SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Emperor, brig, from Newcastle. To-day. Ispahan, ship, from Algoa Bay. Sailed. Yesterday. Penguin, s.s., for Manukau, via way ports. To-day. Min-y-don, ship, for Loudon. The barque Orient sailed on Fob. 11 from New York for 'Dunedin, Lyttelton, with general cargo and 500 cases of kecoaepe forDuuedm.and 20 0 for Lyttelton and Auckland. The barque Sarahs jScotfc- cleared ; ,on Fob. 1? for from-Boston for Dunedin, With‘33oO; cases bfv kerosene. The brigantine Camille is loading at New Yorit-#pn Aucklaiid, and will probably clea^)u‘^arcdi'T2 v -. ; SEEPING tELEGRAMS. . .Auckland, Yesterday. A rriyed-—Look -out, from Sydney ; East Lotbiiu,.froin Noumea.. To-day. -j, Arrived - Rdtoitiahana, s.s., from SydneVj' ' ' V , Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Aspasia, from Napier. Sailed—Wallace, for Nelson ; May, for Hong Kong. Port Ghalm srs, To-day. Arrived —Arawata, s.s., from Mel bourne,;via Hobartand Bluff. , Sydney, Yesterday. Arrived — a.s., from Welling ton. • Sailed—Wakalipu, for Wellington, and Hero,.for Auckland. r _ -

MAIL NOTICES.

Maila close at the Ashburton Post Office, as fo^ows': — Pdf Christchurch and North at 5.30 a.m. TO arm., and 5 p.m., daily. lor Oheftsey Ralfaia] 1 &c., at 10 a.m. and*s h- thi^? I, y- ' " ' ; : : ' For Duned in, Tinwald Winslo >v, Hinds, Cjldsiteatii, I&vngitata, Orari, Winchester, and-Gerald'tie, at JO a.m. da’*y. For Ten?aha, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., dailjH , '- Por^Timafa and South, at 6 a.m., 10 aid., and 420 p.n?., daily. For Ashburton Forks, Mount Scinem, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at J 0.30,a m. . For Ashtbn, Wctertpn ard Longbeach, 430 p.m. daily. • !! For Wakanui, Elgin, '.Seafield, Now landl T ahd bn= Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays/ at 6 a: m. •, Mails arrive’ at the Ashburton Post Office— 7 ’ From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.in., From Chertsey, &c. at10.'25 a.m. daily. FromDunedinand intermediate places at 5.85 daily. _ From ■ Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. in. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, ; Ashburton Forks, Mount. : Somers, and' Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturday's at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. Frdm Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on : Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, pt 4 p,m. * ' W. St. G, Douglas, ' ’ ■ ’ : Postmaster.

The next mail for the United King dom 7 (via' Sari‘Francisco) will leave on pril 23rd.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

* AUCTION SALES. Saturday, Ai’kil 1). Pan Henderson and Co., at their roomS| Bulffiinga Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o'clock. - ; 1 ; ’ Tuesday, : April 12.; Mr. Alfred Harrison j ai his rooms—Farm and Tp\|irn iProperties ; 12 o’clock. ' if v \ W]Sh^[ESD^,Y, : . April 6. Templ^ 1 ; HaA’ : ‘ Meeting;. of TeinpJar Hall, 8 p.m. - , ■ TO-mokeow, , THURSDAY, APRIL 7. WakabhTßoad Board.—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street. ® ,lj Wed&es6Ay,'‘ April 13. Presbyterian Church Gift Auction, Town Hall. . .... v ■ 'WednesdayV May 4. Oounty r Council, at the .County Council ChambeM, at XI o’clock.

TRAVELLERS' GUIDE.

Trains Ashburton for Oh (iisx- OHUB'CH and intermediate stations at 6 a. m. , i 6.30 a.m., and, (Express) 5.48 p.m.., ; -T ;, ' 'V’.,’: ; Train a Leave- A simp rton fob Itmabu ant) Ebuxp, at H a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex-' prps%jaflb4 4- i Pr.iP- •‘“the latter. pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains fARRWB at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35p,m. 7 , ; and 7.50 p.m, Arhive at Ashrurton from TimabbNand South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.35 p.m.]

Clean Sheet. —There was a clean charge-sheet at the R. M. Court to-day. Meeting of Parliament.— Parliament will be summoned for the despatch of business early in June. Turned Ui*.—The man Dudgeon, who was reported to be missing,, has turned up at Wanganui. Held Over. —We are again compelled to hold over our leading article and other matter, and also several letters to the Editor.

Fatal. —Mrs Clarke, who met with an accident recently on board the steamer Rotorua, died.in the Wellington hospital yesterday.

Postal. —Mails for the Australian colonies and the United Kingdom, per s.s. Rotorua, close at the Bluff at 11.30 a.m. on Friday next. Sunday Reading. —ln the New South Wales Assembly a motion for closing the public library and museum on Sundays was negatived by 44 to 22. A Bankrupt Cricketer.— Murdoch, the cricketer, has been made bankrupt. It is stated that he did not receive any of the profits of the cricketing tour.

Jewellery.—An advertisement in an other column, referring to an extensive aid choice assortment of watches, &c., on view at Quill’s Hotel, will be read wilh interest by our lady readers. Accident on the Railway. —A little girl, a passenger by the 1.5 p.m. train from Christchurch yesterday, fell off the plat-* form of the carriage when at Rolleston station. Fortunately she incurred no injury, her escape being almost miracu lous.

Supreme Court. At the Supreme Court, Christchurch,- this morning, Walter Pricgle Gibson was indicted for the wilful murder of William Kerrison, in Decem ber last. Prisoner, who is defended by Mr. Holmes, pleaded not guilty. The case will probably last two days.

Cricket. —The return match between Ashnurton andthe Geraldine Cricket Clubs is to take place on Saturday next in the Domain. The following will represent Ashburton :—Messrs G. Andrews ; Den shire, Wixj A. , Pagan, McLaren, Hodder, Curtis, Gifkins, Jephson, and Shury. Emergencies—St George and Mayo. Any mombeis of the above team who are un able to take part in the match are re quested to communicate with the secretary at on 2e.

District Court.— Yesterday, after our reporter left this Court, the following business took place : —The cases of Fried lander Bros v. Moffat, and trustees of Harrold’s estate v. Bluett were stated by counsel to have been settled out of Court. In bankruptcy —ln re application for an order against H. C. Williamson, to shew cause, an adjournment till next month was granted. The applications made by counsel on behalf of W. Pauling, and H, McCutcheon,. debtors, for orders of dis charge, were granted. Perch. —Mr A. H. Shury received a quantity of the very nice fish called perch from the Dunedin Acclimatisation Society on Monday last, and liberated a number of them in the stream in the Domain, and handed over the balance to John Grigg, Esq., for liberation on his pro perty at Longbeaoh. It is hoped that they will soon increase and multiply, so that anglers may have some excellent sport. Many thanks are duo to the Dunedin society for their kindness in presenting the perch.

The Victorian Premier and the Lind Tax. —During the debate in the Legislative Assembly on the Land Tax Bill, the Hon. Graham Berry made an impassioned speech, and said the tax was proposed as a taxation for the monopoly of those who upheld large estates. The people would not be cooped up or blinded by any sophistry. In public opinion this question was not dead but sleeping. He imeighed against the owners of large estates, and spoke of some of them as having been obtained by fraud.

Fires Near Oamaru. An Oamaru telegram under yesterday’s date says ; “ Two hundred bags of wheat, belonging to Mr Card, uninsured, were destroyed by fire at Marewhenua yesterday. Dann’s accommodation house, at Whetstone, was destroyed by fire ibis morning. The building was insured for L 350 in the Hew Zealand’s Company’s office, and the furni ture for L3OO in the United office. A stack of grain, the property of Mr Mil)er, was also burnt down yesterday at Mare whenua. It was uninsured. The two grain fires are clearly the work of incen diaries, who are becoming a terror to farmers in this district.

“Rough” ox “Endymion.” —Lord Beaconfield'snewnpvel, “Endymion,’’does hot appear to command unanimous ad miration. For instance, the Ft ceman’s Journal says :—“ It is not an encouraging symptom of the times that a man who has been an English Premier, and who has for some years, passed the; plotted period of human Hfp,, should, instead of saying his prayers, repenting of his sins, and looking after his poor old soul, quietly sit down and 1 Write A very bad book.” This is “ rough ori Endymion. -l

Too Near the Land. —The s.s. Storm bird when leaving Wanganui on Monday night, went too close to the south train ing wall, and touched the stones. The Clyde will be sent down to tow her off. The damage done is not known. Mount Brown Diggings. —Latest news from Mount Brown diggings speaks of the great scarcity of water prevailing. The report of the Department of Mines states that it is downright madness for people to rush there, owing to the absence of water.

Tub Scratching of Natator. —At a meeting of the committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club last night, letters were read from the Hon. W. Robinson and Mr H. P. Lance relative to the scratching of Natator for the Forbury Handicap. The explanation was considered unsatisactory, and propositions for disqualification were also made, but the matter being con sidered of great importance and as only five members were present it was decided to adjourn consideration till Wednesday week. The following is Mr H. P. Lance’s explanation :—“March 28, 1881. Dear Robinson, —In answer to your letter calling my attention to the resolution of the D.J.0., to which you will, in all probability, be requested by them to send an answer, as you can know nothing at all about the matter, I send you my reason for scratching Natator and sending him home. Our horses, as you know, were going to Wanganui, and being anxious that they should go by the Waka tipu I had made up my mind that if we ' did not run on Saturday it would be better to send the horses to Christchurch by train on that day, and let them have Sunday and part of Monday in their own stables, joining the steamer at Lyttelton, than to keep them at Dunedin, and ship them there. Before leaving the course on Friday, I told our trainer to have every thing ready for starting by train in tho morning, and told our jockey to met me in Dunedin in tho evening, after the acceptances were out, and I would then decide whether we would run or send the horses home. I went straight to the railway station from the course, and ordered a horse box for the morning. When the weights appeared, I thought the race looked a good thing for Rand wick if he ran, and that he was almost certain to win. If he did not run, I thought Natator had a chance, and I accordingly accepted with him. Later in the evening on learning from our jockey that Rand wick was all but certain to start, I agreed with him that, with so valuable a stake before us at Wanganui, it was not worth while to start our horse, and I accordingly sent orders by him that the horses should leave by the morning train. The first thing I did on going into town on the j following morning was to scratch the horse.—H. P.Lanob.”

A Mining Swindle. —The Auckland correspondent of the Press Association telegraphed the following yesterday “ The prospectus of a remarkable mining scheme appears in the London Standard received by the San Francisco mail.. It is called the Haven Gold Mining Company (Limited), Thames Goldfields, New Zea land. Capital, LIOO.OOO, in LI shares. The properties comprised in the enter prise are the Imperial Crown, Tookey, Caledonian, and Golden Crown mines, and a vacant piece belonging to Messrs Comer, the present proprietors of which are in Auckland, and are astonished to find their properties thus dealt with. The Imperial Crown is now partly in the Southern Cross Company and parily in the Waiotahi ; the old Tookey is now in the Southern Cross, and the Caledonian and Golden Crown are now in the New Golden Crown. All of these mines are now being vigorously worked by. Auck land and Thames shareholders. The prospectus state that Mr H. E. Rice, late J.P. of New Zealand and a resident mine proprietor of the Thames goldfields, re ports that the Haven property will prove one of the richest in the district, as em bracing all the famous reefs of the field. Professor \V. Vazie Simons, the eminent geologist and miner, late chief magistrate at Sandhurst, Victoria, in his report on the property, says : ‘ The estate presents a field of raining enterprise, which is rarely suffered to escape from the hands of its immediate discoverers.’ Ho will join the Board as Managing Director on his return from India, but has jeft in structions for procuring machinery to commence operations. It is stated that application will be made in due course to the London Stock Exchange fur an official quotation. The Chairman of the company is given as T. Eyre Foakes, Chair man of the Frontino and Bolivia South America Gold Mining Company, Limited. The Bank is the Agra Bank. Limited, and the consideration for the property is to be L 50,000, of which the vendor takes LIOOO. in fully paid-up shares. By mail, Mr J. Stodart, of Auckland, received a letter from a gentleman in London, stating that the ground of the above companies was being put in the London market by a joint -stock company, and desiring to know whether it was advisable to take shares. Air Stodart was com pletely astonished at the intelligence, as no such ground is available for such pur poses, the title being vested in persons resident in Auckland. According to the prospectus, the agreements in relation to property are all made between Henry Elliott and John Pelham Hanco re spectively, and the latter and W. R. May as trustees of the company. A map ac companies the prospectus, showing gold bearing leaders running at regular in tervals in straight Ij.nof from the beach inland. ”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) A Critical Cass. London, April 4. A bulletin issued this evening re ports that Earl Beaconsfield has passed a quieter day, but the fever from which he has been suffering has increased, and his case is still deemed critical. Monetary and Commercial. Consols have advanced to New Zealand securities are firm at last quotations. The markets for Adelaide and New Zealand bread stuffs and Australian tallow are without quotable change. The Ameer’s Troops. Calcutta, April 4. News has been received from Af ghanistan that the troops despatched by the Ameer to Candahar have been rapidly pushed on, and are nearing their destination.

AUSTRALIAN

(Per Reuter’s Agency.) The Reform Bill. Melbourne, April 5. In the Legislative Council to-night, notice of motion was given for the ap pointment of a Select Committee on the Reform Bill. The debate on the motion was fixed for to-morrow. - Au M L. A. gets Two Months. : Mr Sergeant has been sentenced to two hionthsL ihiprUonrrfent for his assault, upon Mr Munro. : Queensland Revenue, i Brisbane, April 5. The revenue of Queensland forthe March! quartet amounts to Lsiq.ooo .being an increase of. L28,300‘ as corn

pared with the amount of the .cones ponding quarter last year.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Frauds, Wellington, To-day. At the Magistrate’s Court, to-day, his Worship gave judgment in the sly grog selling cases against the proprietors of the so-called Thorndon and To Aro Clubs. His Worship said he looked upon these “ clubs ’ as frauds, and it was high time that legitimate tradespeople were pro tected. The spurious “clubs” were only opened by the steward for his own bene fit. Mrs Strike* of the Thorndon Club, was fined Is, and Mr Strike, of the same Club, was fined L2O and costs. C. Lewis, of the To Aro Club, was fined L2O and costs, or, in default, six weeks’ imprison ment.

Bishop Redwood. Bishop Redwood returned from his visit to Rome at noon to-day. He was accorded a hearty welcome on landing. His Lord ship proceeded to the Cathedral, where the formal reception takes place. The Reason Why, A cablegram received by Government this morning reports that the delay to the mail steamer, City of New York, was caused by the breaking of the crank pin, four days after the steamer left Auckland. Still Another.

The Clyde Hotel, Clyde Quay, was dis covered to be on fire at 2.30 this morning, and the building was completely gutted before the flames could be got under. Mrs Burke, the landlady, states she was awakened by her bedroom being full of smoke, and on getting up found the fire had got a good hold of the kitchen. A small fire had been left in the kitchen range, and it is believed this was the origin of the fire. The stock and furni ture were destroyed ; the building is owned by Mrs Kennedy. Insurances are as follows ; Building—L3oo in the National ; Ll5O in South British ; furni ture—Lloo in South British ; stock—Lso in South British. A Warning to Parents.

A child named Edward Bertram Berge, aged 11 months, was scalded to death at the Mungaroa Valley yesterday. The mother was undressing the child before the fire, when tho baby suddenly sprang out of her arms and, in falling, caught the kettle, which capsized, thowing the scald ing water all over the body of the child. The little sufferer lived only 12 hours. The Vexed Question; Dunedin, To-day.

Returns from eighty-six schools in the principal parts of Otago show 296 parents (representing 10,255 children) to be in favor of the introduction of Bible reading in the public schools. 432 parents, repre senting 1,175 children, are against it. A Fatal Break. Balclutha, To-day. A fatal accident occurred at the bridge yeslerdaj , through the breaking of a chain used to keep the cylinders in position while sinking. An unmarried min, named John Russell, one of the workmen, was thrown off the plank into the river, and was drowned.

DIFFICULTY BETWEEN ENGLAND & FRANCE.

(By Cable.) London, April 4. Intelligence has been received that con flicts have occurred on the Tanisan fron tier, over the disputed right of an Eng lish subject, Mr Joseph Levy, to an es tate at Enfidd. The matter has already caused a diplomatic difficulty between the English and French Governments, and it is feared that fresh complications may arise. Telegrams to-day from France announce that active military preparations are being made by the Government of that country, and the French press discuss the difficulty iu excited terms.

THE IMPERIAL BUDGET.

(By Cable.) London, April 4. In the House of Commons this evening, the Right Hon. W, E. Gladstone, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, made his Budget Statement, in Committee of Ways and Means. Ho showed that the revenue for the past financial year amounted to L8i,0G2,5C3; and the expenditure to L 83,125,000. He estimates the revenue for the financial year just entered upon at L8G, 003,030, and the expenditure at L 51,687,500. He announced that the financial proposals of the Government included a reduction of the duty in foreign beers, the conversion of the national stock resulting in a reduction of the amount of same by L 6,000,000 in twenty years ; a gradual abolition of the plate duty ; adjustment of surplus of foreign spirits, and the adjustment of the legacy and probate duties. The result of these charges would be to still leave a surplus of L 300,000, but a reduction of one penny in the Income Tax, from six pence to five pence in the LI, would be proposed, and the surplus would thus be converted into a deficit of L 273,000.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

An ordinary monthly meeting was held this morning. Present—Messrs Walker (chairman). Wright, Coster, Saunders, Jackson, Bullock, and Grigg. chairman s statement. The Chairman’s statement was of an unimportant character. THE RANGITATA BRIDGE. Messrr Tripp. Clule.e and Mendelson waited on the Council as a deputation from the Geraldine County Council rela tive to the Rangitata bridge extension queston. Mr Tripp briefly stated that the object of the deputation was to learn the inten sions of the Ashburton County Council regarding the extension of the Rangitata bridge, The Geraldine County Council admitted thpip liability tp contribute to the repairs and extension of the bridge, but the Council were extremely surprised to see the resolution passed r» the use of iron bark piles by the Engineer to the Ashburton County Council. They would admit that the ratepayers on both sides of the river had an equal claim to a voice in the matter. Judge, therefore, his surprise at learning that the Council pro posed proceeding with the work by day labor.

The Chairman said that the opinion in the minds ,of the gentlemen who repre sented the Ashburton County Council at the Conference on the matter was that it had been satisfactorily arranged. He could not consider that the action of the Council had been in any way of too peremptory a character, or was unjustifi able. The Geraldine County Conncil had admitted their liability and expressed their willingness that the work should proceed. Now, however, they wished to repudiate this. Mr Tripp replied that he thought the deputation should have asked if the Coun cil approved of the plana. The Geraldine Council simply made themselves liable for the repairs and extension of the bridge by the resolution passed. There was no expres sion made either in or out of the presence of the deputation that their plans were approved of. He thought this question should have been submitted to the Geral dine Oouhty Council; 1 Or Grigg remarked that the plans had been 'before the County Council previous to the, resolution feeing passed.

.Mr Tripp admitted thar they should have beeti asked regard ing their opinion. Cr Wright thought .this father a late hour at which to consider the improve ment if the plans. Previous to their preparation, the co-operation of the Geraldine • County Council had been solicited, but no notice had been taken. L 2,400 had been ex pended by the Ashburton County Coun cil in the interests of the people. They had only stayed their hand when a legal difficulty regarding making the Geraldine County Council and Road Boards pay their quota. They then applied to the Government to take over the material of the Raugitata Bridge, and undertake the completion of the extension thereof, and charge the Ashburton County Council with the half share. Mr Blair was in structed to carry the work out at the ex pense of the two counties, and he called in Mr Higgmson to superintend the work. They sent up a man, and three of the piles were driven successfully and three broke. The cause of this was probably a fraud on the part of the contractors. This was but a minor difficulty, for if they proceeded with the work, and broke one hal f , it merely remained to send the broken iron piles to Christchurch, and have them re-welded. Mr Higginsou first submitted plans for 680 ft of bridging at a coat of L 10.300, but the Ashburton County Council considered it desirable to bridge 800 ft ; therefore he drafted designs to meet the views of the Council, the cost being L 12,600. The simpler design which the Ashburton County Council decided to carry out would cost but L 6,400. Regarding the Geraldine County Council’s resolution on the matter, he differed with Mr Tripp’s interpreta tion of the intentions of the Council. The plans wore on the table and the expendi ture mentioned, and in passing that reso lution they approved of the design. In re the feasibility of the driving of the piles, it seemed that some persons and the Gei’aldine County Council considered the driving of these piles impossible Mr Higginson suggested iron bark , piles driven 13ft, but the County Council con sidered to make certainty doubly sure, de cided to have solid iron piles driven to a depth of 38ft. The Ashburton , County Council had spent some L 2,500, and if the Geraldine County Council desired to have a voice in the further proceedings of the matter, and to be on an equal footing with the Ashburton County Council, let them defray half the expense already in curred. Mr Higgnson’s expensive plan had been drafted with the idea that in the future the Canterbury main line of rail way would pass thereover. This was too remote a contingency to consider ; what was war ted was a dray bridge. Let the Geraldine County Council defray half the expenses already incurred, and then if they wanted to construct an expensive bridge it would be necessary to rate the Geraldine ratepayers to the extent of a shilling in the £. He did not, however, think that even were the Geraldine rate payers willing to contribute such a sum, the Ashburton ratepayers would be will ing to agree thereto. Mr Mendelson pointed out that at the time the bridge was commenced the Geraldine County Council was voiceless in the matter, as the Counties Act was not in force. The action of the Government in throwing the work on the hands of the Ashburton County Council after taking same showed they condemned it. Cr Wright read a letter from the Public Works Department on the matter, refuting Mr Mendelson’s statement. Mr Mendelson said the deputation had forced the Geraldine County Council to

admit its liability ; they had no other alternative. He was surprised at Mr. Wright’s . suggestion, after the signal failure of the work. Cr Grigg deprecated the Geraldine County Council’s action in attempting to shirk their liability They desired, after the Ashburton County Council had in curred expenditure for the benefit of rate payers in both Counties, to make the loss fall on the Ashburton County'. He con sidered that the expenditure of L 12,000 or L 13,000 would be nothing but pure wan ion ness. The loss would have to bo defrayed by either the Government or the two Counties. They would be undertak ing the work under a delegated power from the Government. Mr Clulee pointed out, that the authority to proceed with the work from the Go vernment was given after the purchase of the piles. Cr Wright corrected Mr Clulee. It was the resumption of the authority which had been assumed by the Ashburton County Council at the instigation of the Govern ment. The Chairman pointed out that the Ashburton County Council had rqally been saddled with this work by the Govern ment. They had always believed they could recover one-half the expenditure

from the neighboring County Council. On discovering that this could not' be done, owing to the Counties Act not being in force therein, they requested the Go vernment to release them from the dele gated authority. This was granted, but the Government, finding that the Geral dine ratepayers were, on adopting the Counties Act, responsible for one-half, requested the Ashburton County Council to resume the direction of the work.

Cr Wright read the authority received from the Government, The Geraldine County Council were trying, End had always hitherto tried, to shirk their responsibility in this matter. The bridge would be of little use to the Ashburton County, but would be a great benefit to the Geraldine ratepayers. Mr Tripp thought the Ashburton County Council were not justified in try ing experiments, as they merely were doing in proposing to do the wprk by day labor.

Cr. Wright pointed out that it was merely with the object of saving time that the Ashburton County Council had prop >sed to execute the pile-driving by day labor. Mr Tripp was still unconvinced. They had no right to go experimenting with the ratepayers’ money. Regarding Cr Wright’s remarks on the idea the engi neer entertained when he drafted the iron pile bridge—viz., of its being brought into requisition for railway purposes—he would point out that Mr Higginson could not possibly hays had such an idea, for the well-known general weakness} of the bridge. He rqight remark that the vibration of this bridge was so great that some time since the coach-driver had been requested to drive at a walking pace over the bridge. They would therefore see how unfeasible would be such a project. Cr Wright read a portion of Mr Higginson’s report suggesting the possibility of the bridge being ultimately utilised for railway traffic. Cr Grigg thought it would be well to have an understanding with the Geral dine County Council. If that body desired to shirk their responsibility, let them say so, and the Council would understand its position. Mr Tripp said the Geraldine County Council desired to see the ratepayers’ money safely expended. Ho suggested that the Ashburton .County Council should pass a resolution that they would take all responsibility if the Geraldine County C'juncii would give LG, OOO toward its construction. The Geraldine County Council did not like throwing away money as an experiment. If the Ashburton County Council would indemnify them against further expenditure they would understand what to do.

er. Grigg said the suggestion made by Mr Tripp was quite unworthy of the Geraldine County Council. Ho did not doubt that they would give L 6,000 if the Ashburton County Council would .only put their fingers into the trap with which

that sum was baited. He doubted. iF they would do so, however. (Laughter.) Regarding Mr Tripp’s assertion as to the experimentalising, he contended thajfr this work was not an experiment. (Hear, hear.) They had the opinion of arrex pert on these matters in support of their action.

Mr Mendelson thought, to curtail, this lengthy discussion and simplify matters, he would suggest that the plans'be placed in the hands of the Geraldine County Council, and let that body get tno opinion of an expert on the matter. Cr. Grigg pointed out that the proper, course would be for tbe Geraldine County Council to pass a resolution requesting this course, aud approving of the past expenditure being debited to the bridge account.

Cr. Saunders thought the Geraldine County Council should not be surprised at finding themselves at. a disadvantage in their position, consequent on their delay in passing the Counties Act. He thought the Geraldine County Council, how ever, should regard the mishap _ which had occurred in the construction of the bridge as one of those which “ occur ’* in the best regulated families. He re gretted that the Ashburton County Coun cil had taken over sole direction of this w r ork. It would be best that aComiriittee should be composed of members of both Councils having the executive responsi bility of the work, and that no important matters bo undertaken without the con currence of both Councils. Cr Grigg thought by following out Mr Tripps suggestion, they would be saddling the County with the probable loss if the bridge was disapproved. The Geraldine County Council were to blame, for they ; incurred their unpleasant position by their delay in the bringing of the Counties Act into force. He did not think they could do so in justice to themselves. MrClulce asked whether Mr Blair had ever disapproved of the bridge. Cr Wright said Hie Ashburton County Council had never as a body asked Mr Blair’s opinion. Mr Cluleo asked had Mr Blair ever ex pressed any opinion officially or other wise.

Cr Wright replied in the negative. He, himself, should not have paid any great attention to such disapproval, even had he known thereof.

Mr Clulee suggested that the plans should be submitted to some competent person other than Messrs Blair and Higginson, and their report thereon ac cepted as final. The Chairman said the Council had in view merely economy. It was all very well for the Chairman to the Geraldine County Council to say not one single iron pile should be put down at the expense of ratepayers in its district; but it would be just as easy for the Ashburton County Council to say that not one iota of! the expense of a cylinder construction should be defrayed by that body. Cr Bullock said it would be very hard

if the Geraldine County Council repudi ated their share of the cost of the bridge. He would oppose adopting the proposal re the plans made by the Geraldine County Council. Cr Wright said that, in answer to Mr Tripp, he would state that the difference in the cost of the two plans was, L 6,900. The deputation should bear in niind the cost of convoying the plant, &c., to the ground. Mr Mendleson said he hoped that the matter would bo settled without much difference of opinion. _ : v Mr Clulee, on behalf of the deputation, handed in the following resolution for the consideration of the Council; —“ That the plans designed by Mr Higginson be re ferred to some practical engineer other than Mr Blair or Mr Higginson. That a. full report upon same ho made with esti mate of cost, attached ; also that ; the report and estimates be prepared upon cylindrical bridge, such report to be sub mitred to both Councils—Cost of both re ports to be borne by both Councils, and in case the cylinder bridge is recom mended by the report, the rejected, piles to bo paid for by both Councils.” , _ Mr Mendleson said no one could give.

a better opinion on the bridge than Mr Blair, as ho was engaged on one bridge over the same river for eighteen months at one stretch. WATER SUPPLY DEPUTATION.

"Messrs Mack-ay, Holmes, Larnbie, Mahon, and Allen waited on the Council re the matter of the supply of water to certain holdings bordering on the South Rakaia pla : ns. Mr. Mackay, in introducing the depu tation, pointed out that they represented inhabitants -T farms representing a total acreage of some Lt 7,000 acres, which had been, so to speak, entirely left out in the cold in the matter of the water supply for the South Rakiaa district. They requested the Council to obtain the Engineer’s report on the practicability of diverting the course of one of the races to permit of the watering these holdings. It would be an expensive matter for them to be compelled to sink wells for the supply of water.

Cr. Wright pointed out that a race of water ran through a portion of the district referred to. It was also considered at the time of the inauguration of the scheme that the water requisite for that district could be obtained from the Rakaia river.

Cr Grigg asked were the proprietors of properties prepared to contribute their quota in the form of maintenance rate. It was necessary the Council should have some assurance of this before any diver sion of the present scheme could be entertained.

Mr Holmes answered that, for his part, he was prepare 1. Cr Wright, pointed out that 'the race which would have to be diverted repre sented nearly a full fourth of the total scheme—vjz., 30 miles out of 166. ,Mr Lambie asked if, in the event of there being an ample supply of w r ater, the Council would be prepared to extend the races. The water at the end of the pre sent race was running tq waste. Even if these extensions were only made hiter mittent, it would be of great service to property holders. The Chairman pointed out that the Council could not at present make any decided promise, as they were unac quainted with the supply of water at their disposal after the completion of the race. The Council were, as it . were, only feeling their way at present. The Council would, however, give the subject favourable consideration at a future date. The deputation then thanked the Coun cil and withdrew.

Another deputation interviewed the Council on a similar application, and re quested a report on the subject at the hands of the Engineer to the Council. It WrtS stated that it was considered a very small sum would suffice to convert a branch from one of the races on to hold ings included in the applications. The future consideration of the matter was promised by the Council. Mr Tosswill presented a petition from residents in the district between the Hinds and llangitita rivers, praying the construction of a water race thereon. He pointed out that the properties in the district reached a total acreage of some 45,000 acres. The work was one of great importance, and the petitioners prayed the: Council to set aside the sum of LB-,000 for the construction ithereof. t .The hearty co-operation of the Council in the matter was promised. A similar ; application from the New Zealand and Australian Land Company was laid before the Council by Cr Wright, and his reply theretp, pointing out that a water ‘ race passed through the Acton, property, read. ENOINBEb’b JJBPOBT. , ‘ : - Jj The Engineer’s report, which was of a very lengthy character, Avia read. ‘ Left flitting. "

EUROPEAN NEWS.

i [Fkr s.s*;.Ara.wata, at the Bmjep.] ' ~7 v London, March 21. The emigration from Germany to the United! Stateais immense, and continues, despite: all .efforts of Prince Bismarck to check the eacodus. 'J housands of German emigrants arrive weekly in New York, ahd the' Stringent provisions intended to stop this wholesale emigration from the country, are without avail. Several leading Nihilists and Socialist conspirators have been arrested in Paris suspected of compttdty the Czar, and have been ,apprehended-at the instigation 1 of- the RussiXii XJovfern-. the of Batisfactoryrevideno& : dl t flSlSfc>^Safi 0 - t ".- ,gA Russia, m| pean GdiMrhmetlts toaslist,}j|jr ing the' organisation under thd ™o A of infernal machines is imrirba*&lf^ J -Beri-* i lif the action brought proprietor of the Daily Telegraph, Mr Labouchere, proprietor bf Trtf&, the latter .conducts bis own ca^^>MrrL%^^ 7y r bonchere exp’bses the fCrmet'vagaries, arid Mr Lawson, and put several 'gGrigriiphical questions apropos to, different j that the Daily Tekyraph haa promoted, much to Mr Lawson’s discomfort. In the negotiations with jßogtf which have been drawn up,it isstipulafcedir that both sides shall restore arms and pro perty • taken ■ during the recent ,cqnflic£.r.j <-.( = The independence of the Transvaal is granted -subject to certain - condUiopivL L British garrisons are to.remain in, Jthijsr Transvaal, but without interfering with the interpaV/Government.: Captain ;s Elltef*: >/. murderers are to be delivered up; Thsf Boers admit the sovereignty of the Queen? . nl and agree to disperse if permitted to the right of self-government. .Tbe-ooa--'.—- trol of foreign relations is reserved’ the British Crown.. ’

; ;iUudb>oß/r k The Budget statement to'-be delivered./ by the Chancellor of the Exchequer 'on April 4th, in awaited with much interist/.M It is stated, on what is believed to be good authority, that it is Mr Gladstone’s inten tion to propose a reduction of-the [ incowMt A tax from 6d to sd. , ),»r. ,7111:^ Sir W. Harco.urt, Secretary ,q£ State,fou'-ii // the Home Department, fias received a'bo*:.ir k containing a loaded pistoL _ " Sir Evelyn VVpod .willtemain|n Sdtftff Africa in ccnntriand’ df the fottesr General Roberts and the greater o| inforcements have'"been recalled. v* •. | The Government have- appointed. Weymouth Gibbs assistant' arbitrator in' connection with the Queensland steel rail enquiry. .-s . .1 March 24. Acting on the report ,of >the Election Commission, which reported that bribery and qorruption had been prantipedy very extensively at the electicib of TBBojJ[ proceedings have been Instituted against six of the persons scheduled in the report.’ f Marched. During a debate in the Honse qf

mons, Sir S. Nprthcote stated that if . j the > Liberals remained in .power!for twenty.'. In;;, years,.there would be very littleoLthe' Empire left them to govern. The. Emperor Alexander 111. £ff shadowed his intention to bring about cer tain refqmisiii Russia, wpjph effect of ameliofating the condition of the peasantry and lightening -the ; burden! df’l taxation ' • . : /*’Ll The well-known friendship existing be tween the new Czar, and the Prince.4f ' Wales is considered likely to ensure more cordial relations between Russia and Eng land. p ; !

The Indian Budget for the year 1881 has been introduced into, the ’Bquso of Commons by the Under-Secretary of State for India. It shows * ‘deficit hi L 6,251,000. r . f The Grand National Steeplechase Meet* ing was held at Liverpool yesterday, and resulted in a victory for Wiopdbrook, Regal being second, and Thornfield third. March •28*-..-i-vol : The Prince of Wales, of her Majesty, will confer ;ts© jorder of the Garter upon Emperor Alexander 111. The Arms Act, regulating the-carrying- - of arms aqd parading the righ,t fo.seaiyh, is now being enforced irt IreiSnai * J v *■ The prisoners, incarcerated! in Ireland i. > for breaches of the. Coercion;iAiCt*,. prefer • J the ordinary gaol to that provided Jby thp • ; t regulation for persons, imprisoned for offences committed under that Act. ■ • / 1 '’ ‘4 '> '/i !1 i i

•# . , fPEK s.'s. Rotomahana. at Lonoon," T T The casualties and losses iri ' killed >St W Potchefstroom have been aevere oirbctfa sides. The scantiness of provis : ons and ammunition compelled the British to sur render the. garrison. . ~, ~ J" .Tt/tT The latest despatches froth" the <3bia " Coast state that the Ashantees are quiet, and there are no signs of King Koffee resorting to hostilities against; the BritlahiT Marph, 29. , Intelligence from West Coast ofiSfridr 1 |.. states that bloody human sacrifices have ? taken place at Abomy, the capital" t)f‘ Uj Dahomey. One of the moat important- «ai natives in the kingdom, together with a, .... hundred others, have beenslanghterhd try'" order of the King .in -:scosnjtoo& •, wrWfc -4.na the inhuman barbarous custom existing. ... , there. " :

The land agitation in Ireland is watched T A with much interest in the. United States." ' 1 At Brooklyn and New Yqrka league has been formed among the Irish residents, having for its object the support of the anti “-rent movement in Ireland." His Holiness the Pope,has received <a threatening letter from alhdy. " ’ ’The affair caused some excitement in .Italy* biU : " little importance is attached to .it.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1881.



Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN. THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase .. and .ppmwtta, (just aeeivSdT i.OOO, 7s Cd ; 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, SivynoijEß and Bookseller, East- street and Baring Square. 365 a READ ! BKE’ll) ! ! ‘bREAD !! ! B A.'Thiele’s BEST BREAD, First Award of Merit, Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, 6d DELIVERED CASH ON DELIVERY 470 a MUSIC TUITION.—The second term has just commenced. Lessons on Pianoforte, Organ, Flute, Violin, and Singing. H. J. WEEKS, 86a 1 J > :9 araeron street west. O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, IOBAjBGO^I.* FANCY; ■ GOODS, AND STATIONERY. T Meerschaum Pipes, G;B.D. Pipes _ Nailrod. Twist, and Vanity Fair To6acco?;)%iajj IDG l&rd'lZ- A nice assortment of Oon oertinas, Flutes, Violins. Mouth qrgans, and Toys of every description'; direct from Home. .... a u. a; h rt /. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST"STREET ASHBURTON, 627a*



Wanted. WANTEPp a Odd'll General SER VANT. References required. Appy ..to Mrs Homkv.shlam, Park street. 492 a w ANTED—A General SERVANT. Apply, Office of this Paper. 485 a \TTANTED —A strong active GIRD \\ as general Servant. Apply to Mr Cambridge, Chemist. 4SG.i WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. WANTED —TENDERS from suitable persons for the office of SEXTON to the Cemetery Board. All applications to be forwarded to the Chairman on or twelve o’clock at noon on TUES DAY, the 12th April next. Particulars of duties required can be obtained on ap plying to the undersigned, The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 347 a J. WARD, Chairman.



X*rANTED TO BUY, at once—GOAT. VV in full milk. Apply to Mr Bbanson, Solicitor, East street. WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Ho st, Beach I’oacl. 130 a WANTED —A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 TT7 IA NT E D KNOWN That VV HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 0 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a WANTED KNOWN—That O’Connor’s four-wheeled covered WAG GONNETTE runs between Ashburton railway station and Scott s Tinwald Hotel at intervals every day. 441 a .TTT ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andbewes 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 1 want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andbewes, Labor Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South.



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 85i? WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained-printed in various styles, at the “Guardian" office, opposite the Railway Station. Special Advertisements.



George St. Hill, JgUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Buknbtt street, Ashburton. Plans prepared and estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. 490 a



-W. H. 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 p HE. NE W ZEAL AND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



"NEW'ZEALAND - Goods for Au-. CLOTHING FACTORY . tumnand Winter NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— ' East SI-reet. W. SPARROW, jfigs? Branch Manager. r pHE GUARDIAN is published every 1 evenin'?, giving every clay’s news/ up to tU'l)bhw.2fi\te P l ?™- ™ is ; batter than buying a sixpenny weekly.



Special Advertisements. ATCHES & JEWELLERY NOW TO BE SEEN, AT QUILL’S COMMERCIAL HOTEL, For 8 Dvrs Only, Consisting of Gold and Silver, English and Geneva Watches ; Gold Alberts, Rings. Studs, Lockets, Gold and Silver' Brooches and Barings, &c., &c. Early Inspection Invited. Every article must be sold. The Goods are guaranteed genuine. Private entrance for Ladies. 493 a



METHYEN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorisep agents for the Ashuurton Guardian. Subscribers will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention. N OTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS "Subscribers to this Journal are requested to communicate with the Proprietor when any delays or omissions in the Delivery of thu Paper occur. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor.



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



Well - Deserved. William Brown, convicted of a criminal offence bn Ip® daughter, . lias been hanged at | hurst. •'' ' ' •’ ’■ n ' '" *■ The Betting Market—The folio whig - are the latest quotations for- the Great A utumn Handicaps—Even qnjSir^gdredj/ • j j- - 3 to 1 against Natator (off); 4 to I against Lady Emma (off); 7 to 1 ag^ips*.Grip, Rand wick, and Luna (off); 10 tol against Joker, Governor, Prospero, and Hilda (off); 15 to 1 against Libeller.^); •< 1 against Harkaway. OharapagnA vc , —Even on Somnus; 3 to 1 against Hine-. moa; sto 1 Armjlqfc, Ifonpifreil,,, ,-g and Peeress colt; 10 to j against ipiy " ’ 3 others. ' - r The Leadbrsb xp op tub ''Ofibsicroft. — * The Wellington correspondent of a eon temporary writes ;—“ l ain positively in formed on good authority that 'Sir.George Grey is determined to place. himkel( at the head of tho Opposition next session. Ho will assume the lead, mnd aqt, as ;; u - leader. Those wtib do not choose jib . follow him can do as they pljSatjA, Wjthe.V will lead the Opposition Wnethbr the parity 1 like it or‘not, and notwithstanding its ' 1 formal depositions last session.” Holloway’s . lPiii&4-Tfce .change of tempeta>ure prevailing, in out climate , is extremely tiyidg to the deHtate-chested. 1 ’ weak and nervous.- All ‘trbifbled’ 1 - afflictions .should rcso've to reort,to the T if strengthening abcl i eglilatlng niedidhS itnteedi- 11 ately they pOicdye in thfeaudVteSidfStomibrt of - that lbe'ing of restlessness 1 VdiicH'bettifteps d&k-' 15. oidered digestion and defective sccretiOn df bile. One of' Holla way’s-Kill 1 taken about-., -i-, noon and fotyonreii rs : l jvJ ciently la!ge.4P/a^- ; anpW«%«UV<S»«®7 Jas* recruit the faulty runc-tops,? throughout the whole system. A treatment so : * safe in operation and so successful jp jsesjjlt- T should be known and practised when,* iroin - cold and sundry other is at- . r tempting to galnn Vexktldds fboth^iA^ljW. ll *t l a