit New Zealand, and if so, he had no doubt, if Ashburton had a fair club, they would play a match with the A.F.C. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the’ proceedings. •

Waiting. —ln a certain well-known restaurant a man in a white tie is called the waiter, and the man who really does all the waiting is called the guest.

A Dourle Suicide.—At Ponte Trcsa, an Italian Custom-house officer having failed to obtain the consent of the father of liis betrothed to their marriage, the engaged couple fastened themselves together, and plunged into the river.

New Journal in Melbourne. —Mr Mortimer Franklin, the editor of the Victorian Review, is about to bring out a new weekly paper iu Melbourne. The new venture ia to be of a cosmopolitan character, taking up the ground more of such periodicals as the Satunlay Review than of the weekly journals. Struck by Lightning,— At 3 p.m., on Thursday, the 3rd inst. (says the Inanga hua Times), a flash of lightning broke directly over Reefton, giving a bluish tinge to the atmosphere, which lasted for some seconds, causing great alarm to timid people. A largo .tree was struck by lightning at the same instant, and shattered to pieces. A plank was stripped off the tree as evenly as it could be done by a saw. The tree was fired by the lightning, and continued to burn through out the night.

The Cerberus Accident. Th e coroner’s jury returned a verdict that the deaths in the recent torpedo accident were caused by the explosion of the tor pedo, but there was no evidence shown as to how the explosion occurred. It was clearly proved that the electric circuit was not completed on board the Cerberus, and that the torpedo was not fired electrically. The explanation suggested by ‘Mr Ellery is that the torpedo contained dynamite. The evidence proved that Mr Groves had some about the time he was making the torpedo, and being composed partly of glycerine, and partly of dynamite, Mr Ellery thinks the escape of the former was the cause of tho accident. The Victorian Reform Bill. —ln the Legislative Assembly on Thursday last, Mr Murray Smith, leader of the Opposi tion, said that he recognised that tho Go vernment had determined to pass the Reform Bill- in toto, therefore he con sidered it would be waste of time dis cussing the details. As a test point Mr Smith moved the rejection of clause 3, which provides for the dissolution of the Council on expiry of the present Assembly. This motion being negatived, Mr Smith said it was clear that tho Go vernment intended to make the Bill acceptable to the Upper House, therefore he abandoned all the proposed amend ments. The Tussocks. A correspondent writes : —“lf I mistake not, a short time ago our civic legislators, in Council assembled, passed a resolution to compel owners of unoccupied sections, who had failed to comply with the by-law requiring the removal of tussocks and other inflam mable growth, to remove tho unsightly vegetation, and the question lias been asked whether any proceedings have yet been taken to carryout the Council’s wish. Those sections which have been cleared show how much the appearance of the township has been improved by clearing away the tussocks, but there are still a number of places where their existence is an eyesore to residents as well as visitors to the Borough. There are a number of “ unemployed ” hanging about the street-corners who, doubtless, would bo glad to assist in this desirable work, if the Council will only 7 bring necessary pressure to hear on the disobedient sec tion-holders.”

Drinking ax Rage Meetings. —Says a writer in the Oamaru, Mail :—“One hundred and thirty-five pounds for the privilege of selling drink upon tho race course during a tw r o days’ meeting ! What food for reflection is here presented ! What scope for the eloquence of our moralists ! What a fruitful field for the employment of acute arithmeticians ! I fancy 1 can see one of those figure-wise gentlemen arraying before an astonished multitude a calculation showing the enor mous number of ‘ refreshers ’ that the proud possessor of the privilege must sell in order to make a profit; for, mind you, in addition to the large sum paid for the

right of sale, ho must also pay for his stock, for fitting up) stalls, for cartage, for waiters, etc. Tell me, then, ye profound calculators, how many glasses of the 1 creature comforts,’ as they are euphe-

misticully, but cunningly, termed, musi the vendor sell in order to recoup himself

Then tell mo how many acres of land, how many teams of bullocks, how many horses and drays will have been swallowed by the bibulous. ” Printers’ Errors.—Our contemporary the Southland jSTe ujs has someone on his staff who devotes his spare time to detect ing errors in the London Time*. A short time back the Southerner detected an error in our august con temporalI}', 1 }', the “ Thunderer,” and now he has succeeded, he says, in “ spotting ” no loss than forty five mistakes in one column, varying in gravity from a “turned letter” to the most egregious mis-spelling. There must have been a screw loose somewhere (remarks our contemporary) on the occasion of that “ dirty proof ” escaping the Argus eyes of readers and sub-editors. Had the thing occurred to any other paper it would scarcely have called for notice, but in the case of the one that has so long claimed typographical infallibility, it is quite justi fiable. Hard-worked “all-round men” on the colonial press, who are sometimes twitted by lynx-eyed subscribers for a few misprints, may take heart of grace, and when again hauled over the coals point triumphantly to the Times issue of the 14th January, 1831, if not in justification, at least in proof that “ mistakes do occur in the best regulated ‘ typo ’ families.”

Silver Work for the Exhibition.— Mr A. Blytt, of Colombo street, Christ church, has completed several excellent specimens of the silversmith’s art, for ex hibition at Ashburton. These comprise a solid silver tea set of three pieces, viz., teapot, sugar basin, and cream jug, quite plain in design, but very massive. An epergne for fruit and flowers is very hand some. The glass centre rests on a large tree fern, worked in frosted silver, on the stem of which the leaves and tendrils of the grape-vine are depicted. On the base (which is also of frosted silver) is shown the figure of a Maori female, carrying a flax basket, and followed by a dog. These are executed in oxydised silver. In the back ground a flax bush in blossom is shown, in frosted silver, whilst embedded on either side of it are specimens—one of silver ore from the celebrated Rangitoto silver mine; the other of greenstone. The stand is of polished rimu. Next, a pair of burnished goblets arrest the atten tion. These also are on tree fern stems of frosted silver, on the bases of which are figures of a horse, plough, and sheaf of corn in frosted silver, oxydised silver, and gold respectively. A magnificent ink stand, silver mounted, with frosted silver top, representing an emu and a kangaroo respectively, is very elaborately finished. The bases represent two Australian blacks in combat, one of whom has partly fallen to the earth, and is shown presenting his shield to ward off the point of the other’s spear—a snake is gliding through the undergrowth, and a cabbage tree is very truthfully depicted. A pair of silver fruit stands are worthy of more than pass ing notice, the rims being very artistically wreathed with grape and vine leaves, the bases Fallowing Australian blacks and opossums. Six teaspoons, with foliated handles, representing part of a vine branch with fruit and leaves, are undeni- , able evidences of the craftsman’s skill, as indeed, are all and each of the articles manufactured. S .me napkin rings in gold and silver, are beautifully chased with different kinds of New Zealand fem leaves.— Press. <

The Telegraph Superseded. The telephone has been substituted for the telegraph between Kaitangata and Gatlin’s River,

“Pumped Out.” — A Sydney telegram states that it is clear from the play of the Australian Eleven in Sydney that they are quite pumped out and need rest.

The South Australian Harvest.— The Advertiser says that the present is the worst wheat harvest for ten years. The total yield is estimated at 9,000,000 bushels. Five millions arc available for export. Dead or Alive ?—lt was rumoured in Dunedin on Saturday, that intelligence had been received lhat Mr J. F. Jones, of the Grand Pacific Hotel, Dunedin, who was reported to have committed suicide at the Ocean Beach a month ago, has been seen in Melbourne. Attacked by an Octopus.— A diver named Inkster, working at Kingston Jetty, South Australia, recently was attacked by an enormous octopus, which dragged him twenty yards. With the assistance of another workman he managed to escape with difficulty.

Returning From the Races. —On Friday night as an hotel keeper named James Campbell was riding home from the Oamaru racecourse, he lost control over his horse and was thrown off. He fell on his head, causing a fracture of tho skull, and died on Saturday.

John’s Industry. —The Riverton cor respondent of tho Southland News says that it speaks well for the industry and perserverance of the Celestial race that at the Round Hill diggings, which Europeans have neglected as of no account from scarcity of water, the Chinamen are able to make from LI to LIO per week per man.

Lunatics All. —There is in Victoria a Mr G. W. Rusden, Clerk of the Legis lative Council, or something of that sort, who thinks that there is a good time com ing for lunatics. He predicts that some day the lunatics will be in tho majority, and will incarcerate tho sane. No doubt (a contemporary cynically remarks), Mr Rusden’s Parliamentary experiences have constrained him to this appalling forecast. Canine Anglers. —A correspondent in the Otago Daily Times asserts that two unregistered dogs are in the habit of fish ing in the Water of Leith. They drive the fish near the mouth of the Water of Leith, from the deep to tho shallow part of the stream, and then catch and make a luscious repast off the least active members of the finny tribe, which were probably trout “ not fully acclimatised.”

Defaulting Ratepayers. —At a meet ing of tho Southland County Council, re cently, a Mr Smith commented strongly upon the number of defaulting ratepayers in Awarua riding, mentioning several, all “ respectable gentlemen, some occupying high official positions.” Ho said it was shameful for the Council to allow poor men to be hauled into Court, and allow men who would bo insulted if they were considered other than “gentlemen” to escape or take their own convenience for paying.

Housewives Bfavare ! —lt may not be generally known that a person on opening a tin box of matches in warm weather, runs a risk of the contents exploding and in all probability burning tho holder. That such is tho case, however, is exem plified by the following, which wc repro duce from the Kapunda Herald : —“ A lady in Kapunda received her regular supply of goods from the grocer’s, in cluding, amongst other things, a large tin box of matches. Bearing in mind a recent accident, she thought she would open these herself, and instead of holding them in her hands, placed them on the drawers, and then opened the lid gently. It was fortunate she had so placed it, for the moment the atmospheric air entered tne open lid an explosion took place, and the flame rose to the height of about a foot. The burning matches went on to the drawers and carpet, and but for the lady’s prompt action in throwing the con tents of tho washstand jug over them the place would have taken fire. This should act as a caution to persons opening match boxes during the present hot weather. Had the lady held the box in her hands whilst opening, the flames would probably have blinded her, and at least she would have been severely burned.”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Renter's Agency.) A New French Loan. Paris, March 19,

It is announced that a new French loan of one milliard francs (forty million pounds sterling) will shortly be raised, The minimum price will be thirty francs in gold. In a public cir cular announcing the issue of the loan, , the Minister of Finance refers to the foreign relations of France. These, he 1 states, continue to be of a friendly : character, the pacific policy of the Go vernment on external affairs having been fully developed. Referring to the intentions of the Government in regard to the loan, lie announces that the same will be solely devoted to the full development of the internal resourses of France. Bullion for America- London, March 18. There has been large withdrawals of gold from the Rank of England for North America. Commercial. Consols have advanced to Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 50s. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,190,000 quarters. New Zealand wheat, ex ship, 365; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 345; Australian tallow, best beef, 33s ; best mutton, 365. Four and a half per cent. New Zealand 1879-1904 Loan, Best Scotch pig iron, No. r, f.o.b. in Clyde, 495. The Wool Sales. At the wool sale to-day 8,500 bales were offered. The tone of the market was firm. Naval Cadet Examination- March 19. The authorities at the Admiralty have decided to revive the limited com petitive examinations for naval cadets. Four positions will be reserved for candidates from the colonies. Abstaining from Obstruction. In the House of Commons the con sideration of supply is receiving rapid progress. The Irish members are abstaining from obstruction. The Turko-Greek Difficulty. Constantinople, March 18. It has transpired that the Ambassa dors of the Great Powers have now made proposals to Turkey and Greece that the latter should accept the Porte’s offer of October last, to cede districts of Thessaly and Epirus to the South of Janiora, and Larissa, but the Powers furthermore suggest that the Island of Crete should also at the same time be surrendered to Greece. The Armistice Prolonged. Capetown, March 18. ' Intelligence has been received from Natal that the armistice between the

Boers and the British in the Transvaal has been prolonged to Monday, the 21 st March.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Pc v Renter's Agency.) Cricket. Melbourne, March 16. The cricket match between the Aus tralian Eleven and Fifteen of Victoria was resumed to-day. The Fifteen were all disposed of in their second innings for 296 runs, M'Shane contributing 65 and Kelly and Alfen 41 each. The Australians reuqire to make 248 runs in their second innings to win the match. Exhibition Awards. Melbourne, To-day. The following further Exhibition awards are announced :—First order of merit —A. and T. Burt, of Dunedin, for gasaliers; Captain Henry Bush, Thames, for kauri gum ; Mrs C. C. Armstrong, for collection of Victorian wild flowers and New Zealand ferns, in natural colors. Third order of merit —Birmingham and Co., Dunedin, for cooking and heating range. Fourth order of merit Thomas Atkinson, Christchurch, for cooking range. Out of the Hurley-Burley. Obituary—Mr J. Story, member for North Melbourne in the Legislative Assembly.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) American 1.0.0. F. Wellington, To-day. A number of officers and representatives of the Grand Lodge of A.1.0.0.F. of New Zealand arrived here yesterday to attend the annual session, which opens this morning. Their arrival was made the occasion for a special reception service at the Masonic Hall last night, when an address of welcome was presented to Grand Master Wheeler and the representatives of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge session opened this morning, the following lodges bein repre sented :—Pride of Newton, Auckland ; Pioneer and Leith, Dunedin; Alfred, Oamaru ; Star of Canterbury, Timaru ; Mount Ida, Naseby ; Unity, South Dune din ; Ravensbourne, Ravensbourne ; Southern Cross, Wellington ; Avon, and Addington, Christchurch; Pioneer, South land ; Invercargill, Invercargill. Reports from the Grand Master, Secretary, and Treasurer, were read and submitted to a sub-committee for consideration. Post-Sessional. Nelson, To-day. Mr. Hursthouse, M. H.R., addressed his constituents at Waimea West on Saturday night. He expressed an opinion that there would be fresh taxation im posed next session except the exemption under the property tax be reduced. He received a vote of thanks. A Vigilant Detective. Timaru, To-day. At the Police Court this morning Wm. Gardner, who was a cook at Hamilton’s Boardinghouse in the year 1877, was charged with the robbery of property to value of L 4. The accused returned to Timaru on Saturday last, and was im mediately recognised by detective Kirby. He was remanded till Wednesday next. The accused denies the charge. The Volunteers. Dunedin, To-day. The officers and volunteers of this dis trict have decided not to take part in the Queenstown meeting, but will camp out at North Otago, if the Government will supply tents. In Bankrupty. In the Supreme Court to-day, Judge Gillies astonished counsel by refusing to grant discharges in cases where there were no assets, unless the application was sup ported by a resolution of the creditors. It has been the custom here to grant a dis charge, as a matter of course, where there was no opposition.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF A JOURNALIST.

[By Telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. Henry Anderson, the well-known journalist, threw himself off the wharf this morning. He was rescued with difficulty, in an exhausted state, and taken to the hospital. Ho has been depressed in spirits for some time.

The Astronomy of 1881.

Our readers may bo interested by the following paragraph from the Neva York Sun on the astronomical events of 1831 : -—“ The sky will not present such a biil liant pageant again this century as it does during the present year. Among the phenomena are a remarkable series of conjunctions, and doable and triple con junctions. The most interesting of these is the [great twenty-year conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in April. As this conjunction occurs in the sign Taurus, which astrologers say rules Turkey and Ireland, they feel safe, on account of occurrences, in predicting very momen tuous effects in those countries from the conjunction. There will'also be conjunc tions of Jupiter and Mars, Venus and Jupiter, Saturn and Venus, and the far away giants TTnanus and Neptune will play a part in this remarkable planetary levee. Venus will reach her greatest brightness, and her delicate crescent should be a favorite object in the amateur astronomer’s telescope. Saturn opens wider its wonderful rings, and Jupiter is remarkably brilliant. Mars will begin to brighten in the latter part of the year, and then his snowy poles and shallowy continents will again become the admiration of those who gaze through telescopes. In short, there will be no end of attractions in the starry heavens, and all the prognostications of sooth sayers will not be able to darken the sky of 1881.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

EARLY SPORTSMEN (?).

To the Editor. Sir, —A great deal of argument is taking place in regard to the opening of the duck season. Now, although lam a candidale for the open season, I like to see fair play. By that I mean that it is not right for a few eager sportsmen (excuse the name), to shoot over the Ash burton river bed, as I heai-d some doing last Sunday, thus getting “ pot ” shots at the young ducks. Hoping you will grant space in your valuable paper for this, I am, &c., Duckling.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per s. s. Rotomahana, at the Bluff], London, March 8. The Government were ignorant of the proposal to grant an armistice to the Boers in the Transvaal, but they ap prove of Sir Evelyn Wood’s conduct in the matter. March 1 o. . It is rumored that Mr, Gladstone is

about to resign office as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and that he will be succeeded by Mr Childers, while the Marquis of Hartington will succeed Mr Childers as Secretary for War. Mr Gladstone will continue to hold office as First Lord of the Treasury, Mr Lowell, the United States Minister in London, has demanded the release of Boyton, arrested under the Coercion Act, on the ground that he is an American citizen, and claims the protection of the United States Govern ment.

The members of the Irish Land League, who have been arrested under the Coercion Act, are well satisfied with the treatment they receive in gaol. Boyton has asked Mr Lowell, the the United States Minister in London, to request the American Government to interfere legally for the protection of the Irish. March 14. Sir Stafford Northcote, leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, has issued a manifesto which declares that Mr Gladstone’s proposal to apply cloture in Committee of Supply, is sub versive to the liberty of the House of Commons. It is probable that this question will bring about a collision between the Government and the Oppo sition.

The non-arrest of the leading mem bers of the Irish Land League is much criticised.

A Conservative candidate has been elected to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the representation of Coventry in the House of Commons. Hitherto Coventry has returned two Liberals.

Mr Grant Duff, speaking at Oxford, said that the Liberals were in no way to blame lor the disasters that had occurred to the British arms. He as serted that Lord Carnarvon, in conse quence of his action when Secretary for the Colonies, was the real cause of the Transvaal difficulty. In the case of Clark v. Bradlaugh, an action brought against the member for Northampton for illegally taking his seat in the House of Commons, judg ment has been given for the plaintiff on the main question. Since the decision Mr. Bradlaugh has absented himself from the House. Mr Gorst has given notice of his intention to move that a new writ be issued for Northampton.. Mr Bradlaugh offers to resign his seat and seek re-election.

Lord Granville, Foreign Secretary, has denied in the House of Lords that Great Britain is seeking to prolong the armistice with the Boers in the Trans vaal.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Special Meeting. A special meeting of this Council was held at the chambers, Baring square. Present Messrs W. C. Walker (Chairman), E. G. Wright, T. Bullock, D. Cameron, J. Jackson, and E. S. Coster. The Chairman stated that this meeting was held for the purpose of considering what steps the Council should take in reference to the reception of *his Excel lency the Governor. A draft of an address had been prepared for the con sideration of the members present. Mr Grigg had written ah apology, stating that he was unable to attend the meeting to day. . SIR ARTHUR GORDON'S RECEPTION. Mr Bullock moved, and Mr Jackson seconded—“ That a committee be ap pointed of the following, for the purpose of arranging the details in connection with the Governor’s reception, viz. :—The Chairman and Messrs Wright and Coster Carried. NOTICE OF MOTION. The Chairman gave notice to move at the next ordinary meeting—“ That the sum of L be devoted by the Council towards the expenses incurred in conjunc tion with the Ashburton Industrial Ex hibitibn.” PLAINS WATER SUPPLY. Mr Wright reported that already the value of property adjacent to the course of the water-race had risen considerably. A valuator had already valued theland in its vicinity at an increase of LI per acre. Mr Winter, of Messrs Winter and Roberts, interviewed the Council as to a proposed branch of the water supply leading to his property. After some dis cussion it was de;ided that the existing arrangements in connection with this matter shall stand good until the next ordinary meeting of the Council.

PETITION,

His Worship the Mayor interviewed the Council, and presented a memorial which had been prepared for the purpose of praying the railway authorities _to remove the engine shed out of Baring Square before taking steps towards en larging it. Mr Bullock said that in 1879, the rail way authorities had promised to remove the present shed, to somewhere near the Domain. It was asked because the shed was built in the centre of the town, and was not a permanent building. A public meeting was held in the Town Hall, when resolutions wore passed, asking the Government to remove the building, but at that time the Government were short of funds. The Assistant-Engineer had pointed out to him (Mr Bullock) that the present shed was greatly in the way, and interfered very much with the traffic at the station. He would ask the Council to pass a resolution approving of the me morial now before them. Mr Bullock then moved, and Mr D. Cameron seconded—“ That the Council approve of the removal of the engine shed, as sug gested by the petitioners. ” —Carried. Mr Bullock asked that a copy of the resolution bo sent to the railway authori ties, and ho would also like to mention the fact that it was necessary to improve the present station accomodation. Mr Wright reminded Mr Bullock that very strong representations had been made to the Government at (he last sitting of the Assembly, and a promise was made that the Ashburton Station should be en larged as soon as possible. The memorial, as presented by his Worship the Mayor, was handed round for signatures, after which he thanked the Council and withdrew.

The special meeting then adjourned. Committee Meeting. The Water Supply Committee held a committee meeting directly afterwards.

THE HAUNTD HOUSE.

CH\PTER ll.—(Continued.) Andrew was naturally shrewd. As I spoke there came into his face a new look of keenness. He smiled. * There has been queer things done,’ he observed, with a cautious impartiality. ‘ You have been here some weeks,’ I said, ‘ have you heard anything during that time about this house; about the’' people who own it? lam told they lifred here once.’

Thus stimulated, Andrew t(M“tnef tK ' * that the house and grounds had originally belonged to Lord B——, father of the present .lord, whose park was commanded by our front windows. . On the marriage of a favorite sister with/ Mr Roupel, a man somewhat beneath her in position, he gave her the house. ' Here the married pair lived, in much unhappiness, it was said ; and here their only child, a daughter, was born. After running through his wife’s .money; the husband died. When left alone, the widow, and her now grown-up daughter, determined to let their house T and live abroad. The rent of their furnished house, with its excellent gar-, ■ > den, would bring them an income suf ficint to enable them to live quietly in some foreign town. But while this ' ! project was being discussed, the widow died suddenly and mysteriously. An inquest was held over her; for strange suspicions were circulated abroad. The • verdict was that she had died of the family complaint, heart disease. - But there were those who still spoke mys teriously about the circumstances of the death, and declared that the poor lady had met with foul play. ■, a Now, this was the germ of the ghost 7 story; for it was said far and near that Mrs. Roupel, if she had really been ' murdered —and murdered by her own child, as some dared to whisper—would never rest in her grave. And when singular appearances came and went, and strange sounds were heard in the house, now empty save for an ancient ' housekeeper, the suspicion scarcely spoken of at first above the breath, so dark it was and monstrous, was by-and- T by openly discussed. ; i On this part of the story old Andrew was very ready to dilate. He warmed to the theme indeed, and would wil lingly have given me, had I desired it, a full and particular account of the various people who from time to time had been driven from the premises. But I, holding still to my point, that trickery had to do with it, restrained his flow of ! language, and endeavored by close questioning to find out what he knew about the daughter of Mrs Roupel, who, if his story were true, was the present owner of the haunted house. : ■ I elicited the following facts: Miss Roupel was xg years of age about the , time of her mother’s death. She .was i then a young lady of high spirit and cheerful temper; she was accomplished, i witty, and unusually attractive in ap pearance. Thus, in spite of the draw backs entailed by poverty, and a sad, melancholy mother, the young lady was not without suitors. The suit of one oL: these was, according to her mother and ■ herself—they remembered their ante cedents and were proud—little short of an impertinence ; for the;man was neither more nor less than Lord B ——'s house-steward. The old house- • keeper, to whom, before he bestowed the house upon his sister, the old lord had apportioned two rooms, was Mrs Weevil, the steward’s mother.

It was natural that Miss Roupel, niece of his former employer, should reject his suit with disdain. It was, perhaps, that the rejection, embittered, by contempt, should sink deeper mid the steward’s soul. The fact : was that from the day when he was forbidden the house where his mother lived thie young man changed. People spoke of his black looks, of his way, of his cruel cynical speeches, and dieted a bad end for him. - -, r Meanwhile, Miss Roupel, now left alone by her mother’s death, married Mr. Egerton, a man, from a monetary point of view, scarcely more eligible than the steward. He was a lieutenant in the navy, but as he had nothing in the world but his pay, they carried on Mrs Roupel’s plan of letting the house furnished, believing it would, bring c them a sufficient income to enable the young wife to live in comfort while ’ her husband was away from her. But,' as Andrew remarked, if this washer,j belief she must have been * often sore pinched,’ for the house could have : brought in’very little. I thanked him for his story. * Now,’ I said, you must do something moire : for me. Go to the village at Once.- Find the carpenter and blacksmith. Tell them I want them on important business. There must be no delay. I will pay them well for their work. : Do you understand ? ’ For the olcFman was staring at me as if he thought I had taken leave of my senses. ‘ I understan’,’ he said slowly. ‘ But what will you be wanting with them, ma’am ? ’

‘ You will know' all in good time. " They must bring their tools. Now, go, Andrew —go quickly. And mind, Andrew,’ I added, say nothing to any one of your errand; and bring the joiner and blacksmith in by the back entrance, for I do not want them to be seen coming here to-day by everybody.’ Notwithstanding these bold words, I ; must confess that when Andrew started on his message, and I was left alone— for the ayah had gone to the village- i I felt a little uneasy. I did not believe * m spiritual presences, but I in wickedness driven to desperation. . I was bidding defiance to a foe of whose resources I was utterly ignorant. . What if my defiance should be taken up? Mentally, I felt strong enough; i physically, I was conscious of being weak; but I set about ihe performance of my household duties, which occu pied my time fully till the return of Andrew. '

I took him, as also the joiner fcpd blacksmith, into the parlor and told, them my experience of the previous - £ evening. Andrew exhibited symptoms of alarm ; but I found the joiner a sensible man , and inclined, after what - I told him, to take a similar viewwith’ ; * myself of the situation, namely, that we ' were being made the subjects bfstpme , diabolical trickery, in order to, drive us', / out of the house. He asked; about, Mrs Weevil, and if I had ever been In her rooms. I said I had- Sot; QHe

proposed at once ? to visit’ them,, the door of her apartment wis, 1

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1881.



(Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, , "AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Twist,and Yanity Fair -'-Tobacco • A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Yiolins, Mouth Organs, andTqya of every description, direct from Home. Heiroutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. .:;y . . 527a* B E S T VALUE - FOR ■ ' \ READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S -AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing, Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now; established all over New Zealand. The G a T*nents>are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style; are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings arc of superior quality and strength.; The Tweeds, are of the very best de scription. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. . • : The tall, short, lean, and stout, can he equally well fitted. Thfe;Goods.are all marked in plain figures^! The-system .of business is to exchange everysarticle that does not give satisfac tion. Anck'hx addition to. all these advantages, you canipurcbasc A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE ‘‘"WHOLESALE PRICE, Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarves,' Bags,’ Portmanteaux, Rugs, and Blankets, at Wholesale Prices. . . Thousands.of the discerning customers tha, New . Zealand Clothing Factory’s .Garments are the Yerv Beat Yaluetforßeady Money. rAshburton Branch : - ■ig AS T. :; S : TR E ET. S6&&J s.qiri.i: h:iP i-.r - ■ Manager. ~ fe,ohArnff, - ■a jr.&N M e N't a l mas on, ITl—"M— month, and-- Bar badpea .street .(near the Cemetery).. A large.'BtofcJc bf SteneS,; Tombs and iife'Ays qhhaCndj ’ ’Designs for waTOOcir on application/ 1 > 823 a



Wanted. WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ASHING.—WANTED, Washing or Charring Work. Apply, Mrs A. H. Jones, North-east Belt. 394 a ANTED BOARD and RBSI DENCE, near the Post-office. Apply, by letter, to “X,” Office of this Paper. 383 a WANTED KNOWN—That ALL EX HIBITS MUST be at the Build ing before the evening of TUESDAY, the 22nd. Particular attention to this will oblige the Committee. 390 a WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Hoad. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 u NCLE TOM—“ What’s little missy's name?” EVA, 354 a ANTED KNOWN That the W undersigned is now landing 100,000 feet Best Union KAURI, ex Aratapu,from Kaipara. Joshua Tucker, next Jameson and Roberts, Ashburton. 302 a WANTED KNOWN,—That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are Open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a XTTANTED TO SELL PIANOS. W H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bovd, £25; Broadwood, £26; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can Oe obtained on deferred pay ments. Address: Cameron street west. 86a I~AYA —At the Presbyterian Church, on U MONDAY NIGHT, 21st March, 8 o’clock, Rev A. M. Beattie in the chair ; Connective Readings by Dr Stewart. 350 a WANTED KNOWN —The Largest and Best Stock of is to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Timvald. Good strong Cart Collars from 135.; Cart Winkers, Bs. 6d.; Plough Back-bands, 6s. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. ‘TXT'ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.— L. F. Andrewes begs tb inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Ser-ants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a SERVICE OF SONG by the Presby terian Church Choir, on MONDAY NIGHT, 8 o’clock. Tickets everywhere. Is each. 356 a WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE bogs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 ON’T FORGET—" EVA,” a Service of Song, taken from “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Most entertaining and instruc tive. 357 a WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various stylos, at the “Guardian” office, opposite the Railway Station.



Special Advertisements. JNDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. The Judges are requested to MEET at the Exhibition Building, at NOON on WEDNESDAY, the 23rd inst., to enter on their respective duties. S. E. POYNTZ, Hon. Sec. O TICE. Miss Yerrall Wishes to inform the ladies of Ashbur ton and the surrounding districts that she will bo at ASHBURTON the THREE DAYS of the EXHIBITION to take orders and measures for Ladies requiring Stays, Corsets, Belts, and Shoulder Straps, &c. A case of these several articles will be at the Exhibition, of Miss Verrall’s own make. For any information required apply to Mr. Thiele, Baker and Confec tioner, where Miss Yerrall will be in at tendance. COLOMBO STREET (Oposite Cookham House), Christchurch. March 10, 1881. 324 a rp Craighead & Co., AILORS AND CLOTHIERS. In thanking our .friends and patrons for the liberal support which they have ac corded to us in the past, we have much pleasure in announcing that Mr Craig head, having now completely recovered, will be found at his post of duty as usual, In TANCRED STREET. Wo have rdso to intimate that we have just received a VERY SELECT ASSORTMENT OF WINTER TWEEDS, FANCY COATINGS, &c., For this approaching season ; and, as these comprise only the VERY BEST MATERIALS in the MARKET, they need no other recommendation. {A FEW SAMPLES WILL"! BE SHOWN AT THE I FORTHCOMING HIBITION. ) PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. PRICES MODERATE, AS USUAL. CRAIGHEAD AND CO., Tancred street (Next Orr and Co.’s). Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards. 1,000, 7s 6d 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. H. M. JONES, ■ 5 Stationer and Bookseller, Eist Street - and Baring Square. 365 a



SpeciaLAd^ertiaements. ■jyj-R W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a



Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— I A Cure for Abscesses, Piles, Fistula, and Sores I The many satisfactory cures resulting from the use of this invaluable Ointment in cases where patients have been suffering from these complaints, have induced many medical practi tioners to introduce them into the hospitals and their private practice; and in many instances where the sufferer was considered incurable, Holloway’s Ointment, in conjunction with his Pills, healed the most desperate wounds. These medicaments are unequalled for the cure of scrofula and diseases of the skin. In all cutaneous affections incidental to children, from the simple red gum to the complicated scorbutic disease, Holloway’s Ointment exer cises a remarkably beneficial influence, cooling nflamation, relieving irritation, and giving eass *o the impatient little sufferer. J