SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. , Yesterday. Min-y-don, ship, from Newcastle. Mary King, brigantine, from Kaipara. To-day. Penguin, s. a., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Awarua, ketch, for Invercargill. Wigtonshire, barque, for London. FaJc&tt; ketch, for Pelorus' Sound. To-day. Oreti, a. a.*, for Akaroa, and the South. SHAPING TELEGRAMS- Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Julia Price, from Norfolk Is land. Sailed —Hero, for Greymouth. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Wakatipu, from Sydney, at 3 this afternoon. •. Sophia R. Lhurs, barque from Newcastle, Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Rotomahana, from the Bluff; Star of the South, from Greymouth, via the Bluff. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed —Rotorua, s.s., for the Bluff.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows: For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a. m., and 5 p.m., daily. Pot Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a,m. daily. Fofe_*Temuka, -at;C a.ni. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 420 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 430 p.m. daily. ForfWakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, £h|l Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mounts Somers, and. Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, dn Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, March 19. Mr. T. :Bullc«cb, at his Rooms, East street —Lot 124, Thompson street, Tinwald ; Trustee’s Interest in Lot 10 ; 3 Shares in the Templar Hall Co.; 2 o’clock. Quill and Co. —Usual Weekly Sale. Saturday, March 26. Mr. W. J. G. Bluett, at Mr. T. Bullock’s Salerooms, Ashburton Household Furniture, &c.; 12 o’clock. Friday, April 1. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their salerooms, Ashburton—Building Sites ; 1 p.m. Matson, Cox, aiid Co., at their rooms, Ashburton —Valuable Freehold Farm, in the Hinds district; 12 o’clock. . MEkTINGIS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-morrow, Thursday, March 18. Thistle Lodge, Monthly Meeting, at the Masonic Hall. Friday, March 18. Fire • Police—Meeting, at the Borough Council-Chambers, 7.30 p.m. Monday, March 21. 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. Thursday, March 31. Ashburton, : Librai y—Annual Meeting of Subscribers, in the Library, 8 p.m. Wednesday, April G. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton foe Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 o. , 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timabu and South, at. 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4. BO p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains. Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4,35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashrurton from Timabu and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas, et Praevalebit. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4 p.m. J

Lady Gordon. —lt is stated that Lady Gordon is now en route from London to Sydney, and may be expected to arrive at Wellington about the Bth proximo. A Runaway. —Last night, a horse at tached to Messrs Orr and Co.’s cart, bolted, and ran into one of the canvas tentslately erected near the Town Hall. A slight damage to the canvas was the re sult. The Wellington Asylum Inquiry. The inquiry into the charges preferred against the management of this institu tion still drags its slow length along, and is not likely to conclude for another week. The PkopertyTax. —The amount of the tax received by the Deputy Commissioner, Christchurch, up to Tuesday evening was L 28,055. This does not include amounts paid at post-offices. The Wellington cor respondent of the Press states that the following are the amounts of the tax collected up to yesterday : —Canterbury, L2 < 5,G18 ; Wellington, L 19,351 ; Auck land, L 17,004 ; Otago, LIG,9IG ; Hawke’s Bay, L 6,468; Nelson, L 3,898; South land ; L 3,430 ; Waitaki, L 3,050 ; .total, L9G,735. The Prospect of another Loan. — The Wellington Post throws out the fol lowing apparently authorised feeler in re gard to a new loan : —“ That we shall have to raise at least one more colonial loan, or at any rate to make the attempt, appeal’s certain. The public mind in England is therefore being carefully edu cated in advance, with a view to the ap plication which is expected, and, probabty, with accuracy, to bo made towards the end of 1882. ” It is further rumored, says the Wellington correspondent of a con temporary, that the contemplated new loan will be three millions, and that in his next Financial Statement Major Atkinson will indicate the necessity for again going upon the London market to this extent, with a view to making it a test question at the ensuing general election. The Hon. Mb Dick on Colonial Reciprocity. —A writer in the Sydney Mail, dealing with the action of the late Intercolonial Conference in reference to reciprocity, says : —“ The New Zealand delegate, Mr Dick, laid his finger upon the plain matter-of-fact defect that the people of Australia want to have remedied before they indulge in visions of federation, when he said that the Customs’ duties were one point on which there was a necessity for union to some extent; but he did not think wo must be absolutely united on everything in the tariff before we could bo united at all ; and that he should like to see us united in reference to the three four different articles of inter colonial consumption, and exchange those productions with one another. By-and by we chpujd find out what other pro ductions there we»e upon which we could unite for the purpose 'of introducing them into tiie different colonies fre.e of pharge, ”

Swept into a Sewer. —During a hail storm in Sydney, on the Bth inst., a child was swept into a sewer and drowned. The Pri: on D epa rtment an d th e Press. —A cirouli r from the- Prison Department has been received by the gaol authorities at Dunedin, prohibiting them from giving information to the press. A Tall One. —An aboriginal giant has been discovered in the Coen district, north of Cooktown. Ho is eight foot high, and the imprints of his feet are eighteen inches long. Atmospheric Power v. Steam. —A practical experiment with an air engine at Woolwich was so successful as co afford hopes that before long atmospheric power will be substitod for steam on railways. A Growl —The non-success of the Auckland men at the recent New Zealand Association meeting, has caused a growl of discontent that the Thames and Southern men should bo armed with steel-barrel guns, while the volunteers of Auckland should be compelled to use old iron weapons. Testimonial to Haycock.—A meeting was held in the Exchange, Sydney, on the 9th inst., for the purpose of recogis ing Laycock’s services. Mr Thompson, in the coarse of his remarks, said he would collect L‘2o, and if the other members present would take the matter up in the same way, something like L 2,000 would be collected.

The Latest. —The latest novelty in New York is a dress album. A piece of every now dress is carefully cut, and gummed on one side of a leaf, and the dale attached. Thus it forms a complete history of a lady’s dress from season to season. This practice has at least one thing in its favor—however extravagant a lady may be, she will eventually hav something lo show for it. An Ancient Precedent —The writer of “ London Town Talk ” in the Ary ns says:—L ere is the best thing that the Irish trouble has given us. A Land League orator, addressing a crowd, was assuring them in high faultin’ terms that the Creator had given the land to man for his own.” He gave it to Adam first,” —“ Avrah, be aisy about Adam,” ex claimed a warning voice from among the throng, “ Adam was evicted without com pensation. Sudden Death. —A man named John Mahsr lost his life yesterday while work ing at the Balclutha bridge. He was working in the air lock, and had just finished his four hours’ shift, and when coming out said, “ I am done for again.” About tea days’ ago ho suffered consider ably, and had a partial paralysis of the lower part of his body. Ho was advised by his medical advisers upon no account tocontinuecyiinder work,but yesterday lie insisted upon going in, feeling quite strong and equal to the work. Learn to Bow.—Miss Kennedy, sister of the Governor of Queensland, lias offered a prize to the boy in the local grammar school who makes the best bow. In announcing the fact to the children, Sir Arthur Kennedy said:—“l think there are very few things more awkward or disadvantageous to either boy or girl than not to be able to make a good bow. They must do it some time or other. Yon boys will have to bow to some young lady, and it will be very well for you to learn how to do it.” A Levanting “Reverend.” —The Brim Standard thus cautions its brethren against a levanter : —A certain individual, designating himself the “ Rev. Fred. Sea born,” and who, by the way, made him self comfortable at the White Horse Hotel during his stay in Milton, con tracted a small account with us for adver tising, and eloped without paying the same. This “ gentleman ”is still on his “ reading tour,” and we therefore mention this fact as a warning to our brother printers. His “ readings ” were a toler able success in Milton, for the “reverend” did it. The Unfortunate Ones. —ln a case heard at the Police Court, Dunedin, on Thursday last, in which Emma Lans was charged with being a common prostitute, Mr Weldon is reported by the Otayo Daily Times to have called attention to the necessity of some iustiiue being estab lished to which unfortunate women of this class might apply. At the present time there was no course open to them but to continue in their evil habits. There were instances in which some of them had given themselves up to the police rather than continue the life they were leading. The establishment of such an institute as he su jgested would open to them another course, and give them a fair chance to reform. Ho thought that if some of the Dunedin ladies would la' e the matter in hand much good would re sult,

Reid and Gray notify that they have opened a branch establishment in Ashburton. William Kcvell lias commenced business as shoeing and genera! smith, at Winslow, Mr. J Stanley ]>rucc’s furniture will be soM by Mr. W. J. G. Hluctt, at Mr. T. iUillock's salerooms, Ashburton, on the sCih, inst. A meeting in the estate of James Gardner will be held at Or; and Co.’s office, on Friday next. H. M. Jones, stationer, wishes the puM c to encour age local industry, and purchase 100,000 envelopes at his establishment. An advertisement in another column notifies that Samuel Rcidy is unable to meet his engagements with hi.s creditors. Forty sheep have been impounded at South Rakaia. Holloway's Pills. —Pure Blood. —As the vital fluid, when in a healthy slate, sustain and renovates every part of tlie living system, so, when it becomes impoverished or impure it exerts a precisely contrary effect. It is abundantly manifest that any medicine which docs not reach the circulation can never exter minate the disease ; hut any preparation capa ble of exercising a salutary influence over the blood, must with it he carried to every living fibre of the frame. The lungs,-heart, livci, kidneys, and skin, all receive benefits from its more wholesome condition. HoUowayvs puri fying Pills operate directly, powerfully, and beneficially, upon the whole mass of blood, whether venous or arterial. They strengthen the stomach, excite the liver and kidneys, expel disease, and prolong existence. —A DVT.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Per Renter's Agency.) Monetary and Commercial. London, March 14. Consols are unchanged at New Zealand securities remain at the following quotations ;—Five per Cent. 10.40 Loan, io2}4 ; Five per Cent. 1880 Loan, no}4 Four and a-balf per Cent. 1879-1904 Loan, 97J-2. Adelaide and New Zealand wheats are unchanged. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day 8,800 bales were catalogued. The tone of the sale was firm, and there was an active de. mand for the lots offered. The Imperial Supply, In the House of Commons to day a motion was introduced by the Govern ment that the Supply Bill should be declared urgent, A lengthy debate en sued, in the course of which great op. position was shown on both sides of the House to the proposal, and the motion was finally negatived by a considerable majority. The Trappings and the Suits of Woe. It is officially anounced that the Eng lish Court will go into mourning for one month for the late Czar of Russia.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Exhibition' 1 Awards. jV’.ulbouune, March 15. The following further Exhibition award? were announced to-day : —First

orderof merit—John Walker, (Thames), for tomato sauce; C. C. Armstrong (Dunedin), E. Craig (Auckland), James Dal I (Nelson), A. J. Green (Westport), Mrs R. Heims (Greymouth), C. C. Jeffs (Wellington), for collection of New Zealand ferns ; Miss C. C. Harris (Nelson), Mrs Tizar;! (Thames), for water colors ot New Zealand flowers. Second order of merit and P. Stewart (Wellington), Jameson (Dunedin), for collections of New Zea land ferns. Third order of merit—C. A. C. Hardy (Rakaia), J. Regan (Thames), Mrs Charlotte Spence (Dun edin), Mrs Tizard (Thames), for col lection of New Zealand ferns. The Reform Bill. Melbourne, To-day. In the Legislative Assembly last night, the consideration of the Reform Bill, in Committee of the Whole, was resumed. Members of the Opposition abstained from discussion, and various clauses of the measure were passed in Committee. The Bill was reported to the House, and the third reading is fixed for Tuesday next.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Earthquake. Auckland, To-day. A sharp earthquake shock was felt at Tauranga on Monday, at ten minutes to nine. Gold. Sixteen hundred ounces of gold were re ceived by the Bank of New Zealand at Auckland from Colomandel, chiefly from the new goldfield at the Tiki. The Native Meeting. Wellington, To-day. The large native meeting commenced at Mastcrton to-day. About 800 natives were present. The meeting is called ostensibly for feast and talk. It is not of much interest or importance. Breach of the Licensing Act. At the Magistrate’s Court this morning, William Ebdon, proprietor of the Thorn don Club, was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act. Two previous con victions were recorded against him, and lie was fined L4O and costs, or, in default, three months’ imprisonment. Shipping. Dunedin, To-day. The ship Marlborough passed the heads this morning.

DISBANDMENT OF THE TIMARU FIRE BRIGADE.

Lively Proceedings. [by telegraph.] (From our own Correspondent.) Timaru To-day. The Timaru Fire Brigade, being unable to get their boots from the Borough Council, disbanded in a body, after voting their library to the hospital, their torches to the Artillery Band, and their sick and accident fund to trustees. Yesterday an express, manned by an ex-fireman, went to the station for the books, but the Council’s property man, instructed by the Mayor, refused de livery. On going to the bank to draw their money, the Mayor again stood in the way, and their cheque was returned marked “drawers’ right disputed.” Last evening it was resolved to take legal proceedings against the Mayor, and to forward full particulars re dis banding to the Fire Brigades Associa tion.

EXCITING BALLOON ADVENTURE.

(By Cable.) Sydney, To-day. An aeronaut made an ascent from the Domain last night, and in descending his balloon came on top of a house in Woolloomooloo. The roof gave way, and the balloon was torn ; the escap ing gas communicated with the lights in the hou'o, and an explosion took place. The balloon was completely destroyed, but no ferious damage was done to the house or other premises adjoining, and 1/Estrange escaped without injury. There was a largo crowd in the street witnessing the descent of the balloon, and when the explosion occurred a panic took place, and in the crush and confush n which followed several persons were slightly injured.

LATEST FROM RUSSIA.

(By Cable.) St. Petersburg, March 14. The Czar, Alexander 111., has issued a manifesto upon his accession to the throne of Russia. His Majesty strongly denounces the murderous attack made on the Dynasty. The manifesto gives no outline of the future Imperial policy. The assissin of tire late Emperor is named Rousakoff, and is known to have been a student of the Russian Mining School. He remains quite silent in gaol, and refuses any informa tion as to the motive which prompted his crime.

CRICKET.

ASHBURTON v. GERALDINE- This match was played yesterday at Geraldine—the weather being everything that could be desired. The Geraldine team was the first to handle the “ willow,” and put together 72 runs in the first innings, one or two of their crack players being disposed of for small scores. In the second innings, however, they were more fortunate. The Ashburton team were unsuccessful, and the in dividual scoring was small, their op ponents winning the match in the first innings. Fagan and Andrews were the bowlers against Geraldine in their first innings, Fagan bowled exceedingly well, disposing of two batsman with two consec utive balls. Grant and Bethune batted in good form for 13, and 27 respectively’, Gox not out 12, and Murray 10, were the only batsmen who reached double figures. Wix and Jephson went in first to re present the Ashburton team, but Wix was splendidly caught by M’Clench with one hand, the batsman failing to score. Hocfcler filled the vacancy, and opened the score with two singles, following it np with a neat drive for 4, but trying to repeat the experiment, was well caught by Bethune at long off. Den shire next handled the willow, and after opening with a single, made a fine drive for 4, but after making a total of eleven, succumbed to the excellent fielding of a Geraldine opponent. Amos pnt together 8, and w;as then howled by a trimmer from Cox. George Andrews, who is generally a reliable bat, unfortunately had to retire from a “ Yorker ” from Cox, after adding a unit. The rest of the team “ was a mournful procession to and from the wickets.” It must, however, be remarked that Ashburton played with the help of two substitutes. The two teams at this stage adjourned to a local hotel, where a very sumptuous repast was pro vided, and which was done ample justice to. After lunch, the Geraldine men again took the wickets, Wix and Andrews doing the trundling, both bowlers being

woll on the wicket, and the hopes of the Ashburton men rose high when five wickets were levelled for 27, but those hopes were soon dispelled by the excellent batting of M'Cknch, B'. there, and Emp sor, who put together a total of 61 be tween them, which witli extras, brought the total up to 110. In the second innings, Ashburton played an ex ceedingly uphill game, and 8 wickets fell for 39, Andrews carrying his bat out for a pluckiiy played 21. The following are the scores : Ashbuutox.—lst Innings. Wix, c. M* Clench, b Pierpoint ... 0 Jephson, c and b Pierpoint ... ... 0 H odder, c Bethune, b Pierpoint ... 6 Denshire, c Empson, b Cox ... ... 11 Amos, b Cox ... ... ... ... 8 Fagan, not out ... ... ... ... 0 Fooks, b Cox ... ... ... ... 0 Groves, b Cox ... ... ... ... 0 Ward, b Cox ... ... ... ... 0 Andrews, G., c Empson, by Cox ... 1 Preston, A., c M'Clonch, b Empson... 2 Wides ... ... ... ... 2 Total 30 2nd Innings. Fagan, c Moore, b Cox... ... ... 0 Jephson, c Potts, b Cox ... ... 2 Hoddcr, c Pierpoint, b Cox 3 Andrews, not out ... ... ... 21 Amos, b Briscoe ... ... ... 5 Fooks, E., b Empson 1 Groves, b Empson ... ... ... 0 Blackburn b Briscoe ... ... ... 3 Ward, b Briscoe ... ... ... 0 Denshire, to go in ... 0 Wix, not out, ... ... ... ... 1 Wides ... ... ... ... 3 Total ... ... ... 39 Gkhaldixe.—lst innings. Potts, b Fagan ... ... ... ... 3 Murray, c sub., b Andrews ... ... 10 Moore, b Fagan... ... ’ ... ... 0 IvPClench, b Andrews ... ... ... 0 Pierpont, b Andrew's ... ... ... 0 Brisco, b Faganc ... ... ... 2 Grant, c and b Jophson ... ... 13 Bethune, c Fooks, b Wix 27 Simpson, b Jephson 0 Cox, not out ... ... ... ... 12 O'Connell, run out ... ... ... 0 Extras... ... ... ... 4 Total 72 2nd Innings Murray, c Denshire, b Wix ... ... 2 Cox, A. c Groves, b Wix ... ... 1 Moore, W. c Ward, b Andrews ... 6 Potts, b Andrews ... ... ... 0 Pierpoint, b Andrews ... ... ... 9 M'Clench, b Wix ... ... ... 12 Briscoe, c Ward, c Andrews ... ... 8 Grant, c Hodder, b Wix ... ... 21 Bethune, c Andrews, b Wix 10 Empson, not out ... ... ... 18 O’Connell, c and b Wix ... ... 1 Byes ... ... ... ... 13 Leg byes ... ... ... 5 Wides... ... ... ... 2 Total 110

Mount Hutt Road Board.

This Board met in their office on MarchlOth. Present—Messrs Julhm Jack son (Chairman), M'Miilan, Chapman, and Pannett. overseer’s report. The Overseer’s report was read and considered. The Overseer was instructed to call for tenders for the metalling of 67 chains of the Alford Forest and Mount Hutt road. The formation of a portion of the same i-oad, and also a portion of Grimes’ lane were allowed to stand over for the present. It was resolved that Messrs Chapman, M'Millan, and the Chairman inspect this portion of the district, and report at the next meeting as to the best means of dis posing with the storm-water, as the roads in this locality are seriously damaged by flood-wate.r It was decided to call for tenders for formation and side cuttings at Mount Hutt station. Distance, about 12 chains. Tenders to bo in at the next meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was'read: Prom Mr J. Olivier, Auditor, informing the Board that he Had audited their books and found them perfectly correct, and spoke very highly of the comprehen ; ive way in which they had been kept. Prom the Press Company, informing the Board that the Press had been ap pointed the Gazette for the Provincial Dis trict of Canterbury. Letter to be acknow ledged. From Messrs Gould and Cameron, with particulars asked for by’ the Board at its last meeting. Mw Cameron interviewed the Board, and after a long discussion, the matter was allowed to stand over for a full Board. KATE ROLL. The Chairman informed the Board that he had taken legal opinion upon the matter, and found that the objection should have been lodged on or before the 7th of Feb. He had written to the Judge of the Assesment Court, asking if it was possible to adjourn the Court until the mutter was brought before the Govern ment, but had received no reply. ACCOUNTS. After passing accounts, to the amount of L 278 13s 3d, the Board adjourned until Thursday, April 14th.

Extraordinary Death.

A remarkable death through accident is reported in the Hobart Mercury of 3rd February'. It appears that a Mr Francis William Mitchell was in the dress circle of the theatre on the pre vious Monday, where he fainted. Airs Mitchell stated at the inquest that her husband had been lately subject to fainting fits, and when, at his wish, they went to the theatre, she took with her the only restorative she had—a bottle of liquid ammonia. The de ceased went off in a dead faint at the end of the first act, and she held the bottle to his nose with one hand while she tried to lift him with the other. Her hand shaking, some of the liquid was upset on his nose, but she thought it would only help to bring him to, not knowing the danger that was attached to its being there. He was taken out on the corridor until he revived suffi ciently to be taken to Dr Giblin’s, whence he was taken home, and he died next morning. Dr Giblin had at tended to him, and saw him frequently between the time of the occurence and the hour of his death, next day. He complained of pains in his chest and feelings of suffocation. Dr E. O. Gih lin ggve medical testimony, based upon a post mortem examination made by him, and stated that, from the appear ance of the body, burnt and swollen internally, especially about the nostrils and throat, he was of opinion that the cause of death was the collapse result ing from the administration of strong liquid ammonia, He discovered no organic disease, and the weak state of the system was owing to an attack of diarrhoea, from which deceased had lately been suffering. Abouf 30 drops of the liquid, or less, would be likely to cause such injuries as he detected. The fumes even were pungent, and of them selves very iiritant. To a juryman, Dr Giblin said that ammonia was used for fainting fits, but not generally in this form, which was adapted more for cleansing purposes.

THE WITCH OF WINDY HILL.

CH M'TEk iV.—(Continued') Dennis Ryan had got married in haste, i’eople said it was lest he might again fall under the spell of that young Witch of Windy Hill, when the latter recovered ; for as uncanny, unnatural, unfilial, little less than a witch, so poor young Mary was now shunned. She was even accused of having an evil eye, and many a milk-pan soured that hot summer was put down by careless housewives to her having passed by on the roa !. But for the minister and his protecting kindness some harm, even in these more enlightened times, might have been done her. Dennis Ryan’s wife was the niece of the carpenter’s wife, once before spoken of as having a fancy for Ryan and his farm ; and being rich herself, as the saying goes, she owned the “ grazing of many a goose on the hill side.” That summer passed ; and yet two more. The girl in the cottage on Windy Hill was still living all alone ; but in the farmhouse were children’s voices. About the same time that Dennis Ryan’s bride had been brought to the farm, McConnell, the blacksmith came up to the cottage on Windy Hill, and said lie, “ Mary Daly, now that Dennis Ryan is married on another woman, ye’d belter take up wi’ me, lass ; will ye marry me, and sail for New York next week ? God knows, ye were hardly treated.” But site would not do it.

So John McConnell left the cottage, and soon after went to America ; and poor Mary’s only friend on earth was gone. What passed in the dumb girl’s mind during the terrible lonely years that followed no human soul knew. Alone site lived ; alone she worked. Sometimes the awful loneliness upon the hill so overpowered her, poor Mary thought she should go mad. But this fear and feeling passed away as soon as ever the smallest event —a bird’s song, or the grateful look in a dumb animal’s eyes, came to brighten her eas'd brightened life. It was like the life almost of a girl hermet. At first, for long, it was terrible, even to the girl herself; then easier, blessed ! She seemed to herself at the latter end like one set apart for a special purpose, but what, as yet, her spirit knew not. In the wintry nights, nevertheless, when the wind howled under the door, she shuddered thinking of how her lather’s body had swung upon the gal lows ; of how her mother, had died without a soul by her in the cottage ; of how her lover was married and happy beside another woman down there. She remembered how Dennis had said his heart would break if she ever cared for another. Ah !it is not mostly the one who says so whose heart breaks. The man’s was whole, but the woman’s wag hurt past curing. But, however this bitter trial and these thoughts worked in her heart, the dumb girl grew always meeker and kinder, giving help to all the neighbors she could, though often repulsed, often finding ingratitude; offering to nurse the sick, though often scorned ; till once when she had saved the car penter’s wife from death by her long devotion (so said the doctor), the countryfolk “gave in,” as was their manner of expressing they at last acknowledged that the witch of a dumb girl, Mary Daly, had .begun to mend her ways a good deal. “ •Dear knows ! the change in her for the'' better was want it !”

But never, from the day he swore it, had Ryan broken his oath of not speak ing to Mary —never ! And as weeks, months, and years rolled by, she said in her heart every day, “ If only he would meet and tell me to day he knew not it was all un true, why, 1 think still I could be in a way happy. And 1 would be glad to die then; but till I hear those words it seems hard.”

The children at the farm got, as years went on, to love the dumb woman up on the hill-top above, she was so gentle and loving to them. At first their mother had made them afraid of the witch. Eut their mother was harsh, and Mary was all gentleness, so in time they overcame their Tears, and would toddle up the lane to see her. One, a crippled little creature, fell into a deep flax-hole once, and was near drowning, when Mary Daly jumped in and saved its life; but lost hold of the bank her self in trying to clamber up, and was all but dead when pulled out. Mrs Ryan had hated her former rival till then, but for that she thanked her, weeping. Next day Dennis Ryan made though he would have spoken a word, as he came by the garden patch where Mary was digging out potatoes. The poor creature’s heart beat like a bird’s; her breath left her; but he passed on. Then she said to herself, “ I am failing, and shall die without being righted by him; but he is a strong man, and will outlive me for years.” CHAPTER V. At that time came the cholera in Ireland; it was a terrible year; as if the plague had come again. Around the neighborhood of Windy Hill it raged with unusual violence. The hospital in the neighboring small town was full to overflowing ; the dead-carts could not ply fast enough ; the sick and dying lay in every cottage, and some—awful to think of—deserted in their hour of need by the fears of those around them.

Then Mary Daly seemed to know what her special mission was, the call to which long before had seemed borne in upon her spirit! She arose like an angel of healing, and without fear, with even enthusiasm, went down from her home on the high hill, where no infec tion ever came, to minister to all alike who needed help. For weeks she went from house to house, denying herself almost rest, ready and glad to waste her own life if only she could save those of others. And so she nursed several till the fame of her powers of healing went abroad, and spread and spread till the miraculous charm once attributed to her as of evil was now turned to seem one of good; and the imagination of many a patient was so cheered when Mary Daly, being sent for in hot haste, crossed the threshold, that they re covered courage to overcome the dis ease.

And still Maty herself never took the cholera. Almost at the end of the epidemic, when fears were abating and the worst was over, but few occasional cases breaking out here and there, it hap pened that one of Dennis Ryan’s chil dren at the farm sickened. Mary Daly had come home, and was terribly grieved at the news. And she hardly dared go down to the farm, and face Ryan, against his will, to nurse the child. Mrs Ryan, however, solved the diffi culty by appearing herself up at the cottage an hour later. She cam& to beseech Mary to save the rest of the children by taking them into the cot tage with herself till danger was over; hut when the dumb woman inquired by signs after the sick little one, the mother’s jealousy awoke, and she de- ’ dared she could nurse it well herself, and would rather none other touched it. So Mary Daly received Dennis Ryan’s children to her poor home and hearth. But that very night her favorite, the little crippled girl, was taken with cramps, and the first signs of the terrible cholera, while sleeping in Mary’s arms in her own bed. For two days the dumb woman nursed the child, till it seemed as if she had forcibly kept back its parting soul; then she went down the hill to tell the mother of its safety. Mrs Ryan met her with a white hard face. “ You saved the child I gave you, but the one I kept with myself is dead ; and its father too ! ” said she. Mary threw up her aims and stag gered against the wall. Dead ! The last chance was gone— - now !

Dead—dead —dead ! and never had said the word she had waited for. In she went and saw the dead man lying. A shiver came over her as she saw the corpse, but still she took the clammy hand in her’s a moment 5 then went away out and crawled up the hill again. She had said in her heart to him then: “Ye know the truth now, Dennis; but O, that ye had known it" living ! and had said one word of kind; ness ! Ochone ! I could have died so easy.” , ; :

The children came about her knees," but Mary sat unheeding them,, and never stirred; and they thought she looked very strange. By evening a figure darkened the threshold. It was Mrs Ryan, come up. to see her fatherless children —all that was left to keep her heart warm in this world, as she cried. She was a mother, and took them in her lap and wept over them, but she had other woman’s feelings too; and suddenly putting them away, she went up and took the dumb woman’s hands. “ Lass ! lass ! ye’re dein’! —my dead man has smit ye with the cholera!” and the other looked back a “ Yes ” out of her filming eyes. “And,. O woman ! it upon my mind since morn ing I should have telt ye the message Dennis left ye when his breath was leavin’ him. * Mary Daly ! Mary Daly!” says he, ‘if I could only see her, say I’ve known two years back it was all lies what they told about her; but I was too proud to break my word.’ ”

A sound came that startled Mrs Ryan with a horror as of something supernatural. The dumb girl had raised herself with a great gasp. The joy on her face drove back the cold dew of death, and brought the red again in a sweet faint flush to her cheek. Her eyes lit up with an ecstacy of gladness. Her tongue was unloosed after its long bondage, and with the sudden shock of that happiness she cried out, as plainly as she had spoken in her childish days, “At last !—at last! God be thanked ! ” What all the sorrows heaped on sor rows could not effect joy had done. The good doctor's prophecy, so long pondered on by poor Mary \vith deep yearnings for its fulfilment had come true, and the dumb spake. She had before wondered that all her pain had never forced a cry of utter ance from her powers of speech, which she well knew had but lain sealed, as it were, like river waters under the power of icing cold. But pain comes naturf ally to men and women, and there is joy beyond; perfect joy overfills the soul. The dumb woman never spoke again : as if in that one soul-utterance she had said all she needed, but lay smiling in a weak daze, with her eyes seeming to be seeing happiness, only happiness in some sweet future before their dim gaze. And thus smiling, she grew weaker and weaker; and so, while she lay smiling, that night her soul passed away from her body that lay in the poor little cottage on the top of Windy Hill. Many and many a one came to see the last of the witch, as they had called her; and now, when too late, the tide of public feeling turned and ran strong in her favor. The neighbors recounted poor Mary’s good deeds, and bewailed her. It was not “ the ignorant folk that had so mis-called her,” they all said to each other, forgetting that none 'among them but had, by repetition of an idle nickname and foolish tattling, caused her to be so cruelly shunned for so long. Yet, while looking with awe on that white face, so blessed in its expression, who could doubt but that poor Mary had forgiven them all, and found peace and perfect bliss at last. So they hurried her on the self-same day as Dennis Ryan, and in a grave beside his, although that was merely by chance. His widow might have said a word against it, but they showed her there was room on his other side for herself, and she was silent. It is a good many years since then, and poor Mary’s grave has long been green, and speckled with white daisies m summer time. But still, often enough, when by the evening firesides, under straw roofs, gossips speak of the terrible year of the cholera, some among them is sure to tell any chance stranger cf the wonderful devotion and courage showed to the sick by a dumb woman; one who in her youth had always fyeen known as the Witch of Windy Hill. ( Concluded).

Flirting on Ocean Steamers.

The officers of the ocean steamers, it is said, can, from their posts of ob servation on the “ bridge,” tell more of what is going on among the passengers

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1881.



SHBURTON MUSEUM. All persons, and particularly exhibitors at the forthcoming Exhibition, who feel disposed - to ASSIST in establishing a MUSEUM in Ashburton, are respectfully informed that the Committee of the Library have generously consented to appropriate' a room for that purpose. Any willing to give Specimens, Works of Art, &c., will kindly communicate with the undersigned as early as possible. STEPHEN E, POYNTZ, 293 a Hon. Sec. Industrial Exhibition. jp HINT I N G, Of Every Description, NEATLY AND CHEAPLY ' EXECUTED, AT rjIHE QUARDIAN QFFICE. PLACARDS AT AN HOUR’S NOTICE. THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN OFFICE, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, East stbeet, ASHBURTON. METHVEN AGENCY. I ORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, M« thven, are authorisep ■ * ■' ‘ shb^tonGda»PJan. wted to them will receive prompt itWßwli



Wanted. WANTED—For Mrs Capo-Williamson, Newland School, a GIRL about fourteen, to assist in housework. Apply to Mrs Cabstens, Burnett street. 341 a ANTED—TENDERS for SCREEN - ING and FILLING 250 yards, more or less, of river bed SHINGLE. Screen, one inch gauge. Tenders will bo | received up to 4 o’clock of the 17th inst., at the Office of this Paper. 352 a SMITHELL <fc GRIFFIN. L'TANTED —A Woman to undertake Family Washing every fortnight. Apply at this Office. 349 a TXT ANTED—A smart RUNNER, to go VV to Winslow by afternoon train. Apply, Guardian Office. w tice. ANTED—A smart LAD, about 13 or 14 years of age, as an appren- Apply, Office of this Paper. WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Applj", Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 UNCLE TOM —What’s little missy’s name ?” EVA. 354 a TTTANTED KNOWN ----- That the VV undersigned is now landing 100,000 feet Best Union KAURI, ex Aratapu,from Kaipara. J oshua Tuceeii, 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 WANTED TO SELL PIANOS, H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinstnead, £4s;' Bovd, £25; Broad wood, £2G ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Address: Cameron street west. 80a I?VVA —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. 355 a WANTED KNOWN—The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlery is to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Timvald. Good strong Cart Collars from los.; Cart Winkers, Bs. 6d.; Piough Back-bands. Gs. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwaid. ITTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.— L, F- Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a 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 begs 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 DON’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 styles, at the “Guardian” office, opposite the Railway Station.



Special Advertisements. O T I C E. Fresh arrangements having been made in connection with the “ Ashburton Guardian,” taking effect from the Ist of March instant, I have to request that all Debts owing to me as Proprietor of the said Newspaper on the 28th February ultimo, be paid to Mr S. Saunders, on my behalf. All Debts now accruing to the Proprietor of the “Guardian” will be payable to Mr W. H. Zouch. Dated this first day of March, 1881. HE BEST VALUE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing F actory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are 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, loan, and stout, can bo equally well fitted. The Goods arc all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satisfac tion. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE, JSJ- Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarves,' Bags, Portmanteaux, Rugs, and Blankets, at Wholesale Prices, Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 751* Manager. THE GUARDIAN ie on every Tea Table in Ashburton. 251 a MAX FRIEDLANDER. READY MONEY IS THE MANUFACTURED BY



Special Advertisements. N" 0 T _„ l c F - Persona willing to LEND the Exhibi tion Committee the use of GLASS CASES during the Exhihtion, for the better preservation of perishable articles, are requested to communicate at once with the undersigned. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 280 a Hon. Sec. Commercial and fancy STATIONERY. The Undersigned has opened up a NEW ASSORTMENT of the above. Cream, Blue, and Hand - made Notcpapers ; Ruled, Plain, Fancy, and Repp ditto. Good Business Envelopes, No. 7, Court, Albert, Queen, Tinted, Repp, and others. Pens GUlott’s, Mitchell’s, Brandaucr and Co.’s Inks —Stephen’s Blue Black, Walkden’s Black and Colored, Antonino, Copying, Ac. Workboxes, Albums, Books, Ac. h. m. Tones, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT, East Street and Baring Square. 710 O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nail rod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Month Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* J. Sherriff, Monumental mason, Manchester street south, and Bar badoes street (near the Cemetery). A large Stock of Head-Stones, Tombs and Monuments always on hand. Designs for warded on application. 323 a



Miss Yerrall Wishes to inform the Ladies of Ashbur ton and tlie surrounding districts that she will bo at ASHBURTON the THREE DAYS of the EXHIBITION to take orders and measures for Ladies requiring Stays, Corsets, Bolts, and Shoulder Straps, Ac. A case of these several articles will be at the Exhibition, of Miss Yovrall’s own make. For any information required apply to Mi - . Thiele, Baker and Confec tioner, where Miss Yerrall will be in at tendance. COLOMBO STREET' (Oposite Cockham House), Chkistchuiich. March 10, 1881. 324 a W. U. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards. 1,000, 7s Cd ; 0,000, Gs 9d per 1,000, for Cash. H. M. JONES, Sta tionek and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 3G5a WANTED— A MAN to make HORSE COVERS. Apply to Thomas Dudson, Saddler, Burnett street.