SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Free Trader, barque, from Hobart Town. _ . Star of the South, s.s. from Westport. To-day. Wanaka, &s., from Wellington. Te Anau, s.s., from Melbourne, via the South. WTOiftsswaf - -'Sailed. Yesterday. Cleopatra, brigantine, for Greymouth. for Kckerangu. _ SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. J./Jl .i I. i * - Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Beatrice Hiuiner, from New York. Sailfed, Rptqnia, for the South.., xJ.) I > 1 5 Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived Pelican,, schooner, from Timaru. • '** ' __ , Sailed —Charles Edward, for Nelson; G. M. Tucker, barque, for Newcastle. ,;. -k j TijfA.Ru; Yesterday. Sailed—Adieu, brigantine, for Grey mouth ; Enterprise and Sarah and Mary, brigantines, for Auckland. ; !.,t r. ;PoRXi CHalMers, Yesterday. Sailed—Albion, for Melbourne.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List- Butter, inferior to best, $ lb, 6d to Sd. Eggs, dozen, is. Cheese; prime quality, $ lb, 6d, Bacon, prime smoked, I? lb, lod to is, Hauls, ip; cloth, # lb, is. Flour, in bags, $ loolb, 1 3 s - Oatmeal. 251 b, 4s. Larfi, yd. ' The, Christchurch Com Exchange. TWollowing [is the report for the week end ing Friday evening, the 28th inst:— Business in the grain, trade the past few ha’s been of the most unimportant character, and at the present time no transac tiofis'; excepting those for forward delivery; haVe transpired. Harvest operations are now in fall'swing, and Until , these are in a more forward condition little. cr nothing will be done. Reports from the various agricultural districts are most favorable. The quality of the gpiihVis. said to be exceptionally good, while ‘the yield, although , not of the super abundant nature of last year, will still show a high average. Altogether this harvest may be looked upon as one of the best that has been known, for years. The weather, too, which has t&eSi so* beneficent throughout the season, has itbf deserted us, and; from present appear ances there is every likelihood of ks continuing to be favorable. It is perhaps premature to quote pric£sA far; 1 the different cereals, as the transactions ; are! not yet numerous enough to establish- what may be called ruling quotations. As bcretofpre.f seliers are expecting to get just a little more than buyers are 'prepared to give, hut these differences will disappear when sales are more numerous and prices recognised. It may, however,'■ be safely asserted that prices will helticV'cbupled with the yield, as will leave the farmer a - fair 'remuneration, for this year’s labor, r ; The following are 'he ruling prices of the cereals at present (not the new crops); Wheat.—Good sound milling samples are saleable; at from 4s. 3d 1045 4'! per bushel; second qualify, 3 s to 3 s dd; chick wheat, 2s to 2s 6d. Oats.—Gaod short milling samples are worth from Is 3d to is 8d per bushel; feed quality,' is 3d to is sd, delivered in Christ church. . . : ' Barley.—Prime malting samples are really not:in the market, but fair to medium quality will fetch as 4<J tq,2s fid feed samples is 3d to is od per bushel. peed;— A. few sales have taken place. First-class town rifessed at from 3s 10353 d; second fate; 1 indifferently cleaned, 2s 3d to 2s fid per bushel. Dairy Produce—Cheese is in good supply, with d'ratlier slack demand at from to 4d. Batter— Supply and demand are both good, and is passing into consumption at fid.

Auctioneers’ Report. Messrs. H. Matson and Co. report on the live;stock- market, Sx., for the week ending Thursday, January 27th, 1881, as follows Yesterday’s ,weekly sale at the Metropolitan Yards a. very limited supply of fat sheep, not more than half an average entry being penned. The quality g enerally was very indifferent, a few small'lines only of prime, mutton Being oh offer. ' There was a small at tendance of the trade, still the bareness of sup plies 'created a -ready sale, and nearly every pen of fat sheep was sold at prices fully hearing out last week’sra'tes". ' Prime crossbreds brought 9s fid tons, rd.; medium do, 8s fid to 9s 3d ; merino weatheis, 6s to 7s, a line of 400 being placed at'6s gd. Store sheep are now coming forward in large numbers,' thdugh'the bulk arc aged or cull lots, and it is just as difficult as ever to ohtedn yOiing sound ewes (crossbred or merino) for breeding purposes. Lambs for store [purposes are how in considerable demand, withfh; prospect of paying the farmer as well as anything he can put his money into to hold over. tiil, next, shearing. - A line of about 400 vrere'taken up on Wednesday at 7s yd for the same and could the supply be main tained,’ 1 we : ‘ have no doubt of equally satis factory prices being obtainable for an unlimited quantify.'"' The fat chttle market was fairly filled,- the* chief feature being a draft frpm Mr. H. ; Chamberlain’s farm at tbe Selwyn, and another of fifteen head from Mr. F. Bird ling!s,.Little':River., Both' these consignments were really nice cattle, and the competition shown, fpr the last-name! proves that however dull trade may be, the best quality will always command attention. _ Prices ruled for this line front L 8 lbs to Lj;'a pen of light weights, L 7 10s making an average of L 8 8s per head. The feme Of thef market was a little better, and the yariops jots, were more in request, without irf-values. The few store battle: on offer call for ho special remark ; with”tfa«s exception of a couple Of pens, they were of a second rate class, and prices are un changed from the last month’s Fresh conditioned two to three-year-old mixed sexes are worth L 4 ss'to Lj 5s ; steers, 5s per hpad bighor, /Yearlings, to two-year-olds, La 5s to L 4; weariers, 15s to 30s. The totals yardf&^'tiie.'gay. comprised 6235 sheep, 313 head pf cattle and pigs, of which our entty iaclflded 3423 sheep, 141 head of cattle, 62 fat lambs and 57 pigs. In fat sheep, our at 10s gd, 74 two-tooths at 8s 3d, 53 at 9s 3d, 192 at 9s 3d, 56 at 8s fid, 62 at 10s, 40 at 9s, 57 at 10s, 33 at Us id, 66 at 10s Bd, 40 at us, 420 merino wethers at 6s 9d ; stoves, ico four tooth mixed crossbreds at Bs, 150 at Bs, 488 at 7s- iid, 1070 crossbreds coll ewes at 6s, 94 do. at 5s fid,. 163 do. at 7s fid. Fat cattle—2 at L 9, 2 at L 8 15s, 4 at L 8 10s, 4 at L 8 10s, 3 at L? los, 3at L 5 15s, 2 at L 8 10s, 2 at L 6, 2at L 5 ss, 2 at.L?,; 2£tL6 2s fid; 2-at L 6, 3 at L$ 10s; stores, nominal; fat lambs, 7s to 8s gd; pigs, 2 at 445, 5 at 40s, 3 at 50s, 10 at 295, 11 at 235, 4at 455, 19 at 17s, 2 at 325.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, .for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under: — Saturday, JaKuary 29. For United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West/Ipdies, Sandwich Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., per Hawoa, as follows: —Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, Ai 6' p.m. ; registered - letters, at 5 p.m. ; money orders at 3 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train. This mail will be due in London on March "16th . .. tfh£BUAY, : 'February 8. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, &c., per'Te Anau.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Saturday, January 29. Mr. iT. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town, Suburban, and Country Properties. Two o’clock. Quill and Co.—Usual Weekly Sale. Tuesday, February 1. Quill and Co., at the County Saleyards— -700 mixed Sheep. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Friday, January 28. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Meeting of persons interested in the for mation of a Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society, upper room, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 1. Degree Temple, Fortnightly Meeting, Templar Hall, at 8 p. rn. Horticultural Society, Monthly Meeting, at Jacobson and Eyton’s office, at 8 o’clock. Wednesday, February 2. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p.m.] The Ashburton Guardian. FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1881. Fresh Butter for England.

An item of great importance to the farmers appears in our cablegrams to day. It is an announcement that the consignment of butter, which was sent with i.he frozen .meat in the steamer Protos to England, has been opened ’arid'found to be in excellent condition. For a time it was doubtful whether the butter cargo had remained sound dur ing tHe voyage, arid our cablegrams told us that these doubts existed. It is now with great satisfaction that we learn the butter has turned out well, as the suc cess of the experiment opens up another outlet for JJew Zealand produce as soon as our colony is in a position to take advantage of it. The meat, we have already been told, arrived perfectly sound, and no better evidence of the popularity of the meat in England can be adduced than the fact that it is all bought wholesale

by the London not a pound of it can bd obtained in the shops. The London butchers sell it as the best Knglish-fed meat; for which it readily passes, and thus the price is maintained. We do hope that colonists will turn their attention to instituting a frozen meat trade between New Zea land and England, for now that beef, mutton, pork, and butter can be deli vered fresh in England, and the com modities are popular in the market, a profitable and more reliable trade than grain is opened to us.

The San Francisco Mail. —A supple mentary mail will leave to-morrow by the afternoon express ; but all money order business for England must be transacted before ten a. m.

The Harvest. —A Timaru item states that the weather is splendid for the har vest, and the crops are being reaped in first-rate condition.

The Borough Valuation Roll.— The time during which the valuation rod of the Borough will be on view at the Town Clerk’s office, has been extended to the 22nd February. Accident to the Steamer Grafton. — The Grafton in going into the Grey yester day, struck on the North Spit and smashed the fans of her propeller. She is now on the hard there. The Rights of Labor. —At a meeting of the Wellington Seamen’s Union, yes terday, the following resolution was carried —“That all boats strike for the eight hours’ movement on January 31st, and to come out if they do not get eight hours to be on the articles. The Wellington Cup. —A telegram to day from the Empire City says that bet ting on the Cup is entirely paralysed, owing to the uncertainty as to whether Natator is to face the starter or not. Sir Tatton has been scratched for all engage ments at the meeting. Fire at Parihaka. —Intelligence was received at Taranaki yesterday that a bush fire had occurred on land at Airi haka, and destroyed a quantity of food. So excited were the Maoris that it was with difficulty that many of them we re prevented from rushing into the flaqies and dying with the food which was being destroyed. The Napier Ram Fair. —The ram fair yesterday was a great success, and the attendance was large. The competition was weak, especially in the long wool, the prices realised being from 50 to IQO per cent, under last year’s quotations. Im ported sheep fetched the highest figures, but large drafts from local flocks sold re markably well.

A Man Missing. —During the passage of the steamer Albion from Lyttelton to Port Chalmers, one of the steerage pas sengers from Auckland to Melbourne, named James Burnett Pike, was missed. He was last seen by his mate at 2 a.m. on Wednesday, when lie was muttering to himself in his bunk. Previously ho had been drinking in Auckland, and was suf fering from its effects. Pike had been gum digging at North Wairoa Fire at Kaiapoi. —A telegram des patched from Christchurch, at 1.50 this afternoon, informs us that a disastrous fire occurred at Kaiapoi at 2 o’clock this morning. Five buildings were completely destroyed, consisting of the shops and dwelling-houses occupied by J. Hornby, G P. Wilson, Johnstone, Ayres, Allen, and Isaac Wilson. The insurances are— L 1,050 in the South British, L2OO in the Northern, L7O in the National, and L6OO in the New Zealand. The estimated value of the property destroyed is L 4,470. The origin of the fire is unknown. A Battue. —To-morrow morning will herald the destruction of a large number of feathered denizens of the Ashburton. One of our local butchers who goes in heavily for pigs has discovered that a horde of many thousands of sea gulls are in the habit of robbing his porkers of their rations, and he has invited all his friends who own double barrelled straight shooters to meet at the slaughter yards on the river bed, at 5 a.m. sharp, to morrow morning to sacrifice the offending gulls. As an instance of retributive justice he intends to feed the pigs on the slain birds. We anticipate this butcher’s pork will acquire a very fowl flavor in consequence.

The Australian Eleven v. Twenty two of South Canterbury.—The first innings of the South Canterbury team closed yesterday for 43, as reported in our town edition last night, thus having then 175 to get in their second innings to save a one innings defeat. They went again to tho wickets, Alexander and Boyle trundling the ball. At this attempt the Timaruites succeeded in putting to gether 67 runs, or one mere than half their opponents’ single innings score. The Australian team will pass through Ash burton by the express to-night, and the three days’ match—fifteen of Canterbury v. the Australian Eleven—will commence at Hagley Park to-morrow. An Important Question. —At the meeting of the Auckland Board of Re viewers under the Property Assessment Act, yesterday, the principal business was the valuation oftho Alburnia Gold Mining Company. Mr. Hesketh submitted, first, that the shares in the company were not the company’s property, but belonged to the shareholders ; second, that tho com pany’s traffic cnly is liable to taxation ; and third, that the company’s capital was not liable to taxation ; therefore he sub mitted that only the property of the com pany was liable to be taxed. The 'Board said that as tho matter brought up was a most important one, and would affect the whole of the gold mining companies, the Board could not give its decision for a fortnight. Visitors.—Mr. Herring, a Yorkshire farmer, representing a number of others, arrived at the Bluff by the Te Anau on Tuesday, and intends to travel through New Zealand with a view to reporting on its capabilities for agricultural and pastoral settlement. He will follow up, in the in terests of the Yorkshire farmers, the work done by Messrs. Grant and Foster in the interests of the Lincolnshire farmers. By the same vessel also arrived Mr. Thomas K, Dow, the agricultural reporter for the Melbourne Leader, who comes for tho purpose of furnishing that paper with a series of reports on tho agricultural in terests of New Zealand. . Cambriuob School.- The School Com mittee for Cambridge were elected as fol low on Monday evening last: —Messrs. Joseph Lloyd, Benjamin Hampton, Edwin Watkin, William Allan, William Lill, Joseph Megson, David Margetts. At the election meeting Mr. Megson pre sided, and read the balance sheet and re port, which were approved. The financial statement showed a. credit balance of L 4 10s. The old committee sat for a short ime, before the public meeting, and some minor, business, was transacted, such as confirming the Business done by the chair man during the month, and passing some accounts for payment. . The , chairman stated that the auditing of the accounts had cost 15s. After the election above stated the new committee met, when Mr. Megson waste-elected Chairman, and Mr. Lloyd was elected Secretary. It was re resolved that all cheques of the Commit tee be signed by the Chairman and Secre tary. The chairman was instructed ,to apply to Mr. Williamsbh for balance of books account, and for subscriptions re ceived for ppst office letter box 5 and also to pay Mrl Scott for work done in con-..' noction therewith. After the usiial votes of thatiks to the Chairman the Com mittee adjourned till the middle of March.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Beider’s Agency.)] Frozen Butter. London, Jan. ,26. The butter brought in the refrigera ting room of the steamship Protos, with the fresh meat from Melbourne, has arrived in excellent condition, and the doubts which at first existed as to its freshness have, therefore, been dis pelled. The Russians and Tekkes. News has been received from Cen tral Asia that the Russians have at last been completely successful over the Tekke-Turcomans at Geok Tepe, and have captured that town. Desperate fighting again took place between the two forces before the capture was made by the Russians, and the Tekkes are now in full retreat from the place. The Lancashire Riots. Jan. 27. The riots which have arisen over the miners’ strike in Lancashire continue to occur in various places, and the disturb ances . are spreading. The militia and police in the districts are not strong enough to preserve order, and further reinforcements of troops are being de spatched.

Mr. Gladstone and the Peerage. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone has communicated to the press a denial of a report which has been generally current to the effect that he intends to take a peerage. America and the Mail Service. It is announced that the United States Government will in future pay to New South Wales and New Zealand one-half the cost of the overland trans-. port of mails via San Francisco. From Germany to Australia. Hamburg, Jan. 26. It is announced that the Catania, the pioneer of the line of German steamers between Hamburg and Aus tralia, will leave this port for Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, via the Cape, on March 14th next.

The Boer Rebellion- Capetown, Jan. 26. News has been received to-day from Natal that the Governor-General, Sir George Colley, who recently left New castle with a force of one thousand strong, has crossed into the Transvaal, and has arrived at the Ingogo. Bodies of Boers have already been seen,‘ and an early engagement with the enemy is expected.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Pet Renter's Agency.) The Conference. Sydney, Jan. 27. The final sitting of the Conference was held to-day. The business trans acted consisted principally of the formal completion of the resolutions previously agreed upon, after which the Conference broke up.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Destructive Fire. Dunedin, To-day. Deihl and Davidson’s flour mill, at Ote popo, was burned down this morning. The insurances are—On the stock, LBOO ; building, L 3,000; machinery, L 1,500. They are divided as follows :—National, LI,000; Union, LSOO ; South British, LI ,000 ; United, LSOO ; Victoria, LI,OOO ; Standard, LSOO ; New Zealand, LBOO. Moritzou’s Case. Moritzon’s case is now on at the City Court. There was some lively work while Read, the manager of the Standard Insurance Com pan}', was under cross-ex amination. The defence will be that the business of the company has been losely conducted, and an attempt is being made to make Moritzon a scapegoat for the extensive defalcations which have taken place. A Colored Gentleman in Trouble. Lis Medo, a colored gentleman, who has been lecturing as a phrenologist, has been arrested for obtaining money under false pretences. Against the Wind. The Committee of the Otago Cricket Association write to the Star, strongly condemning the conduct of Moore and Carr, in refusing to bowl against the wind at.the late Australian match. Both are called on for an apology.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

(By Cable.) London, Jan. 26. After twenty-two hours’ sitting of the House of Commons, Mr. Gladstone’s motion that the consideration of the Coercion for Ireland Bill should take precedence of all other business was finally adopted by the House. Great alarm exists throughout Eng land at the renewed rumors of intended Fenian attacks, and the authorities continue to take precautionary mea sures. Portions of the Tower of London, which have hitherto been open to the public, are now entirely closed, and strong guards are daily told off at the various barracks in England in case of attack.

CABLEGRAMS FROM EUROPE.

Further Particulars of the Snow Storm in England. Fearful Devastation and Disaster. Thousands of People Ruined and Home less- The Thames Ice-hound. The Russians and Turcomans. A Rothschild Married. Irish Obstruction in the House—The Speaker on his Mettle. Terrible Boiler Explosion in Yorkshire. (By Telegraph from Wellington—Per the WaJcatipu, from Sydney.) London, Jan. 18. A hurricane and snowstorm, unpre-. cedented in their fury, swept over a great part of England, causing incal culable destruction to property, and involving, it is feared, great loss of life. The storm raged during Tuesday night with appalling lorce, sweeping every thing before it. Within the recollection of none living has such a calamity visited any part of the United Kingdom. On the eastern coast the hurricane raged most furiously, and traffic on the railway lines with London was aban doned through the damage done to the lines arid rolling stock. The condition of thousands of. houseless people is pitiful in the extreme. The Thames; dverflovved and submerged large areas of land. At Woolwich the pier was

entirely demolished, and everywhere was-disaster and devastation. The shipping loss in the Thames was very great/- , , . , __ : Serious riots have occurred at Wigan. Jan. 19.

The weather still continues most in clement, and of a generally severe cha racter. Violent snowstorms, of long duration, have occurred in Europe and America.

The Russian forces, under Skobeloff, still maintain the siege of Geok Tepe. The Turkomans made several vigorous sorties, which, so far, have been repulsed with much loss.

Sir Leopold Rothschild is married, his bride being Countess Perugea. The ceremony was of a very imposing cha racter, the Prince ofj Wales and Lord Rosebery being among the guests. Jan. 20.

Owing to the continued severity of the weather the Thames continues ice bound.

The race between Hanlan and Lay cock being utterly impossible for many days, it has been decided that all bets on the race be declared off after Sunday next.

The members of the British Go vernment are exasperated by the continued obstruction of the Irish members. The Speaker suggested the appointment of a committee to search for precedents as to the extent of his powers in the case of the; sailing of the chair being ignored. It is con sidered probable that decided steps will have to be taken by the Mini stry immediately, unless the Irish members abandon the course they have pursued, of which there is scarcely any hope. A series of amendments were moved on the address. No sooner was one negatived than another was pro posed. A frightful accident occurred at Batley, in the west, riding of Yorkshire. A boiler in a factory exploded, and over thirty persons were killed and wounded. C. J. Poole, a well-known journalist, long connected with the metropolitan press, is dead. Over 3,000 of the inhabitants of Barrington, Lincolnshire, have deserted their homes in consequence of the frightful storms, causing an overflow of rivers and the destruction of house property. The people have taken refuge in Lincoln and the adjacent towns and

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(Per Wdkatipu at Wellington.) [by telegraph. ] Sydney, Jan. 22. Owing to the difficulty of procuring news relating to the proceedings of the Conference, the Sydney Morning Herald publishes a strong complaint this morn ing, and says it seems curious that the representatives of the Melbourne press gain information of the proceedings of the Conference which is sternly denied to the Sydney press. A monster meeting of miners was held at Temora yesterday about the water supply. Several inflammatory speeches were made, and it was advo cated that the dam be taken by force. Melbourne, Jan. 22. A bush fire betwwen Windermere and Smythesdale destroyed ten thousand pounds worth of property. Four Collingwood larrikins have been sentenced to three months’ imprison ment for assaulting a Chinaman. Edward Barnes employed at. the Parliament Library, has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for in decency. Detective Ward denies that the man Hart, who was arrested at Echuca, is a brother of Steve Hart.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASH BURTON. -To-day. (Before Mr. Nugent Wood, R. M.) DRUNKS. Several drunkards were fined in small sums, and one Smith was discharged, who had been brought up under the Vagrant Act, and confined for medical treat ment. BOROUOH BY-LAWS. Matthew Morshead was accused of having tied a horse across a footpath in Wills street. He was found guilty, and was fined ss. and costs. ASSAULT. Par Paterson v. Oeorge Coulter—Mr., O’Reilly for complainant. Mr. Branson for accused. Paterson charged Coulter with assault. Par Paterson said that Coulter had challenged him to fight, had tern his flannels off, and taken his waist coat, which had a watch in it, and hung it up on a fence, and had threatened to kill him. The torn flannels were lying on the road now, and wore good for nothing. By Mr. Branson—l owe the man money, I was short of money, and gave him a promissory note. I owed, him wages, and money borrowed. The pro missory note was for LlB Bs. He got the promissory note in the morning about eight o’clock, and at three ho came and tore my flannel, and knocked me about. George Coulter—Paterson owed me money. On the day : I am accused of assaulting him I met him on the road and asked him to square up with me. He would not speak to me, and I caught him by the shoulder to stop him. He gave a pull, and pulled the shirt off himself over his head. Be then made a rush at me and knocked me down. The storeman -pulled him off me. When I got up I gave him a punch or two. While I was down he bit me in the breast with his teeth. There was no second shirt torn.

By Mr. O’Reilly—The shirt came off in the struggle. His Worship said it was a most trum pery case. Legally there had been an assault, but in the circumstances he would only fine accused ss. GATES V. BUXTON. This was the case that was adjourned from last Court day. R. G. Ruxton produced his books, from which he read an entry that a suit of the value of L 6 10?. was to be supplied to plaintiff’s son in return for some furni ture, to the value of L4—L2 10s. remain ing due in cash. Never recognised the father in this affair at all, and had nothing to do with-him. Witness, who was now represented by Mr. Ireland, went over all the evidence he had previously given. In cross-examination, Mr. Branson pointed out an entry in pencil in Mr. Ruxton’s day-book, which was apparently written after the entry of the following day had been made. Mr. Ruxton denied that the pencil, covered the ink, and said the entry was made on the date it bore. ..' Maryßuckman—Rememberedbeingpre sent at Mr. Ruxton’s shop. He had a conversation with Gates, juri. It Was in Jahuary. They were, talking about a suit. Gates said,ho would be very glad if Rux ton wduld 'sell the suit arid make a cheaper one. Could not tell what price was fixed for the cheaper, suit. .Mr. cross about an interior mattress that had been made, and Gates agreed to take LI oft

\ . ■ By Mr. Branson—The suit was not sold at the time referred to, because I packed it .some days after. The pencil entry was not made by me, but by either Mrs. Ruxton or my neice. I made no en tries.

H. A.. Gates —Mr. Buxton got an order from me to make a suit of clothes.. When I went for them he made , excuses, and said I had such a bad figure I could not be fitted, and the suit wanted altering. Finally, ho told me the clothes were sold. Never gave him another order. Never tool, an order for furniture in my life from Buxton, and knew nothing whatever about any furniture being made for him, until my father asked mo to help cany a mattress over. The contracts for furni ture were between my father and Ruxton —I had nothing to do with them I under stood that I had only to pay the balance on the suit of clothes, if there was a balance. The second suit of clothes were never ordered, and Ruxton doesn’t.know, now what material to make the Second suit out of.

Counsel then addressed the bench, and His Worship said there had been some hard swearing somewhere, but, after weighing every point, he would give a : verdict for L 4 2s. fid., being a sum less the LI alleged to have been overcharged on one of the mattresses. The verdict would also be for costs.

Olsen v. Johnston. —Claim, L 6 6s. Judgment for plaintiff with costs. Little v. A. Paget.—Claim LI, for money lent. Mr. Branson for plaintiff; Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. Judgment for amount with 16s. costs Little v. J. Paget. —Claim, L 3 3s. for service of entire horse. Mr. Branson for plaintiff, and Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. Judgment for L2 10s., and costs, LI. Little v. J. Paget.—Claim, L 7 15s. for damages done to plaintiff’s property on the 15th December, 1880, and the 16th, January, 1881. Mr. Branson for plaintiffj and Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. Judg ment for L 3 3s. Gd., and costs, L 3 10s. Mutch v. McLeod.—Claim LI!), for hire of a horse. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff.; Mr. O’Reilly for de r endal)t. Plaintiff nonsuited, with costs, LI 11s. Smith v. Sycamore.—Claim, LBlss. Sd.. Judgment for L 5 12s. Gd., and costs, lls. Trickett v. Smith. — l Claim L 5, for damage to a fence. Mr. Branson for plaintiff. ' George Trickett, : the plaintiff Had fenced a section with a four-feet high fence—posts and rails, and five wires. My fence has been - broken down by Mr. Smith’s mare. The mare had broken down a portion of tlie fence, and had trodden down a quantity.of vegetables and flowers. In trying get.the animal out, defendant’s men had damaged the vege tables and trodden down the growing seeds. A man bad been to the fence, and tried to repair it, but it was very indiffer ently done. I have had the fence pro perly repaired. It took a man half-a-day to do the work, and I paid Is. for the timber. Have done a deal of..work: my self. Have seen Mr. Smith about the fence : and he admitted that it was . his. horse that did the damage, and told me that he did not think it amounted to much.

By defendant—The width from post to post was fifteen feet. Before the damage was done the rail consisted of pieces joined together. The dimensions of the rail were about 4in. by Sin. Never saw the broken timber after your man haa been there. L suppose I had a peck of dahlia seed in the first instance. They were planted in clusters. Mrs.Trickett sworn—l kno w Mir. Smithy and have seen his mare and colt on my husband’s section. The mare had tried to jump over the fence, and in doing so broke down the wires and loosened the posts. Saw Mr. Smith trying to drive the mare out. It was galloping so wildly that I was frightened into the house. Have seen a man working at the fence. A number of dahlias and vegetables had been destroyed. By defendant—Don’t know' how long the mare was there, but should think it was running about the garden for about a quarter of an hour. You were trying to catch the horse when it jumped into ; oiir section, and yon came through the gap after it. Don’t know how many dahlias there were there ; should think there were about seven. Don’t know how many there are left, only three or four, at any rate. .• * >; ; .

For tlie defence, James Martin was sworn—Remembered helping Mr. Smith to catch a horse. After some time the horse jumped oyer into Trickett’s place. Defendant went down to the bottom of the garden arid chase ! the horse out, The horse was only in the garden about fen minutes. The fence was broken, and a few potatoes.’ Have seen the garden sincej and saw a place were some dahlias had been. Mrs. Trickett told defendant that he would have to pay for the damage, and he did not refuse. By Mr. Branson —The mare was not galloping round. Helped to put a rope across 1 the gap that night.; Don’t know whether Smith trod down any of the seeds. W. Levell had repaired Mr. Trickett’s fence, by Mr. Smith’s instructions. Had taken a piece of timber down to make good the fence, Mr. Trickett had said there was- : no damage done to think about. .

Judgment was given for LI 95., and Paget v. Little.-—Claim, Ll 3 10s. 6d. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Branson for defendant. The evidence was very contradictory, and took- some time in hearing, the plaintiffs stating that no pay ments had been made, and the defendant asserting that the work sued for had always been paid for as it was done. Judgment was given for full amount with costs. , -T ■

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

HALF HOLIDAY.

To the Editor. Sir, —Having had the half-holiday be fore, I would very much like to enjoy ! it again. I daresay there are many mer chants, legal professionals, tradesmen, arid employees who would gladly avail them selves of the opportunity, with their wives, families, or sweethearts, of enjoying cricket, football or any other amusement that their inclination may: bo. I venture to say that after the bid seasons that we have had to battle with (the high, low, rich, and poor have all had their share of it) a few hours once a week to all classes WouWfbe a benefit. If it is said that it would be detri mental to our business,: I ask how 1 If every place of business is closed, where is the business lost 1 All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Open, and shut up shop on Saturday at 10.30 p.m.‘; to church next day, morning and evening ; all through the week books, books, debts, and work, surely our existence cannot last for ever, and I uphold keeping the Sab bath day holy, and those who cannot get out in the vyeok for amusement will do so on Sunday. Trusting a more able penman will lake up Ihe matter, and trusting the public will support the movement, and pardon 'me for intruding upon your valuable space. I am, Ac., Employee. Jan. 27th, 1381. .: ' ‘ ;

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

THE STORY OF A BROKEN HEART. “ Clara, I am off to-morrow; ” and Albert Cushman looked at his com panion, a lovely girl of eighteen, watch ing the color fade out of cheek and lip, and a wild look of despair the beautiful eyes; and as he did so his conscience reproached him bitterly, for he knew that, not unsought by him, had the innocent heart of Clara Moore been won, ■ ■ ■ r

“ You will think of me sometimes, dearest, will you not ? ” and his arm was thrown round the trembling girl,, and he drew her closely to him. “ Oh, Albert! do not leave me. I. cannot live without you ! ” she moaned, as her head sank on his breast, Albert Cushman was not a bad man, only a weak, self-indulgent one, given to gratifying any whim that promised pleasure for the time being, without giving a thought to the consequences ; but now he would have given all he possessed to have undone his last two months’ work.

In the beginning of the summer he had come, an invalid, to Farmer Moore’s little, brown, one-storied house, nestling under the oak-trees far up among the Catskills ; and good Mrs. Moore and pretty Clara had nursed him faithfully, and the young girl, who had been edu cated far above her station in life, had read and chatted with him, and as he grew stronger had been his daily com panion in all his rambles. He had grown very fond of the lovely girl, and had let her see it so plainly that Clara’s innocent' heart had gone out to him unresistingly ; and during these sweet summer months the young girl had lived in a dream of perfect happiness, not thinking of the future. But the idyl was Over; the leaves were beginning to put on their scarlet and brown dresses, and Albert Cushman knew that he could no longer linger in that quiet country nook, for before the winter snow should fall he was to be the husband of Eliza Vaughan, and he also had at last awakened to a sense of the bitter wrong he had done poor Clara,; in winning the deep love of her trusting heart, when all of his belonged _to another.

“ Dear Clara,” he said, soothingly, to the weeping girl; “ dear little one, I am very sorry to have to go; but, dear, you must have known that I could not stay always ; besides —there is another, one, Clara”—and the young man hesi tated and his voice faltered, for he knew that what he was going to say would be like a dagger thrust into the gentle heart beating so near his own— “another one, Clara, who is looking impatiently for me every day now—and —and —who in'a few weeks will be my —my wife, dear.” A low despairing cry of agony broke .from the white lips of the girl, and dis engaging herself from his encircling arm, she turned to leave him; but he caught her hand. “ Dear Clara, I am very sorry you feel it so much. I —l—ought to have told you. before, I suppose, but we have been so happy; and then I did not think that you cared so very deeply for me. I did not really mean to deceive you, Clara; you will forgive me, will you not, dear ?” and he tried to draw her towards him again. “Don’t, please don’t,” she said faintly, trying to free herself; “let me go home.”

“ Say that you forgive me then, Clara,” he asked pleadingly, “and give me one farewell kiss.”

A hot flush dyed the young girl’s cheek.

“ I shall forgive you, Albert, much sooner, than you will forgive yourself; but you must not ask me for kisses now.”

“ Clara, darling Clara, you will not leave me so? Just one little kiss?” pleaded he, and he clasped her closely in his arms.

“ O my love ! my love !” moaned the girl, “ how can I give you up ?” Albert made no answer, only held her closer, raining eager kisses on her white lips. “ I must go,” she cried wildly, struggl ing to free herself; “ let me go !” and he did so, and Clara fled away. “ Poor little girl!” mused Albert, “ I am very sorry for her, but I never dreamed she would take a little flirta tion so seriously. She is a sweet girl, and I am very fond of her, but of course I can do nothing now. I wish to heaven I had never come here. What would Eliza say ? By jingo ! wouldn’t she rave? Ah! well, poor Clara ; she is very young yet; she will get over it, and perhaps in a year’s time forget that I ever existed. I ought to hojDe so, I suppose; but, ah me !” and the deep sigh with which Albert Cush man ended his soliloquy was hardly an .indication that such a hope was very deeply rooted.

Clara did not appear at the tea table ; “ she was not well,” her mother said, and the old lady’s, face wore an anxious look that went like a knife to Albert’s heart.

: Will she not see me once more, just to say “good-by,” the: young man wondered the next morning, as the time for his departure approached and Clara still appeared not. At the very last moment she came, and, standing by her mother’s side in the low door way, she held out her hand. “ Good-by, Clara. God bless you !” said Albert, tightly clasping her cold hand. “ Good-by, Mr. Cushman,” she answered simply, never raising her eyes to his face, and then drew back the little hiand, and Albert sprang into the wagon. Looking back, he caught one last look from the sad blue eyes of Clara Moore that haunted him for many years afterwards; Grace Church is thronged with a gay and fashionable assemblage, gathered to witness the marriage of Albert Cushman and Eliza Vaughan. ; A hum of expectation, and then, as the organ joyously peals forth the wedding march, the bridal train sweep up the broad ajsle and stand before the altar. A 'few moments later the bright December sun-throws his golden beams .upon the kneeling couple,- as the vener able, white-robed bishop solemnly in vokes God’s blessing upon them as man and wife. ; The .same ,golden beams fell upon another and'far different scene. Far up among the Catskills, under no

fretted rodf and to no sound of pealing with the winds sighing a sad through the leafless trees, a little, baud oltihourners, with tears and sobs, 1 linear Clark Moore to her resting place utider, the old oak tree, where, in the long, bright summer days so lately gone, she had spent such happy hours, and there tenderly they lay her down and leave her to dreamless sleep.

“ See, Eliza, there is house where I spent last, summer. Would .you like to go .out .andWisit it ?” “ No, Albert, I think like to do so, pray/do not hesitate.” 4 . And waiting l i6i sion, Albert Cushman sprang from the carriage, and, promising to Ihe /bkfckl ih a few moments, hastened theiirelV i : \ remembered ground. * t “ I wonder if little Glamfoagot-y ten me ?” he muttered to himself as hqp| approached, the house, ; whtclfi seemed" ' ' more quiet than he remembered it be- :(i fore. His k nock was answered ity «W£‘ ‘ Moore, paler, and with deep , lines of sorrow on her kindly face, . , “Do you remember' 1 hie?” cried Albert taking -her hancf into her eyes. “Mr. Cushman, you-ha vexiowe ttv very changed housed- replied she, with quivering lips. “ Poof !Clara 1” arjd,t|ie mother’s voice was in tears.*; ' Albert Cushman’s heart stood still with a guilty fear. “Where is she?” hk w|i|pered hoarsely. , , i “There !” and the Kanjy. pointed to the grove... With unsteady step he sought! the i-> familiar spot, and. undef the tree where he had uttered the words that had broken her young heart; Albeit 1 GtlsM man found and bedewed With'>ek& unavailing remorse ( the mound under which lay all that was JeEtJl" of sweet Clara Moore., - - - rr

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1881.



SAUTED KNOWN—Tliat Visiting > Cards, plain or mourning, can be ■ obtained printed, in various styles, at the /‘Guardian”office, opposite the Eail w ay



Special Advertisements. V. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. In the matter of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the several Acta amend ing the same, and in the matter of the Bankruptcy of ROBERT JOHN STONE, of Ashburton, Painter, a debtor. OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Creditors of the above-named debtor having failed to elect a Creditors’ Trustee, 1 have this day appointed William Richardson Boyle, of Ashburton, commis sion agent, as and to be creditors’ trustee in the above, bankruptcy, and further that the said William Richardson Boyle has this day filed in the above Court a written acceptance under his hand of the office of creditors’: trustee. Dated this 28th day of January, 1881. 16a W. MARTIN, Clerk of the Court.



Commercial and fancy STATIONERY. The Undersigned has opened up a NEW ASSORTMENT of the above. Cream, Blue, and Hand - made Notepapera ; Ruled, Plain, Fancy, and Repp ditto. Good Business Envelopes, No. 7, Court, Albert, Queen, Tinted, Repp, and others. Pens Gillott’s, Mitchell’s, Brandauer and Co.’s. Inks—Stephen’s Blue Black, Walkdeu’s Black and Colored, Antonine, Copying, &c. Workboxes, Albums, Books, &c. 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 (STailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 520*



READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Whiqh can be purchased at their Retail Branches, all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value-for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch EA ST STRE ET . WM. SPARROW, 751* Manager.



~p>READ ! BREAD ! ! BREAD !! ! The Inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding districts are reminded that good wholesome Bread can be at all times procured from the undersigned. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS made for Supplying Harvest and Threshing Machine hands. / Assemblies, Parties, &c., supplied on reasonable terms. An assortment of Biscuits, Pastry, Cakes, &c., always on hand. A. O. Aitken, BAKER AND CONFECTIONER, Sacndebs’ Buildings, ASHBURTON. 792



Three WOOD’S WIRE BINDERS, in good order, For Sale, Cheap. 11a DUNN & RAY.



JP O R S A L E. A DEERING TWINE BINDER, almost new ; has only cut a few acres, and can be seen working. Apply to 7a JTRIEDLANDER BROS.



“ There'sa Slip.” —Regarding the accident to the Silver Cloud at fTapiqr, a telegram says :-j—The, cargo; was* uninsured, for first tup . TJjejpwner, Mr. Vautier, was ;on‘ his way.'.ip insure, when he saw thp, vessel rounding the bluff, and considered it r safe., and ,turned,, hack at the very door of the insurance office. The vessel remains in the same position, and is now nearly full of water.



■ ;"■" 7i " '-f „V. ■?. « Y Holloway's Pills.--It is difficult to de* teraiine what is the more * trying ;ro health, y intense cold or excessive heat, though ever J£J_ body, knows that .sudden transitions A one to the other teem with disease, which may *' in most instances be staved off by an early resort to these;, j purifying,! regulaitifi|* r [Jnd strengthening Pills. This well known and highly, esteemed mefdkine affords and easy remedy' for 1 almost every wrong which climates, changes, or dietetic errors can engender! mid effectually, i rehidySs any veakness self-indulgent habits may have induced. In all', conditions ,-«f th^. : bordering oh discease indicated by apathy, v listlessless, and restlessness* HoltoWayls Pills* will prove (ip, vivacity appreciated by both sound ,and j



Wanted. WANTED, a second Bake-honse/ Apply, Office of. ' this Paper. & :jQH (Um± TTTANTED—Tenders' for . CAM W ' and STACKII^O; Wheat, Apply, John Qtnimi hter wald. , ,10a w TENDERS for about Two ’ Mtles of E D. ploughing included) ; to consist of Four Sods, and Three Wires, No. 8. Applications, at per Chain,, will l» .T«jj) ceived until TUESDAY next, by J W. R. BOYLE, 998 - Moore-street. r. - * - r, • WANTED TO SELL—Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to FATcpxifo, Tent^makpt,. Easf 0 Street. 698.



WANTED, TENDERS for PUR CHASE of 250 Acre* LAND* fix miles from ■ Hinds, next 'Mr.* • Water, 20ft. Half Fenced. Sixty Acres Ploughed. Terms—lo per cent* cash, 15 per cent, in twelve months, "balance per arrangement. Tenders to C. Howard, Woodend, by February 10th. No tender necessarily accepted. 944 .



WANTED KNOWN, That HENRY’S/, PORTRAIT ROOMS, Biiildings, East Street, Ashburton,) ''atAl open DAILY, from -9 a.m. till 5r jwn« Portraits token in any weather. '"kMem * Reduction in Price.:' ■; ;f ; ;) 606 ANTED KNOWN-r-The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlert is to be found at the shop of; S. STEPHENS, TinwalcL, Good strong Cart Collars from ( - 135.; Cart Winhexi, 6d.; Pldugnwi Back-bands. Cs. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from, 50s v ; Reapings Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers 1 will ’ make a great saving by buying of :S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. jtTT ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton VV REGISTRY jOFFIOE % Male m and Female Servants!— L. F. Andbewbs I begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding' districts that opened the above. Male and Femalesr-K Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and .all persons withgood 'recommendations, Who are in want of situations, are*requested to at to JLi. P. Andrewes, Labor Agent’,'Bfe seller, and Stationer,.East street, hns WANTED KNOWN— of England J minister's;.wifes .ynjtea that she saves Ten Shillings a Fortnight- —- by using Harper Twelvetre.es’ yill* Washer, Wringer,/ and Mangier, com bined ; ahd, 'although "she permits 'no rubbing, .the. clothes than 4 when - done and much cleaner hand, while the saving in mending has' been astonishing. Sold by J.-HERN, Range Maker and Importer, comer of Manchester and Tuarn^'Streets, Christ church ; Price—£9 10s. 706" f r ffl[ SOMERSET LIVERY ANl}. r BAIT : £ ' Stables. “ I r T ?ra *>T JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the . ibo— nnm nr Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is, making extensive' repairs.'‘ Buggies and saddle horses on hire. ‘ Lowest prices and-beat attention.; 862



Meetings.. a -< ah a x a 10. G. T. —Unity DEGREE TEMPLE, , Second and, 3 bird; Degree ,|®EET ING, and Election of Officers, on TUBS- DAY EVENING, at 8 o’clock, kt 'thS' Templar Hall.— Thomas 6a H ORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A MEETING of the POMMITIEE. of the above will' be held 1 a# J Mefflrt. J Jacobson and Eyton’s Office on TUBS- j DAY, February Ist, at 8p; nr. : : . T r To arrange details in connection with the Show. ■ S. B." POYNfBj 15a ■ Hcffi/See.. :g! OMLER SE T £ O The Regular. Monthly this Lodge will be held Tfl fS ‘ ■day) EVENING) at 7. nl V&H „ Tancredi. street.: ; Visiting fßrottejME:«»H vitod.. -By order of the W.M., GEO. F. HENRY, 5a Hon. Sec.