SHIPPING.

FORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. $ Yesterday. Ocean Ranger, barquentine, from Port Louis, Mauritius. Hawea, s.s., from Wellington and Northern ports. Sailed. Yesterday. Hawea, s.s., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Saturday. Arived—Ethel from Adelaide; Sissy, bom Greymouth. WBLUwaxoir, Yesterday. Arrived —Ringarooma, from the North, gailed—Rotomahana, for the North. Wellington, To-day. Arrived—City of Carlisle, barque, from London, 106 days out.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails olose at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under Tuesday, June 14. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Ringarooma, at 1.40 p.m. ; late fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van 2.30 p.m.>, train. „ r , For Northern Ports, per Wanaka; at 3.20 p.m.; late fee letters, 3.30 p.m., guard’s van, 4 p.m. train. Saturday. June 18. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., per Wanaka, as follows,: —Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late rho letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapens, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.RßGYegistered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard's vim, 8.30 p.m. train. close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows": For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. •nd6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. . For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 «.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, CO. Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New- Tmd, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 km.

W«l« arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—

From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 а, 4.36 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. Froin Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 p.xn. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. б. p.m., and 8.15 p.m., daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount 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, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. • Fbibay, Jumb 17; Matson, Cox, and Co., at the farm of Mr Thomas- Prendergast—Live and Lead Farm Stock ; 12 o’clock.

jMEBTEENGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Monday, June 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, June 14. A- and P. Association—Committee Meet ing, Quin’s Hotel, 3 p.m. Ashburton School Committee. Wednesday, June 15. Tea Meeting and Entertainment, Fleming ton School. Thursday, June 30. Concert to J. S. Savage, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Monday, July 4. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Tuesday, Judy 5. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.80 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thuesday, July 7. Ashburton Library—Committee Meeting.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton fob Cheist churoh and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timabu and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Abbivb at Ashburton from Chexstchuboh at 10 24 a.m. (Express), > 4.36p.m., and 7.60 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Tikaeu and South at 10.15 a.m., 6.34 p.m. (Eaptess), and 8.15 p.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ing^- All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1881. The Government Scheme of Railway Construction.

TOWN EDITION.

The proposal of the Ministry to leave the construction of such railway lines as may be deemed necessary in future to private companies or local public bodies, who shall be subsidized by grants of land in the neighborhood of the proposed lines, must commend itself to most thinking people as eminently judicious. Already com pelled to resort to burdensome taxation in order to pay its way, the Govern ment is not in a position to embark in any mere speculation, no matter how promising; and, unfortunately, pro mising programmes are very easy to draw up, and very unscrupulously pressed on the notice of the colony, if the colony only is the loser in the case of failure. Mark Twain tells us that if he was strongly in favor of a particular scheme ; he would spend the last drop of his cousin’s blood in getting it carried into effect. Now this vicarious patriotism gushes forth with special facility when it is only the Government that is to be the loser. Few persons are so scrupulous as to shrink from defrauding the State, if by so doing they can benefit themselves, and yet be quite free from all chance of exposure and punishment. All over New Zea land the argument that so much “ more Government money would be spent in the district,” is one of overwhelming force. Hence the construction of political railway lines to purchase Par liamentary support —lines which have never even paid their working expenses, far less left any profit after payment of working expenses and interest on the capital laid out in their construction. ? Still, new railways are clamorously demanded, and it is really impossible for the Government to tell half as well as the people living in the locality whether they will pay or not. Some years ago, in Victoria, it was proposed to construct a railway line northeast ward, following in its main direction the course of the road, to Sydney. The people in the district were confi dent it would pay, and published piles on piles of statistics and facts to prove their position. But the district had few representatives in Parliament, and for a long time their petitions were in vain. One Cabinet Minister, Mr Francis, bitterly opposed even the ap pointment of a Parliamentary Com mittee to enquire into the merits of the scheme; and an eminent member of the Opposition, Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, affirmed that one truck a day would take all the down traffic, and one wheelbarrow a day all the traffic up the line. After many obstructions, how ever, the line was constructed and, to the astonishment of many and the delight of the Colonial Treasurer, with in three months from the time when the first section was open it paid all the working expenses, all the interest on the cost of its construction, and left a clear profit to the Government of about four per cent. When completed, this prosperity of the line was not lessened, and it proved to be, after the Yan Yean Reservoir scheme, the best pay ing speculation ever entered into by the Victorian Government. On the other hand, numerous railway schemes in all the Australasian colonies, and in New Zealand most of all, have been blamed and the lines opened for traffic with the result that the working ex penses alone have amounted to more than the whole receipts.

The only test which can be applied to ascertain the actual payableness of a scheme for railway construction is one of the kind proposed by the Govern ment. People who are very reckless about the loss of the State’s money, are often very careful of their own. Our main trunk lines are already con structed, and the people of the colony at large can afford to wait for what are either branch lines, competing lines, or expensive speculative lines. Let those who are interested innew schemes, then, in each locality, embark their own money in their pet enterprises, and if their proposed lines are really likely to bear such splendid fruit as they describe, they will be gainers not losers by taking the risk. Especially will they be fortunate if subsidised with grants of land in the neighborhood of these prospectively profitable lines. No commodity that can be mentioned rises in value as fast and as far as land in places where a permanent and profit able traffic is carried on. They will have the advantage, also, which is no mean one, of managing their own railway lines in their own way, so as to turn them to the best account.

No Business. —There was no business at the R.M. Court this morning. Postal —Mails for Australia, riaßussell, close at Auckland to-morrow, the 14th inst, at 3 p.m. Trout.— During the heavy rains on Saturday last a trout, about 6 inches long, was washed up on the bank of the race running through the Domain. Sudden Death. —Mr Peter Cameron, a very old settler, residing in Lyttelton, died suddenly yesterday. He was a member of the firm of Cameron Bros,, lightermen, carrying on business in that port. Comic Opera. —To-morrow evening the Lydia Howarde Burlesque Troupe will open for a season of two nights in the Town Hall. The Company have lately been performing in the southern towns, and of their capabilities the press speaks very highly. As implied by the title adopted by the troupe, Miss Lydia Howards assumes the leading roles in the pieces they peform, and is supported by several old New Zealand burlesque favorites—notably Misses Nye and A ndrows, and Messrs Power and Fisher. They will to-morrow produce the comic opera of “ Robinson Crusoe,” and on the following evening “ Pinafore ” jwill be placed on the boards. •

Teachers’ Association. —There was no meeting of this association on Saturday, owing to the bad state of the weather. Dogs Beware.—Dogs found tresspass ing on Mr J.' Gordon’s premises in the future will be destroyed. Licensing Court. The adjourned sitting of the Licensing Commissioners for the Ashburton district will take place to-morrow.

Personal.— We regret to hear that Ser geant Felton has had another attack of his old chest complaint, and has been confined to his bed for several days. The many friends of this genial officer will very much regret to hear of his indisposi tion.

Property Leases. —The School Com missioners of Canterbury and the Akaroa Borough Council invite tenders for the lease of certain reserves situate at Sea field and in the neighborhood of Ashbur ton. The advertisements, giving further particulars, will be found in another column.

Steam v. Printing. —A very sensi ble conclusion was arrived at the other evening by the Greymouth Literary Club. The question was—“ Which is the great est benefactor to humanity; steam or printing ?” It was decided that printing was morally the greater benefactor, while steam was physically.

Mr Weston and the Reefton Elec tors. —Mr Weston addressed the Reefton electors on Saturday night. Nothing could exceed the enthusiasm with which he was received. A resolution to the effect that he was a fit and proper person to represent the constituency was carried unanimously, every person in the room voting for it.

Accident at Rakaia. — A man named O’Conner whilst engaged on the embank ment for the temporary bridge, (Rakaia, met with a rather serious accident on Friday. He was working a two-horse scoop, and, whilst holding the handles, overbalanced himself and was thrown for ward in front of the scoop, which passed over him breaking his arm. Dr Mac- Kenzie attended the sufferer. The Gale on Saturday. —The weather on Saturday and the two preceding days and nights will be long remembered by inhabitants of Ashburton, as being one of the most severe the place has experienced for some long time past. The wind fell towards evening, and about 9 o’clock it ceased raining, the night turning into a clear moonlight and frosty one. The weather previous to this, however, was so severe that all business in the town had to be suspended, and with the exception of a solitary tobacconist’s establishment, the town was wrapped in its usual dreary evening aspect by the time the storm had ceased. Several places in the town were flooded on the ground floor, but no damage, so far as we can ascertain, was done by the gale.

The Comet. —The comet was unusually bright last evening, doubtless owing to the ecliptic phenomena. Speaking there of, a Wellington exchange gives the fol lowing “It is best seen about 6 p.m. and shortly before sunrise. Some people have imagined that the comet visible in the morning is not the same as that visible in the evening, because the former appears much more brilliant and the tail extended in a different direction. This, however is easily explained, the greater apparent brightness in the morning being due to the absence of moonlight and gas light, and to the increased clearness of the early morning atmosphere, while the change of relative positions would account for the altered appearance of the tail. It

is supposed that the celestial visitor is Pons’ comet, last seen in 1812, and until lately supposed to have a period of 71

years. Later calculations, however, have reduced this to 69 years, which would make it due in 1881, instead of 1883, and astronomers have been on the look-out

for a comet this year. At the same time, the one now in sight is quite likely to be

a new comet, and it is possible that the small comet, said to have been seen by some Wellington observers, may be the comet of Pons. Or both may be new comers. Doubtless, some fuller informa tion on the. subject will, ere long, b« forthcoming. ”

’ The Struggle for Liberty in Russia. —At a meeting held at the Slavonic Club, 1 London, recently to express sympathy : with those persons who are now advocat i ing Russian liberty, one of the speakers asserted that Nihilism would never be put down until the present system of i Government was altered, and its abuses done away with. The present Czar must 1 not think that he will reign long if ho did 1 as his father had done. The people re ' quired liberty, the people required a con stitution, the people required all those privileges which other nations enjoyed, and if he did not introduce a constitution and cease to kill the poor victims who were struggling for liberty, the fight for freedom would be carried on to the bitter end. The meeting further expressed the opinion that the new Czar, Alexander 111., had begun his reign with a disgrace ful act of ignominy, in carrying out the sentence of death upon a woman, contrary to previous practice and traditions in Russia, no such execution having taken place there for the last 150 years. This referred to the execution of Miss Peroffskaja, who was a lady of noble birth. Her grandfather was a Minister in Rus sia ; her father was one of the Governors of St. Petersburg. ‘When she was fifteen years of age she saw her father obeying the behests of a despotic Government. Not being able to bear the sight, she ran away from her father’s house, went among the people who were trying to free her father’s nationality, and worked as a peasant girl for her own living. At last when she was ready to assist in promoting the cause, she displayed that energy which woman possesses, and she gladly died for the.eauso of Russian freedom. Two Dromios.— The following amusing scene in the Waimate Court is related by the local Times : —“ The case of alleged arson at Johnston’s was proceeding, when a witness named David M’Cley was called for. After shouting out his name with out response, the eye of Sergeant Ramsay lighted, as he believed, upon Davie him self, sitting obdurately irresponsive among the audience. Striding up to his man, the Sergeant directed him to step up to the witness-box, which he stoutly declined to do, and the Sergeant, deeming the majesty of the law outraged, appealed to the presiding magistrate, informing him that David M’Cley was present but refused to give evidence. Forthwith an order was issued to bring him up nolens volens, and, marshalled by the police, the supposed David speedily made his appear ance in the witness-box. To him then the caution was severely administered that unless he forthwith told all he knew about the matter ho would be committed for contempt, and the witness having been duly sworn, the examination com menced. Inspector Pender: “ Your name is David M’Cley ?” Witness : “ No, it is not.” The Inspector: ‘’'But you have been known by that name ? ” Witness: “Not that I am aware of.” Inspector: “You have been working with a threshing machine at the Waihao 1” Witness: “ No, I have not." Inspector: “ What is your name, then ?” Witness : “ Joseph Andrews.” Inspector : “ Well, what do you know about this matter 1” Witness :“ Nothing whatever.” Just at 1 this stage, David M’Cley himself appeared ■ on the scene, and was so singularly like 1 the witness that the cause of the mistake 1 was easily apparent, and Joseph Andrews < stood down to allow the real Simon Pure < to give evidence. It is to be hoped (adds 1 our contemporary), however, that neither i of them will got into trouble, as other- i wise there might some day be a still more 1 awkward case of mistaken identity. 1

Borough Council. —An ordinary meet ing of this body will take place this even ing.

Chess Club. —The inclemency of the weather on Saturday night prevented a meeting of the members of this Chib.

The Balance on the Bight Side.— The total receipts of the Wellington In dustrial Exhibition are L3SO, and the ex penses L 220. Inquest on McG'arry. —At the inquest on the body of Edward McGarry. found floating in the Auckland harbor, an open verdict was returned.

Ceased Publication.—The Waikato Mail has ceased publication. It is rumored that it was bought by Mr Edg combe of the Waikato Tk iss.

Supreme Court, Timaru. —On Satur day the man Egan, for arson, was sen tenced to six months. John Scott, for arson, was found not guilty, and John Johnston, for the same offence, was found guilty, and sentenced to four years.

A Big Legacy. —lt is not often that a man is surprised with the news that he has been left L 132,000. Yet (the Greg River Argus says) it is stated on good authority that a person now employed in Greymouth has received a letter stating that he has been bequeathed that amount.

Curious Phenomenon. —The Thames Advertiser reports that a curious phenom enon can be seen on the Tararu Creek, about three-quarters of a mile above the junction with the Ohio stream, in the shape of a large kauri tree growing on the top of solid rook. The tree must be over 80 feet in heighth and about four feet thick, and hai as healthy an appearance as one growing out of nutritious soil. Eclipse of the Moon. —A total eclipse of the moon occurred last evening, and the weather being remarkably flue was distinctly visible. The first contact with the penumbra took place at 3h 45m p. m.; the first contact with the shadow at 4h 4ltn p.m.; the beginning of the total phase at 5h 44m p.m.; the middle of the eclipse at 6h 23ra p.m.; the end of the total phase at 7h 3m p.m.; the last contact with the shadow at 8h Gm p.m.; the last contact with the penumbra at 9h 2m p.m. Magnitude of the eclipse (moon’s diameter=l), 1,348. Becognition Tea Meeting. — A tea meeting is to be held in the Primitive Methodist Church to-morrow evening, for the purpose of according a welcome to the Bev. John Nixon, who was recently appointed to the pastorate of the Wills street congregation. A number of musi cal pieces will be gone through at the meeting after the tea, and several ministers and other gentlemen will give addresses. As some misunderstanding is

likely to arise in consequence of an advertisement in these columns, on Satur day night, announcing that the meeting was postponed, wo have been requested to draw .attention to the fact of the meeting taking place to-morrow night, the com mittee having good reasons for adhering to their original intentions.

“One at a Time.” —An hotel-keeper residing in the thirsty town of Hay, Now South Wales, had a cockatoo, whose perch was usually in the bar. At this hotel there was a brisk bar trade, and occasionally a dozen of thirsty souls would pop in and call for drinks simultaneously. On such occasions the barman was in the habit of saying “ one at a time, gentle men ; don’t rush a fellow.” One day, the cockatoo was missing from his perch, and the owner, upon going in search of him, found him in an adjacent paddock, surrounded by a flock of crows, who seemed bent on his destruction. The owner arrived in time to carress poor cocky just before he died, and to hear him feebly exclaim, “one at a time gentlemen ; don’t rush a fellow.” The Debt of Queensland. The people of Queensland are piling up their State debt at a rate which proves them to to be exceedingly sanguine, and they have obtained a pre-eminence in this doubtful career second only to our own coleny. In 1861, with a population of about 35,000, their debt was only 170,000, or L2 per head. In 1871 the population had grown to L 125,000, and the debt to L 4,000,000, or above L 32 per head. In 1880, with about 225,000 people, the debt amounted to L 12,000,000, or L 54 per head. Most of this money has been obtained from England at about 4J per cent., so that, including English investment in Queens land banks and land companies, the colony has to remit above L 600,000 a-year in the shape of dividends and interest. The revenue proper is about L 1,000,000, and about L 500.000 more is derived from land sales.

Mediums in Trouble.— An extraor dinary trial (says ihe Some Sews) came to an end in London on Tuesday, April 12. A professional medium, Mrs Fletcher, and her husband, were accused of obtain* ing large sums of money and jewels from Mrs Hart-Davies by systematically impos ing on her credulity and representing themselves as in commun’cation with the spirit of her mother, to whom the simple minded lady was much attached. Under the impression that she was obeying the maternal will, Mrs Hart-Davie» gave her diamonds and her bank-notes to the Fletchers. At last she began to be sus picious, and to rebel against the authority of the Fletchers. Proceedings were insti tuted against them. The husband fled, leaving his wi f e to bear the brunt, and Mrs Fletcher was sentenced to a ytar’s imprisonment with hard labor. Early Marriages in India.—A singu-

lar ceremony was recently (says the Times of India) witnessed in Manockjee Sheet’s Wadi, Bombay, when seven happy couples belonging to the Parseo community were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. These aspirants to Hymeneal bliss were excedingly young, as may be gathered from the fact that the eldest was only fif teen years, while the youngest bridegroom was about fifteen months, and the young est brido a blushing beauty of nine months. Of course, the immature age of the two latter prevented their taking any active part in the ceremony, beyond giving vent to their feelings in true in fantile fashion, and the marital bond was tied while each child was seated in its mother’s lap. The scene, as one can well imagine, created much amusement among the spectators, and wo are told that the advocates of early marriages were exceed ingly rejoiced at ihe strange spectacle.

Stock. —lt is stated in Auckland that Dr Weir (the gentleman who was chiefly instrumental in getting together a mag nificent stud for Mr Seland Stanford, the Californian Railway King) has engaged the whole of one side of the Zealandia on her next voyage from Sun Francisco, for the accommodation of hisjiorses. As a first instalment, ho brings three mares, six stallions and oao gelding, all of the purest blood. The first stallion is a magnificent blood by Young Vermont out of Old Ver mont, 10 hands and half an inch high, 6 years old. His time for a mde is 2min 26 secs. The second is the bay stallion Stride awav by Elmo. He is 16 hands, 4 years old, and trots a mi’o in 2min 40:ecs. The third is a chestnut stallion, General Lee, 4 years old. His record at three years old was 2min 15£ secs. The others are—Dapple, bay stallion, 5 years, 15 hands 3 inches; mahogany chestnut stallion Primero, by Elmo, 10 hands (when 2 years old the owner was offered 10,000 dollars for this horse by Mr Leland Stanfrod); one bay stallion (two year colt); one ditto gelding (not for sale); one chestnut filly, two years, Hattie Pear, out of Elmo. She has the best two-mile record in the United States, and was sold for L 3,000. Dr Weir takes his horses to Sydney and Melbourne, but it is possible that endeavors will be made to have at least one stallion left in New Zealand.]

New Cab Proprietor.— lt is notified by an advertisement appearing elsewhere that Mr R. Walsh has started here as a cab proprietor. His customers will doubt less receive every attention and civility at his hands.

Chinese Enterprise. — There is talk (the Cromwell Argus says) of a strong company of Chinese having combined to carry out a gigantic mining operation, being no less than bringing the water of the Nevis river to operate on the alluvial deposits of the Bannockburn. The under taking will cost a lot of money, as the labor and outlay of capital must neces sarily be very great ; but if the scheme should be carried out—and authorities say it is practicable—the extent of aurifer ous ground the water would command is very wide and all carrying gold in more or less payable quantities. If there is any truth in the rumor, we much regret that Chinese are the movers, as it will result in the district being inundated by Mongol ian laborers.

Accidental Poisoning. —A shocking case of wholesale poisoning has occurred at Binbrook, a village on the Lincolnshire Wolds. Mrs Gibson, the wife of a shep herd, made a number of cheese-cakes. After eating one of them she suddenly be came unwell, and the neighbors who visited her, and who had eaten some of the cakes, were also taken ill. Upon testing some of the cakes, it was dis covered that the woman had mistaken a tin of arsenic for ground rice, and had mixed the poison in her pastry. The arsenic, which was used by her husband in dressing sheep, was kept in a cupboard in a tin canister precisely similar to that which contained the ground rice. The woman died a few hours after she had eaten the cake, before medical aid could be obtained, and eight or nine of the neighbours remained for some time seriously ill from the effects of the poison.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[:?EB EEDTEb’s AGENCY.] Commercial. London, June 10. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,990,000 quarters. Best sides Australian leather is quoted at At the wool sales to-day 9,100 bales were catalogued. The market was firm.

London, June 11.

Ccnsols remain at 100 1-9UI; New Zealand Five per Cent. 1889 Loan, 105 ; New Zealand Five per Cent. 10-40 Loan, 105 ; Four and a Half per Cent.. 1879-1904 Loan, 103. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 48s; New Zealand wheat, 455; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 33s 6d ; Australian tallow declined 6d per cwt., and is quoted to-day at 34s 6d for best beef, and 37s for best mutton. At the wool sales to-day 8,900 bales were of fered. A firm demand was again ex perienced. Irish Affairs. Fifty rioters were arrested during the recent disturbances in Cork, and have been sentenced to various terms of im prisonment. The police and military in Ireland are actively engaged in sup pressing all meetings of the Land League. At five different places to day meetings were prohibited and the people dispersed. Owing to the in creased disorder in Ireland large rein forcements of troops are being sent there, especially to augment the forces in the southern districts.

Massacre pf Chinamen. News has been received from Chili that t,ooo Chinese have been massa cred by the negro inhabitants of Santa E osa. A Diabolical Act. Telegrams are to hand from New York reporting that an interview held with O’Donovan Rossa, he denied that the Fenians were guilty of complicity in the recent attempt to blow up the Liverpool Town Hall, but stated that he was aware that in December last ex plosives were placed in the hold of the H.M.S. Dotterel, which was destroyed by an explosion in the Straits of Magel lan on April 26th.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reutbr’s agency.] The Princes’ Arrival at Adelaide. Adelaide, To-day. The P. and O. Company’s steam ship Cathay, arrived here yesterday, from King George’s Sound. The Princes Albert Victor and George of Wales, who were passengers, were most enthusiastically received on arrival in town. They are the guests of his Ex cellency Sir William Jervois, at Govern ment House, and will probably remain here a week, and then proceed to Mel bourne. The Bacchante. Albany, To-day. The H.M.S. Bacchante, having ef fected temporary repairs, left yesterday for Melbourne in company with H.M.S. Cleopatra. Berry on the Situation. Melbourne, June 11

The Hon. Graham Berry made a speech last evening in which he referred to the present position of the reform question. He spoke in somewhat guarded terms, but stated that the Go vernment would not accept the Coun cil’s amendments to the Bill. He further stated that he did not think a dissolution of Parliament was necessary in the present crisis. Exhibition Awards. It is announced that the awards of the Exhibition Commissioners will be officially gazetted in a fortnight, and that the medals will be issued in August next. Ready for Sea. Melbourne, To-day.

The repairs to the Orient steamship Sorata, are nearly completed, and she will be ready for sea in a few days.

TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Supreme Court. Napier, To-day. The Supreme Court sittings opened to day. There are eleven offences charged against thirteen prisoners—six being natives, and seven Europeans. None of the offences are of a very serious nature, the gravest being a charge of bigamy. And Yet Another. A man named John White, a navvy, living at Waipawa, was found lying dead in a pool of water on the road yesterday. A quarter of an hour previously, he was seen in an hotel apparently in good health.

An Interesting Item. Carterton, To-day. The funeral of Paul, the Te Oreore prophet, notorious for his dreams, has just passed through to Masterton; he died yes

terday at ilgalure pah.'Blackbridge. A tangi will be held at Te Oreore. Death from Apoplexy. Wellington, To-day. Mr Jonas Woodward, an old and re spected Wellington resident, died sud denly this morning. He was working in his garden, when he was seized with a fit of apoplexy, which resulted fatally. The deceased was formerly Public Trustee. Washed Overboard. The schooner Torea, which left Lyttel ton for Kaikoura on Friday, ran in here yesterday, and reports that during a heavy southern gale on Saturday night, the sea broke on board and washed a seaman named William Lawson overboard. No assistance could be rendered. . Deceased was a young man, and shipped at Lyttel- J ton some time ago. Sprung a Leak. The Mary Bannatyne, brigantine, put in, bound South . from Greymonth, she having sprung a leak by touching on the bar leaving Greymonth. The Unemployed. Timarh, To-day. The unemployed are still agitating here. At a meeting held at the breakwater this morning, the following telegram, received■ by hia Worship the Mayor from the Government, was read Government cannot give answer re unemployed. March is to see Callcott. If no news of him, March goes to Christchurch, but returns on Monday or Tuesday.” The telegram was received with groans and hisses. A further meeting will be held to-morrow. Very Suspicions. ! O. Johnston’s slaughterhouse,; on the Upper Wasdyke road, near Timaru, was burnt down some time between last night. 1 and early this morning, under highly sua ' picious circumstances. It was uninsured. ’ The loss is about L7O. The police are investigating the matter. The Weather. The rain has ceased, but it looks threatening. Sudden Death. Dunedin, - To-day. The wife of Charles Bird, of the Dunedin Club, died very suddenly yester day. On Saturday evening John Passe, .a newspaper runner, died whilst: folding t papers in the Star office from disease at the heart. ” "

A Snbj ect for Congratulation. ' Invercargill, To-day.' At the Supreme Court,, before his - Honor Chief Justice Prendergast, Kathleen Macarthy, for concealment of birth* was - sentenced to four months’ imprisonment; Henry Ward, for larceny- as a : bailee, to nine months’ and. Frank Cashel,' for - uttering a forged cheque, twelve months’. The civil business is unimportant! The Judge congratulated the jury on the light ness of the calendar considering the ex tent of the ; district and the large popula tion. He said it was evident the criminal class was absent.

CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES FROM LOCAL BODIES.

■Wellington, June 11. The Hon. W.’ Gisborne has given notice that during the present sitting of - the Conference of delegates, . repre senting local governing bodies In,Hew Zealand, he will move the following motions: —“ (1.) That Crown lands 1 should be rated, and the proceeds equitably distributed, among local governing bodies. (2.) That County Councils be subsidised by the colony at per mile of main roads maintained by such Councils. (3/) That the . County Council Chairman be an ex officio member of the Waste Lands Board, having jurisdiction over the County. (4.) That the 20 per cent of the Land Revenue, taken away by the Financial Arrangements Act 1880,, should be restored to the County Councils.” At to-day’s meeting of the' Conference the following motion by Mr M'Arthur was carried “ That it is absolutely necessary some assistance in the shape of subsidy should be given to the local bodies to enable, them to. complete the construction of roads within districts heretofore sold by Go vernment and wholly or partially settled, Government having , failed to provide for these necessary works out of the proceeds of sale of such dis trict in tirnespast^’^^^^

A Hill of Silver.

(San Francisco Evening News.) While a whaler during the last, fish- - ing season was lying in a small bay at the mouth of one of the rivers which empty into the ocean on the coast of' Alaska, a great many of-the natives came on board to trade for sea biscuit, of which they are very fohd, and finally induced the captain to go up the river and fish for salmcn, with which the river was said to be alive. A boat was fitted out, manned by four men and the captain, and they went up the river 15 miles, where they went ashore at the base of a hill about 500 feet high, up r which the captain and chief of the ' natives climbed, while the crew and natives fished. T,he summit of the .hill was nothing but an extinct crater, in which the captain noticed that the rocks resembled iron after it had been melted. He undertook to break off a piece, but could not do it, as it seemed to bend, not break, under repeated blows with the head of a boat-axe. He then struck it with the blade of the axe, . and chopped it off and took it in his hand. The surface where the axe had cleaved its way through the rock, he ... saw was as soft nearly as lead, although it did not shine. He thought then that it was a metal of some kind, and kept it. Specimens of a similar' character were picked up by others of the crew, and taken to this city. The piece which the captain' chopped off the top of the hill with the axe has assayed 6,000 dots, per ton in silver, and the loose rocks picked up went as high as 275 dols. silver per ton. A company of Oaklanders, to whom the rocks were submitted, have chartered the whaler and the crew to make a trip in the spring to the scene of this remarkable discovery, and a working party will be left at the location to dig out a cargo - * '

THH ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 1881.



Late Advertisements. Dissolution of partnership. The Parttnership hitherto existing between S. Brown and Thomas M‘Car tbn, as Machinists, is hereby dissolved by mutual consent. 36c V. 4£HI- R , IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ASHBURTON, HOLDEN AT ASHBURTON. Tn thematter of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the Acts amending the same, and of the bankruptcy of WILLIAM THOMAS DAVISON, of Ashburton, green-grocer, a debtor. This is tb notify that William Thomas Davidson, of Ashburton, in the Provincial District of Canterbury, green-grocer, has this* diiy filed a statement that he is unable to meet his engagements with his ' creditors. The first meeting of creditors to be held at the District Court-house, ' Ashburton, at 11 o’clock a.m. on UONDAT, 'the 20th day of June, 1881. Dated thus Rlth day of June, 1881. ' W. MARTIN, ' Clerk of Court, j.'; ', 0. W. Ibblawd, V 1 "-. ’• Solicitor for debtor, 37c |ALL PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat.styles, with Pencils and ffHltj printed atiho Guardian Office, t, mar Railway Station nBE GUARDIAN is published every t to-the horfr’orgoing to press. This is than buying a sixpenny weekly fotiARDIIIN is oh. every Tea id PRTENDLT 80CXE- P, oh Sale at the Prioced. '



Wanted. TT7" ANTED, for Mrs Williamson, Flemington School, a GIRL, to make herself generally useful. Apply im mediately to Mrs Cabstbns, Burnett street, opposite Af ail Office. 29c ANTED—Forty loads SHINGLE. Apply to Rev. Father Coffey. 35c ANTED—Two TEAMS to plough about 100 Acres of Stubble. Apply at once, Office of this Paper. 30c ANTED KNOWN—That DOGS Trerpasing on my premises will be DESTROYED. John Gordon. 34c WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Walsh has invested in CAB No. 3, and solicits a share of the public support. 33c WANTED KNOWN—Skating Rink. A MEETING of persons inter ested in forming a Club will be held at Mr Fooks’ office on MONDAY, 13th inst. at 7.30 p.m. 25c WANTED —TO LET, a 2-Roomed COTTAGE, in Havelock street. Apply to Mr G. Kidd. 15c WANTED —TO LET, a splendid SHOP, adjoining the Guardian Office. Apply, Office of this Paper. 990 a



w N E D TENDERS for PLOUGHING 200 Acres, in furrows 4in. by 9in.; new land. Tenders to be forwarded to Manager, Anama Station, not later than 30th June. 21c W. S. PETERS. •\TCrANTED EVERBODY to know that VV horse COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to farm an unim proved freehold. For particulars apply to W. H. Gundry, or W. 8., Box No. 1, P. 0., Ashburton. 801 a TTSTANTED KNOWN.—Young Ladies’ VV Journal, 1s 7d ; Bow Bells, I's 7d; Family Reader (Monthly), Is 2d ; (Quarterly)do., 2s 2d; Family Herald, Is ; London Journal, la 4d ; &c., &c. A large assortment of School Books and Stationery of every description. Hymn and Prayer Books, &c., &c. Subscribers wanted for every Newspaper and Periodical published. Books, Piece Music, &c., not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices- L. F. Andbewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a WANTED KNOWN —That Miss Verrali. is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), New Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. WANTED Purchasers for Pianos, Organs, Violins, &c. 1 Brinsmead Piano (second-hand), 45g5.; 1 Broadwood Pianette (do), £2B, cheap; 1 Smith Organ, powerful, 6 stops, £36 ; 1 Mason and Hamlin Organ, 5 stops, £3O ; 2 Violins, Bows, and Cases, £5 5s and £6. H. J. Weeks, Teacher of Music, Cameron Street West. Dresden Model Pianos to arrive. 931 a WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can hi obtained printed in. various styles, at the te Guardian” office, opposite the Station.



Special Advertisements. Hayes’ rjIIMBER YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. ALPHEUS HAYES. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, &c., to hand. 608 a



rp H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. OASH BEQUIPTS Printed at “The _ Guardian office.



Special Adverti^menta- George St. Hill, JgUILUER AND CONTRACTOR. Burnett street, Ashburton. plans prepared and Estimates given at'the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. 409 a



BOYS’ AND YOUTHS CLOTHING. Reduced the Prices of our Boys’ and Youths’ Tweed Suits and Overcoats. Intending pur chasers will save money by giving us a call. EVERETT BROS., OTI C E TO FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton. Dr James Murdoch, jT~|~ AYING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, E have, on account of holding too large a Stock, Havelock street. 822 a 6th June, 1881. 951 a



Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7a 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 365 a



4< A LL work and no play makes Jack rV a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, H AIRDRES S ER, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c. ; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a



Reid & gray’s new zealand- AMERIOAN Grain Drill, 15, 16, and 17 Coulters, With all latest Improvements, and of best Material and Workmanship. ASHBURTON BRANCH : Cameron street. 898 a



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STRE ET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* W. H. SPACKMAN’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 METHVEN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorise? agents for the Ashburton Guardian. Subscribers will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor. THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING. PRICE ONE PENNY. ADVERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisements are very leasonable.



Deep in Debt. —A noble bankrupt has figured recently in the Home courts in the person of the Earl of Perth, whose ac counts showed debts -L27j080, and assets - nil. An Infallible Receipt. —Mrs Young women wants to know “ what is the best way to mark table linen V’ Leave the baby and a blackberry pie alone at (he table for three minutes. . ; : Woman's Rights. —Some little time ago an American gold-digger’s ‘ wife •sued for a divorce on the ground of cruelty— her husband would not buy her gloves. But the ; District Court decided that cover ings for the hands were not “necessaries’- for the spouse of a man who habitually - 5 fried bacon on a. shovel, mended his s' clothes with old flour sacks, and. ate his pork and beans off the lid of a tin “ billy ” in which he boiled his tea.