SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Thursday. Bee, schooner, from Pelorus Sound. Telegraph, schooner, from Waitara. Sailed. Thursday. Ringarooma, s.s., for Sydney, via Northern ports. Yesterday. Wave of Life, brigantine, for D’Urville Island. . • - Magellan Cloud, brigantine, for Grey mouth.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Thursday. Sailed— Loongaria, for Hobart'; Ban nockburn, for Newcastle ; Sydenham, for Lyttelton ; Albion, for Southern ports, Wellington, Thursday. Arrived—Charles Edward, from Nelson; Owake, from Timarn. Sailed— Hawea, for the North ; Charles Edward and Hinemoa, for Kelson. Port Chalmers, Thursday. ' Arrived—St. KiWa, from Wanganui. Sailed—Rotomahana, for Melbourne, via the Bluff.'

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List. . Butter, inferior to best, I? lb, 9‘l to Is > $ dozen, is 3d ; cheese, prime quality, $ lb, Ad to 6d : bacon, piime smoked, p lb, is; hams, in cloth, 1? lb, is to is 2d ; flour, m bags, $ loolb, I2s ; oatmeal. V 251!', 4s; lard, I? It', ?d. tie Christchurch .Com Exchange.

The following is the report for the week ending Friday, the 15th of April There is no change to report in the state of the market during the past week. The scarcity of tonnage is still keenly felt, and to a very considerable extent retards business. The weather, within the last few days has been most 1 propitious, and the fears which were entertained of the country suffering from drought are now completely dispelled by the genial and copious rains which have been general throughout the district. The great bulk of the wheat crop has now been threshed out and delivered. The recent arrivals of ships to load grain for Great Britain, and others daily expected, will soon clear the sheds, and thus tend to make business brisker. Wheat.—Fine samples of Tuscan in large lines are still the parcels most sought after by shippers, and for these the top prices of the market are ob tainable, viz., 35 9d, 3? 9/4d, and 3s lod per bushel, free on board in Lyttelton. Velvet chaff and pearl in suitable shipping lines are also saleable at from . 3s yd to 3s 8d per bushel, f.0.b.; Hunter’s whi'e, 3s 6d 103 s 6'Ad per bushel. Lines of wheat of a quality not equal to the foregoing, but still suitable for shipment, 2d to 3d under these quotations. Chick wheat ranges from is 9 1 to 2S gd per bushel, according to quality. Oats.—The upward tendency of the market, which was indicated by the rather bare supply, is still well maintained ; any parcels coming to hand meet with ready purchasers. Good bright milling samples fro n is gd to is lod per bushel; feed quality, is yd to is Bd. The tone of the market is firm, but consumers are not inclined to advance on these quotations, the well known large quantity of feed barley acting as a check. Harley.—Considerable quantities of this cereal continue to come for ward, but the quality as a rule being inferior, does not meet with much attention from brewers and malsters. Medium to good malting may be quoted from 2S 3d to 3s 3d per bushel, the demand sluggish, and sales difficult to effect; feed parcels are rather more saleable, at from Is 6d to is gd per bushel. Grass seel.—The demand continues good, with the market barely supplied. Well cleaned farmers’ parcels have realised from 3s 6d to 4 s 6d per bushel; indifferently cleaned, accord ing to sample. Potatoes. —Business in the tuber has been rather brisker during the past week. Sales have taken place at 35s per ton for. immediate, and 40s for forward delivery, sacks extra. Cheese and butter. —The former is exceedingly unsaleable, 3d to 3 A ( \ being the nominal quotations. The latter is more saleable, at yd to delivered in Christchurch.

Auctioneers’ Reports. . Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, for the week ending April 14th, 1881, as follows : At the. Addington sale yards on Wednesday last the supply of fat sheep was somewhat below the average, and for all classes of mut ton prices were firm throughout the sale. In Some-cases values were 6d to pd per head bet ter both in crossbred and merinos than last week. On account of different owners, we sold Crossbred wethers at from 1?.3 6d to 13s pd ; mixed lines, los fid to 12s ; ewes to ros <jd. : " A choice lot of merino wethers realised 10s 3d to lis 6d ; medium do. Ss to pd ; thus showing the difference in the demand and price obtainable for medium class merino mut ton and sheep that have been properly finished out. Young store sheep in fresh condition are unchanged in.value, with very few coming to Hand, and anything like a decent line of two or four-tooth crossbred ewes or wethers are worth from 95 to 10s per head. Aged low conditioned merinos are now very little sought after, and the declining values that have been ruling for some weeks past have now nearly Stopped suppUes. The recent rain, although coming late, has wonderfully freshened our pastures, and if fro-t does not set in too quickly should maintain, if not improve, the price of store stock generally. In beef the iihprovemenf noted last week was maintained this, and prices are much more in favor of owners. From the various districts we hear that the number of fat cattle on hand are rapidly being absorbed,, and values, as paid last Wednesday, show an advance of 10s to 2is per head over rates ruling a month or five Weeks since. Store cattle made a very small entry, and trade is unaltered. In pigs there is •a considerable collapse in price, especially in porkers and stores, some of which show a de cline of fully 30 per cent within the past six weeks. The totals yarded for the day com prised 6,163 sheep, 258 head of cattle, and 98 -pigs, of which' our entry included 2,567 sheep, 92 head of cattle, and 42 pigs. In fat sheep we sold, on account of Mr John Grigg, 378 crossbreds at 11s pd to 12s, ‘ 102 at 10s 4d, 95 merino weathers at 83 6d ; for other owners, 109 mixed crossbreds at 13s 3d, 70 at 13s 3d, 58 at 12s 6d, 30 at 13s, 40 at Its, 35 at 12s, 40 at 12s 6d, 35 at ns lod, 125 at Its, 35 two-tooth crossbreds at 93, 242 ■ crossbred ewes at ros, 60 at ros 3d, 40 at los, 85 at ids 3d, 40 at ios'3d, 30 at ios4d, 105 at los" 36, 50 merino weathers at 11s 6d, 50 at zos4)d, looat los 3d, 150 lambs at 6s lod. 26 at 8s 6d, 28 at 7s 6d, 20 at 9s, 70 at 6s gd, 30 at 9s 3d 61 at 9s 3d. Fat Cattle — 2 at L 7 ios, 3 at L 7 I2s6d, 2at L 6 15s, 3 at Ls 17s 6d, 2 at L 6, 2 at JL.7,,2 at L77S 6d, 2 at L 6 15s, 3 at L 6 Ivs 6d, 2at L 6 15. Stores—B at L2 13s, 4 at L. 3, 3 at I 3 2s 6d, Ss at L2 10s, &c. Messrs Robert Wilkin and Co. report—At thed Addington Yards on Wednesday, 6160 sheep and 258 head of cattle were yarded. Qwing to the limited supply of fat sheep com petition for this description was keen through put. jlhe sale,- and the various lots changed hands at prices a. shade in advance of last week’s- ratp, while stores sold at late rates. _ There was a large supply of fof cattle, but the quality consisted of medium and inferior £brts. Tor which description there was a dull sale, and in stores there was little or ; nothing doing. We sold medium quality cfossbrcd ; ewes and wethers at 9s and 9s 3d eafch ; j»tore. jaiubs, at 6s ; full-mouthed cross bred,atOTq«wes,.at 8s 6d ; best, steers, at L 8 ; mediuna ■ ’At Tinwaur sale on Tuesday, we sold ewes at 15s; medium do at 933 d ; fat mcripo ewes and wethers (mixed), at -- 7s 3d j alhfedf cross-bred store ewes, at 8s each; - full-moirtbed merino ewes, at 4s 3d ; broken moutbeddo, ataspd; fat bullocks, at L 7 2s 6d; a , line of eighteen old steers and heuers,.st L2 7s 6d. ' ;'“ '' '

MARRIAGES.

Leadley—Paterson. —On the 14th inst., at the residence of the bride’s mother, Prebbleton, by the Rev. J. Blake, M.A. (Presbyterian), George Wm. Leadley, farmer, Ashburton, only son of Mr C. R. Leadley, farmer, Preb bleton, to Elizabeth Smith, eldest daughter of the late Mr Wm. Paterson, farmer, Springs road, Prebbleton. Patching—Stephens. —On the 14th of April, at St. Stephen’s Church, Ashbur ton, by the Rev. W. Hands, William, youngest sou of Gcorgo Patching, Brighton, England, to Sophia Matilda, eldest daughter of John Stephens, blacksmith, of Ashburton. Home papers please copy.

The Ashburton Guardian. agna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1881. Educational.

TOWN EDITION. at 5.35 p. m. ]

There can be no two opinions as to the importance of the position which will be occupied by the question of education during the coming session of Parliament. We cannot say that the change made in the Cabinet in the matter of the transference of the educa tional portfolio from the charge of Mr. Rolleston fore shadows much in favor of the subject from the gentlemen com posing the Cabinet. Without exception, that gentleman was the only person in the Ministry who gave this subject his whole consideration. Mr Rolleston made this his study, and we had hoped, previous to his transference, that he would have introduced measures at the coming session capable of coping with the necessities of the day. From post sessional remarks up to the present, but little can be gleaned regarding the intentions of the Government on this point. Major Atkinson, in treating with the subject in his address to the Patea electors, very ably avoided giving any expression of a decided character thereon, but, nevertheless, avowed him self in favor of limited denominational ism. That, however, the Government will find themselves called on at Parlia ment’s next sitting to lay down a definite line of action is certain. In free State education we argue that a system of partial denomina tionalism would render the country liable to a large amount of unnecessary expense in the support of numberless small educational branches in places where one possessing the advantages necessary for primary instruction would be amply sufficient, and far less expen sive. It is all very well for the Colonial Treasurer to passively assent “ that whatever expense is necessary for the education of the children of the colony will have to to be incurred,” but a line of action embracing the half uttered convictions of that gentleman regarding dcnominationalism would, we believe, meet with general dis approval. By engendering the hopes of various sects in this direction Major Atkinson and his colleagues render themselves liable to a revolution of feeling on it being made apparent that the project will not hold water, and this of a character likely to anything but advance the party interests during the ensuing general election. Their action in shirking the subject, and mis leading the public, cannot meet with approval. The introduction of the Bible in schools and the mere perusal daily of a portion of its teachings will entirely fail in its hoped for result. Instead of obtaining a clear common sense view of the maxims brought under their notice by this means, the scholars will experience a feeling of disgust for the subject, which feeling will be shared by the teachers. If the Bible is to be read in our schools let it not be glibly run over as a species of preliminary canter to the real busi ness of the day, but let it take its position in the children's studies, and be clearly expounded by persons able to cope with the various interpretations put on its contents. We should be of the last to advocate a system of god less education, but are positive that the present arrangements meet the require ments of the case. The Auckland Industrial Home-

The disclosures in connection with the Auckland Industrial Home point to the fact that our lunatic asylums

are not the only public institutions in New Zealand in which considerable reform is requisite. The state of affairs which has been permitted is of a most disgraceful and revolting character. In the one a patient is subjected to cruelties equalling the tortures of the Inquisition, whilst in the other, children committed thereto for the purpose of being reclaimed from a heathenish state of existence, are allowed to indulge in immoralities of the grossest character, consequent on an indis criminate mixing of the sexes. That the appointment of superintendents over these institutions have been con ferred in a “ sisters, cousins, and aunts ” sort of manner, without the slighest consideration as to the qualifications of the recipients, is plainly apparent. The, Government, by their lax manner of carrying on business in these matters, have dragged the colony into shame and disgrace, and their duty is rendered painfully apparent. No Royal Com missioners are needed in these matters, but an immediate scouring out of the hot-beds of infamy.

Local Sparrow Clur. —A meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of a local sparrow club was held in Quill’s Hotel on Thursday evening, Mr Silcock occupying the chair. The following reso lutions were carried: —“That a Club for the removal of the sparrow pest be formed in the county of Ashburton.” “ That a provisional committee be appointed to arrange for the formation of the club, fixing the amount of subscription, pro curing poisoned wheat, and making other necessary arrangements, and to report at a meeting to be held at as early a date as possible.” Mr H. C. Jacobson, at the request of the meeting, kindly consented to act as hon. secretary. It was decided to hold a meeting on this day fortnight to receive the committee’s report. The secretary having promised to obtain copies of the rules of the Tai Tapu club, the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.

Magisterial.—ln the Resident Magis trate’s Court, Rakain, on the 14th inst., a man, charged with drunkenness and using obscene language in a public house, was fined 10s., or in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment. In the assault case of Shellock v. C. Lake, the complainant stilted that defendant had since apologised, and he therefore did not wish to press the charge. A fine of os was inflicted. The civil business only included one case, Hashwell v T. E. Fagan, in which defen dant pleaded insolvency, and the case was adjourned for a month by the Bench. Tinwald Sports.—lntending visitors to the Tinwald Sports on Monday next are referred to an advertisement elsewhere, requesting them to enter the Sports Ground by the gate on Graham’s road. Train Arrangements.— The District Traffic Manager, in another column, pub lishes the train arrangements for the Autumn Race Meeting on Monday and Tuesday next. More Work.—Tenders are invited by the manager of the Coldstream Estate for the formation of a water-race (plough and scoop work). Dismissed with a Caution. This morning a first offender, on a charge of in ebriacy, was dealt with as above by the Resident Magistrate. Easter Monday.—All branches of the Post-office will be closed on Monday next, and Sunday hours will be observed by the Telegraph Department. Accident.—This morning, as Mr Smith and another person were driving in a buggy into town, and when nearing the north end of the bridge, the horse took fright at the timber stacked there, and dashed the buggy against the railing of the approach. Mr Smith was slightly cut about the face, being thrown violently to the ground. These, however, were the only injuries he received, and his com panion escaped unhurt. The shafts of the' vehicle were broken and the harness gene rally wrecked. A Sporting Loss.—Our cablegrams to day contain the announcement of the death of Mr. R. 0. Bagot, the secretary of the Victoria Racing Club, or, as he was perhaps better known, “ the indefatig able. ” The deceased gentleman had held the position of secretary to the premier turf institution this side of the lino for a number of years, and, from very small things, comparatively, had raised the Club, by his unflagging energy and great business tact, to the exalted position which it now occupies in the spotting world. Altogether, the demise of their late secretary creates a blank, which the V.R.C. will find it hard to fill. Annineksahy Tea Meeting. —The third anniversary of the Soafield Wes leyan Church was celebrated yesterday, by a tea and public meeting. There was a fair attendance of Seafield residents, while a large number of visitors from Ash burton took advantage of the delightful weather to patronise the proceedings with their presence and support. The catering was in the hands of Mr A. O. Aitken, and the quality of the edibles was only equalled by their very prolific supply. The following ladies were either presiding at the tables or otherwise energetically engaged in affording substantial help : Mesdames Brown, Bruce, Collison, Hard wick, Jones, Richardson, and M'Lean, with Misses Cowan, Hardwick, and Lawrie. After tea was over, and a little recreation indulged in, in the way of rounders, &c., an adjournment Was made to the Church, the proceedings there being presided over bj r the Rev. W. Koall, who opened the mget ing with prayer. The rev. gentleman, afterwards, in a very brief speech, took occasion to remark that the existing debt on the church amounted to L4O Os 3d. Since the last anniversary over L 47 had been cleared oft’ the debt, that amount having been allocated for the purpose from the funds of the Ashburton Circuit. He hoped that, from the proceeds of the present gathering, LlO or Ll2 more would be available tow-ards reducing the debt still further. Messrs Jones, Hodder, Buchanan, Olsen, Crisp, and Bcrrimau also addressed the meeting, and a very pleasant and satisfactory anniversary con cluded about eight o’clock. A strong choir, under the leadership of Mr Chas. Ray, of Ashburton, rendered suitable music during the evening, Miss Hodder accompanying on the piano.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[per keuter’s agency.] Consols. London, April 13. Consols have advanced to Lxoo 5 s JRegaining Strength. April 14. A bulletin issued to-day reports that Earl Beaconsfield has experienced de cided symptoms of recovery, and is hourly regaining strength. The Bill Approved. A conference of tenant righters ha£ passed a resolution approving of the provisions of the Irish Land Bill which has been introduced into Parliament. Obituary. The death of the Rev. William Morley Punshon, the prominent Wes leyan minister, aged 57, was announced to-day.

The Frontier Squabble. Athens, AprilJs.’ The Greek Government has in timated to the Powers its acceptance of the Porte’s proposal for the exten sion of the Greek frontier upon con dition that a peaceful surrender of the territory to he ceded by Turkey is guaranteed. The Government at the same time appeals to the Powers to protect the Greeks who remain under Ottoman rule in Epirus and other Turkish districts bordering upon Greece. The Basuto War. Capetown, April 13. News has been received from Basutoland that an offer of mediation has been made by Sir Hercules Robin son to the: Basutos, with a view aff bringing abput a cessation of hostilities with the Cape forces, and the Basuto chiefs have accepted the mediation of his Excellency.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per rbuter’s agency.] Death of “The Indefatigable.” Melbourne, April 14. Mr R. C. secretary of the Victoria Racing Club, is dead. A Substantial Reward- To-day. The Board of Commissioners ap pointed t 6 distribute the Kelly reward fund has made the awards. Superin tendent Hare receives the highest re ward of LBOO. Thanks. Sydney, April 14. A deputation of Italian residents in this city waited upon the Premier, Sir Henry Parkes, to-day, and presented him with a letter expressing in grateful terms their appreciation of the generous action of the New South Wales Govern ment in affording assistance and shelter to their countrymen, the Italian im migrants belonging to the Marquis de Ray’s expedition, who recently arrived here from New Caledonia in a destitute condition.

NEW ZEALAND

[im:r press association.] Cruelty to a Lunatic. Wellington, To-day. Whitelaw, late superintendent of the lunatic asylum, has just been arrested on an information laid under the Lunacy Act, for cruelty to the patient Mclntosh, as stated in the Commissioners’ report. At their Little Games Again. Opunake, To-day. The natives last evening commenced ploughing the road between Potohn and Parapara. Major Tuko has gone to arrest them. Sudden Deaths. Dunedin, To : day. Wm. Insley, a wood cutter, died suddenly at Purakanui on Thursday. James Green, a groom, of intemperate habits, died in the City Hotel stables. He had gone there in a drunken condition, and laid down. L 20,600 for a Character. Mr Proudfoot has issued a writ for L 20,000 damages against Mr Mackay, his late partner, for alleged defamation of character. ’ i • Another to the List. A five-roomed house at Mornington, ow-ned by Mr C. R. Bouman, and occn pied 'by M r Jones, was burned down this morning. ' The insurances are L2OO on ■the furniture in the South British and LIOO in the National.

JOTTINGS.

[By Sinecure.] The verdancy of the gentleman who does your police items has excited ray admiration. That request or his to hear how that drunk, who two days in succes sion was Under the notice of the Bench, and on each iccasion was possessed of but one and twopence, managed his finances is perfectly refreshing. I doubt if he has yet received4iny enlightenment on “ How its done,” if so his correspondent is the more verdant of the two. No, no, Mr Reporter, it is not to be expected that any of those who are “in the service” will so readily disclose the secret of ob taining bed, board, and liquor, and ale apparently for nought. If you desire to start in this line on your own account, your term of apprenticeship before you can lay claim to a knowledge of the arts of Bohemianism will bo no short one ; neither will your stock-in-trade of exper ience be easy of requisition.

We’ve a number of religious dogs in this town if one may judge by the at tendance at our places of worship on Sundays. Don’t for one moment, dear reader, imagine I’m punning, rest assured otherwise ; but it really is to bad to have your best beaver wrecked by a canine worshipper who discovering the same under an adjacent seat sets to work on it in orthodox “rat” fashion. Dogs are very well in their way, but so far as I have been able to ascertain, it yet remains to be proven that they derive any benefit from being present at our devotional services. Certain it is that they de teriorate the attention of the neighboring worshippers to a considerable extent. “Every dog has its day,” says an old saw, but I don’t think that day should bo the Sabbath.

“Act, act in the living Present.” The above was vividly brought to my mind whilst perusing the account of the stampede from the anniversary services at Seafield on the occasion of Mr Laurie s fire. Although probably their minds had been directed to the great burning and its accompanying horrors, made the more painfully apparent by the rev. gentleman’s glowing oratory thereon, the light thereof paled on the instant with the first alarm. “Little beginnings, etc.,” and as a conse quence the extinction of the little blaze, was uppermost in their minds. By-the-by, I wonder was the reverend gentleman “ well in at the finish,” be cause if not, the fault was his ; and on future occasions I should advise him to act as did a Welsh confrere on the occa sion of news being brought to the village church, of which he was pastor, that a wreck had occurred on the coast some three miles away. The uprising of the congregation was unanimous, for these fisherfolks considered such an occurrence a godsend, and the first on the scene stood the best chance of providing his home with luxuries for some months from the stores washed ashore. Therefore, seeing he stood a good chance of playing involuntarily the part of whipper-in, his reverence appealed to his congregation to list to the termination of his discourse, which would only occupy four words. None refused to comply, and the interim was successfully employed in divesting himself of his gown, followed by his tripping it merrily down the pulpit steps, and closing proceedings with— 1 ‘ the, four words I desire to say to you are, dear brethren, ‘ Let's all start fair !' ” Your contemporaries, both north and south, Mr Editor, have been taking the wind out of your sails in the “ natural curiosity ” line. From one we hear of a singing chicken, another vouches for a

potato large enough to provide, food supply for a gang of Irish ro&dtnftkers for a week, and lastly from Invercargill comes a monster melon which was introduced to Sir A. Gordon during his introductory tour. Now, I've noticed you’ve failed entirely in unearthing anything up here, so to rescue you I’ve raised the following goose story from the Devizes Gazette “At Littlooote farm there is a goose in the possession of Mr Russell, which was pre sented to his father on his tenth birthday. Mr Russell’s father died some years ago in his 76th year, and as the goose was aged when given to Mr Russell, senior, and is yet alive, it is thus known to be over 80 years old, and is supposed to be nearer 100 than 80 years.” The negotia tion of one of her gooseship’s drumsticks would, I should think, prove interesting although somewhat unproductive to a hungry feeder.

Where are the Court Minstrels ? That was a big hoax on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of last week. On three several occasions I lounged around the Town Hall with an air of total indifference, but hopes of obtaining a gratis night’fc amusement high raised in my breast, and on each mot with disappointment. Never mind; on one occasion I had the satisfaction of, with the aid of a fellow pressmatij, dropping an unsuspecting townsman in for throe boozes, at a little game known as “ odd man shouts.”

They have lively times of it in Oamaruat their church services ; as the following from the N. 0. Times will show :—Mr Clover was in the' act of referring to his having been interrupted in his speech at the Congregational tea meeting, when he again found himself unable to proceed in consequence of a fit of coughing, which seized the whole audience simultaneously. On investigation, this was proved to have been caused by the ignition of some cayenne pepper in the hall, and it was found necessary to make an adjournment to the Wesleyan Church. Mr C. inclines rather to a pallid-complexion, and follow ing the above, a wag was heard to say to a fellow Congregationalist : “ Why is the gentleman who has just sat down like Tri/oline V’ This being given up, the reply of; “ Because he’s a red clover!” was followed by the collapse of his hearer.

SPORTING.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB AUTUMN MEETING. On Monday next the C.J.C. will open proceedings in connection with their Autumn meeting, and as of course interest will be centred on the Great Autumn Handicap, I shall, for the benefit of yqur readers, do my best to pick the winners. Ever since the declaration of the weights Sir Modred has occupied the premier position in the betting list, this being due to the consistency of his performances, if we except the Canterbury Cup, and the additional fact that in tins race he is only required to carry a similar impost over the same distance that ho did when he won the Derby in the fastest time recorded. Next to him in public favor is the Lance-Robinson repre sentative Natator, and although he is called upon to carry 9st 21bs his recent bringing ouc shows that h'e can carry weight, and also that distance does not materially mar his chanc-s. Libeller, Randwick and Grip, in my opinion, have more than they can managfe to carry to the front. Luna cannot grumble at the impost she receives, and although the dis tance is slightly above her previous performances, I • believe she will be very handy at . the finish. Another light weighted one and reputed goer is Lady Eirtma, and if this mare is ever to prove herself a goer, the present should bo her opportunity. I cannot fancy any of the rest in the race. My final selection will be

Sir Moored 1 Luna ... ... ... ... 2 Natatok ok Laby Emma ... 3 The Champagne Stakes will bring to gether all the clinking two-year-olds, including the winners Hiuemoa, Somnus, and Amulet. I think the first past the post will be one of these three, and my selection will rest on Amulet 1 Somnus 2 Hinemoa ... 3 The Epsom Stakes is limited to a very mediocre field, and of these On Dit and Sir Garnet should experience no difficulty in disposing of their companions. My choice will rest on On Dit ... ... ... 1 Sir Garnet 2 For the Free Handicap, my choice, notwithstanding the big lump of weight put on him, is Billinqsoatb. Neophyte.

TINWALD RACES AND SPORTS This meeting will take place on Mon day next, at Tinwald. The programme provided is a liberal one, and the entries for the Handicap trot and the Tinwald Cup are very satisfactory. “Neophyte” writing to us on the subject of these races, although acknowledging him self somewhat in the dark, tips as follows .—Cup—Minnie nr Priina Donna, the former for choice. Handicap trot— Titkiowaru, with Conrad • close up. Hurdles—Raven.

ELLESMERE JOCKEY CLUB RACES. A most successful race meeting was held on the Recreation Reserve, Ellesmere, on Thursday last. The weatiier jvas fine, and the attendance large. T bet burse was in excellent condition, and reflected great credit on the stewards. The usual games of chance and skill were on the ground in full force, and all appeared to do a fair business. A totalisator was also open to the speculative, and was well patronised. About 12 o’clock the bell rang for the District Hurdle Race (Handicap), of 10 sovs., with a sweepstake of 1 sov. each for acceptors added ; over eight flights of Hurdles. Mr Lewis’ br g Albion, aged, lOst ... 1 Mr Abercrombie’s blk g Terry, aged, 9st lOlbs ... 2 Mr Gordon’s b m Flying Doe. 6yrs, Ost ... 3 Maori Jane also ran. Betting—even on Albion, 3 to 1 against Flying Doe, 5 to 1 against the others. The flag went down to an excellent start, the favorite leading. He kept his position till the sixth hurdle, which he refused, Terry just behind negotiating the obstacle in good style, followed by Flying Doe, Maori Jane, and Albion in that order. The quartette ran thus until entering the straight, when Mr Lewis’ gelding was called on, and coining through his horses, took the lead and won by a length from Terry, Flying Doe being third, and Maori Jane last.

Open Hurdle Race (Handicap), of 20 sova, over eight flights of hurdles. 2 miles. Mr Ly ford’s b g Winfield (late Thilo), aged, lOst lOlbs ... ... ••• 1 Mr Sheehan’s b g Shark, aged, list ... 2 Mr McAlpire’s b m Stella, 5 years, Oat lOlbs 3

Raven, Beer Tax, Blue Gum, Johnny, and Mountain Deer, also ran. Betting— Even on Shark, 2 to 1 each against Win field, Raven, Blue Gum, and Stella, 5 to 1 each against the others. It was a pretty good, start, Mr Ly ford's gelding having slightly the best of it, followed by Blue Gum and Shark, the rest in a ruck be hind. Coming to the straight for the first time, Raven began to improve his position, and took the lead, with Stella second, Shark and Mountain Deer side by side following. There was little

change in the relative positions until reaching the top of the course for home. Stella, Blue Gum, and Shark took the last jump together, but Blue Qura, failed to clear it, and falling heavily, broke his back, the jockey (Angus) getting his shoulder put out. Winfield here came again, and after a good race n ore down his horses, and won by about a length. The Maiden Plate only brought out a field of two—Lady Emma and Paukaki, and the latter going inside a post, left the mare to win as she liked. Publican’s Purse of 10 sovs. Second horse to receive sovs, from the entrance money. Welter weights. 2 miles. Mr Lewis’ b g Albion, aged, list 41ba ... ... ... ... ... 1 Mr Bryan’s br m Lady Helen, 3yrs, 10st 2lbs 2 Mr Bryan’s ch g Paukaki, 3ys, 10st 2lbs ... ... ... 3 The betting was 2 to 1 on Albion, and he justified the confidence reposed in him by winning easily. Ellesmere Cup (Handicap), of 25 sovs. Second horse to receive 3 sovs out of the stakes. 2 miles. Mr Lunn’s ch g Coldstream, 5 yrs, Oat ... 1 Mr Robinson’s g m Victim, 6yrs, Bst

71b* 2 Mr Powell’s b f Fugitive, 3 yrs, Bst ... 3 Levant, Fairplay, Blue Gum, Lady Florence, and Romeo also ran. There was not much betting on this event, but Levant had slightly the call in the wager ing. Levant was first on his legs, and made the place a clinker, Victim and Lady , Florence being her immediate attendants. At three-quarters of a mile, Coldstream began to work up, and on entering the straight he was at the head of affairs, followed by Victim and Fugitive, the rest in a bunch. A good race ensued between the first three, but Coldstream eventually won by a nock. For the Farmer’s Plate only two faced the flag, and the aged Albion succeeded in placing another event to his owner’s credit, winning with the greatest ease from Lady Caledon. The Consolation Stakes, won by Victim, brought a moat successful meet ing to a close.

CRICKET.

COUNTY V. BOROUGH. This match, the last of the season, took place yesterday, and resulted in an easy victory for the County. Pressure on our space compels us to limit our remarks thereon. The County men were the first to handle the willow, and put together 62 before their last wicket fell—Curtis heading the score with 26, A. Fooks and Andrews being the only others who got into double figures. The Borough men then went in, but were soon disposed of for 37 runs, of which number Hoskins contributed 15. In their second innings the A.O.C. made 57—Fooks and Curtis again making double scores; and the Borough only succeeded in putting to gether 33, none of the players scoring above 9. Appended are the scores : Ashburton C. 0. —Ist Innings. A. Fooks, b Hoskins ... ... 13 Hodder, c Johnson b Hoskins ... 0 G. Andrews, b Barker 11 St. George, c Hoskins, b Barker... 0 Curtis, b Hoskins ... ... ... 26 Douglas, thrown out, b Barker ... 2 J, Fooks, b Barker 0 White, b Barker ... ... ... 2 Lechner, b Hoskins ... ... 5 Wilmshurst, not out 0 R. Hodder, b Pongelly ... ... 0 Extras 3 Total ... ... ... 62 2nd Innings. Andrews, b Hoskins ... ... 0 Wilmshurst, b Pengelly ... ... 0 A. Fooks, c Deo, b Hoskins ... 14 Hodder, b Pengelly 7 ? Curtis, b Hoskins ... ... 14 • Douglas, c Andrews ... ... 4 G. Fooks, run out 7 St. George, run out ... ... 5 Lechner, c Johnston ... ... 0 White, not out ... ... ... 1 Davison, b Hoskins 0 Extras ... ... ... 5

Total 57 First innings ... ... ... 62 Grand total 119 Borough.—lst Innings. McDonald, b Andrews ... ... 0 Johnson, c and b Andrews ... 4 Hoskins, b Andrews ... ... 15’ Barker, b Andrews ... ... 2 Andrews, thrown out ... ... 6 Davis, bFooks ... ... ... 0 Purchase,- not out ... ... ... 2 Ross, thrown out ... ... ... 1 Pongelly, b Fooks... 4 Dee, b Andrews ... ... ... 0 Hayes, b Pooka ... ... ... 0 Extras ... ... ... 3 Total ... 37 2nd Innings. Hoskins, b Hodder ... ... 0 Pongelly, b Hodder ... ... 9 Barker, c Douglas, b Fooks ... 1 McDonald, b Hodder ... ... 0 Andrews, bFooks, 5 Johnston, bHodder ... ... 4 Davis, not out ... ... ... 5 Purchase, b Fooks... ... ... 3 Hayes, b Hodder ... ... ... 0 Dee, c St. George, b Hodder ... 1 Ross, c Curtis, b Hodder... ... 0 Extras ... ... ... 5 Total 32 First innings ... ... 37 Grand Total ... ... 70

WELLINGTON LUNATIC ASYLUM COMMISSION.

The report of the Commission on the Wellington Lunatic Asylum Enquiry was sent in yesterday, and in it the gentlemen engaged thereon report that they find tbatthe charge of violence to the patients made against the Superintendent (Mr Whitelaw) is substantiated ; and that he :is a person, from the constitutional in* firmity of his temper, wholly unsuited to take charge of those bereft of reason. .That of' indecency, in the matter of visiting female patients who had reduced themselves to a state of nudity, is also considered proven, but there ia.no allege* tion of immorality of purpose. . It.speaks in condemnatory terms of Inspector Skae's discharge of his dudes, and remarks that Dr Frances apparently has done little to -cure demented patients, the Asylum being "merely, in its present state, a place of safe-keeping for lunatics, instead of a hospital. The evidence accompanying the report covers 1156 pages of closely written foolscap, and was taken by Mr Mitchell, of the Hansard Staff. (Since the above was in type we have learned by wire that Whitelaw lias been arrested;]

THE HAND ON THE PANEL.

It being necessary to take up our residence in London, my wife and I went up. to look for a house. The agent to whom we s.tated our require ments suggested Barlow square, which, though old-fashioned, was, he assured us, much sougiit after, both upon account of the size of the houses, and the free, healthy air ; the extent ot the square and large well stocked gardens adding to its charms. It was a bright sunshiny October day, when we ‘viewed’ the house, and certainly the man was right: every thing looked clear, bright, and quietly respectable. There was a rookery in great elm trees of the square garden, plenty of flourishing evergreens, beauti ful turf, and troops of children, whose rosy cheeks and strong lungs set my wife’s heart at Test, on the much dis cussed subject of bringing our north country brood to inhale London air. The house, seen from the outside,

had a grave, solidly well-to-do look; seen from the inside, the impression

became intensified. The rooms were many and large, the windows were wide, the sunlight. and fresh breeze came rushing merrily in. We could have roasted a moderate sized ox at the old fashioned kitchen fire-place, and given a ball in either of the chief rooms. It was on a magnificent scale altogether, the great carved mantlepieces, and panelled walls keeping up the charac ter. To crown all, the rent was mode rate, ridiculously out of proportion, it seemed, for such space and accom modation Yet the landlord seemed content, and looked actually relieved when I signed a twenty-one years* lease.

Everything in the way of fixtures being in order, all that remained was |p go home and pack up, our civil land lord (who was a house decorator by trade) taking in hand to receive and arrange our furniture, having all things in readiness by a certain day in November.

Nothing could have been managed more easily, nothing more satisfactorily; we had experienced none of those manifold troubles usually consequent upon house hunting or ‘flitting,’ for when the cabs containing our live stock, namely, five children, a nurse, my wife, and self, reached the door of No. 3, Barlow square, there stood the smiling landlord, with his equally smiling wife, to welcome us to a well-aired, well lighted, and well-provisioned home. Fires burning, kettles boiling, and a dinner cooking. For some days we were very busy re-arranging, unpacking odds and ends, and generally settling down. I chose ray den, uiy wife chose hers; at the end of the week she con sulted me as to a slight change. ‘ I cannot think,’ said she, ‘ what possessed the 'landlord - not to fumistr the large front bedroom ; it is. by; far the prettiest in the house; has such handy cupboards, is close to the night nursery, and the back stairs. Nothing could be more convenient. It is really just the room for ourselves; so when you go down to Portsmouth to-morrow, I shall just get a couple of commis sionaries in to move the things, and have it all ready by the time you cooie home,’ : / 1 was detained a couple of days at Portsmouth, and when I got home," Ellen struck me as looking pale and harrassed ; she would scarcely, give me time to be devoured with baby wel comes, certainly not to answer the storm of enquiries, as to ships, soldiers.

and ‘ What I had brought,’ bundling the bairns off with a peremptory — * Now go the .nursery. Dah is dread* fully tired.’ She packed them off, shut the door, and sitting down by the side of me, said, in a tone portentous of some dire calamity : * Oh! Jack, I have had such a fright.’

‘ How ? What has happened ? The bairns seem-'all right.’ ‘ Yes, yes, they are all right.- Of course I did not tell them ; indeed I’ve told nobody; I kept it all for you.’ * Thank you, dear, that was very con siderate.’ I did not mean to be sar castic, though it reads rather that way. ‘ Here I am now ; but lam glad the fright is over.’ ‘ But it’s not over; I saw it last night,’ she shuddered. ‘ It ?’ I questioned, and I am afraid I smiled. ! ‘ There ! I knew you would laugh- at me, but it’s true. The first night I slept in that horrid room I saw it; the ; second night I saw it again ; last night I did not go to bed at all, but I saw it again.’

* It! It! It! But what the deuce is it?’ ‘ That’s just what I want to know, and why I kept it for you.’ ‘ Show it to me, then !’ ‘ I cannot until we go to bed then, exactly as the clock strikes twb you shall see it.’ I stared at the little. excited woman. What could she mean ? Was she ill, delirious ? Had the fatigue and change been too much for her? I am,. I con fess it, a nervous man. I had been sit ting up under tire influence , of black coffee and Cognac for two nights,«ark~ ing against to me at a paper upon anim portant social grievance, and my nerves were in a state of unusual.irritation. I mentally resolved to send for a doctor ; in the meantime calm the little woman by making her forget the mysterious

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY* ABRIL 16, 1881,



■ '■ *-,/ : >■ -r t i a f - -' • •TtrOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS Subscribers to this Journal are requested to-cdmmnnicatewith the Proprietor when an£ omissions in the Delivery of 1 •< -r Wpk.., ' u •' Proprietor.



Wanted. WANTED—A General SERVANT. W Apply, Office of this Paper. 556 a WANTED— A smart LAD. Apply, Aitkek, Baker, Saunders’ Build ings. 560 a WANTED— A Station COOK, must bo a good baker. Also, wanted, a double-furrow PLOUGHMAN. Apply immediately to Archibald M*Coll, Rau gnta Station. 11th April, 1881. B3la WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash bnrton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. WANTED— A BOARDER in a private family. Apply, Office of this Paper. ■ 523 a W~ ANTED—Young Lady APPREN TICES to the Dressmaking ; .also, good PLAIN SEWERS. Apply, Miss Bookman, Milliner and Dressmaker, adjoining R. G. Ruxton, Tailor and Outfitter, Peter street, Ashburton; 559 a WANTED— TENDERS for PLANT ING about five (5) miles with gorse, parlies to find plants. Plants to be six (6) inches apart. Tenders to bo posted by 12 noon on SATURDAY, 16th inst. Roberts and Winter. 526 a WANTED —A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WAITED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a ttt ANTED KNOWN That VV HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a TAT ANTED—MRS PAULING begs to VV notify that she has taken that Commodious House in Moore street, nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will be glad to ACCOMMO DATE PATIENTS requiring surgical or medical aid. Mrs Pauling has had very considerable experience as Ladies’ Nurse, both at Home and in New Zealand. 528 a ANTED TO SELL PIANOS. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c. has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £26; also, American Organ, s'stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £SO. Address: Cameron street west. 86a



TTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. — L. F. Andrf.wes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Ser-ants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to JL F. Andhewes, Labor Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bosaenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 Special Advertisements.



fjl H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch 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, Ooa ..•crtinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. ! 527a*



WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb at the Guakdian Office



Special Advertisements. jyj"R W. U. SPACEMAN'S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., bavin" REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a ENCOU RAGE LOG AL ENTER PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000. Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barim- 365 a



Hayes’ rjp IMB Ee' yards. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a rery large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings ter Cord, in largo or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton.



rjll NWA L D RACES. Calcutta Sweeps Calcutta Sweeps On the various events at this Meeting will be drawn TO-NIGHT. At Seven o’clock, at Dan Henderson and Co.’s Auction Rooms, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS. 557 a



Smart Telegraphy. —At nine o’clock tliis morning, Messrs Saunders Brothers received a reply to a telegram despatched by them to London at noon on Thursday. Riflemen for the Review.—Thirty five members of the Ashburton Rifles pro ceeded to Oamaru per express train yester day', to participate in the review proceed ing at that place. Personal. —We learn that Mr James McLaughlin, teacher of the Wakanui school, is brother to Mr Win. McLaughlin, Q.C., leading counsel for Mr Parnell in the late State trials in Dublin. Ashburton Caledonian Society. —The secretary to the above Society yesterday received from the Private Secretary to his Excellency the Governor, a notification of his Excellency’s assent to the applica tion made by the Society to him to be come a life member and patron thereof. The Te Aroha Murder. —On Thurs day morning the trial of the man Procoffy for the murder of the young Maori was resumed. Mr Brassey spoke for two hours in defence of the accused. The Crown Prosecutor briefly replied. His Honor’s summing up occupied till 5 p.m. Ho said that the circumstances were trivial separately, but combined were very strong in making a chain of evidence. The jury retired, and at 9 o’clock the judge re turned t< Court to receive their verdict. They could not agree and were locked up for the night. At the opening of the Court on the following morning the juiy returned a verdict of acquittal. It. is rumored that nine jurymen were favorable to the acquittal, from the point of Ser geant Mulville’s evidence, two yielded sub sequently, and wily one held out till yoiler day morning. The prisoner was great’y agitated, and crossed himself to the Judge, jury, and spectators, and then clasped his hands in an attitude of prayer. The Maoris are said to be very dark over his ed initial.