SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Penguin, s.s., from Wellington and r , ,Horthem ports. To-day. -Bowen, b.b., from Wellington. Sailed. Saturday. Borealis, brigantine, for Auckland. Cutty Sark, schooner, for Auckland. Penguin, 8.5., for Dunedin. Yesterday. Reward, schooner, for Timaru. i Elizabeth Conway, schooder, for Napier. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Saturday. Arrived—Wakatipu, from the South. Sailed—Wakatipu, for Sydney. In consequence of the severity of the ■butherlj gale, none of the small steamers have been enabled to leave harbor. ' Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived Mohaka, from Blenheim ; Taiaroa, from Picton and Nelson ; Go- Ahead, from the South.

COMMERCIAL.

, Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T. Bullock reports for week ending 23rd inst.:—Properties—during the week, I sold 5 sections, each J acre, in the subur ban district of Hampstead, for L 95 the lot, cash ; and on account of Mr John Colwell; T.S. 535, Tinwald, with a two roomed cottage thereon for L 75. There is still an inquiry for first-class farms of from 200 to 300 aoreSj but the difference . between the price asked by sellers and those wishing to purchase, prevents Sales at present being affected. At the Bazaar, on Saturday, horses that were entered were not brought forward on account of the inclemency of the weather, to the • disappointment of intending purchasers. I have inquiry for a few good draught horses, suitable for breaking up. At the rooms I sold 250 bushels oats, inferior quality, at from Is llfd to 2s Id per per bushel; 5 tons potatoes at L2 10a per , ton. Fruit and forest trees, shrubs, etc., at satisfactory prices. Mr Alfred Harrison reports for week ending July 23, as follows :—On Thurs day, July 21,1 held a sale by order of the Bailiff, Matson, Cox and Co., v. Pearce: 1 draught g&lding, Ll 7 ; 1 bay mare, L 9 ; spring Cart, L1410s; dray, L 6 10s ; D.F. . plough, Ll 3 10s ; S.F. plough, L2 2s 6d, and Id. 15s, and L2 10s. Harness and sundries Sold well A large quantity of chicory brought very little cash, one or two bidders being quite unopposed. On Saturday, July 23rd, I held my weekly ,sale; the weather was very bad, however, the attendance was pretty fair, and nearly every line was cleared; 3 hacks and 1 draught were placed at fair prices. Im plements were held over until next sale. Fowls—2s 6d per pair ; ducks, 3s 4d per pair. A small lot of suckers sold well. Produce—Potatoes, L2 to L 3 5s per ton. ' Barley, Is 6d per bushel; chick wheat. Is 6d to 2s per bushel; oats, Is 9d to 2s per bushel; onions, IJd per lb ; flour, 18s pet 2001bs. A quantity of trees sold fairly well Tea, really first quality, 21s Er 121 b box; pork, 2|d to 3d per lb ; ms, 7Jd per lb; bacon, sjd per lb; cheese, 4d per lb. A quantity of sundries were also disposed of, and considering the weather, a good sale was perpetrated. Mr Joseph Iress reports having held his usual weekly sale on Saturday last. The wet boisterous waather which pre vaised during the week had the effect of keeping back many of the entries made prior to the sale, and, under the circum stances, perhaps farmers acted wisely in not bringing their live stock and produce forward. Although-the weather of Satur day was very wet, the attendance at the mart was by no means small, as the auction room was crowded throughout the day. The entries in the way of pigs and poultry were meagre. Ducks realised from 3a 9d to 4s per pair. A sow and litter were withdrawn, in consequence of the bidding not coming up to the owner’s reserve. A large assortment of stationery and fancy goods—a bankruptcy estate — sold at fair prices, many of the lines meeting with spirited bidding. A large quantity of furniture was placed at very satisfactory prices. Horses—A number were entered, but owners failed to bring them in, owing to tho wretched state of the weather. Cheese—Some really fine flavored Peninsula cheese was reluctantly knocked down at Sid. Boxes ot tea . sold at from 16s 6d to 17a 6d ; harrows, L 4 5s ; potatoes, 4s per bag; onions, |d. Property—The equity of redemption in mortgages of three cottages was offered, and although the terms were of an easy and tempting character, persons could not bo induced to make an offer, and con sequently the property had to be with drawn. Although selling was continued without intermission till late in the after noon, a large number of lines were

obliged to be held over. The continua tion of the sale of the stationery in the bankruptcy estate will be held on Wednes day next, when other goods—in the way of furniture and fruit trees, • &c.—will be offered.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

“E. B. Pearce.” —We fail to see the drift or point of your last letter. The words you quote at length are certainly in the Bible, but we were not aware that the hardship of Uriah’s case was that he owed David some money, and that the king took out a judgment summons and put a bailiff in hia house.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas, et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JULY 25, 1881.

TOWN EDITION.

In Bankruptcy. — A meeting of credi tors in the estate of William Patterson takes place at the office of Mr Pavitt, on Thursday next, at noon.

Good Templar y.— “ The Obligation” will form the subject of a lecture to be delivered at the usual meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge to-night. Amateur Dramatic Club. —A meeting of the local Amateur Dramatic Club is called for Thursday evening next, at which a full attendance is requested.

More Work. —The Longbeach Road Board call for tenders elsewhere for the formation of a ford, and the Ashburton County Council Engineer requires tenders for earthwork and a number of box cul versts.

Theatrical. —Uncle Tom’s Cabin was again performed at the Town Hall on Saturday night, by the same combined troupe as before, for the benefit of the Georgia Minstrels. There was again an excellent house, and the piece went as smoothly as on former occasions. The Weather. —The rain, after a steady downpour day and night for almost a whole week, has at length cleared off, to the great satisfaction of pedestrians, and in some places of the farmers them selves, who have had not merely all they wanted, but a good deal more. This morning the mist vanished, and the sun has been shining all day, with every ap pearance of a continuance of fine weather.

Police Court. —The only casein Court this morning was that of a solitary drunkard (a first offender against the majesty of the law), who was fined the usual sum.

Caution to Tradesmen. —Mr Joseph Ferguson, of Alford Forest, announces elsewhere that he will not be responsible for debts contracted by his wife. Dangerous Crossing. —The Surveyor to the Upper Ashburton Road Board cautions the public not to cross the storm water channel ford on Thompson’s track until tho same has been repaired, it being now in a most dangerous state. The Ploughing Match. —We would remind our readers that the annual ploughing match of the Ashburton Agri cultural and Pastoral Association will take place to-morrow in the paddock adjoining the County saleyards. Teams intended to compete must be on the ground by 9 a.m., and ploughing will begin at 10 a. m., and finish at 4p. m. As the weather looks at present as if it was going to be very fine, a large gathering may be expected. Phrenology. —Professor Simon, who has been very successful in his private delineations of character in Ashburton, left the town this morning for Rakaia, where he will practise his profession privately, and also lecture during the week. On Saturday morning next he will return to Ashburton, where he will furnish charts of character,- and where, in the evening, he will lecture in the Town Hall. Saturday next will be the last day of the Professor’s stay here.

New Business.— lt will be observed from a notice in our advertising columns that Mr 0. P. Jephson, of Tinwald, has added another branch to his already ex tensive business in the shape of a timber yard.

Farmers’ Co-operative Association. —At a meeting held on Saturday at Christchurch, and which was largely attended, the preliminary steps were taken for the formation of a Farmers’ Co operative Association on the same basis as that now in operation in Timaru. A provisional directorate was appointed, and no doubt from the interest evinced in the matter, the now association will be equally successful with the Timaru one. The head-quarters of the projected asso ciation are to be at Christchurch, and its title the North Canterbury Farmers' Co operative Association, Limited. The fol lowing gentlemen were requested to act as a provisional directorate :—Messrs Courage, Ensor, Parsons, Perryman, W. D. Laurence, T. H, Anson, T. Bruce, Pearson, Dickenson, M. Dixon, Manner ing, C. J. Harper, R. Westenra, H. Mc- Ilraith, Wade, J. R. Campbell, E. G. Wright, John Grigg, H. W. Packer, J. Rennie, R. B. Willis, J. Lance, J. N. Tosswill, Cunningham, Gammack, Cross ley, Mathias, J. Bell, Gordon, Holmes, and Saunders, with power to add to their number. Mr L. C. Williams was re quested to act as secretary, pro. tem. Teetotal Mayors. Nine English mayors who never drink anything stronger than tea, were recently present at a banquet given by the Mayor of Leeds.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] ' Monetary. London, July 21. Consols, Bank rate of dis count, 2per cent,; market rate, per cent. New Zealand securities are unchanged. The Reserve of Wealth. The total reserve in notes and buk lion in the Bank of England is Lx 5,000,000. Colonial Produce. Australian and New Zealand bread stuffs and Australian tallow are without quotable change. A fair demand ex ists for most descriptions of Australian hides. Lucky Shareholders. The Union Bank of Australia has declared a dividend at the rate of 7 per cent, for the past half-year. .Grateful People. A strong movement is being made to organise a public banquet to the mem bers of the Cabinet, as an expression of gratitude for the Liberal policy of the Government. The War in Afghanistan. The Daily News to-day publishes a telegram from Lahore announcing that Ayoub Khan’s troops have inflicted a defeat upon the Ameer’s outposts in Candahar. Monetary and Commercial. London, July 22. Consols have declined and are quoted at New Zealand Five per Cent. 10.40 Loan has and is quoted to-day at 105 ; New Zealand Five per Cent. 1889 Loan is unchanged at 105, and New Zealand Four and a half per Cent. 1879-1904 Loan is quoted at 103. Wheat has ad vanced 6d; Adelaide wheat, ex ware house, 48s 6d ; New Zealand, 48s 6d. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain at this date is 1,710,000 quarters. Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 34s 6d; Australian tallow, best beef, 34s 6d; best mutton, 36s ; best Sydney copra, per ton, Ll 4. The Sentence on Midhat Pacha. It having definitely transpired that the report received on the Bth, to the effect that the sentence of death passed upon Midhat Pacha for complicity in the murder of the Sultan, Abdul Aziz, had been commuted to banishment to Arabia, was incorrect, and that the death sentence is to be carried out, the British Government has sent a communication to Earl Dufferin, the Ambassador at Constantinople, in structing him to intercede with the Porte on behalf of Midhat Pacha, and to urge for a commutation of the sentence.

Mr Bradlaugh. In the action Clarke v. Bradkugh, to recover penalties from the latter for sitting and voting in the House of Com mons without first taking the oath, a verdict has now been finally returned for the plaintiff. A Severe Storm and Loss of Life. London, July 23. A very severe storm has passed over the Shetland Islands, and eleven fishing vessels have been totally wrecked, and seventy fishermen have been drowned. A Cuban Bank Robbery. A telegram is to hand from Cuba, announcing that two employees of a bank at Matangas have embezzled 200,000 dollars, and have succeeded in effecting their escape with the money. A Relapse. Washington, July 23. President Garfield has suffered a relapse, but one which has proved only temporary. He is now again making satisfactory progress towards recovery. The Transvaal Treaty. Capetown, July 22. News is to hand from Pretoria that the Royal Commission appointed to undertake the settlement of affairs in the Transvaal, which has been sitting since May, has concluded its labors A draft convention has been arranged with the Boer leaders, providing for the retrocession of the whole of the Trans vaal to the Boers, subject to the Suzerian rights of Great Britain. The convention, moreover, provides for recognition of claims on the part of British subjects in the Transvaal fpr compensation for losses during the late war, to the extent of L 500,000. News to hand further states that the Volks raad will be forthwith elected, and will meet without delay for ihe purpose of ratifying the convention.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Sentence in the Ferret Cases- Melbourne, July 23. Judgment in the Ferret prosecution was delivered to-day. Henderson, the reputed owner, and Wallace, the purser, have each been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment; and Wright, the captain, to three and a half years. Admiral Clanwilliam. * Sydney, July 24. Admiral Earl Clanwilliam is now better. The squadron will not, how ever, leave for Auckland before Tues day next, and its departure may pro bably be further postponed to allow of time for the Bacchante to come on from Melbourne. Further Cases of Small Pox. Sydney, To-day. Two more cases of small pox are re ported to-day. The sufferers live in the vicinity of Sussex street, where the disease has previously appeared. Two supposed cases of small pox at Bur wood are now proved to be only chicken pox. The Detached Squadron. Further information tends to confirm the probability of the squadron await ing the arrival of the Bacchante before leaving for Auckland. The Bacchante is now expected to leave Melbourne for Sydney on Wednesday next. Not Small-pox. Brisbane, July 23. After further examination of the three children resident in South Bris bane, the doctors have pronounced their cases not to be small-pox. The house, however, in which they live is to be kept isolated until all doubt as to the nature of their sickness is removed.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] The Otaiki Arson Case. Auckland, Saturday. In the Otaiki arson case, Tilly was dis charged. The evidence showed that in the struggle with the Frenchman, a kerosene lamp got upset, accidentally firing the house. Suicide by Drowning. John Farrell, in a fit of delirium tremens, attempted suicide by drowning. Theatrical Dispute- There is a serious misunderstanding between Mr Reynolds and Mr Pollard, of the Pinafore Company, and the ad vertised performance to-night did not eventuate. Legal proceedings are in hand. It is reported that Pollard will not carry out his agreement to.play back south to the Bluff, but intends going to Sydney. Intercolonial Weather. Wellington, Yesterday. Intercolonial weather exchange.—Satur day night: The depression reported last night as off Portland has passed Bass’ Straits, and is north-east of Gabo. The north-west gale has been succeeded by south-west wind at Booda, and this dis turbance seems to be increasing, bad weather being reported from between Booda and Cape Otway. The barometer has recovered in the West—being 30.4 at Echuca, and 29.9 at Albany. Contract for the Wainuiomata Water Race. Mr W. F. Oakes’ tender of L 7,440 for the Wainuiomata water race has been accepted by the City Council. An Illicit Still. An illicit still has been discovered at Taratahi, Wairarapa. The offender is a man named Fitz Yanschulter, who has been convicted for a simiar offence at Palmerston North. Racing Stock. Dunedin, Yesterday. Mr H. Prince writes to the Star that the purchase of Sir Modred, Somnus, and Idalium was hona fide on his own behalf, not as agent for Australian principals. He adds : * ‘ Each and all of them will be raced by me on their merits. Colonial Bank. The Colonial Bank Directors’ report for the half-year ending June 30th shows a net profit, after providing for bad and doubtful debts, &c., of L 16,410 3s lOd. After adding the balance from the pre vious half-year and deducting the tax on note circulation, property tax, <fcc., the balance available is H6,39G 17a lid, which is recommended to be appropriated as follows : - Add to reserve fund L 2,000 (making L 30,000 in all) ; payment of a dividend of 6 per cent, L1‘2,000 ; balance carried forward, L2,39G 17s lid. Working Men’s Club Medal. The gold medal, given by the Working Men’s Club, has been awarded to Messrs Toomer Brothers, of Christchurch, for boots. Another Fire, Dunedin, To-day, A four-roomed house at Kaikorai, . owned by Alfred Martin, was burned down yesterday. It was insured in the South British for LIOO. A Tippler’s Enel. John Spalding died at West Taierifrom the effects of exposure. He lost his way on the 18th, and had been drinking. When found two days later he was insen sible.

An Uiyust Steward. At the Police Court James Polio-k Holmes was charged with embezzling LlB Government moneys received by him as bailiff at Invercargill. He was remanded to Invercargill. The Vagaries of the Law. Invercargill, To-day. Judge Ward has decided at the District Court in the case of Dalgleish v. More ton’s trustees that a bill of sale given three days before a declaration of insol vency is filed held good against tho body of creditors. The decision has caused a widespread feeling of insecurity in com mercial circles.

FATAL ACCIDENTS.

[by telegraph.] Gisborne, To-day. A fatal accident occurred last night to Charles Colley. The deceased, who was a carter, was driving out of town when the horses bolted and the driver fell off the shafts and was run over. Death is supposed to have been instantaneous. The deceased was a sober, industrious man, and leaves a wife and large family. Carterton, To-day. Henry Goodwin, a rabbiter, accidentally shot himself on Saturday afternoon and died a few hours afterwards. His dogs had attacked some tame pigs and Goodwin struck at them with the stock of his gun, and hitting the ground, discharged the contents of both barrels into his chest. The gun was full-cock.

SPORTING.

V.R.O. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. [by cable.] Melbourne, July 23. The winter steeplechase meeting of the Victorian Racing Club was held to-day a£ Flemington. The weather was fine and there was a good attend ance. His Excellency the Governor was present. The following are the results of the two chief events of the day;—Grand National Hurdle Race, three miles—Mr Loughlin’s Sir Peter, i ; Mr Saqui’s Cumberland, 2 ; Mr Winter’s Dhurringle, 3. Thirteen horses started. It was a splendid race, and was won by a neck. Time, smm 42secs. Grand National Steeplechase, three miles—Mr Guyder’s Sussex, 1 ; Mr Loughlin’ Twilight, 2 ; Mr Weeks’ Lucy, 3. Seven horses started. It was a good race and was won by two lengths. Time, 7mm 3secs.

HUNT CLUB STEEPLECHASES.

The following nominations for the forth coming Hunt Club Steeplechases were received by the secretary on Saturday evening:— Hunt Club Cup Handicap. —Mr T. Lyford’s Winfield, Mr S. Osborn’s Native, Mr P. St James’s Quamby, Mr G B. Woodman’s Forsaken, Mr H. Luun’s Fakir, Mr T. Sheenan’s Shark, Mr T. Lyford’s Tawera, Mr W. H. Nev. -on’s Lucy, Mr H. Ford’s Flora, Mr F. ->,an’s Eversley.

Gone-Away Stakes Handicap. ;V rP. Butler’s The Agent, Mr P. St James’s Quamby, Mr J. H. Lunn’s Clarence, Mr A. Thompson’s Kelpie. Tally-Ho Handicap. —Mr T. Lyford’s Winfield, Mr W. Saunders’ All Fours, Mr S. Osborn’s Native, Mr H. Piper’s Gipsy Cooper, Mr D. Orange’s Levant, Mr D. Orange’s Supplejack, Mr F. St James’s Quamby, Mr H. Lance’s, junior, Mormon, Messrs Ford and Studholme’s Warlock, Mr O’Leary’s Larrikin, Mr G. B. Woodman’s Forsaken, Mr T. Lyford’s Bijou, Mr A. Delamain’s Phcebe, Mr H. Lunn’s Fakir, Mr J. Studholme’s, j imior, Frostfish, Mr T. Sheenan’s Shark, Mr W. H. Newton’s Lucy, Mr H. 0. Ford’s Flora, Mr F. Egan’s Eversley, Mr A. Thompson’s Kelpie. The handicaps will appear probably on Tuesday evening, and acceptances are due on Wednesday evening, at 8 o’clock, at the Commercial Hotel, Christchurch.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ANOTHER COMPLAINT.

To the Editor. Sib, —We would not reply to the letter signed “E. B. Pearce,” in your’issue of Saturday, but for the reason that the statements therein contained are calcu lated to do us injury, if allowed to pass unchallenged, and we will take leave to present the other side of the story, so that the public may be able to form a correct opinion as to Mr Pearce’s grievance. That gentleman has lost a splendid opportunity for holding, his tongue, but seems to hope that he may derive some benefit,S in some way or other, by assuming the role of martyr or much persecuted man. We have supplied Mr Pearce and family with provisions, clothing, etc., ever since March, 1880, and some time ago on asking him for a statement of his position, he put down amongst his assets, fifty tons of potatoes, the bulk of them grown on our paddock which we had let to him. Imagine our disgust when we found the potatoes had all been removed, from our paddock, and sold, with the exception of about twelve tons, pitted at his own place, not one shilling of rent having been paid then or sin.ee for the paddock. This fact, together with other unreliable statements, and unreasonable demands for assistance, compelled us, with Mr Cox, to adopt extreme measures, otherwise the chicory might have disappeared like tho potatoes ! We believe Mr Pearce when he says he had a strong desire to start chicory works—but we would like to ask whose was the capital, and whose the as sistance by which he did so ? We would ask Mr Pearce further, whether he spent one shilling of his own in his much talked of local industry 1 How can Mr Pearce be the heavy loser he wants to make out, seeing he never paid for anything that has been taken from him. If Mr Pearce can not see, no doubt the public will, that he has only himself to blamo for the position in which he now finds himself.—We are, etc., OrrA Co.

THE REVISED NEW TESTAMENT.

To the Editor. Sir, —Gan you inform your readers what alteration has been made in the revised edition of the New Testament of that portion which contains our finest moral maxim, often called the “ golden rule,” viz., “As ye would that men should do unto you do ye even so unto them ? ” The alteration which I hear the revisers of the New Testament have made in the above maxim, at the instance of many well regulated journals and eminent politicians, will now read—“ As ye would that men should do unto you do ye even so unto them (except they be Chinamen). ” As our spiritual teachers are quite silent while the anti-Chinese agitation is proceeding I presume the alteration abovementioned is a fact.— I am, &c., Inquirer. [We believe that the passage referred to stands the same in the revised New Testa ment as in the authorised version. Those who neglect to apply it to Chinamen perhaps dp so on the ground that it is a heathen maxim. It is so, and may be found in the writings of the Creek rhetorician Isocrates, more than 300 years before the Christian era. For all that we do not see why it should not apply to Chinamen as well as to other people.— Ed. <?.]

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(FROM omi OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Sydney, J uly 9.

The opening of Parliament here generally causes a stir, but the second session of the tenth Parliament, which opened on Tuesday, caused an unusual commotion. The ceremony was marked with more than usual eclat, for no pre vious session has been opened with more brilliant or imposing surroundings. Macquarie street was in fete form from an early hour. Long before noon, the hour fixed for the reading of His Excellency’s address to the House, this fashionable thoroughfare was the scene of unusual liveliness and interest. Carriages began to line the footpaths, and elegantly-attired ladies, anxious to be early and secure a good seat from which to witness the pageant and hear the Speech, took their places, and waited with stoical patience for the proceedings to commence. The balconies of the villas opposite the Parliament House were thronged with gazers, and less privileged sight seers blocked the footways. The weather was everything that could be desired, and as the morning drew on towards mid-day the bustle quickened and the populace grew more dense. The members began to arrive, “ some ” in their own carriages with their wives and families, some solus in a modest cab, while others strolled up leisurely, as on any other day of the session. The guard of honor, consisting of 100 picked men from the Permanent Force, marched up the street from the Pad dington Barracks, and took their places inside the palisading, looking a remark ably fine body of regulars. The few minutes to the hour were filled up 13y the arrival of fashionable ladies and dignitaries, civil, military, and naval, until every available seat in the “ House of Lords ” was filled, and all the approaches were packed by those who were eager to hear Lord Loftus if they could not see him. As the stroke of 12 was heard, the batteries at Dawe’s Point rang out the vice-regal salute of seventeen guns, and, as this was the signal for his Ex cellency’s leaving Government House, expectation was on tip-toe, until the State carriage rolled through the Parlia ment gates. The body of troopers, with drawn swords, who rode ahead, were followed by a large s aff of mounted officer ; of varioir- b*-,. dies of the Colonial m.htary for;:, , 1 then came his Excellency’s carriage, v, ith the usual powdered footmen, and high stepping bays. The guard of honor, whose bright accoutrements and spot less belts would pleased a martinet, pre sented arms, and the band played “ God save the Queen,” while the Governor was being received by the President of the Legislative Council, and Sir John Robertson, leader of the Government in that Chamber. Inside the Chamber, as his Excellency entered, the scene was a splendid one. On the right and left were the members of the House, their well-cut broadcloth contrasting well with the superb toilets of the crowded tiers of ladies, whose dresses of every mode and color vied with the splendid uniforms of naval and military officers, the stars and medals of foreign consuls and other notabilities. A hushed silence of a few minutes, and the Sergeant-at-Arms having summoned the “faithful Commons,” his Excel lency began, with dignified self-posses sion, to unfold the programme of the session. Each paragraph was listened to most attentively. The Speech over, and his Excellency and suite departed, the Chamber was quickly cleared, and in a few minutes none of the pomp of the ancient usages of the British Par liament remained to show the session had been begun. The land question is coming to the front once more, and this time it is not likely to be shirked as it has been hitherto. It is extraordinary that any people should have permitted a Go vernment or set of men to monopolise the administration and distribution of such a splendid estate as that which the Imperial Government acquired by right of annexation, and subsequently bestowed by deed of gift upon the colonists. Our land laws have been and are of the most mischievous and wasteful character, and, what is still more remarkable, the men who are primarily responsible for them are still permitted to hold the positions in which they have proved so dangerous. It is notorious that Sir John Robertson’s measures have all served a sinister pur pose, and accomplished the very thing they were ostensibly designed to pre vent, namely, the formation of great landed estates. Everybody knows how the free selection clauses of the Land Bill of 1861 have worked. There is. no need to refer to statistics to show that there is no “ bold peasantry ” to be the “ country’s pride,” in proportion to the vast areas that have been alienated from the Crown. The fact is, that a large pro portion of the free-selectors are men without means, who keep a few head of cattle and contribute very little to the general prosperity of the country. We do not even supply ourselves with breadstuffs, and have to look abroad for the staff of lif:. Added to this, we have the unpleasant remembrance that wherever new lines of railway are to be constructed, it is invariably dis covered that the route lies through newly-selected country, apparently taken up with the single view of compensa tion. Then the finances of the country are unwholesomely affected by the revenue derived from the sale of this land, and the present Government, like many of its predecessors, rests under the humiliating stigma that it permits the colony to live upon capital account. This state of things would be unpardonable in a country where it is hard to make ends meet, but for New South Wales, in a condition of unprecedented prosperity, to make her patrimony in such a manner is positively dishonest. A few more ques tions such as that of “ringbarking,” considered in the light of an improve ment, have cropped up in Parliament lately, and the tone adopted, in the de bate clearly shows that there is some thing “ in the wind,” which will ' presently make itself felt. Mr Foster, J too, sounded a key note which must j have chorded with the feelings of |

every thinking man in the community, when he addressed the editor of the Herald early this week, in the words, “You may not think the land question to be of paramount importance, but I do.” This was written inconsequence of the omission of a portion of de hon. gentleman’s speech at Gundagai, from, the report given hv the leading journal’s correspondent. Mr Foster has had occasion (•' grow rancorous in opposi tion more titan once since his return, but his calm demeanour to those whose know him, is merely the premonitory of a terrific onslaught upon those who, though they are in power, have many weak points. Before the end of the session we may be more enlightened upon this subject. A fresh outbreak of small-pox has been reported. Although not in the city, but in the Liverpool district (some 13 miles from Sydney), it has caused renewed uneasiness. The police get ting a clue to the whereabouts of the sick man, proceeded to a house be longing to a Chinaman named Leon Lee, and requested him to give up the patient. He, with eight other Mongols, answered, “No savee; no sick man here.” The police surrounded the dwelling, preventing any exit possible, and search being made, a Chinaman was found in a room which was locked. The eruption was very strongly marked on the forehead and wrists, and he was found in a very critical state. After the Chinamen had been secured by the con stables, they were driven into Sydney, and immediately conveyed in a steam launch to the quarantine station. ‘ The building in which the Chinaman was found, was burnt to the ground, by order of the authorities. The Chinese residents of Sydney are in a very agi tated state of mind, fearing that an annual tax upon them will be imposed. It is understood that efforts will be made to have the Chinese question from the Chinese point of view, advo cated in the advertising columns of the press, and on the public platform. It is bad enough to be burdened with the Chinamen themselves, but it is infinitely worse that we should submit to have a pestilence forced upon us by the wil ful violation of the laws enacted for the preservation of the public health. Two fresh cases were reported this morning (Saturday), one at the Glebe, and the other at Sussex street. In both in stances steps were taken without delay to isolate the houses and the people resident therein. The inmates, number ing in all fourteen, will be removed to the quarantine station this afternoon. The outbreak ofsraall-pox unfortunately begins to assume alarming appearances, the decrease being in a confluent form. The Laycock Testimonial Fund has now reached the handsome sum of L7OO. This amount will shortly be presented to him in one of our Theatres.

The squadron left Melbourne on Friday r.f ernoon for Sydney, and as they come up the coast under canvas, will, in all probability, arrive about Monday afternoon. The Masonic ball, which is to be given under the patron age of the Princes, at the Exhibition building, promises to be a great success. Besides the Royal visitors, his Excel lency the Governor (Lord Loftus), Earl Clan william, Commodore Wilson, Cap tain Hixison of the Naval Brigade, and other distinguished guests, will be pre sent The enttee to the ball not being restricted to Masons, a large company is expected to be present. The ball was purposely postponed in order that the Princes and their gallant comman der might be able to attend. The pro ceeds will be in aid of the Freemasons’ Benevolent Fund.

Larrikinism has become so rampant in New South Wales that it has been found necessary to frame a Bill to deal with the dissolute youths of Sydney. The police here while in the execution of duty are daily assailed and mal treated by sets of ruffians, whose only object seems to be to break the peace. Public property, to the value of hun dreds of pounds, is monthly destroyed, much to the inconvenience of those who reap no benefit therefrom. When the Bill is brought forward it is to be hoped that this particular social evil will not be dealt with too sentimentally or tenderly. Mr Horatio Thurston, an old resi dent of Mudgee, died during the week. He was a brother of the Hon. J. B. Thurston, Colonial Secretary of Fiji.

The stringent quarantine regulations adopted by the Government of New South Wales has had the desired effect of putting a check on Chinese im migration. The Sydney agents of a shipping firm telegraphed to China, advising the agents there that if they had any Chinese passengers on board the vessels they were about to despatch to Sydney, they must look forward to a period of prolonged quarantine. The effect of this warning was that a ship load of Chinamen, whose passages had been paid, were sent ashore, and their passage money returned. Other ship ping firms in the same line of business will doubtless be compelled to follow suit.

The first consignment of English fresh fish to Sydney was submitted to auction on board the Orient steamship Cuzco this week. The fish were in splendid condition, and comprised salmon, soles, turbot and cod, each assortment being well assorted. The salmon in baskets brought from 3s 6d to 7s per lb ; soles, 3s gd alb ; and forced, is 1 id; turbot averaging is 6d. The competition was not so brisk here as in Melbourne, where the unsold portion will be taken if not sold privately. The fish were so firmly frozen together that when taken from the refrigerating room they could only be separated with the aid of iron in struments. The demand being great and supply small, the Coffee Palaces charged 3s to everyone partaking of salmon.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

[;iV telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. , hhe .*■» left San Francisco at 12.41 on Ju h 4th, landed mails and pas sengers at Honolulu, and proceeded the foil-.- ins mi- ning. Arrived at Auckland tlii. .-uor.! -n'. The f c-l!ow s n-r passenger* are «• Nh.« /'-eaian-a ; •••M.evji i Johnston, Gn m, Luslungton, and 13 steerage. She brirgs 1,278 - cases salmon and 6 cases general merchandise. General Summary. London, June 11. Hr Gladstone hopes to prorogue Parlia-* me it the first week in August. ‘ll Spain the Free Traders and Pre fer iouisi a are holding large meetings. The former cite with approval the example of America.

Baron Magnus, recalled from Copen hagen, for attending the banquet given to Sarah Bernhardt, has become insane. Messrs Martin and Co., the ship builders in London, have yielded to tbe demands of the men on strike ; it is as serted that 30,000 Staffordshire nail makers have struck for 30 per cent, more wages. Earl Granville has sent a despatch to the British Minister at Washington, re garding the Fenians in New York. Air Galling, well known as correspon ded t to the Times, left England on the IGth, for the purpose of penetrating Siberia and describing the condition of th 3 exiles there.

The health of the Empress of Germany is improving.

The Corell Club (American) iniend ter try to retrieve their lost honors by rowing against the best boat clubs in England at the Metropolitan America Regatta, on the stli proximo. A leti er has been received, according to a despatch from Liverpool, threatening to blow up the Duke of Westminister and 'his residence. Mr Gladstone has said that Mr Parnell crosses the Atlantic to avoid making speeches in Great Britain that would land him in gaol. Earl Granville has sent a despatch through Sir Edward. Thornton, expressing the concern of the Government for the at tempt on President Garfield’s life. The American consuls throughout Ire* land have been instructed to report care* fully to Washington concerning the cha racter and extent of the disaffection, par ticularly relative to the prevalence and conduct of the Irish and Irish-American element.

Ex - Alderman Clancy, of Ottawa, Canada, has exhibited a flying machine. A t an average height of twelve feet he made a flight of a quarter of a mile. The machine is the result of 30 years’ thought and labor.

A man named Arthur Lefroy was found in, one of the Brighton railway carriages 0.1 June 27, wounded on the head and bleeding. He reported that his fellow travellers were countrymen and an old gentlemen, and that shortly after passing Croydon he heard a shot and was stunned. 1 he police found several bullets Imbedded i;. the carriage, and in Balcalbe tunnel trey found the corpse of T. J. Bold, a i -tired business man, with his throat cut, i ho had been in London to collect diri i and s, H ■ was also stabbed in various places. Only a pocket-book, containing c rds, was found on his porspn. Lefroy, a cer bavin r his wounds dressed, started for Lotion. He is a newspaper reporter, aged 22. He has since been arrested f-.-r murder.

The Times, commenting on the Mone tary Conference at Paris, advises the t Lhdrawa of the British representatives i ■ a body, as there is no expectation in »fvy ca*e of EnT :■»•>.<’ :.-jj to anything vhich will affect her ad ■ the single gold standard. It views the presence of the English delegates in the congress as most unfortunate, and calculated to injure Lie reputation of the British Government. Ireland is quiet. Sextan', manager of the League, took to the stump on Sunday, 27th, in King’s County, but in a sweeping indictment against the Government made .no attack on the Land Bill. Meetings have also been held in Cork, Waterford, and Mayo, but they dealt almost exclu sively with the Coercion Act, and assailed Mr Eorster. Agrarian agitation is nearly extinct. The hay crop just harvested has been the best Ireland has hadjsince the year before the great famine. The potato crop pro mises to be extraordinary abundant The fisheries were never more profitable in Kinsale, the people using cartloads of fish for manure. Then again landlords have witlidrawn ejectment writ in hundreds of cases, and for the sake of peace and quiet ness are taking Griffiths’ valuation. A boat’s crew from Oarnell (American) College has arranged to row in Vienna. Prince Bismarck is ill again, and is con fined to his residence at Berlin.

A Paris despatch announces the death of Messrs Jules Arland and Stanislaus Dufaure.

Russia will endeavor to re-open negotia tions with the American Government as to restricting the right of asylum. Tremendous storms have ravaged both the Eastern and Western American States ; it has been particularly severe in Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, and Now Hamp shire. Horses and men are reported as killed by lightning, and the wires every where prostrated. In the Monetary Conference, the Austrian delegates are instructed to main tain a friendly interest towards bimetal lisim, but not to depart from the reserve hitherto displayed. Disturbances by French and Italians have taken place at Marseilles and in other parts of France and also in Italy. They are likely to lead to national complica- . tions. An article in the Liberia (Rome) says that France is anxious to retrieve the Shf: mo of her defeat io 1870,' and, con vinced that she is not sufficiently strong to measure herself with Germany, seeks in every way a pretext for picking quar rels with Italy. The writer says it must be for Italy to choose the occasion of going tolyvar with France, and not leave the latter to force a war whell she finds it most convenient. Mr Parnell’s visit to the United States in autumn will have the twofold object, to ‘ pass the hat ” and to induce a more u i oderate tone among the Irish A mericans. C ’Donovan Rossa, and others of the same i i in New York, are, by the violence of t ieir utterances, making Mr Parnell’s osition exceedingly uncomfortable. A process server named M'Auliffa, has ■ eon shot dead at his house near Castle Ireland, Kerry, on the night ef the kßth. San Francisco, July 3. The New York Herald’s special gives t' e following particulars of the mur er o - the Loudon and Brighton railway *■-- referred to elsewhere :—The act was c-nn mittod in one of the most frequented re .ds leading out of the metropolis, and v .cited the keenest interest everywhere. Lofroy, the suspected i told a strange s ory to the rai. w.:e •■.A.v-s, He said, ttfterleaviug Croydon, he heard shots fired, and felt a blow on his head, upon which he became insensible, and- only recovered consciousness on reaching Preston Park, He said he found himself the only oo« enpant of a compartment, with a pool of blood at his feet. He could not tell who fired the shot. Lefroy was taken to tuc police station at Brighton, where he gave t le above particulars, and had his wounds dressed at the County Hospital, when he was permitted to leave for home 'iia * > real name is Henry Mapleton, and ho claims to be the author of the play • * Plus andlNoedles," now being performed in

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JULY 25, 1881.



. AND LARGE DISCOUNTS. 4 s. in the £ RETURNED to all Customers purchasing Mens’ or Boys’ Clothing, For this Month only, EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. Two Shillings in the Pound returned to all customers purchasing in Mercery, Dresses, Manchester, Millinery, and Fancy Departments. SAVE 2s, in the £ or 10 per cent, on purchases, 4s in the £ or 20 per cent. > 322 a Hayes’ fjyiMBBR 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 Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be required. (Anyone hiring an instrument and subsequently wishing to Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase - of same. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 365 a Dr James Murdoch, JJAYING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, 6«h Jon©, IBBL 86Xa



Wanted. WANTED— 20,000 Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mayo aud Hunt. 201 c WANTED KNOWN—That the Under signed is prepared to put and keep in ORDER GARDENS, by the day or year, at very low rates. Apply, J. Ling, Mayo’s Block. 185 c XX7"ANTED EYERBODY to know that VV HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a TX7ANTED KNOWN—That A. Farqu- HAR has leased BUTLER’S BIL LIARD SALOON, and requests a visit. Pool every evening at 9 o’clock. 93c XXTANTED KNOWN—That Robert W Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 81c WANTED KNOWN. —Young Ladies’ Journal, Is 7d ; Bow Bells, Is 7d; Family Reader (Monthly), Is 2d ; (Quarterly)do., 2s 2d; Family Herald, Is ; London Journal, Is 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 bo supplied to order, at lowest prices. L. F. Andrewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a j ANTED KNOWN—That Miss | Verrall 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. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants and all persons with good recommendations, who are in wqnt of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. 102 c T. Special Advertisements. [a card.] S. LAMBERT, Architect, HEREFORD STREET, Christchurch. 325 c TCTURSE.—Mrs Pauling begs to in- AX timate that she has opened a Private Nursing Establishment and Hospital for Ladies and Gentlemen, and is prepared to receive Ladies to Nurse who require medical attention. Address Moore street, near Presbyterian Manse. 104 c HE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY is the MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured by THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET, « WM. SPARROW. 75c < Manager. 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. John Meech, JXRACTIGAL CABINETMAKER, X UPHOLSTERER, &c., BU-RNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND- HAND FURNITURE. 819 fJIINWALD TIMBER YARD, About to be Opened, ADJOINING JEPHSON’S STORE. RED PINE, RED PINE, ON SALE. All descriptions of BUILDING MATERIAL, At Cheapest Rates. ALL SIZES WIRE NAILS. ATT, LENGTHS CORRUGATED IRON C. JEPHSON, Manager. 329 c



Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Notable Facts.—lntense heat augments the annoyances of skin disease and encourages the development of febrile disorders; therefore they should, as they can, be remove by these determent and purifying preparations. In stomach complaints, liver affections, pains, and spasms of the bowels, Holloway’s ungent well rubbed over the affected part immediately gives the greatest ease, prevents congestion and in flammation, checks the threatening diarrhoea and averts incipient cholera. The poorer inhabitants in large cities will find these remedies to be their best friends when any pestilence rages, or when from unknown causes eruptions, boils, abscesses, or ulcerations point out the presence of taints or impurities within the system, and call for instant and effective curative medicines.— [AdvU]