SHIPPING.

POET OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Satc. .:DAY. Advance, schooner, from Wellington. Formosa, b; .que, from Port Chalmers. YESTERDAY. Planter, barque, from Hobart. Grafton, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Saturday. Taiaroa, s.s., for Wellington. Esther, brigantine, for Pelorus Sound. Onward, schooner, for Auckland. To-day. Grafton, s.s., for Wellington, Nelson, and the West Coast ports.

COMMERCIAL.

♦ Ashburton Guardian Office. Monday afternoon. Mr Alfred Harrison reports of his Saturday’s sale as follows ;—A few hacks and draughts were disposed of at low rates, entries being numerous. Pigs sold fairly wall from 9s to 19a ; fowls, 2a to 2s 9d per pair; ducks, 3s 6d to 3s 9d ner pair; turkeys, 9s to 11s 9d per pair ; geese 10s 6d per pair. Implements, especially ploughs and harrows, found a good market. t A parcel of 300 bushels oats sold at Is 4d to la 7d per bushel; chick wheat, 2s per (bushel;. barley, pig feed, Is 3d to Is 6d per bushel; peas, Is 6d to la 9d per bushel, badly cleaned; carrots, L2 per ton ; potatoes, L 3 to L 3 15s per ton; cheese, 4d per lb; pork, 2|d to of d per lb ; Apples, 6s 9d to 6s per case ; pears, 5s per case ; biscuits, 6a 3d per tin ; tea, 121 b box, 19s to 245, as per quality ; onions, f d to id per lb. A large quantity of sundries sold at fair prices. The attendance was large. Belling fast, and continued to a late hour, scarcely giving the auctioneer time to wink.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Wednesday, May 25. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi (for specially addressed correspondence only), Continent of Europe, Point de GaUe, 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. Rotorua at the Bluff), as follows:—Ordinary letters, at 7 a.m. ; books and newspapers at 6 a.m. ; registered loiters at 5 p.m. on Tuesday 12th ; money orders at 4 p.m. on Tuesday 12th. Late lee letters may be posted in the travelling Post-office van attached to the express train on Wednesday, May 25th. ■ For Northern Ports, per Hawea, at 1.40 p.m. ; k late fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van, 2.30 p.m. train. ' Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows: For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 429 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, OB Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, Now land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 4.m., 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount, Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on,Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, Mat 28. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his yards— Horses, Farm Implements, &c; 12 o'clock. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. Friday, June 10. J. T. Ford and Co., on the premises of Mr t Earle, Wakanui—Valuable Farm, live and Dead Stock, &c.; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c , To-moerow, Tuesday, May 24 Tea and Concert, Templar Hall; tea at 6.30 ; concert at 8 p.m. Lecture on “ Hydropathy,” Town Hall, 7.80 p.m. Farmers’ Ball, at Moffatt’s Mill; com mence at 8 o’clock. Thursday, May 27. Amateur Dramatic Club, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Monday, May 30. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. UppeY-Ashburton Road Board—Meeting to elect five new members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a.m. . Wednesday, June 1. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Monday, June G. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Meeting to elect Committee for the Waka nui Library, in the Wakanui School room. Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. WEDNEsnAY, June 8. Masonic Concert, Masonic Hall, 8 p.m. Thursday, June 9. Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet ing, Saturday, June 11. Ashburton School Teachers’ Association, Borough School, 2 p.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.80 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru AND;South, ■ at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4. BO p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive. at Ashburton from CHEISiyiHDBOH at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 435 pan., and LSO p.m. TBAUHrs AHRIVE AT AsHRURTOJN FROM ahd South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

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

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, MAY 23, 1881.

Filed. —Two declarations of insolvency will bo found elsewhere.

Licensing Court. —There are eighteen applications for renewal of licenses to come before this Court at its next sitting, June 7th.

Bigamy. —The man Chorriton, arrested by Constable Neill, on Friday, on a charge of this nature, was on Saturday evening brought before the R. M., and re manded to Oamaru.

Theatrical. —There was but a poor attendance on Saturday at the entertain ment given by Signor Tamburini and Company. The programme was carried out in a very satisfactory manner. Football. —A match will be played on the Domain ground to-morrow, play to commence at two o’clock. Players are particularly requested to roll up sharp, as there is some prospect of a match with the Fire Brigade. Mr Wright, M.H.R.—This evening, Mr E. G. Wright, member for the Cole ridge electoral district, will deliver an ad dress to his Ashburton constituents, in the Town Hall. The “ agony ” will com mence at 8 sharp.

Fire. —A fire occurred in Christchurch yesterday morning, by which two houses were burned to the ground. They were owned by Messrs Repperell and Scarlett, and both buildings were insured to the ex tent of Ll5O in the National and Trans atlantic offices. Open Steeplechase. —MrT. S. James’ Quamby is nominated for the open steeplechase, to be run at Ashburton on Friday next, his nomination, bearing Wednesday’s postmark, being in the hands of the Secretary of the Ashburton Racing Club. The Outward ’Frisco Mail. —The mail despatched from Lyttelton on Satur day night appears to have been unusually heavy. The portion from Dunedin was the largest ever sent from there, and com prised 7,793 letters, 1,124 books, and 17,120 newspapers. The portion from Christchurch contained 8,909 letters and 42 bags of books and newspapers. The Grand National Handicap.— Owing to the telegraph offices being closed to-morrow, it being a public holi day, no telegrams will be receivable. VVe have therefore made arrangements for our representative to bo in attendance, and to despatch, by means of pigeon post, a full report of the racing for the above cross country event, which will appear in to morrow’s issue. Wo shall bo indebted to Mr S. Saunders for the pigeons entrusted with the carriage of the messages, he having kindly consented to lend us the same.

Burglaries. —Early on Sunday morn ing tho shop of Messrs Orr and Co., drapers, adjoining the Union Bank, was entered by a burglar through one of the front windows, and one or two articles were found to have been stolon, but tho exact number is not yet discovered. The large plate glass window pane was com pletely smashed, this damage alone being estimated at about Lll.—The shop win dow of Mr Thos. Duclson, saddler, in Burnett street, was also broken into and a pair of spurs stolen therefrom.—We learn also that Mr Stephens’ saddler’s shop at Tinwald, was broken into yester day morning. Evidently the burglars are intent upon saddlery as well as other articles, and shopkeepers will do well to be on their guard, until the birds are caged. More Lucky Escapes. Says tho Feilding Guardian :—“ln our last issue we mentioned that it was thought that Mr Anderson and wife, formerly of Feilding, had been lost on board tho ill-fated Tararua ; hut we are happy to state that such is not the case, a letter having been received by a lady in Feilding from Mrs Anderson, stating that they had shipped in the Rotamahana, and had arrived in Melbourne in safety.”

A Co .irrigated Bigamy.— A remark able biga 1 y c .se has just been investigated at Plymouth. William Cox was charged on remand with intermarrying Rosina Knight, his first wife, Caroline Drake, being alive. It was proved that the pri soner married Drake, but finding she was already the wife of George Merrifield, he left her and married Rosina Knight. On learning this, Drake, whose husband, Merrifield, had since been married to an other woman, instituted proceedings against Cox. It was proved, however, that before Merrifield married Drake, he had another wife living. His marriage with Drake was therefore illegal. Cox consequently felt himself at liberty to many Drake, and did so. Another certificate proved that Drake had a husband alive when she married Cox. Cox’s marriage with her was illegal, and accordingly his marriage with Knight law ful. The Bench therefore discharged him. Prosecutions for bigamy are now to be instituted against Merrifield and Drake.

Tenders. Particulars of tenders required by the Education Board and by the Ashburton County Council will be found in our advertising columns. , New Auctioneering Firm. —Messrs J. T. Ford and Go., the well known firm of auctioneers, to-day notify, in our ad vertising columns, that Messrs Friedlander Brothers, merchants, have been appointed their agents in Ashburton, and all busi ness in this district will in future bo con ducted through them. The wide and largely increasing business of Messrs Friedlander Brothers’ linn argues well for an extremely satisfactory business in their new agency. Paterson v. Paterson. A sale under the above hill of sale is advertised by Mr Harrison, and particulars appear elsewhere. Mount Somers Agent. —Mr W. H. Puddicombe has been appointed agent for the Guardian in the Mount Somers dis trict. Silk-worm Industry. —The Industrial Association, Christchurch, have received intimation from the Government that they have ordered the eggs and trees necessary for starting a silk-worm industry in the colon} 7 , as recommended by Mr Federlio. The Stamp Department.' —lt is under stood that a Commission of Enquiry has been appointed in regard to the working of the Stamp Department with a view to ascertain what steps should be taken to ensure better protection against fraud, and also that the Commissioners are Messrs J. E. Fitzgerald, Comptroller- General, chairman ; District Judge Shaw, R. C. Hamerton, Secretary for Stamps, and G. B. Davie, Registrar of Deeds. Wanganui Exhibition. —A Wanganui telegram says: —An exhibition of art, science, and industry opened on Saturday afternoon in the drill-shed. The ex hibits are not yet completely arranged, but are sufficiently so to show that the exhi bition is a decided success. The exhibi tion is in every way superior to the 1877 one, and will remain open for a month. It was opened by an address from Mr Gilbert King, chairman of the committee, and a number of vocal and instrumental selections. Accidental Death. —Charles Suther land, landlord of the Queen’s Ferry hotel, Auckland died suddenly on Saturday from congestion of the brain, arising from accidentally falling while riding a few days ago near the Queen’s Redoubt. Grand National Meeting. —Shark, Stella, Clarence, and Kosciusko went through to-day per express train for Timaru, where they are engaged in the events at the Grand National Steeple chases. The Recent Robberies in Edinburgh. —For some time past the Wellington police have taken active steps with a view I to the identification of the two men Frederick Seymour, alias William Smith, and James Grant, alias T. Harnett, who committed several highway robberies in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. Sey mour shot himself dead before being arrested, but Grant was captured. It was then understood that both men had come from New Zealand, and photos of these desperadoes were sent here to be

identified. The police have been success ful in their efforts as to the identification, one being recognised as that of the third officer of the barque Fern Glen, which was at Wellington in 1879, and the other

of a seaman of the same vessel. Happiness even in Poverty. —A pretty actress settled her advertising bill in a Little Rock newspaper office the other week by kissing the editor. Arkanas editors don’t get very rich, but they have heaps of fun. Bark Worse than Bite. —When a dog barks at night in Japan, the owner is arrested and sentenced to work a year for the neighbors that were disturbed. The dog gets off easier, being simply killed.

Female Alcoholists. —Boston has opened a swell liquor bar ‘‘ for ladies only,” and it is well patronised. There is less drunkenness, however, under the licensing system than when prohibition was the law, according to the police re cords.

A Would-be Benedict. —The Pall Mall Gazette says:—“ Walter Kupfericinia, aged thirty, a Swiss, was charged before Mr Flowers with being a lunatic wander ing at large. The defendant went to Buckingham Palace, and demanded an interview with the Queen. Ho was told that he could not possibly see her, and was requested to leave. He, however, positively refused to do so, and said he would -wait there until he did see her. His object in doing go was to make a proposal for the hand of her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, as he had a very strong wish to marry her. He. was taken into custody and examined by the divisional surgeon, who pronounced him to be insane. Mr Flowers said there could be no doubt that the defendant was laboring under some delusion, and if he wpre placed under proper control for a short time he would in all probability recover. Ho would, therefore, be sent to the workhouse. It was understood that for some time past he had been writing letters to the Princess, and that inquiries had been made concerning his where abouts by the authorities at Scotland Yard.”

A Good Suggestion. —“ Jacob Terry,” the American correspondent of the Otago Witness , gives the following in a letter dated April 19th : —I know Now Zea landers take a hint kindly, even though they never intend to profit by it. Now, as you are trying to make both ends meet .and pay your taxes, and as you have not a very large market for your produce, would it not bo well to establish manufac tures when you can? In the State of Maine, for several years, there w r as no demand for potatoes, hut the farmers did not give up growing them. Co-operative starch fac tories were established to convert the potatoes into starch, and there are now 22 of them in one county alone in that State. These factories run 90 days each season, and will use 3,000,000 bushels of potatoes, at 20 cents, or lOd, per bushel. This provides a local market for tho potato crop of the country to the extent of L 120,000, creates labor, and en courages the farmers. Starch will sell when potatoes are unsaleable. Why not try it 1

To kill the apple-tree blight, sow the ground repeatedly with lucerne. A tea made of peach leaves is a sure cure for kidney difficulties.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [per p.euter’s agency.] Monetary and Commercial. London, May 20.

Consols have risen jfa, and are quoted to-day at The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,130,000 quarters. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, has fallen to 46s per 4961135; Adelaide flour, ex ware house, 33s 6d per 28olbs; New Zea land wheat remains at 445. New Zea land five per cent 10-40 Loan has risen ]/2, and is quoted to-day at 105 ; New Zealand five per cent 1889 Loan re mains at 104, ex div.; New Zealand four and a half per cent 1879-1904 Loan, 102 ]/ z - Arrests in Ireland- London, May 21.

Several important arrests have lately been made of suspected persons in various parts of Ireland. Among those recently taken into custody is a If ather Sheehy a Raman Catholic priest.

Back to the Highlands. Her Majesty the Queen is now residing at Balmoral Castle, the royal seat in the Highlands. Failed. Home, May 21. Signor Sella, who was charged with the formation of a new Italian Ministry has failed to accomplish the task laid upon him by his Majesty King Hum bert. The Orient. The steamship Orient arrived at Ply mouth to-day with the Australian mails of April 6th. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day 10,200 bales were offered, making a total of 90,500 catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale was firm. AUSTRALIAN. [fer rbuier's agency.] The Detached Squadron. Melbourne, May 21. The detached squadron, including H.M. ships Inconstant, Carrysfort, and Tourmaline, arrived in Port Phillip to day. Undamaged. The Orient Company’s steamship Potosi, which ran aground on Clark Island, was examined by a diver to day, and found undamaged. She has therefore proceeded on her voyage to London. The Bachante. Melbourne, May 23. The Cleopatra has been despatched to King George’s Sound to escort the Bachante to Melbourne. It is ex pected that the damage sustained by the Bachante will take a month to repair. The Birthday Cup. Adelaide, May 21. Progress is favorite in the betting for the Adelaide Birthday Cup, at 2 to 1 ; Mata second, at 5 to 2. NEW ZEALAND [per press association.] Robbery. Auckland, To-day. Another robbery has taken place at the City Council offices. A contractor’s de posit of L 7 was abstracted from the cash box. Circumstances point to some of the employees. Strange Accident. ( An old man named Davidson, was found dead on the Kaiwarra railway line. The engine-driver saw a dark object on the line, and tried to stop the engine. He put the break down, but could not stop till twenty yards past the spot. On re • turning he found a man with his arm completely severed, but the body very singularly was quite cold, and no blood issued from the wounds. The old man was in the habit of walking along the line to his son’s house ; and it is supposed he ■ fell dead during the journey. He was 75 years old. Another Accident. , Alfred Wood, son of Dr W r ood, with a friend, was returning from a drive on i Sunday evening, when the buggy struck a 1 stone, throwing Wood out. He was picked up unconscious and taken to the hospital. His life is despared of. It is supposed the fall caused concussion of the • brain. The Auckland Grammar School. The Board of Governors of the Grammar School to-day decided on the conditions 1 to be communicated to the English Com missioners delegated to appoint a head master, and offered L7OO a year, with in -1 creased fees for upper school from L 8 to LlO. The ’Frisco Mail. , Wellington, To-day. The Zealandia, with London mails of 21st ult., left ’Frisco for Auckland on Sun -1 day, jthe Bth inst., being one day late. The City of Sydney, with colonial mails, arrived at ’Frisco on the 18th, one day in advance of contract time.

THE TUNISIAN DIFFICULTY.

♦ The Bey Deposed. France will Oppose the Sultan’s Edict. Tha Native Tribe Effectually Disposed of. Two Towns Captured. (by cable.) Constantinople, May 21. The Sultan has issued a decree de posing Bey Side Mahomed El Sadock from the regency of the Tunisian Principality. Paris, May 21. The French Government has re solved to uphold the Bey in the posses ion of the Tunisian throne against the edict which has been issued by the Porte for his deposing. Despatches have been received by the Government from the Commander of the French force in Tunis, which state that the opposition by the native tribes to the advance of the French troops has been entirely overcome, the Arabs having been everywhere repulsed. Beja and Matera have been captured and occu pied.

SPORTING.

WAIMATE STEEPLECHASES. The following are the nominations for the undermentioned events at this meeting : Waimate Steeplechase Handicap, of 100 sovs. ; three miles.—Sailor Boy, Chandler, Little John, Kosciusko, Agent, Clarence, Ivanhoe, and Winfield (late Thilo), Quamby. Maiden Plate, of 50 sovs.; 2 miles.— Sailor Boy, Shark, Quamby, Marvel, and Twilight (late Alice May). County Steeplechase Cup, of 75 sovs.; 2h miles. —Sailor Boy, Chandler, Agent, Clarence, Winfield, Little John, and Quamby. D J.C. BIRTHDAY MEETING. Dunedin, May 21. Lady Emma is a strong favorite for the Birthday Handicap, to be run on Tues day, but wet weather is making the course heavy, which may affect her chance. Nautilus, at her owner’s training ground, fell over a sheep. It is not yet known whether she is much injured, but her arrival here has been postponed in consequence ; she is therefore a doubtful starter.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT TIMARU.

On Saturday evening, one of the most destructive tires which have taken place in Timaru since the great fire of 1808, occurred, the result being the total destruc tion of the Wailangi Mills, situate on the beach. From the local 'journal, and ihe message from their special correspondent published by the Lyttelton Ti.iies, we gather the following :—About twenty minutes past six o’clock the first alarm was sounded by the Police camp bell, fol lowed a few minutes afterwards by the Brigade Station bell. The brigade turned out promptly, but before they reached the scene with their engine the two upper storeys were enveloped in flames, and the whole of the roof of the building was on fire. As it was hopeless to save the flour mill, the fire brigade directed their atten tion to preventing the spread of the fire to the large timber mills, which are distant about a chain from the flour mill. Their task was rendered more difficult on account of a temporary corrugated iron building having been erected between the twomilla. This mill was packedfull of sacks of wheat. Tin's danger overcome, atten tion was directed to the timber mill, and a steady stream of water was kept play inw on that portion of it which was most exposed to the fire. Mr Bruce, too, with much forethought, let the steam off in the sawmill engine, thus cooling the ' inner portion of the mill, and helping materially to save the building, Having given the sawmill a good drenching, and being satisfied all danger had been averted in that direction, attention was turned to the flour mill, which now resembled a huge furnace. The only part which it seemed at all possible to save was the engine house. The wail of the roof ad joining the western wall of the mill had been set alight by burning pieces of timber falling' from the main roof into the gutter, and on to this the hose was brought to play. The Brigade were suc cessful in subduing the fire at this spot, and thus saved the two fine boilers from injury—the only portion of the ffour mill which escaped. By the time this work was completed the three upper floors of the flour mill had fallen through, and no thing but immense heaps of burning pro duce were to be seen inside the building. The north and south walls had expanded with the extreme heat, and stood out of line some two or three feet ; the eastern wall, owing probably to the expansion of the former and the pressure on it of the grain which was stacked on that side of the building, gave way, and about a third of the centre part fell outwards and across the railway line. Within an hour the destruction of the mill was complete, the only part escaping, as before stated, being the two boilers There were over 3,000 people present at the fire, and the sight was a grand one. 1 Mr Jones, station master, telegraphed to St. Andrews to stop the evening train from the south, and signalmen were sent 1 along to Saltwater Creek to prevent the train approaching. These efforts were effectual, the train bringing up a short dis tance from the fire. As to the origin of ' the fire, nothing is known. The mill was 1 shut up at 5 o’clock by Mr Robert Wood, 1 who was the last to leave it, and there was then no sign of fire. Mr Bruce 1 thinks that, as it broke out in the top • storey, it must have been caused by some of the workmen smoking, as otherwise no fire could possibly have got there. Mr i, Bruce, and Mr Julius Mendelson, of . Temuka, are heavy losers by the five, i The loss is a serious one for the district, i as the mills were in full work, and the > firm was just opening up a large trade in i exporting flour to England, and other ! parts of the colony. The mill and machinery were valued, about six months ago, at 1)10,000. The insurances on the , building, stock, and machinery amount ' to L 7,000, distributed as follows :—New Zealand Office, L 3,000 ; Union, L 2,000 ; I London and Lancashire, LI,OOO ; South British, IT,OOO. This sum t does not cover one-half the value of ’ the building and machinery, which were estimated in February. The stock con sumed in the building is approximately p given at 6,000 bushels of wheat, 130 tons of flour, 25 tons of oatmeal, 3 tons of ' pearl barley, and between 2,000 and 3,000 bushels offal. The insurance on the stock, which is included in the L 7.000, was 1 L 1,500, so that this amount, as with the building and machinery, is ’less than one half of the actual value. The only acci dent during the evening happened to Mr John Jackson, one of the fire inspectors, who fell over some timber, dislocating his left elbow. Dr Mclntyre was fortunately in attendance, and having reduced the dislocation ordered Mr Jackson’s removal home.

A STRANGE BED.

{Continued.) My host, who was absorbed in gazing .into the depths of the pot, made no reply ; but the lad kneeling at my feet raised his head with a broad stare, and after a second said : ‘ ’Tain’t nine miles to Beckley ; ’tain’t above five if you ’ Just then his father accidentally dropped the iron pot-lid on the hearth, and the rest of the sentence was lost in the clatter. ‘ Not more than five!’ I echoed, turning to my host. ‘ Why, you told me a moment ago ’ ‘ Not more than five miles if you cut straight across the moor,’ he interrupted —‘ that’s what Sim means, sir—but, if you go by the road, it’s four more, at least. It’s a roundabout road, you see, following the windings of the stream. It isn’t much used in winter, but in summer there’s a good deal of passing —farmers going to market, and such like. The supper’s done to a turn now,’ he added, lifting the pot off the fire and letting out a cloud of savoury steam ; ‘ and I make no doubt you’re ready for it, sir.’

His hasty manner of changing the subject confirmed me in a suspicion that my civil smiling host had some what exaggerated the length of the road in order, to keep me at “ The Moorfowlfor the night; but, if the supper tasted half as good as it smelt, I would magnanimously forgive him. ‘ What is it ?’ I asked sniffing.

‘ It’s a stew of rabbit, steak, and onions and potatoes,’ he answered, unctuously, smacking his lips— ‘ a sup per for a king ! Now, Joyce, where are you ? Light the candles and lay the cloth. Drat the wench, she’s always hiding when she’s wanted ! Joyce, I say !’ At this summons there emerged from the shadow at the end of the room a tall, slender girl of eighteen in a coarse Hnsey petticoat and short white bed-gown —a girl with wild dark eyes and a dead-while face, its pallor rendered still more startling by the frame of heavy, lustreless dark-brown hair which was pushed back from her temples and hung in a neglected tangle about her neck. But it was not the unnatural pallor of the face • which first struck me ; it was the strange expression stamped on the features—a fixed, frozen look, as if the chill of some deadly terror had passed over her, paralysing her mind and driving all the light of life from her face. She- moved mechanically, like a sleep-walker, and

—T toolclS with -cyes that seemed to see nothing. There was nothing coarse or common in her appearance, homely as were her surroundings; her features, though irregular, were delicate. Her neglected hair was wavy and abundant; her eyes, cf a soft brown, would have been beautiful but for their strange fixed look.

‘ What is the matter with the girl ? Is she ill ?’ I asked, in an undertone.

The landlord pushed his lips out.

‘ She has been, but she’s well enough now, for all I know—well enough in body, but a trifle weak here—you understand ’ —he tapped his forehead significantly— ‘ takes odds notions, and so on.’ ‘ Is she a relative of yours?’

‘Not she, sir; she’s a “ fondling.” We had her from Packerton Workhouse to wait on my mother, who is bed ridden. We shall have to send her back again, I fancy, for she gets queerer every day.’, ‘Poor lass!’ I said, involuntarily, look ing, with the compassion I felt, at the forlorn young creature. The girl, who had hitherto, stood with downcast eyes, raised them sud denly to my face. What a strange look it was — a look that startled and thrilled me ! Not the vacant stare of an idiot. No ; those wonderful dark eyes were full ota significance which I vaguely felt, but, not having the clue to it, could not understand.

‘ Don’t stand staring there, you moonstruck idiot!’ interposed .her master in a coarse, brutal tone, which contrasted strongly with his honeyed ac cents to myself. ‘Light the candles and lay the cloth.’ Silently and mechanically she obeyed, moving about like an automaton.- I could not keep my eyes from her, but she never looked at me again.

‘ Sapper is quite ready, sir,’ said my host at last rubbing his hands and smiling more than ever. * What, will you please to take with it ? We have good ale, or, if you would prefer a glass of something hot ’ ‘ Ale with my supper and a glass of hot brandy-and-water before I "go to bed,’ I returned, taking my seat at the table.

The ale was a trifle flat, but no(t bad} the stew was superb. I made a thoroughly satisfactory supper, and, when it was finished and I sat in an easy chair on the hearth, with my legs stretched out to the cheerful blaze, I felt in the best of tempers with myself and all the world, not excepting my at tentive host, who, seated on the oppo site side of the fire, entertained me with tales of the moor, while his son was clinking bottles and glasses at the table behind me. Presently the hot water' and a bottle of spirits were placed on a little round table at my side I filled my glass, stirred and sipped the steam ing mixture, and then took about a quarter of it at a draught. As I set the glass down, the girl Joyce emerged from the shadow at the far end of the foom, where I had seen her sitting while I was at supper, her face and jacket two dinci patches of white in the gloom, and came towards the hearth. ‘ Now, then, what is it ?’ her master demanded. She pointed to my boots, which lay between the small table at which I sat and the wall. ' j i ! ‘Very well, take ’em away,’ he or dered. . ' She stooped to pick them up, and, in raising herself, managed to upset the table. Over went jug, bottle, and glass, with a crash on to the stone hearth, and up jumped I with an in*: t voluntary ‘What the deuce—■ —’ for not; a little of the hot water had gone oyer my legs. * ‘ My host, who had been stooping to 1 stir the fire, and had not seen the cause of the mishap, started up with an oath. 1 Who did that ?’ he demanded, with a black look at the girl. ‘ I did it myself,’ I answered promptly, telling the fib without a . moment’s hesitation ; 4 my knee caught in the table, I suppose, and ’ *lt was Joyce as did it, father,! . growled the son’s voice behind me. ‘ Yes ; it was Joyce as did it,’ shrilly echoed the shock-headed boy, who had been squatting like a toad in a warm corner of the hearth. ‘ I see her upset it, I did.’ His father threw down the poker, crossed the hearth at one stride, and, before I knew what he was about, raised his heavy hand and struck the girl on the temple. * Take that for your clumsiness 1” he said, and he raised his hand to repeat the blow, when I struck it up, and, catching him by the arm, swung him away with such force that, not being prepared for it, he staggered and fell heavily to the floor. ‘ Take that for your brutality 1’ I cried out, out of breath with the exertion, and in a white heat of in* dignation and disgust. If I had been less angry, I could not have suppressed a smile at his ap pearance ; he sat where he had fallen, rubbing his head, which had come into pretty sharp contact with the edge of the table in his descent, and staring about him with an expression of be wilderment irresistibly ludicrous.

‘You might ’a stopped at sorae’at short of knocking a man down, I should think,’ said the son, looking at me with a lowering face as he assisted his father to rise.

‘ I didn’t knock him down then, but I will if he raises his hand against the girl again while I am in the house.’ The landlord slowly raised himself up ; his face was livid, and there was a curious lambent gleam in his pale eyes as he glanced at me after I had uttered those words. But the expression passed in a moment, and he forced his lips into their customary smile, as he said, brushing the sand from his coat — ‘The gentleman is a trifle hasty tempered, Reuben. I can excuse that; it is a fault of my own. I bear no malice—no malice.’ ‘ It would be all the same to me if you' did,’ I retorted, contemptuously; and, turning my back on him, I addressed Joyce, who was leaning against the wall, with her thin fingers pressed to her temples. ‘ I fear you are badly hurt, nly poor lass,’ I said in an under-tone, bending over her. ‘ Let me look at the place. Sit down.’ I gently removed her fingers, and could hardly restrain my indignation when I saw the mark on her temple; which in a few minutes would be. a livid, bruise. .1 said nothing more, however, but forced her down on a

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, MAY 28, 1881.



ni *jr.:. > Wanted. W 4^ JTED" ' KNCWH—That Miss , T Ybbram. is now showing her "Winter-Stock of Mieunery, Drapery &c. Stay ‘ ‘and Corset Manufacturer. Dreßsmakingtdoneon Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a



Wanted. WANTED —A General SERVANT, where two children are kept. Ap ply, Office of this Paper. 840 a WANTED A general SERVANT. Apply t° Mrs F. P. O’Reilly, Wakanui road. 786 a WANTED KNOWN —In consequence of the refusal of the Consuls of the Great Powers to protect Midhat Pasha, the Good Templars will charge only Is Gd Tea and Concert. 864 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 w N T E D TENDERS for PLOUGHING 100 Acres of Land, with the option of taking 200 Acres, within three miles of Ashbur ton ; near the water. Tenders to be sent to the undersigned by SATURDAY, 28th inst. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. For particulars, apply to HAY T. SMITH, 830 a Ashburton Farm. w N E D TENDERS for PLOUGHING 200 Acres skim-ploughed Land ; to be ploughed six inches deep for ■wheat. There is a good hut for men, and good stables and paddocks for horses on the ground. Tenders to be sent in by THURSDAY, 26th inst., and the work to be completed within one month. Tenders, to be addressed “ Farmer,” Office of this Paper. 484 a WANTED KNOWN—That W. Feegie’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 IA m Don’t Forget the . \JT. JL . Tea meeting and Con cert on Tuesday next, at 5.30, in th e Templar Hall. 839 a TITANTED EVERBODY to know that w HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a ITT 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 IXVEA and CONCERT, at the Templar Hall, on TUESDAY EVENING next. Admission—Tea and Concert, Is 6d ; Concert only, Is. Tea on tables at 5.30. WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), Newjj Zealand Gatette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. FUN, Entertainment, and Sociable Evening to be obtained by attend ing the Tea Meeting and Concert on Tuesday next, at the Templar Hall. 838 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 TTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ 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 want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a Special Advertisements. jyj" RS FENWICK’S Adelaide Hotel, Hanover street, DUNEDIN. Good Accommodation for Boarders. 872 a MRS FENWICK. Dunedin coffee palace and PRIVATE HOTEL. Moray Place. These extensive premises, replete with every comfort as a first-class Restaurant and Family Hotel, are now open to the public. Cafe and spacious Dining-rooms, Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Saloons, Read ing, Smoking, and Chess Rooms ; Single Bedrooms and suits of Apartments. The elevation of the Hotel is extremely healthy, and the views from the upper rooms simply magnificent. Terms moderate. s. "sThawkins, 873 a Manager. 0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing, EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a*' W. H. SPACKMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a 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 Bookseller, East street and Bariny Square. 365 a



Special , Advertisements. u i LL work and no play makes Jack J\_ 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, “ squeezcro,” &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. FLOODED OUT. F.C. was floooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do ? Sue the Council for damages 1 No! no! Sell the damaged goods at the best prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., 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. Sl9 George St. Hill, •gUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. Plans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. 409 a BOYS’ AND YOUTHS CLOTHING. 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., Havelock street. 822 a -\JOTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Horne. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717® rp HE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 269a* Branch Manag GTWiikie & Co.r XTTHOLESALE AND RETAIL BOOKSELLERS AND STATIONERS, Princes street North, DUNEDIN. 871 a OTIC MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY, E . Mr W. H. Puddicombe is authorised to collect money and transact all business in connection with The Ashburton Guardian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor.



Special Advertisements. Hayes’ rjp IMB E E YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. A.LPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. (508 a £2,000 AND £3,500 TO LEND, in sums of £IOO and upwards, on Freehold Security, at lowest current rate of interest. W. H. GUNDRY, Ashburton. WHAT! Another Tea Fight? Yes; why not ?—Star of the East Anni versary, on Queen’s Birthday, TUESDAY NEXT, at Templar Hall. 837 a OTICE TO FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton. Ashburton borough coun cil. ELECTION OF AUDITORS. I hereby declare that Messrs William Richardson Boyle and Stephen Edward Poyntz (being the only candidates nominated), are duly elected AUDI TORS for the Borough of Ashburton for the ensuing year. CHARLES BRADDELL, Returning Officer. Borough Council Office, 23rd May, 1881.



Holloway’s Ointment and Pills combin both sanitive and sanative powers in a high degree—by the former term is understood their ability to preserve health, by the latter their capability to restore health. With these reme dies at hand no invalid need be at fault to guide himself or herself safely through the many trials to which everyone is subjected during aur long and ofttimes inclement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, diptheria, whooping cough, can be successfully treated by well rubbing this Ointment upon the chest, and by taking the Pills. During damp foggy weather asthmatical sufferers will experience the utmost possible relief from the inunction of the ointment on all tender chested persons will save endless misery by adopting this treatment.—[Advt.]