SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Tail 8.8 , from Wellington and Kai koura. Yesterday. Maud Graham, schooner, from Kaipara. Dido, schooner, from Foxton. Cutty Sark, schooner, from Auckland. Mary King} brigantine, from Polorus Sound. Saxon, schooner, from Kaipara. Saucy Lass, schooner from Wellington. W. 0. Wentworth, barque, from New castle. Prince'Alfred, schooner, from Kaipara. ' Sailed. Saturday. Waoaka, s.s., for Wellington. Grafton, as., for Oamaru. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS- Auckland, Saturday. Arrived—-Avona, from London, after a stormy passage of 120 days. On May 3rd two boats were smashed, contents of the forecastle and galley were washed over board, and the steering wheel was also earned away. She brings a few passen gen. Timahu, Saturday. Sailed—Wanganui, for Dunedin. Blutt, Saturday. Arrived—Stella, from Dunedin. Sailed—Prosperity 'for Greymouth ; Firefly, for Sydney. ' _

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office. Monday afternoon. Mr Alfred Harrison reports for the week ending June 4, as follows :—Entries of draughts and hacks were numerous, and a few sales were made—viz., L 4 12s 6d, L 5 12s 6d, LlO, and Ll 3 ss. Cows brought L 5 2s 6d to L 5 17s 6d; pigs, 2 at 7s 3d, 3 at 6s 6d, 2 at Bs, 2at 12s 6d, 4at 18s 6d; fowls, 2s 3d to 2s lOd per pair ; ducks, 4s per pair. Implements sold well, also a quantity of harness. Produce—potatoes, 50a to 60s per ton ; carrots, 40s; chick wheat, Is 6d to 2s per bushel; barley, Is 6d per bushel; oats, Is 9d to 2s per bushel; onions, |d to Ijd per lb ; flour, 7s 6d to 18a per bag; cheese, 4d to ,4Jd- por lb; bacon, 4d to 6jd per —" lb ; hams, 7d per lb ; tea, 20s per 121bs ; pork in carcase, 671bs, 771bs, 911bs, 1291b5, 1471b5, 1501bs, 1961b5, 2051b5, all sold at 3sd per lb. A- quantity of furniture and sundries were also cleared. The atten dance was very large, and almost every line offered disposed of. During the week I sold several small suburban properties, and I think I am- correct in stating there is a slight, but healthy, move in this direction.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under:— . Tuesday, June 7. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Te Anau, at 1.40 p.m. ; late fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van 2.30 p.m. ; train. For Northern Ports, per Penguin, at 420 p.m. ; late fee letters at 435 p.m.; guarda van, 5.25 p,m. train. Wednesday, June 8. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi (for specially addressed correspondence only), Continent of Europe, Point de Qalle, India, the East, China, Japan, Aden, Mauritius, Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Suez, the Mediterranean Ports, and Australian Colonies, &c., per express train (to connect with s.s.- Te Anau at the Bluff), as follows:—Ordinary letters, at 7 a.m. ; books and newspapers at 6 a.m. ; registered letters at sp.m. on Tuesday 7th; money orders’ at 4 p.m. on Tuesday 7th. Late fee letters may be posted in he travelling Post-office van attached to the express train on. .Wednesday, June Bth. i ;

,Saturday, June 18. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich. Islands, Northern Ports oiNew Zealand, &c., per Wanaka, as follows letters at 6.30 p .m. ; late fee letters, at : 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.xn. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Tuesday, June 7. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Sheep. MrK. F. Gray, at the Railway Station, Temnka —Timber and Firewood ; 12 o’clock; Wednesday, June 8. Mr. K. F. Gray, at his Yasds, Temuka— Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, &o.; 1 o’clock. . Thursday, June 9. J, T. Ford and Co., on the premises of Mr Earle, Wakanui—Valuable Farm, Live and Dead Stock, &c.; 12 o’clock. Saturday, June 11. J. T. Ford and Co., at Wakanui—Live and Dead Stock, &c.; 11 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-night, Monday, June 6. Mr and Mrs Hart’s Operatic Company, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. , Meeting to elect Committee for the Waka nni Library, in the Wakanui School room. To-morrow, Tuesday, June 7. Horticultural Society, Monthly Meeting at Jacobson and Eyton’s office, at 8 o’clock. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, June 8. Masonic Concert, Masonic Hall, 8 p.m. Thursday, June 9. Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet frig- Saturday, June 11. Ashburton School Teachers’ Association, Borough School, 2 p.m. Monday, June 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock, 'Tuesday, June 14. Ashburton-School Committee. Wednesday, June 15. Tea Meeting and Entertainment, Fleming ton School. ■ Wednesday, July 6. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, July 7. Ashburion Library—Committee Meeting.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Ibains Leave Ashburton fob Chkist- OHOBOH and intermediate stations at 6 a.m> f XO.'SO a.m., and (Express) 5.48 an, Trains Leave Ashburton fob Tim arc inn South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m.'(Ex press), and 460 p.m.—the latter pro - . . Seeding nd farther than Timaru. s, Arrive at Ashburton from V , OhbistuHuboh at 10 24 a.m. (Express), '• ~ -436 pm., and 7.60 p.m. $ fTbaiks Abbive at Ashbubton from TniAßa and Sooth at 10.15 a.m., 8.34 p.io. .(Express), and 8.16 p.m.

BIRTH.

Saunders. — On June sth, at Dundas, Mrs William Saunders, of a son.

DEATH.

Hawkins — On June 4th, at. Tinwald, William, third son of George and Alice Hawkins, of Longbeach road ; aged 21 years.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.30 p.m.]

School Committee. An . ordinary monthly meeting of this Committee will be held to-morrow evening. Auction Sales. —Particulars of sales to be held by Mr K. F. Gray, to-morrow and following day, will be found published elsewhere. Building. —Tenders for the erection of a four-roomed cottage are invited by ad vertisement appearing in the present issue. District Court. —A sitting of this Court was held this morning. Particulars of the proceedings will bo found reported in another column. . Local Industries. —The meeting of the Local Industries; Association., which was to have taken place on Wednesday next, has been unavoidably postponed until the Wednesday following, of which further notice will be given. Police Court. —A first offender, from Rakaia, charged with being drunk and disorderly at the Rakaia Railway Station on Saturday last, was brought before Mr Alcorn, J.P., this morning, and fined ss.

Withdrawn. —Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. have notified elsewhere that Mr A. G. Earle’s farm has been sold pri vately ; but the sale of stock, etc., will take place as previously advertised. They also sell a quantity of sheep, etc., at the Tinwald Yards to-morrow.

Postal. —Mails for the United King dom, etc.,, via Brindisi (for specially addressed correspondence only) will close at Ashburton on Tuesday, the 7th inst., at 5 p.m. ; supplementary mails for des patch per express train, will close on Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. The Geraldine Lock-up Escapee.— James M'Manus was brought up at the Magistrate’s Court, Timaru, on Saturday, charged with escaping from the lock-up at Geraldine. He was remanded to Geraldine, at which Court he will be charged with the larceny of a pair of boots at Temuka, and the larceny of a cashbox frpin the Winchester Hotel. Chess Clue.— A meeting of persona interested in the formation of a Chess Club in Ashburton, was held on Saturday evening, in Messrs Jacobson and Eyton’s office. Mr Jacobson was voted to the chair, and it was decided to form a club, to bo called the Ashburton Chess Club, Mr Toosey being elected Hon. Sec. and Treasurer. The Club will meet weekly, at Quill’s Hotel, Saturday being fixed as play night. Bursting a Blood \essel. Mr William Hawkins, saddler, of Tinwald, died rather suddenly, yesterday. Ho had burst a blood vessel a few days previously, and gradually sank from its effect*. Dr Ross had attended the unfortunate man up to the time of his death, and has certified as to the cause of death, so that there will bo no inquest. The de ceased was a member of the Will and the Way Lodge, 1.0.G.T., Tinwald, and was very highly respected in the district. The funeral cortege will stop at the Temperance Hall, Tinwald, where the members of his Lodge and the visiting brethren, are in vited to follow the remains to the Ashbur ton Cemetery. The deceased was also a member of the Ashburton Degree Temple, and six of their members will act as pall bearers. Strange, ip True. Speaking at Adelaide, the other evening (says the Sydney Bulletin), the Rev. J. Watsford related that the late Rev. Mr Waterhouse, who perished in the Tararua, had a warn ing of his fate in a dream, [in he saw himself and his son going down in a sinking ship ; and .also mentioned that just at the time of the wreck, a young woman who was dying in Melbourne suddenly exclaimed to her mother, “Mother, yonder is Mr Waterhouse ; he is standing on the shore, beckoning to me.” The Rev. Mr Morley also intended to sail by the Tararua, but his wife had a presentiment of evil, and prevailed on him not to go. Fire. —A few minutes before 6 o’clock this morning, the inhabitants were aroused by the sound of the fire bell. As there was very little flame visible, it was rather difficult to find out the exact locality of the fire. Mr Alfred Harrison, hearing the engines whistling at the railway shed, proceeded at once to the Fire Brigade Station and sounded the first alarm, but unfortunately the rope was broken after one or two pulls. The alarm, however, brought out the members of the Brigade, and in a very short time the engine was despatched to the sump at the corner: of East street and Wakanui road. The fire turned out to be on the railway premises, close to the goods shed, where some Kakahu lime in transitu to Christchurch had been left in a truck, and, owing to a defective tarpaulin, the rain had entered and caused the lime to slack, thereby igniting the truck and the tarpaulin. Fortunately very little damage was done, beyond partially burning the truck and the tarpaulin, as the lime was unloaded as quickly as possible. The Brigade and several members of the Fire Police were on the ground with considerable, prompti tude, and the further spread of the fire was consequently prevented.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] The Oaks. London, June 3. The race for the Oaks Stakes was run at Epsom to-day, and resulted in a victory for Mr Crawford's Thebais, Lucy Glitters second, Myra third. A Rumor Denied. Mr Gladstone has addressed a letter to the press, in which he denies that the Viceroy of Ireland has suggested to the Government the advisableness of taking steps for the suppression of the Irish Land League. That Unhappy Country. Serious disturbances continue to occur in Ireland. At Clare to-day a body of Irish peasants, armed with Snider rifles, offered violent resistance to the service of certain writs. Shots were exchanged with the troopers, who were present to support the process servers. One man was killed, and many others seriously wounded. The Land Bill. In the House of Commons to-day the Irish Land Bill was further con sidered in Committee. It was urged by the Opponents of the measure that action should be taken by the Govern in regard to absenteeism, and the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone eventually an nounced that proper steps should be taken to deal with the question of residence of landlords in Ireland. Monetary, &c. Consols are quoted at ioo*4, ex dividend. New Zealand securities are unchanged. Five per Cent. 10.40 Loan, 105; Five perCcnt, 1889 Loan, 105 ; and per Cent., 1879- 1904 Loan, at 104. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, has declined to 48s. New Zealand wheat is unchanged, at 45s ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 33s 6d. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,960,000 quarters. Australian tallow has ad vanced 6 d per cwt.; best beef is quotedg at 355, and best mutton at 37s 6d u The stock of tallow in London on the Ist instant was 11,200 casks. Best Scotch pig iron No. 1, free on board in Clyde, 48s ; galvanised iron, 26-gauge, Li 6 xos.

Stormy Scene in the Commons. London, Juno 4. In the House of Commons last night stormy scenes occurred during the con sideration of the ; Irish Land Bill in committee, owing to the obstructive tactics of the Irish members. Mr J. O’Kelly, Member for Roscommon, was most disorderly, and was finally, by the Speaker’s order, suspended for the re mainder of the sitting. The Houses Adjourn. Both Houses of, Parliament now stand adjourned to the 9th inst for the Whitsuntide recess. More Troops for Ireland. Owing to the continuance of distur bances in Ireland further reinforce ments of troops have been ordered across the Channel, to augment the forces in the disaffected districts. Enforcing the Arms Act. The police in Ireland are more actively engaged in searching for arms in houses of suspected persons, in ac cordance with the powers conferred by the Irish Arms Act. Pushing the Porte. Constantinople, June 3. The foreign ambassadors in this city are strenuously urging the Porte to expedite' the partition of the territory in Thessaly and Epirus which is to be ceded for the extension of the Greek frontier.

Appointing the Commissioners. Athens, June 3. Commissioners have been appointed by the Greek Government to carry out the terms of the Frontier Convention with Turkey, in conjunction with Commissioners to be appointed by the Pbrte.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency. ] The Tea Market. Melbourne, June 3. Foo Chow advices to 4th inst, re port that the settlement of tea have been made at the same prices as last year. Finest, extra fine, and choice qualities are very scarce ; the qualities generally are considered not quite so good as last year.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Got Off Easily. Auckland, To-day. At the Police Court, three larrikins wore fined 10s each and costs for violently assaulting a Chinese vegetabe vendor. Accident. A boy named Kent, of Newmarket, was seriously injured by a cart passing over him. The Appeal Court. Wellington, To-day. The Appeal Court sat again to-day. In re Mackay v. O’Connor the appeal was allowed. In Sabale v. Page and others, and the Colonial Bank v. Sargeaat, the appeals were dismissed, with costs. In Edwards v. Owen, judgment was given for defendant.

Fourteen Days. Timaru, To-day. Henry Leeman, the Dutch cook of the barque Andes, got fourteen days’ imprison ment this morning for assaulting George Galvin, a messmate, with a tin-opener on Friday last. Waimea Plains Railway- Dunedin, To-day,

The Waimea Plains railway shows a profit for the nine months of L 849, ex clusive of the grain traffic, which is not brought into account. Mr Bastings has resigned the secretaryship. Fire. At Pine Hill on Saturday a four-roomed house and stable, belonging to Mr J. Richards, was burned. The stock and furniture were insured for Ll5O, and the buildings for L 250 in the South British. Obituary. News has been received here of the death of the Rev Mr Ash, in the Sydney Lunatic Asylum. Another Blaze. Invercargill, T~ day. A fire at Wyndham yesterday destroyed two stacks belonging to Jones and Templeton. Four horses, two dogs, harness, and a lot of produce were burned. Templeton’s loss is Ll5O. He is insured for LSO in the New Zealand Company. Jones losses L 450, and is insured for L6O in the|same office.

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBURTON. — To-dat. (Before His Honor Judge Ward.) CIVIL CASE. Charles Lake v. McKerrow & Co.— Claim L 55 16s 3d. Dr Foster for the plaintiffs, and Mr Parnell for the defendant. The evidence of the plaintiff showed that the entries in his books of the items in which the defendant was alleged to be indebted were made by his son, then in his employ and since dead. An objection raised by Mr Purnell to admission of evidence of this character was disallowed.

Cross-examined by Mr Purnell —The items in the book produced were entered by my son Richard ; that is previous to the date of his death, Dec. 27th, 1879. The entries wore made daily. The entries in pencil on the two first pages and those on the pages further on in ink are made by one and the same person. No book was ever destroyed by fire in our house. This is the only book the accounts were ever made up from. My soli did hot enter them into any other book first. His Honor—l’m sorry, Dr Foster, that I can’t belive your client. Not only is the writing so totally different, but in some places ha spells saddle —well as saddle generally is spelt, and further on with one “d.” Dr Foster submitted that the entries having been made by a stable boy, he might have made errors at times. His Honor saw the entries had evi dently been made by three different per sons.

Witness continued—My daughter may have made some of the entries. I never made any entries myself. His Honor did not see how he could admit the boot in evidence, as it was clear the entries had been made by at least three persons. Dr Foster decided to abandon those items.

His Honor remarked that taking this into consideration and also the amount of the set off admitted, the claim would be reduced to a L5-nole.

Witness continued —The arrangement about the horse was that we were to change, and I was to get Ll 5 to the good. My horse was nearly a thoroughbred. They were not to get a trial of it. I sold the horse and got in exchange a mare about three months after. It took time to break it in as it was an unbroken mare. The arrangement was not that if the horse suited they were to give me LlO. I re ceived to move the engine from Mr Mann. It spoilt a day with five horses. 1 had to take it about three miles, from the railway station to Power’s paddock. For the defence Mr PurneL called

John Mann, who deponed—l am one of the defendants. I made the exchange of horses referred to. The agreement was that we were to return his horse at any time if it did not suit us. He asked Ll 5 but I only agreed to give him LlO. We kept his horse for some time and then I told him the horse did not suit us, when he said he had sold ours. The horse we got from plaintiff was 'worth ’more' than ours, being nearly thoroughbred and a very flash horse but a bad feeder. Our horse was a far more useful animal. , ;The dis tance he needed to take the machine was , half-amile. If he took the longest; dis tance it could only be a mile and a quarter. Instructed Lake to move only half the machine ; the farmer having to move the ? other half, The stable plaintiff occupied was on half-an-acre of land, and had seven stalls and two loose boxes. There was ' also a cottage. We bought it on the 15th February, and he had it in possession for nearly four months. I told him once that if he left when I needed the buildings, my wife and family being about to join me i at Rakaia, and I needing house accom . modation, and not charge him any rent. He did not leave, and I had to find lodgings for my family. Thirty shillings per week is not a .large rental, as We afterwards leased the stable alone at that figure. The plaintiff denied in toto the state ment made by Mr McKerrow re rent. His Honor said the claim had been re duced to about L 5 by the plaintiff’s , abandonment. This included a claim ; for the horse and for the removal of the engine. He should rely, in the first in. stance, upon the evidence of the defen. dants regarding this as the most reliable, following the manner in which the plaintiff had sworn regarding the hand writing in his books, arid should only allow LlO on the horse ; LI he regarded as sufficient for the removal of the engine. This would reduce the claim by L 5 10a, ! being tantamount to a judgment for the defendant, with costs. IN BANKRUPTCY. Re H. C. Williamson. Mr O’Reilly applied for a writ of attachment against the trustee in the estate for disobeying an order of the Court to pay coats. Mr Purnell opposed. The application was a rather complicated one, hinging upon the question of whether certain monies re ceived by the trustee were applicable under the order. Finally his Honor discharged the rule nisi without costs. The following applications for orders of discharge were granted ;—Re H. Godfrey (Mr Purnell), Quinton Brothers (Mr O’Reilly), 0. R. Harold (Mr Crisp), Francis Black (Mr Crisp). Orders for costs were granted in the following applications : —Re J. McConnell (Mr Branson), W. Lawry and Son (Mr Crisp). Re W. Sutherland. The. application by Mr Crisp, instructed by Messrs Thomas and Bruges, to have the debtor adjudicated a bankrupt, was granted. PROBATE. Letters of administration in the estate of W. Stalker, deceased, were granted, on the application of Mr Branson. The Court then rose. ■ Upper Ashburton Road Boap.d. —At a meeting of the newly elected Board on Friday last, Mr McLean was un animously elected Chairman. It was resolved to hold a meeting on Mon day next, when the most pressing accounts were left in the hands of the Treasurer for disposal in the interim. The Charirman and Mr Williamson were appointed to interview the manager pf the Bank, re an overdraft, and the clerk having instructions to make an approxi mate statement of the liabilities, the meeting terminated. “ Happy Hours.” —The performance at the Town Hall on Saturday night was in every way one of the most enjoyable ones that the Ashburton public have had the pleasure of listening to for a long time. From the commencement of the perform ance to its close Mr and Mrs Hart kept their audience in continual roars cf laughter, their acting being so thoroughly genuine and life like in the many parts undertaken by them. They were particu larly happy in the comedy “ My Wife s Relations,” and their remarkably clever changes in costume and character brought forth hearty applause from the audience, Mr Hart’s banjo solo was extremely well rendered, and the comic songs by himself and Mrs Hart were inimitable. ‘ Molly s Dilemma or Irish Courtship," ending with the Double Irish Reel brought the enter tainment to a close. Mr Hart announced an entire change of programme for to night, and we can assure those who w_jsh to spend a happy time, as they cannot do better than fill the Hall again on the last appearance of the talented family. The specialities for to-night will bo found in our advertising columns. Fatal Accident. —Says an Oamaru telegram :—Longman, a farmer on the Tables, was killed by the wheels of a threshing machine passing over his body ( on Friday night.' He was in the act of jumping on to the machine when he got entangled in the reins and was jerked off 1 He was unmarried. 1

MR P. A. WHITAKER AT WAIPA.

[bt telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. Mr F. A. Whitaker addressed his Waipa constituents on Saturday night. He supported the Property tax as pre ferable to the Land tax, and congratu lated the Ministry on their efforts to place the public finances in a satis factory condition, also on Mr Hall’s declaration not to allow the Home Go vernment to interfere in native affairs. He disagreed with the proposed change in the constitution of the Legislative Council, and deprecated any change in the educational system, but it financial reasons rendered the latter necessary, he would advocate the ex clusion of children under five or six years of age from the public schools. He said secondary education should be provided for by education reserves. He thought the proposal to lease the railways was a feeler thrown out by the proposed Middle party/ and strongly condemned the proposal. If Mr Ormond and that party got into power they would endeavor to further their own selfish ends by repealing direct taxation and re-imposing the tea and sugar duties, &c. He believed a re distribution of representation would be carried next session. A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was passed. ■

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE HAWEA AND HINEMOA.

[bt telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The steamers Hawea and Hinemoa arrived off the Manakau bar on Sunday morning. The wind was blowing strong off the land, and the weather was thick and raining. About 12 o’clock the Hawea steamed to the north of the entrance, and having proceeded a short distance she grazed on the bottom and in a few moments grounded. The Hinemoa was close behind and also grazed the bottom, but fortunately managed to get her engines reversed before the vessel became fast. Captain Johnson stood by to see if the Hawea would float off, which she did at high tide, and stfeamed up to the wharf not having sustained any injury.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THANKS.

To the Editor. Sir, —I beg, through the columns of your paper, to thank the members, of the Fire Brigade for their promptness in turning out this morning to, the fire at the railway station, and for the energy they displayed in getting a stream of water on the fire. Fortunately, their rervices wort not long required ; the Brigade was certainly equal to the occasion this morning. —I am, &c. s^: ■ , E/FiIkiNOTON, • r ./Station Master., . Ashburton Station, June 6th, 1881.

GEORGIE'S LOVERS.

{Coninutd.) ' ‘ Fancy I had rather the best of that little game,’ thought Captain Arthur, as he took out his cigar case. ‘ Not pay any attention to Miss Casterlon! Thank you, Mf Francis Day; you shall not find the course so easy to walk over, if I can help it ;’ and the Captain took put his silver fusee box and struck a light, with a vindictive determination to thwart his; brother, come what

might. Alas for poor Georgie! She was very young and very childish, and it was the old, old story. Two months flew by on silver wings. Captain Day had the field all to himself, and he made the most of his opportunities. Georgie. innocently wondered how it was that, go where she would, he always contrived to meet or follow her in her walks. It was always so naturally done that she never suspected how very care fully it was planned, or that all her goings out and comings in were quite familiar to him.

One thing however Captain Day had not bargained for; and, had anyone suggested the idea to him, he would have repudiated it with scorn-—he had not bargained for falling in love him self. Nevertheless two months’almost daily intercourse told upon him; Georgie’s fresh young beauty and sweetness won a great deal more than admiration from him, and he cared a good deal more for her than he would have confessed to himself—more than his easy graceful selfishness would care to think of seriously. At last they were engaged for better or worse—-so far as anything could be called an en gagement which was neither known nor sanctioned by the powers that were. On the last evening of this memor able visit they stood together in the beech avenue of the Hall. Her hand was in his ; her sweet eyes raised to his in mute entreaty.

‘ Not even a letter, Arthur ?’ said she.

‘ My pet, how can I write to you without its being found out? And then just think of the consequences. If Frank knew of our engagement, he would be furious, and f that would ruin everything.’ ‘ But,’ hesitated Gebrgie, _* how can his being vexed make any difference to you ?’ ‘ Because he is rich and I am poor; and he holds the purse strings,’ said the Captain bitterly; he might have added that to his half-brother he was likewise indebted for his very handsome allowance and sundry other small favors, the continuance of which he did not choose to risk at the present moment.

* Perhaps he would help us as he is so rich ?’ suggested Georgie, timidly. ‘ Not he; besides, I won’t ask him. Georgie darling, we must just wait and hope for something to turn up; and, my pet, our engagement must be a secret between ourselves.’ ‘ If I might only tell mamma 1’ pleaded Georgie. ‘No, no, Georgie. No one must know. My darling, is it not the sweeter to you that no one knows or meddles with our happiness?’ And he took the fair face between his hands and kissed it passionately. ‘ It seems so like deceit,’ sighed she, wistfully. And then Captain Day set to work to explain away her scruples. It was not very difficult. Georgie’s faith and trust in her lover were boundless, and it never entered her head to question

the wisdom or propriety of anything he might wish; so before his specious reasonings her hesitation and doubt soon vanished, and she promised all he asked —not quite blindly perhaps, but with all the trust and confidence of a fearless, guileless love. When the time came they parted with one long, mute caress, and Georgie, her lips tremulous, her sweet eyes full of tears, turned quickly home wards. Captain Day stood under the beeches ? till the slight dark figure vanished, and then he too strolled homewards, con siderably perturbed in his mind. ..He did love Georgie, after his own fashion —he did honestly mean to be married - . to her some day; but it was not in him to make any effort to shorten that time, and things just now were not very pro-? pitious for any scheme of matrimony. J- -> ‘ Little darling,’ thought he—‘what a sweet wife she will make! It’s a confounded shame we can’t be married now—and a precious long time it will be before we shall. I’ve half a mind to tell Frank—he might help us per- - haps. No; I won’t. I’m certain he is rather touched himself; so of course he would do nothing. Hang it all, I wish I had not got into such a corn founded mess !’

Next morning a bouquet of exquisite flowers was left at the Vicarage for Miss' Casterton —roses of all kinds, from the richest damask to the delicate subtle scented Provence. As Georgie stood ; at the window looking at them and pondering the message of farewell and. secrecy they conveyed, the Starr Hills carriage dashed past; she caught a glimpse of a handsome face, a pair of blue eyes glanced eagerly out, a hand. was waved to her, and that was the last' Georgie Casterton saw of Captain Day for a long time. * # # * It was the fifth of November, a foggy, wet, miserable afternoon ; but there was a glorious fire in the old school-room at the Vicarage. Esther Casterton sat on the hearth-rng in front of it, reading the newspaper; Georgie" was at the table painting. A sort of frame stood before her, on which yrerp arranged a wild tangle of the small tree ivy, sprays of brambles tinted red by ; ; v the frost, a few scraps of moss, and a qnantity of the bright purple-black feathers of the moor-fowl. She was copying them with rare delicacy and skill. ■' ; , : r ; ” ‘lwish I had a few blackberries, 1 said she presently. *We could not find any -this. jM^rn- I\ . ing,’ returned Esther, looking np frdnf " her paper. ‘lt is too late for them;- can’t you manage without them,?’. . . ‘Yesj t‘think! can,’ Said Gepr&iei giving a few bright 'touchesl t6’ ; the brambles. ■ = v -- i;co

‘ jJp. will give you for that. picture Georgie r ?’ - ;r *1 don’rknovr^^opourid^ 1 -‘ It’s not hair enough—why, it is ex quisitively done 1- I krid# Mr ? Dajr ‘ would get you twice as~ much, if you would lef him. Why don’t you accept his offer; And allow him to dispose of your paintings for, you in. London ?! . ‘ I like to 'manage rfiy own jdfairs,. dear,’ ; laughed. Georgfe. ; } Resides, it' was he who introduced ' me” to this dealer. He took a great, deal of. trouble at first; and of course I cannot trouble him always witlimjK cofieerUs.’ t. ‘Of course hot, dryly; then, after a short Georgie, do you remember that party at Starr Hills just two years ago, and how you cried over the ■ alpaca • dress ? You would be able to appear got up regard* less of expense now/ ‘ Not quite/ returned Georgie, smil ing; We are always so poor, and the .i money is so wanted for things it 1 is hard to be without, that I don’t think I should be any more gorgeously arrayed. than'-I was then.’ She sighed -,a Utfle, for the troubles of poverty came home very keenly to her, and she knew, though Esther did not, that, half at ~ least of her poor little earnings went into the family exchequer. . She would / have cared-nothing for aU -th© lihle l trials and stings of her daily life bad ’• she nothing else to bear ; but for eighteen months she had never seen nor heard a word of Captain Day, and the blank silence was a cruel hardship., •- The constant wearing uncertainty had / brought an anxious look on to the fair young face, as of one waiting and’. watching continually, and the lovely eyes looked sweeter, sadder, and more wistful than ever. :;

Presently Esther put down her paper and sauntered to the window, gazing disconsolately out at the fog and rain.. * Oh dear, Georgie, there he is again, coming in at the gate 1’ exclaimed she, abruptly, in a few minutes. * Who ?’ asked Georgie, absently, her thoughts far away with the Captain of the 6th Fusiliers, her fingers busy with the complicated shades of a scrap of laded moss.

‘ Who ? As if you didn’t know V re torted Esther increduously. “Mr Francis Day makes it sufficiently clear who it is that he comes to see in this house !’ ‘What do you mean, Esther? said Georgie, aroused. ‘ Mean. Oh, nothing particular 1’ returned Esther, dryly. No doubt he takes an immense interest in papa’s pet grievances against the churchwardens, and comes to condole with him. No doubt it is very entertaining to settle with the mater about the old women’s coals and blankets two or three times a week. My entertaining conversation of course counts for nothing; in fact, I have ceased to waste my eloquence upon him, since I found out that Miss Georgie Casterton’s silence was more appreciated than all my wit and - wis dom.’ Georgie flushed painfully. ‘What nonsense you talk, Esther! When you know how kind he has been about the church restoration and what trouble he has taken about my . draw ings, it is absurd of you to invent reasons to account for such a simple thing as his coming here sometimes.^ ‘ Sometimes ’!’ echoed satiri- , cally.’ Georgie thrust her brush into a pool of neutral-tint and stirred it round; and , round half angrily. Esther, with a shrewd glance at the crimson face and emphatic shrug of her shoulders, betook herself to her newspaper again and began to study the marriage-list ‘ Why, good gracious, Georgia,* ex claimed she, in a few minutes, ‘his brother is married. What ?’ said Georgie, sharply. ‘He is, really! Just listen. “On - the 4th iast., at St. Feta's Chuck;

THB ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1881.



JEIS GUARDIAN ia publisbedevery evening, giving every day’s news,, gp to ibe hour of going to press. This is tWn buying a sixpenny weekly,



Wanted. T jO ROAD SURVEYORS & OTHERS. The Rangitata Road Board require the services of an OVERSEER, who will also he required to act as Clerk to the Board. Applicants for the appointment are re quested io state the amount of salary re quired, on the understanding that, as the duties will be light, three days a week will suffice for ther performance. The Board do not pledge themselves to accept the lowest offer. Applications to be sent to the undersigned, by FRIDAY, 10th June, or delivered at the temporary office of the Board, at Dr Trevor’s, between Mr Moffatt’s and the Rangitata out station, by 11 a.m. on the 11th Inst. EDWARD G. WRIGHT, 961* Chairman. WANTED Immediately—A Certificated MASTER for the Mount Somers School. Married man preferred. Salary, Ll3O, less 10 per cent. J. E. TAYLOR, Chairman, 946 a Mount Somers School Committee. WANTED —By a respectable young woman, a SITUATION as Gene ral Servant. Apply, Office of this Paper. 979 a tttANTED—The OWNER of some LOST DUCKS is requested to call for the same, or they will bo sold at once to defray expenses. Apply, Office of this Paper. 971 a WANTED, Immediately Several ASSISTANTS in the Dressmaking Department. Apply, Obr and Co. 952 a WANTED— A General SERVANT, where two children are kept. Ap ply, Office of this Paper. 840 a WANTED KNOWN—We are Now Landing, ex Remington, ten tons Gospel Oak Corrugated Iron, Anchor brand; and, per Saxon, 45,000 feet assorted Union Kauri. Tucker and Restell. 962 a WANTED —TENDERS for about 200 chairs Sod and Wire FENCING; also, SINKING a WELL. (Labor only.) Tenders, addressed “ Fencing,” Office of this Paper, to be sent in by noon of TUESDAY, 7th instant. For particulars, apply Office of this Paper. 948 a WANTED KNOWN—That wo have To Arrive, per Lurline, 2 tons of assorted German Wire Nails, ordered specially to suit the building trade of Ashburton. Tucker and Restell. 963 a XT?" ANTED TO SELL or LET—S - V Roomed HOUSE, with larder and every convenience. Apply, Thos. Fel ton, East Belt. 958 a TYTANTED EVERBODY to know that W HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to farm an unim proved freehold. For particulars apply to W. H. Gundry, or W. 8., Box No. 1, P. 0., Ashburton. 801 a WANTED KNOWN— CoaI and Fire wood, in large and small quantities, at the lowest current rates. Agents for Austin, Kirk, and Co.’s Stoneware, &c. Tucker and Restell. 964 a TY7ANTEb KNOWN.—Young Ladies’ » V 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 be supplied to order, at lowest prices. L. F. Andbewbs, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a



WANTED KNOWN—That MisS Veerail is now showing her Winter Stock, of. Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN—That W. Fergib’s EXPRESS runs to and from Tinwald Twice Daily. Goods con veyed at most reasonable rates. Orders left at Jephson’s Store, Tinwald, or W, Patching’s, Ashburton, will be promptly attended to. 760 a WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), New Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. WANTED Purchasers for Pianos, Organs, Violins, &c. 1 Brinsmead Piano (second-hand), 45g5.; I Broadwood Pianette (do), £2B, cheap; 1 Smith Organ, powerful, 6 stops, £36 ; 1 Mason and Hamlin Organ, 5 stops, £3O ; 2 Violins, Bows, and. Cases, £5 6s and £6. H. J. Weeks, Teacher of Music, Cameron Street West. Dresden Model Pianos to arrive. 931 a



WANTED KNOWN—That John Moison (late in the employ of Mr Nealas) has opened business in Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, where all descriptions of Boots and Shoes can be made to order. Having had large ex perience both at Home and in the colonies, J. M. feels confidence in soliciting a share of public support. 758 a Special Advertisements. (i work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDRESSER, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO :—Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a Encourage local 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. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Books i ll kr, East street and. Barinr Square. 366 a



Special Advertisements. BOYS’ AND YOUTHS CLOTHING. WE have, on account of holding too large a Stock, Reduced the Prices of our Boys’ and Youths’ Tweed Suits and Overcoats. Intending pur chasers will save money by giving us a call. EVERETT BROS., Hayes" IMBER YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, Ac., to hand. COSa Havelock street. 822 a ALPHEUS HAYES.



George St. Hill, JgUILUER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. Plans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates- Terms as may be arranged. 409 a W. ±l. SPACEMAN'S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a JJpHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East ' Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager.



Reid & gray’s new zealand- AMERIGAN Grain Drill, 15, 16, and 17 Coulters, With all latest Improvements, and of beat Material and Workmanship. ASHBURTON BRANCH : Cameron street. 808 a OTICE TO FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton. O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, 6.8. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &0., BURNETT 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 r jpHRESHING BOOKS printed on th j I. shortest notice, at the Office of this Paper.



Special Advertisements. Dr James Murdoch, HAYING taken the House in Bur • . u AT nett street, at present occupied by i»lr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, 6th Juno, 1881. 951 a ALFRED COOK, news runner for the Lyttelton Times, Canterbury Times, and Star, is prepared to undertake the distribution of circulars, hand-bills, &c., and to do general light porter work, and odd jobs. 794 a FAREWELL BANQUET TO DR. STEWART. A BANQUET, under the auspices of the Caledonian Society and friends of Dr. Stewart, will be given in SHEARMAN’S HOTEL, ON TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 7th, At 7 o’clock. Tickets can be had from the Committee of the Caledonian Society. 956 a -yy A NT. E D . 1,000 Bushels Good Malting BARLEY 2,000 Bushels seconds BARLEYj 1,000 Bushels OATS. Apply, DAN. HENDERSON &CO., Saundes’ Buildings, 981 a Ashburton.



Water Famine. —The want of water in Wellington continues, and ia daily becom ing more serious. The drains are now beginning to smell horribly, and there is much sickness of a class directly attribut able to the above causes.