SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Sat DEDAY, Herald, schooner, from Wellington. Anthons, brigantine, from West Coast. Beautiful Star, s.s , from Westport. Edwin Bassett, barque, from Newcastle. Aratapu, brigantine, from Kaipara. Fanny Thornton, ketch, from Hokianga. Yesterday. Grafton, s.s., fromTimaru and Oamaru. -island Lily, brigantine, from Kaipara. Sailed. Saturday. Penguin, as., for Wellington. schooner, for Tauranga and Auckland. Island City, barque, for Sydney. Examiner, barque, for Greymouth. Ispahan, ship, for Loudon. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS * Adelaide, Saturday. Arrived —Orient Company’s s.s. Potosi, from Plymouth.

COMMERCIAL.

The English Markets. ! following is Messli Miles Bros, and Co.’s colonial produce report, dated London, March 24th •' Wool—Oiir sale room has been well at tended’ 1 dating the past fortnight, and a brisket tone: has prevailed. The current prices for most wools are now about equal to opening rates,' the exception being superior fleece, washed, Australian parcels,' which are still rather low. Crossbreds of the better kinds have been selling well but, on the other hand, faulty - merino lambswpol is neglected. The present series of sales, will close to-morrow, and. up to the present time out of the 297,000 bales available at these sales, 233,166 bales tiave passed the hammer, of which abaut 19,300 bales have been bought in, and it is estimated lhat altogether the quantity to be carried over tb foe next series will amount to 35,000 bales. The fresh arrivals for May-June comprise New; Soiith. Wales and Queensland, 19,447 trite* * Vicldna, 46,100; South Australia, 28,552 ; Western Australia, 2,199 ; Tasmania, 3,973 5 New Zealand, 21,689; Cape, 25,824; total,’ 147,864ba1e5. ‘ Wheat and flour.—Stocksofwheat having run rather low, with a fair Continental demand, our markets'have become firmer, and some of foe recall arrivals of Californian wheat in . excellent condition have brought 2s to 2s 6d per qr. pver the prices ruling three weeks ago.. Supplies of white wheat on passage to the United Kingdom are,, however, Gbeiral, being estimated now at 2,193, 000 qrs., and it is, therefore, doubtful whether the ad vincc will be maintained. Australian wheat off'dost is haw worth 495, and on passage (February-March, b.f.1.), per 480 lbs c.f. andi. for-orders,’ ■ ’ There have been offers of New Zealand wheat.at 455, cf. and i., orders April- May shipment, but we have not Heard of any business having been done at that figure. There bkve beeribuf few transactions in New Zea hfod wheat bn' the spot, stocks being now very small. In oats, owing to considerable supplies which are shortly expected from Russia and Swiden, New Zealand has suffered a decline. Nevl Zealand barley is not in very brisk de mandjnst now. We quote ex granary—Aus tralian wheat, 50s to 51s; New Zealand long berried, 48s to 51s ; ordinary, 46s to 51s; and inferior,'42s to 455. all per 496 lb. Australian flour, superfine, 34s to 365; and New Zealand,: 30510 335 per 28olb; New Zealand oats, fine, 27s tp,3os, and ordinary, 21s to 26s per imperial qnaray.,, ? New Zealand barley—Malting, 30s per 448 lbs. New Zealand beans, 45s to 48s per 504 lbs. ! New Zealand oatmeal, 190 s to 210 s per ton. Tallow and ,Hides.—There has only been a moderate demand for Australian tallow, and ; prices, bavej slightly declined, the value to-day ofgobd to fine mutton being 35510365, and good to fine beef tallow 32s 6d to 33s 3d per cwt Imperial sorts are still in request, and command fuinmdritet rates ■ The present stock of Aus tralian tallow in first hands is now about 6,250 casks. -Hides continue dull of sale, but prices afre-unaltered.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mafia’clbseattbe Chief Post Office for tHe fallowing places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : > ' ' Tuesday, May 10, ■ ForOtago and Australian Colonies, per Ringaroonaa,„ at 1.40 p.m. ; late fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van 2.30 p.m. ; train. ‘ , Wednesday, May 11. ■ Tor the United Kingdom, via Brindisi apedallv addressed correspondence only), Continent of Europe, Point de QaUe, India, the East, China, Japan, Aden, Mauritius, Natal, Cape of Good Hope/ Suez,' the Mediterranean Ports, and Colonies, &c., per express train (td connect with s.s. Ringarooma at Bluff); as ..follows; —Ordinary letters, at 7 Ain. V books and newspapers at 6 a.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. on Tuesday 12th*; money orders at 4 p.m. on Tuesday Late lee letters may be posted in the travelling Post-office van attached to the''express train on Wednesday, May 11th. , For Northem Ports, per Taiaroa, at 1.40 pJm. j jlhte fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van, 2.30 p.m. train. The next mail'for the United King pdtn (via San Francisco) will leave on May 21.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. 1 . . To-moeeow, ~ : . . Tuesday, May 10. J. T. Ford , and Co., at the Tinwald .Yards—Sheep. Matson, Cox, .and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Sheep. i . . Thubsday, May 12. Dan Henderson and Co., on the premises, East street—The whole of the Property known as the Ashburton Hotel; 2 p.m. • •■! ’ Satoeday, May 14. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders 1 ; Buildings—Usual Weekly Sals; 12 o’clock. „ Satoeday, May 2L Me. : T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. ... . To-Night, UMT'ij Monday, May 9. Public Meeting, at Schoolroom, to form a Sparrow Club ; 7 p.m. To-moeeow, ~ ■ .. Tuesday, May 10. BoiTppgh Council—Special Meeting, at the Council Chambers, at 2 p. m. Wednesday, May 11. Local Industries Association—Meeting, tipper room. Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Monday, May IG. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. .Monday, May 30. Upper Asbburton Boad Board —Meeting to elect five new members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. ', Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton . Permanent Building and In vestment Society, < Monthly Meeting, tOjKSp p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, MAY 9, 1881. The Tararua Disaster

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.30 p.m. |

The question of real assistance is always one in which English men, and practically those who dwell in the various colonies under the British rule, have ever been con conspicuous for their liberality in devoting part of their means. They have always helped to alleviate the sufferings of the widows and the orphans, the famine stricken and the wounded, in those countries throughout the world when they have appealed for aid. We find there are some families who have been left in destitute circumstances through the terrible disaster, the wreck of the Tararua. We know that there must have been many on board the ill fated vessel who have left relations in great distress, and it is for these we think that an appeal to the kind hearted in Ashburton would be not out of place. The calamity is almost a national one, and therefore all parts of the colony should subscribe towards allevi ating the distress which must necessarily follow such a disaster. We would like to see His Worship the Mayor, as Chief Magistrate of the town, take a position, which the im portance of the district generally demands, and see if any steps can be taken here to raise a few pounds to help those who are left without the counsel, help, comfort, and support of father and husband. The sums raised for the Irish famine, the Indian Famine, and the Kaitangata disaster, show what can be done in Ashburton when an urgent appeal is made ; so let us take prompt action, and there need be no fear as to the result.

Borough Council. —A special meeting of this Council will be held to-morrow at 2 o’clock in the afternoon for the pur pose of considering the Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st MarcJi last.

A Hoax. — The wreck at Little Barrier proves to be a myth. A careful search , was mr.de by the steamer Blanch. Inebkiacy. This morning, Bernard O’Brien, who, on Saturday, was dis charged with a caution on a charge of drunkenness, and who was re-arrested that night for a similar offence, was fined LI when brought before the Mayor. Nothing Like Leather. —Mr John Moison intimates that he has opened one of the shops in Fowler’s buildings, where all orders for boots and shoes given to him will bo promptly attended to. Local Industries Association. —The monthly meeting of the Local Industries Association will take place on Wednesday evening next, at 8 p.m., in the Town Hall, when the sub-committee’s report and other matters will be laid before the meeting. Upper Ashburton Road Board. —An announcement elsewhere notifies a meet ing in connection with the above Board, for the election of five now members, in consequence of the severance of the Rangitata portion of the district, which is proclaimed a new road district. Fatal Accident. A child named Perreton, twelve months of age, lost its life on Saturday, at Oamaru, by falling into a bath. Its mother had left it for a few minutes, when the perambulator in which it was sitting, fell over and precipi tated it into the water. Football. —To-morrow a match be tween sides chosen by the captain and secretary will be played. Those intend ing to participate in the game are re quested to be in attendance py 3.30 p.m., punctual. No reply re match with South Canterbury has yet been received. On dit, that the Fire Brigade intend challeng ing the Club to a friendly contest.

Burglary.— Yesterday morning at about two o’clock Mr Davies, of Moore street, had his attention attracted by the noise of a man walking about in the premises next to his shop, belonging to Mr Compton, and now unoccupied, although formerly in the possession of Mr Neate, chemist. Considering the circum stances rather suspicions, he gave informa tion to Constable Daly, who was on night duty in the town, and on entering the building, a man named Andrew Rattray was found lying on the floor feigning sleep. He was immediately arrested, and on being brought before his Worship the Mayor to-day, he was remanded till Friday next.

The TakaruaCatastrophe.— The Times' correspondent telegraphed from Wynd ham "on Saturday :—“ Thirteen more bodies have been recovered, and four identified, namely : —John Scoone, Alex ander Rae, William White, Robert Shaw Russell Marsh. One is the body of a man about fifty years of ago, five feet high, stout build, light beard mixed with grey, heavy boots with heel and toe plates, dark coat, light colored trousers. He had a miner’s chamois bag. Ten bodies have been interred in Fortrose Cemetery. Numbers of bodies are now coming ashore. It has been- determined to bury them within an enclosure of an a ire of land near the scene of the disaster.”

Run Down. —A collision occurred in tne inner harbor, Napier, on Saturday. The steamer Sir Donald was coming into port with a cargo from the Ringarooma, when the Union Company’s launch Boogum loft the cattle wharf with out ward-bound passengers. Owing to the position of the wharf, those on board the Boogum did not see the Sir Donald coming down the channel, and when the steamers could see each other it was too late to avoid a collision. The Boogum struck the Sir Donald amidships, cutting a hole six feet long by a foot wide. The master of the Sir Donald at once ran his vessel oh the boulder bank, where it sank.

The Land League. —Numerous meei

ings continue to be held in the United States in support of the Irish Land League. Mrs Parnell, mother of Mr Parnell, was among the speakers at an assembly at Brooklyn on March 3rd. A movement has been set on foot at Phila delphia with a view to the formation of a Central Union of the Land League. Ac cording to the Irish World the Land League Organisation in America sent L 1,200 to Ireland in one week recently. The total receipts are over L 14.000, and it was expected that by St. Patrick’s Day they would reach L 20,000. There are now 919 branches of the League in America. The Daily Telegraph's corres pondent at New York says that the breach between the two factions of the League organisation grows wider every day ; and the prospect now is that the party will be divided into two camps, who will fight each other as bitterly as the old Fenians. A Chance for the Ladies. — Here is a novelty taken from the advertising columns of the New York Clipper, offering a rare chance to showy members of the barmaid persuasion—“ Adam Forepaugh, proprietor of the largest show in the world, desires to secure the services for thirty weeks, the coming spring and sum mer, of the handsomest woman living. To that end he offers a premium of L'2,000, payable in pro rata weekly instalments, to the lady contestant who shall be adjudged the most beautiful candidate. All appli cants must forward photographs and full address. All communications strictly confidential. The fortunate lady will be required to appear daily in a great pageant, and, as beauty and not talent is required, good looks alone will secure the prize. No personal applications or inter views will be granted. No letters an swered. No photographs returned. ” Bowled Out. —From a Scotch paper we clip the following extract: —A fond husband had left his spouse in England, and was to return by the train that broke down on the Tay Bridge. Nothing was heard of him after the accident ; his faith ful wife came up to view the bodies, but could find no signs of her lost one. Like a good woman she wept for him as lost, put on the conventional weeds, and became a lone widow, comporting herself decorously to all. Her husband was collecting accounts for a firm, and they too gave him and the accounts up for lost. One day, however, in a tramcar, sitting comfortably and happy, was he espied by one of the firm, and being traced home, he was unceremoniously disturbed in his new home with a new wife, whom he had married on the proceeds of the money he had embezzled. He now, after twelve months’ hard labor, returns to the world, but ho is in great doubt as to which of the wives he is in duty bound to select.

Watbkton Public Library. The annual general meeting of subscribers to the above Library was held in the Library Hall, on Friday evening last. Mr Davies occupied the chair. The Secretary read his annual report, which showed that, after paying all outstanding accounts, the Library would bo almost out of debt. The Chairman asked those present to elect a new committee for the ensuing year. A number of gentlemen Were then proposed, and on a ballot being taken, the following were duly elected, viz Messrs J. Davies, T. Taylor, P. Clothier, A. Dawson, W. Moses, Bryant, T. Norrish, R. Gilmour, Morgan. Mr Davies was re-elected chairman ;Mr Taylor, trea surer ; Mr Clothier, secretary ; and Mr Norrish, librarian. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring committee. —A meet ing of the new committee was afterwards held, when it was proposed to hold a series of entertainments during the winter months, in aid of the Library fund, the first of such to be held on May 24th, in the Library Hall. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Ashburton Library Committee, asking them if they would bo willing to exchange books. After the transaction of some other business, the meeting terminated.

Post-Sassional.— Mr George McLean, M.H.R., addressed his constituents at Waikouaiti on Saturday, and received a a vote of confidence. A summary of his speech appears in another column. Lost in the Tararua. —Mr Neil Gough, brother of Mr Gough, of Tinwald, who had been on a visit to see his mother and sister, before returning to America, was lost in the Tararua. The body has not yet been found, and his numerous friends are anxiously awaiting news of the finding of the body. Love and Learning.— Mr Richard Anthony Proctor, the eminent astronomer, who while here made an impression on more than one creature, is about to give the world a flat contradiction of the adage (Baconian, we believe), “ Love enters not the brain where learning dwells.” At Auckland Mr Proctor met Mrs Crowley, a charming widow, who, like himself, was a passenger by the American mail. Before the steamer reached Honolulu the pair had become engaged, and had arranged to get married at San Francisco. As Mr Proctor already has six children, and his fair charmer two, it cannot be denied that the happy couple begin life auspiciously.— Sydney Bulletin.

The Ministry and the Education Question. —The Hawke's Bay Herald says : —“ Mr Rolleston is the one staunch upholder of secular education in the Cabinet. He has a lieutenant, very luke warm, in Mr Oliver. On the other side are ranged Mr Hall, Mr Dick, Mr John ston, and Mayor Atkinson. Mr Whitaker would, no doubt, join the majority, caring very little which side got the victory. Wo have thus four confessed denominationalists in the Ministry, one staunch secularist, and two independents. More improbable things have happened than that a Ministry so constituted should appeal to the country on the religious education cry. If so, they will seek their own doom.” An Experience op a Sub-Enumerator. —One would at first think it as easy to get blood out of a stone as to extract a joke from such a dry subject as a census enumeration. Some of the Yictorian papers, however, seem to have achieved this ; the following being an extract from the Coloc Reformer : —“ One sub-enume rator has como to grief already. An irate matron asked him ‘ who he thought was going to bolher herself with filling up his papers with a pack of nonsense about ages and religions, and where you were born, and not a bit of work for her old man these three months V She opined ‘ that it would better become them to mind their own business and take off the taxes,’ and she went on at length till the sub-enumerator pointed out that the trouble of tilling up the paper would not fall upon her, but upon her husband, as the head of the family. The lady arose in her wrath, and denounced her husband, the census, and the enumerator too, and avowed that ‘ she should like to see her husband write it, to call himself head of the family, and bring home nothing for three months, and she to pay five shillings fine for him ;’ winding up the declaration that ‘ her husband had a head, so had a pin.’ The sub-enumerator, who Is but a slim and delicate person, albeit with a copious and sonorous utterance, would have gone long before, but that madam was between him and the gate. At this point he tried to appease her with a joke, hoping to escape under cover of a laugh, and reminded her that all pins had not heads, exemplifying rolling pins. This finished him, for the next minute he was seen flying over the gate, which he says he jumped ; but if so, why did his hat fly after him into the road two minutes late, and why did he leave one of his coat-tails behind him ?”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[per reuter’s agency.] Sporting. London, May 6. The race for the One Thousand Guinea Stakes was run to-day at New market, and won by Thebis, Thora second, Bal Gal third. Reform in Rusiia. St. Petersburg, May 6. It is currently rumored here that the Czar Alexander 111. has formed a com plete programme of reform to be insti tuted in the Government of Russia. The Boers Threaten. Natal, May 6. Intelligence to hand from the Trans vaal states that the relations between the Boers and Natives continue most unsatisfactory, and that the latter now threaten to rise against the Boers after the British troops are withdrawn. Appointments. London, May 7. It is officially announced that the Earl of Dufferin, at present British Ambassador at St. Petersburg, will suc ceed the Right Hon. George Goschen as Ambassador at Constantinople, after the Turko-Greek difficulty has received final settlements. The Right Hon. Sir Edward Thornton, at present British Minister for the United Stakes, will succeed Lord Dufferin at the Rus sian court. Leader of the Conservatives. The Marquis of Salisbury has as sumed leadership of the Conservative party in the House of Lords. Mr Gladstone Indisposed. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone is at present indisposed, but his illness is not of a nature to cause alarm. The Frenchman Speaks. Paris, May 7. Bartelemey St. Hiliare, Minister for Foreign Affairs, made a statement to-day regarding the intentions of the Govern ment towards Tunis. He announced that after the Tunis tribe of Kroumirs had been punished by the French troops the expedition would terminate, and diplomatic negotiations with the Bey would follow. A Crisis. Capetown, May 0. A political crisis has occurred here, and the Ministry of Mr J. Gordon Sprigg has resigned.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Funeral Sermons. Auckland, To-day. At all the churches funeral sermons were preached yesterday with reference to the Tararua disaster. Mr. McNicol, Presbyterian minister, who was a recent passenger by the Tararua, condemned the absence of precautions in lifebelts not being furnished, as on the Rotomahana. A Vacancy in Parliament. Greymouth, To-day. Mr Ed ward Masters has sent his resigna tion to the Speaker, from Melbourne, where he is now. His medical adviser says that to attend the coming session, in his pre sent state of health, would cost him his life. Sudden Death. Dunedin, To-day. James Shortel, the landlord of the Golden Eagle Hotel, whilst walking along St. Andrew street, burst a blood yesse and died instantaneously. ‘ ‘ ' I

A Good Investment. A private telegram received here states that D.O.D. won the Goodwood Stakes Handicap at Adelaide. There was only one investor on the totalisator on the course. He received LB3G. Sold at Auction. The wreck of the Tararua was purchased at auction by the Union Company for L2O.

THE RAILWAY ENGINE SHFD.

Messrs Nelson and Coutts, the con tractors for the additions and altera tions to the railway engine shed, have this morning received a telegram from the Government instructing them not to proceed further with the work until definite instructions are again for warded. It is to be hoped that this means that the Government intend to have the shed removed out of Baring square. If this is done, the wishes of the townspeople in Ashburton will be fully carried out, and through their views being pretty plainly expressed at the public meeting held here a short time back, the Government, have seen, no doubt, the necessity of removing the shed to a more suitable site. We wonder where that site will be ? It is already hinted that opposite the Bank of New Zealand is the chosen position, but we cannot vouch for the correctness or otherwise of the statement.

THE CAUSE OF THE TARARUA DISASTER.

By Rev. Mr Sidey. [by telegraph.] Napier, To-day. Alluding to the Tararua disaster in in a sermon yesterday, the Rev. Mr Sidey recognised it as a judgment from heaven, and he said by over-work the Union Steamship Co. had lowered the morals of their men. The Company also manifests supreme contempt for the bearing of divine law and the moral well-being of some of the communities with whom their trade brings them into contact in the treatment of the Sabbath. To this there has scarely been a matter of protest on the part of those com munities whom they affected. They have been left to pursue their own way regardless of any claim of heaven or earth. The almighty dollar has been the one grand consideration in all their arrangements.

UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD

The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday, the 25th, ult. Present —Messrs McLean (chair man), Stitt, Sargeant, and Poole. The Overseer’s monthly report was then read. Correspondence as follows was read : From Mr A. McColl, tendering his resignation as a member of the Board, owing to the formation of a new Road District between the Rangitata and river Hinds. From Mr J. C. Bell, in reference to the Valuation List for this district made by him. From the Colonial Secretary, re the separation ef the Rangitata portion of the district, requesting the Board to suggest polling places, and to name a returning officer for holding the first election for the Upper Ashburton District. —The Clerk was directed to reply, stating that Mr R. D. Pullar would act as re turning officer, and that the polling place would be the Road Board Office. From the Under-Secretary of Public Works, enclosing returns to be filled up. —The Clerk was directed to do so at his earliest possible convenience. From J. M. Twentyman, asking that certain works be done in picking off the stones, «tc., from the S.E. corner of section No. 32,632, thence towards the Rangitata traffic bridge.—The Clerk was directed to reply that, as a separation had taken place in the Board, it would come within the province of the new Board. From J. Wilkinson, asking to be in formed if his name was on the Rate Roll. —The Clerk to reply.

From the Clerk of the Assessment Court, stating that the sitting of the Assessment Court was fixed to take place on Monday, the 18th inst., at noon. From William Meharry, stating that he had made a mistake in the number of the section he had tendered for (the house and reserve late in the occupation of Charles Sheppard). Mr Hugh Brennan interviewed the Board relative to the above reserve, and offered Ll2 10s per year, which the Board accepted, one half year’s rent to be paid in advance.

Messrs Fooks and Son wrote re surveys intrusted to them.

Mr Hugo Friedlander wrote, applying for a grant in aid towards the expense of the late Industrial Exhibition.—The matter was left for consideration till after the election of the new Board.

Accounts were then passed, and the Board adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE SPARROW QUESTION.

To the Editor. Sir, —Please allow me a small space in your valuable paper to comment on our Waterton half-crown Sparrow Club. I certainly was defeated in my proposition at the meeting, but, at the same time, I am not ashamed for what I said to be published. I proposed that every farmer should pay a half-penny per acre over twenty-four acres, and a charge of two shillings for anything under, and the poisoned wheat to bo given free according to the size of the farm ; also a proportion to go to pay the boys for the eggs and young birds. I think it is fair that every fanner should give according to the size of his farm. For instance, has any man a right to pay for a thousand acres if he has only fifty ? Not likely. The Club has made a charge of two and sixpence, and members and non-members get poisoned wheat at cost price, and I have already heard a farmer say that if he could get wheat the same as the members they would get no half-crown out of him, and he will not be the only one. The way it is now, there will be plenty who will neither pay nor poison, and the expense and trouble will fall on a few, and others will get the benefit all the same. Hoping lam not taking up too much space, I am, &c., Jonh Barr. Springside Farm, Waterton.

MR. GEORGE McLEAN AT KOUAITI .

[by TEIiKGRAFIT. ] Waikouaiti, To-day. Mr George McLean addressed the electors here on Saturday evening last. In the course or his remarks the hon. gentleman said County Councils should have been endowed, as intended,' with power of taxation, and should have such powers gradually conferred on them. In stead of assisting the Counties and throw ing responsibilities on them, when they came into power the Government appeared determined to make them a failure. The

question of local Government must be taken up and dealt with, and whenever the time comes that the finances of the colony can be got into a reasonable state the responsibility of local Government must be thrown on the County Councils or Road Boards. He defended the Pro perty Tax, but did not see the necessity for an Income Tax, which would bring in nothing like the amount of the Property Tax. But if such a tax was wanted by all means impose it. New Zealand was slowly recovering, and her Customs revenue was gradually rising. That was a fair sign that the times were beginning to become good again. With a gradual increase in the Customs and other revenues the bad times were pretty sure next year to be tided over. The Government must be praised for the manner in which they took re trenchment in hand, and he was glad to

see they were determined to carry out the task regardless of consequences. He doubted at one time if he could pick six men out of the House who would risk their positions to bring about retrench ment, and get the country out of the difficulties. The Civil Service Commis sion was of great help to the Government in carrying out retrenchment. Ministers had well performed their duty. He could not say they had made no mistakes. After eulogising the native policy of the Ministry, the hon. gentleman continued: — It was said Major Atkinson’s district was getting the principal benefit of the Native expenditure. As an old colleague he would say no man had ever taken less advantage of his position in the Govern ment to get money for his district than Major Atkinson. Mr Bryce had his sym pathy, and if he (Mr M'Lean) had been in the Government he would not say that he would not have yielded to him. Mr Bryce’s retirement had not had a whole some effect on Te Whiti. He was opposed to the sale of the railways. In answer to questions the hon. gentle man said he never supported the immi gration of Chinamen, and would be very sorry to see the number of Chinamen in the colony augmented to any considerable extent, and would put a stop to their coming in that event. If the colony required the imposition of the tea and sugar duties he would vote for them. Reading the Bible in schools had his sym pathy, but at the same time he thought religious instruction at home was calcu lated to be the most beneficial to scholars. At the conclusion a vote of confidence was carried.

IN A MOMENT OF PERIL.

( Continued.) A faint tremulous wind presently overtook them. The sunshine died out as a deep black shadow stole over the plains. Flocks of birds flew past them silently. Wild dogs, prairie-hens, hares, and rabbits scudded along through the grass and tangled reeds. Scarcely daring to look back, they pressed on, their horses straining every nerve. Five miles were passed—six, seven. They were getting on well, but the fire behind was getting on better. Looking back, and seeing how fast it was gaining on them, Fred would have given worlds to have Nancie safe at home. They reached a belt of low trees, a conspicuous landmark in the prairie. Just eight miles more before them! Heavens, it seemed like a journey across the world! And the awful tugging at their hearts—the horrible dread ! Already a low sullen roar was heard behind them. The wind was increasing every moment; birds flew by with hoarse shrieks, and a horrible gloom was settling around them. On, on they went, not speaking a word except now and then to encourage the horses. Not that they needed it; they were galloping along like racehorses, every sinew and muscle strained to the utmost.

Great clouds of smoke were now overtaking them, circling and eddying above their heads. A pungent-smelling vapour came creeping along the ground, almost suffocating them with its fumes. The dull rushing roar of the fire increased every moment behind them, while the snapping of the cane brakes and the crackling of the dry gramma-grass were distinctly audible. Still they were getting on. Seven, six, five miles. The fire was gaining on them with awful rapidity, but the cliff was rising clear and distinct before them. Half an hour more and they would be safe. Suddenly, without a moment’s warning, Nancie’s horse stumbled in a bole, pitched heavily for wards, and fell on her knees. Fred threw himself off Hotspur in an instant, and, before Nancie could free her foot from the stirrup, was at her side.

* What is it ?’ cried Nancie. ‘ls she hurt ?’ And, though her voice was steady, she trembled violently. A glance was sufficient to show the injury.

1 One of her legs is broken,’ he re plied. ‘ You must ride behind me. Quick, Nancie, there is no time to loose!’ mounting Hotspur as he spoke, and holding out his hand to help her to mount. * Quick, your hand !’ ‘ Oh, Fred, I cannot leave her to be burnt to death I’ cried Nancie, bending over Miss Molly, who looked up at her mistress with agonised eyes, and uttered a low moan of intense painful suffering. Fred drew a pistol from his holster. ‘There is no other way,’ he said, quietly, as he fired. The chestnut’s pretty head fell prone on the rank grass, a shudder passed over her graceful limbs, and she lay dead before them.

With a sob Nancie turned silently from her favorite, and gave her hand to Fred. In another moment they were flying over the plain. Alas, with how small a chance now! The gallant horse, strive as He might, made but little way with his double burden. There was only a few miles more. Al ready the air was scorching. The smoke and vapor enveloped them in suffocating clouds, hiding the bluff from view, and choking them with their stifling breath. The roar of the fire sounded fear fully near, the moments flew fast, and the deadly sounds behind grew every moment more distinct. The wind had increased to a tempest, which blew the smoke in denser clouds over them. A lurid yellow glare tinged the heavy

-mSsaes, the heat of the furious was perceptibly felt. *ls there a chance ?’ whispered Nancie, looking fearfully behind as the

good horse strained onwards. ‘Yes, if we can hold out for ten minutes more,’ he answered.

‘ Heaven help us !’ she cried, closing her eyes as a furious blast of wind brought a breath of fierce heat against her cheek.

He drew her arm closely around him, taking one small hand in an. eager, covetous grasp.

‘ Pray for us, Nancie,’ be? whispered, quietly. . . _ Only two miles now. Teh... little minutes of time, and they would be safe. But Hotspur was failing.: iHe sprang forward now with cbhVuisive bounds, his gallant limbs trembled hi neath him; every breath wi? a short, 1 gaspingsob. ■ . , ; Another mile—-half a mile 1 . O Heaven, have, mercy! The scorching breath of the fire was upon them; they, were in a whirlwind of dense snffbfc^t- / ing smoke. The, horse stumbled at every step —he gasped and moaned like a human soul in extremity, . Covered; with foam and trembling convulsively, he struggled on. Little flames and, eddies of fire, heralds of the horrors behind, crept among the tangled grass.

Fred turned in the saddle and< tried* to draw Nancie’s head down on to his breast. She made no but, when he would have hidden her eyes from sight, she lifted them, clearly and, unflinchingly, to his. , , ; ‘ Don’t, Fred—l can face death with: open eye?,’ she, said; and, catching., hold of his hand, she pulled it gently away. As she did so a great shpwerof sparks, borne on' the fierce wind,-fell around and over them, : . :

‘ Oh, my darling, to think this should be the end!’ he cried, despairingly, knowing how very near it was now. ‘ No, no,’ she cried, ‘it is not the; end ! See ! we are close to the bluff! Oh, thank Heaven—thank' HfeayCri! ' and she pointed to inplii m which a rift in the sinoke r disptesed rising right before them not fifty yards, away. ‘On Hotspur—on, good horse —one more struggle-kki <jh ! ’“* she ,shouted r encouragingly. • T :r ns ’ ' Cheered by her voice and hand, the brave horse gathered all hi’s strength for one trernendous effort, and Bounded forward with frantic leaps. * But'it was } an expiring struggle. Ere ten yards i were passed, he fell to the ground, gasping and panting, his brave spirit overcome .at , lest. Fred , dragged Nancie away, andi seizing harid, began running towards the Muff, near now—so near. —and yet one look ; back she gave. The nrc: waS'clbse behind, a fearful sight . The fierce heat scorched .their■ .faces,’' sparks l of burnt grass, cane, and splinters of wood fell in showers about thera , stifling choking sthoke them, paralysing every nerve. On, on,' with frantic flying ? in ijront, death behind —and such 5 a death !. * Leave me Fred/ gasped Nancie, I faintly. ‘I can go ho farther. Tell them at home—my love —-kiss me once, Fred, and ’ She dropped to-the ! ground with a choking sob, : 1 ' * With a wild cry he caught bet up ill his arms and staggered on. They were close to the bluff now—a steps, and he gained the foot; of the ascent. Stumbling, struggling, panting, he pressed on, .Up >the face 0! the rock. The fire rushed after him, sending out long tongues of flame, as tf to grasp

its prey; it licked up the scanty herb age, and raged and roared in v fury. But altent more ykfdsi *s T * f 4

‘O, Heaven have mercy !’, Stag gering, dizzy, almost . frantic, he struggled step after step, step after.stpp. One more ! ‘ Oh, thank ' HeaVerf-r | thank Heaven—-safety at, last! ’ It was a terribly narrow escape. So close had been the fire, so deadly, the peril, that it seemed as ifonly k miracfe had saved them. Half ah hour after-* 11 wards, when they had sufficient strength to struggle onwards t 6 the Rdd Ranch,! they began to realise .to what am me-* tremity of danger; thtey ■oeln reduced. Their clothes looked like I ) tinder, and hung on them' in shreds and patches. Nancie’s face was deadly white, except for avivid red scar,down..u'» •ne side of her cheek and neck, where <>} a scorching flame • had caught 'it Fred’s right arm was completely diS i,r |, abled; his hands and face were a deep crimson in hue. The fire had sborchea j ; him terribly. As they crept slowly' i along, Fretf / looked wistfully into Nancie’s face. 1 * ‘ Did you mean it, Nancie?’ he asked, gently. ' ■ ■ ‘ Mean what ? ’ she said, her eyes dropping shyly before,his. . , ~, ‘What you said a whiUSago.. I Will I you kiss me, Nancie, my own dear,love ? ~ ‘Yes,’ she whispered, turning her sweet face to his.— Family Httrali. ‘

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, MAY 9, 1881.



TSf. ,'jti SPACEMAN'S Offices are ; Pftntpr)3ury, Chambera, Here ford .<Jhri^tchurolf,{. flext Wynn, Williams, 335 a joitth'jfii'l



Wanted. WJ AN TED—A -thiddle-aged HOUSE VV KEEPER,' 5 for a farm. Apply, Matson,. Cox, and Co. 734 a WANTED - A good general SER VANT. References required. Apply, “X,” Office of this Paper. 733 a WANTED —TENDERS by noon on TUESDAY next for FENCING, CLEARING, and PLOUGHING Mona square. Particulars at Borough En gineers’ Office. 73Ca ANTED KNOWN—That John Moison (late in the employ of Mr Nealas) has opened business in Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, where all descriptions of Boots and Shoes can be made to order. Having had large ex perience both at Home and in the colonies, J. M. feels confidence in soliciting a share of public support. 758 a WANTED KNOWN—Tint Thomas Taylor’s BAKER’S CART will RUN through the WINSLOW district every Tuesday and Friday. 731 a TT7ANTED EVERBODY to know that VV HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED —A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verb all 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 TO SELL PIANOS H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes: 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broad wood, £26 ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained bn deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a



"TIT 7"ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—-L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. WANTED KNOWN—Every descrip tion of Plain and Fancy Printing executed on the shortest notice, at the Guardian. Office, nearly opposite the Rail way Station. WANTED THE GUARDIAN tolls your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. fjl H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 359a* Branch Manager.



ii k LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, I OF EAST STREET, H AIRDRES SEE, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c,, &o. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO :—Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &0., &c. OIQ ARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &0., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. FLOODED OUT. F.C. was floooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do ? Sue the Council for damages 1 No! no! Sell the damaged goods at the best prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a



Special Advertisements -IVTOTICE FARMERS AND I J\ OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RA K AIA ( On and after this date our BUSINESS i in the above districts will be under the ' MANAGEMENT of Mr William Horne. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a OTICE OF REMOVAL. : Daniel Fitzpatrick, BOOTMAKER, Begs to return his sincere thanks to his friends, and to the general public, for their liberal support accorded to him since commencing business, and by paying every attention, and civility to his customers, he asks their continuance in future. Also that they may find him in future in East street, next Orr and Co. (late Trickett), with a well selected Stock of BOOTS and SHOES of every kind. Please note the Address^©" FAMILY BOOT & SHOE DEPO * East street (Next Orr and Co). 711 O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, TOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Mailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 627a* Hayes’ fjp IMBER YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a JJOUNT SOMERS STORE. W, H. PUDDICOMBE & CO, Take this opportunity of thanking their customers for the very liberal support accorded them since commencing business, and now beg to notify that they have been encouraged to largely increase their stock, which will enable residents in the Mount Somers and surrounding districts to obtain every requisite without having to make a long journey to Ashburton or Christchurch. Drapery, Grocery, and Ironmongery, of every description, at lowest rates. A cart goes round the district every week to receive and execute orders. W. H. PUDDICOMBE & CO., General Storekeepers, &c., Mount Somers. Agents for the Ashburton Guardian. 757 a j John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. Bio NCOURAGE LOCAL EN T ER PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barins* Square. 365 a WANTED KNOWN—That W. Fergie’s EXPRESS runs to and from Tinwald Twice Daily. Goods con veyed at most reasonable rates. Orders left at Jephson’s Store, Tinwald, or W. Patching’s, Ashburton, will be promptly attended to. 699 a



Holloway's Pills. —Health or Wealth.— No sane person would hesitate an instant in the choice between these two conditions. Now is the season to secure the former either by restoring or confirming it. These Pills ex pel all impurities from the system which fogs, foul vapours, and variable temperatures en gender during winter ; this medicine also acts most wholesomely upon the skin by disgorging the liver of its accumulated bile, and by ex citing the kidneys to more energetic a:tion ;it increases the appetite for fo«d and strengthens the digestive process. The stomach and liver, which most disorders originate, are fully under the control of these regenerative Pills, wh'a'r a,ct very .kindly ,yet most efficiently Oft the teriderest ‘



Fibe. —Mr George Bennett’s house, at Waiuku, with the outbuildings, stacks, agricultural implements, <fcc., has been burned. The estimated loss is L2OO, un insured. Meetings. Local industries associa tion. The MONTHLY MEETING of the , , above will be held on WEDNESDAY | EVENING, May 11th, at 8 p.m. , in the Town Hall. .' Business—. ■ i ' [ To receive Sub-Committee’s Report and ; i . other important matters. " | ‘<, S. E. POYNTZ, 698 a Hon. Sec. , UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD ? ■ BOARD; ? 1 ! i * i In consequence of the severance of the Rangitata portion of this district, this to bo proclaimed a NEW ROAD DISTRICT (under the same name), is ! MEETING will take place at the Road Board Office on MONDAY, the 80th ( inat., at 10 o’clock a.m., for the purpose of ELECTING five new MEMBERS; and that Mr R. D. Pullar has been appointed Returning Officer. , DONALD M'LBAN, 756 a Chairman. G Ecclesiastical. r? , ATHOLIO CHURCH. ASHBURTON: Ist Mass, 9 o’clock; 2nd Mass., llo’clpcfc, on the Ist, 2nd, and 3rd and 6th Sundays (when, one occurs), month. ‘ i. . ■- , < t ■ rAKAIAV ,* Mass, 11 o'clock,, 4th pf khe * 1 : 510 a m ° nth ‘ElMM[UND P. COFFEY. ,!{