SHIPPING.

POET OP LYTTELTON. Sailed. Yesterday. Sea Bird, brigantine, for Auckland. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wel ltnoton, Yesterday. Arrived —Endeavor, brigantine, from Oamarn. Sailed—Wanaka, for the North. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Tararua, from the N orth. AMERICAN SHIPPING. The American barque F. W. Carlow sailed from New York on Jan. 24th, for Dunedin and Wellington, with 500 cases of kerosene for the former and 3,800 for I>ljq letter* From Boston the Peruvian barque Fray Beatos sailed on Jan 15th for Dunedin and Lyttelton, with 0,400 cases of kerosene for the former, and 1,000 for the latter. Loading at New York —British barq ue Orient, for Dunedin, Lyttelton, ana Auck land. She will probably clear on Feb. 10th. At Boston—British barque Sarah Scott, for Adelaide and Dunedin ; she will probably clear on Feb. Bth. The Orient brings 1,200 cases of kerosene for Dunedin, 1,000 for Lyttelton, and 2,000 for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List. Mutter, inferior to best, t? lb, 8d to lod, Fggs, v? dozen, is id. Cheese, inline quality, t ; lb, 4cl to 6ck Bacon, prime smoked, 1? lb, lod to is. Hams, in cloth, 1? Ib, is. Flour, in bags, 1? loolb, 13s. Oatmeal, 251 b, 4s. Lard, t? Ib. yd. The Christchurch Corn Exchange. The following is the report for the week end ing Friday evening, the nth inst.; — Nothing has transpired during the week which calls for any special mention, and values are unaltered. Wheat is still being delivered at all the country stations in very large quantities. Great praise is due to the railway authorities for the efficient manner in which the grain has been forwarded to the port. A con siderable poriion of the grain exported this year is on growers’ account. Although the yield has been exceptionally good this continuous drain will soon bare the market. Wheat.--First-class milling samples are being sold at from 3s 4d to 3s 6d ; Tuscan, 3s yd to 3s gd, free on board in Lyttelton. Samples cfa quality not equal to the foregoing 2d per bushel under these quotations. Chick wheat ranges from is qd to 2s 6d per bushel. Oats.—Rather a better enquiry is manifest, although prices are not altered. Good stout milling are saleable at from is 6d to is yd per bushel; feed parcels, is 3d to is Sd. Barley.—Good malting samples are saleable at from 2s 6d to 3s per bushel. Large lines of exceptionally good quality, 3s 3d to 3s 6d per bushel. Second rate malting samples are exceedingly unsaleable. Feed barley is 6d to is lod per bushel. Grass seed continues to be in good demand, with more parcels offering than within the two proceeding weeks. Well cleaned farmers’ samples are worth from 23 6d to 3s 6d per bushel, badly cleaned entirely depends on quality. Cocksfoot 2]4d to 2%d per lb, ac cording to quality. Cheese and Butter.—There is no alteration to note in values, the former is worth from 3d to 3%d, the latter to yd per lb.

Auctioneers’ Reports.

Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, etc., for the week ending Thursday, March loth, 1881, as follows : For yesterday’s auction at Addington an excep t ion ally large supply of sheep was again sent to hand ; in fact, the want, of sufficient.yard ac comodation was very much felt, and by nine o’clock in the morning every pen was taken up, and the adjoining paddocks had to be utilised for the reception of later arrivals. Although fully half the entry consisted of stores, yet there was more mutton than was wanted, and during the early part of the sale line after line of sheep was passed in unsold without scarcely eliciting a bid. Later on, however, competition improved, and most of the fat sheep began to move off, though at irregular prices. In some instances last week’s rates were maintained, whilst in others there was a drop of more than is per head. Merino wethers were particularly dull of sale, and the bulk of those on offer failed to find buyers, the drop in price being fully equal to the quota l ion abovementioned. Although the supply of store sheep sent to hand yesterday and for several weeks past has very much increased, there is a noticeable ab sence of young ewes, the bulk being aged merinos, and mostly showing the effects of a scarcity of feed. For such the demind is not quite so strong, and a large number on Wednes day failed to find buyers. Two, four, or six , .tooth ewes are very much wanted, and we have how orders on cur books for a large quantity without being able to supply them. Cross bred ewes ot the ages mentioned arc selling freely at from 7s to 8s ; wethers in fresh con dition, 8s to Ss 6d ; merino ewes, 2,4, or 6- tooth, are worth 6s 6d to 7s 6d, according to sire . and condition; aged do., 2s 6d to ss. Taking yesterday’s sale as a whole, trade was dragging, particularly in stores, and more sheep were turned out unsold than on any occasion for six months past. Both the fat and store cattle market are comparatively unchanged. The entry of beef was limited, and with the exception of one or two lines, the quality in ferior. This, .however, did not improve values, and about half the quantity submitted changed bands at late rates, the balance being unsold. The continued dry weather, and approaching winter has put a decided “ damper ” upon the store cattle trade, and at the present time very little business is being done. The totals yarded for yesterday’s sale comprised 12,234 sheep, 353 head of cattle, and 306 pigs, of which our entry included 8,623 sheep, 146 head of cattle, and 192 pigs. In sheep our principal sales were, 214 crossbreed wethers at losgd, 49 at ns, ill 2-tooth mixed at 9s 96, 50 wethers at ns 6d, 50 atjns 3d, 51 at 1053 d, 136 at 9s 6d, 199 at ios, 84 at 10s 6d, 100 at los gd. Stores, 315 merino wethers at 6s, 387 cull merino ewes at 33, 100 do. at 3s lod, 74 merino wethers at 6s 56, 100 mixed cross breds at 8s 7d, 130 at 9s 6d, 247 at 7s 7d, 160 at 7s 7d, 50 at 6siid, 1784-tooth ewes at 7s, 150 merino wethers at 5s lod, ioi at 4s 9tl, 52 shorn lambs at 4s, 301 crossbred ewes at 7s id, 100 at 7s 2d, 208 mixed ewes and lambs at 6s, 158 merino ewes at 3s 4d. Lambs—37 at 5s 3d, 16 at Bs, 24 at 5s gd, 20 at 6s, 15 at 7s gd, 23 at 5s 6d, 10 at 3s 6cl, 19 at 5s 6d, 37 at 5s gd, 23 at 5s gd, 2S at 5s 6d. Fat cattle —2 at 1.6 ios, 4 at L 6 ss, 4 at L 6 15s, 3 at Ls 12s 6d, 6at L 5 ios. Stores -6at L 3 15s, 7 yearUngs atLi 7 S > 9at Li 12s 6d, 10 at L 3 lOS, 13 at L 4 ios, 4at L 4 2s 6d, 7 at Li 4s. Fairy cows, L 6 ios to Lg. Pigs, nat 355, 8 at 395, Bat 393 6d, 8 at 38s 6d, 9 at 38s, 7 at 595.6 d, 3at 5 2s 6d, 17 at ns, 36 at 21s 6d, 54 at 30s, 11 at 27s 6d, 20 at 24s 6d. In the p|g. trade there is considerable inquiry, and prices show an improvement.

Messrs Robert Wilkin and Co. report ; —At the Addington yards on Wednesday 12,234 sheep and 353 head of cattle came forward. Sheep.—ln fat sheep the supply was above the average, the bulk of which consisted of prime and good quality crossbreds, with a fair pro portion of merinos. The sale opened very dull, and there was but slight improvement towards the close. The bulk of medium quality drafts not reaching owners’ limits were turned out unsold, while the demand for stores was not so keen as experienced at late sales. -In fact there was a scarcity of buyers of merinos, which resulted in many Tots''being passed in unsold. Several good lines of mixed crossbreds changed hands at prices a shade below late rates. There was a wry indifferent supply of fat cattle, the bulk middling and inferior lots, for which description there was a great want of competition,throughout the sale, and prices tody up to late rates were obtained. We sold, on account of various clients, prime cross breds af US 3d to ns 6d each; good ditto at from, os 3d to xos ; ditto merinos at 6s 6d ; fat lambs 'at'SS'gd ; crossbred stores at 8s and 8s 6d ; merino ewes (full-mouthed) at 4s 3d ; tmte bullocks at L 8 Ss; ditto (light weights) L 6 los ; mixed stores at L 4 15s. • MfessrsJ.T. Ford and Co., report on the Ifynstosk market for the week ending Thurs

day, the 10th inst, as follows : 12,234 sheep, 353 cattle, and 306 pigs were sent forward to the Addington Yards. Although there was sufficient fat stock for the requirements of the trade, yet the great bulk comprised stores, crossbreds and merinos or ordinary quality. The continued dry weather, of course, is telling on our pastures, and checking also the growth of the turnips, and our stubbles are affording little or no feed and unless we get rain soon, it will be a query how long present prices of stock will be maintained. Store cattle at pre sent are simply at a standstill, and young stock have come down in price very consider ably lately. Mutton may be quoted at d per lb., and beef at from 16s to 18s per lOOib. Store crossbreds are selling at from 8s 8d to 9s for grazing purposes, and crossbred ewes for lambing purposes about the same price. Merino ewes are still in good demand, and early shorn, good conditioned, with sound mouths, from good flocks, are bringing from 4s gd to Ss, 5s 3d, and 5s 6d each. Good young merino ewes are bringing from 6s 6d to 7s each, but a good deal depends on the flock, and whether culls or not. lat lambs are moie plentiful than they were, and are selling at from 6s to 8s and 93 each. Our principal sale was a line of 350 crossbreds at from los 6d to lis 6d each; also a line of fresh conditioned merino wethers, at from 6s to 6s 6d and 6s 6d each. Fat steers, at from 1.5 IS to 1.7 J 6s 6d each ; fat cows, at L$ each. We had to turn out several lines of prime sheep, prices offered not being equal to owners' reserves.

MAIL NOTICES.

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 Tomuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longheach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.20 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 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. To-morrow, Saturday, March 12. Mr. T. Bullock, opposite the Bazaar, —Empty Casks, Timber, &c.; 1.15 p.m. Mr. W. J. G. Bluett, at J. T. Ford and Co.’s Salerooms—That valuable landed property, known as Elgin. At 2 o’clock. Quill and Co.—-Usual Weekly Sale. Tuesday, March 15. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —670 Sheep. Friday, March 18. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their rooms, Ashburton —Valuable Freehold Farm, in the Hinds district; 12 o’clock. Saturday, March 19. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Lot 124, Thompson street, Tinwald ; Trustee’s Interest in Lot 10 ; 3 Shares in the Templar Hall Co.; 2 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-night, Friday, March 11. Caledonian Society, Meeting of Members, Quill’s Commercial Hotel, at 7.30 p.m. Monday, March 21. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Thursday, March 24. Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, Town Hall. Thursday, March 31. Ashburton Libraiy—Annual Meeting of Subscribers, in the Library, 8 p.m. Wednesday, April G. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at G a. m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p. m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Tijiaru anh South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timarn. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a. m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p.m.]

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1881. Post Office Savings Banks and Postage Stamps.

With the laudable object of en couraging habits of thrift among the children attending our public and other schools, the Government have, within the present month, introduced a new system of deposits in the Post Office Savings Eanks. Mr Fawcett, the pre sent Postmaster-General of Great Britain, has lately established this new system, and a most enthusiastic account of its working has been given by the promoter in a recent speech. Our Postmaster-General has issued to all the postmasters in the colony who have Savings Banks under their control —a circular containing the ne cessary information whereby our young depositors can commence their banking account with postage stamps. The rules, which are very simple, are to the effect that any pupil attending any school can obtain a card, which the Post Office Department have provided for the purpose. On this card the owner can affix penny stamps, to the value_ of one shilling, and which, on presentation to the Postmaster, will be placed to the credit of the pupil so making it. The card has twelve squares, and each of these squares has to be filled with one new penny stamp, and when filled and taken to the Savings Bank will be re ceived by the Postmaster either as a first deposit in a new account, or a sub sequent dsposit if the depositor has an account already opened. Care must be taken, however, that not one of the stamps has been defaced, or in any way damaged, or the result will be rather serious to the young depositor. In such cases, if only one out of the twelve stamps is damaged or defaced, the whole card is rejected. With this proviso, we do not anticipate that many depositors will be so foolish as to make use of any defaced stamps. If they do, of course, the department will be' all the richer, and we opine that this is one of the ways the department antici pated making its profit out of the card system. We would suggest that each schoolmaster should have a number of these cards in the schoolroom, so that they can be given out to each of the children attending the schools. The various drawbacks which were attached to all the previous proposals for establish ing Savings Banks in connection with schools will be largely removed. In the first place, the official card on which the stamps will be affixed, and which has to be kept clean, will en courage the children to habits of order and cleanliness, and from the smallness of the deposit, offers every facility to children to make small savings. We sincerely hope that the new system will answer, as the majority of children, es pecially colonial children, require habits of thrift to be inculcated into them as an important branch of their education. If the system has been found to work satis factorily in England, why should it not do the same here ? No instance of children having made use of damaged stamps for the pur pose of deposits has yet come under the notice of the Home authorities, and should the New Zealand Government find that the system works; equally favorable here, its present limitation ought to be cast aside and its operation applied to every Savings’ Bank de positor. There are a great many people who object to a system of making our children thrifty in the matter of money, and especially to the Government for initiating such a system as saving money being taught as a part of a child’s education. We fail to see that any harm can ensue to the rising generation, in encouraging habits of thrift. Is not a penny much more usefully employed* in this way than expended in deleterious “lollies?” There are various other provisions made to ensure the efficient working of the scheme, some of which we might an well allude to. The postmaster receiving deposits will have to see that the name of the depositor and the school he or she attends is written on the card in the places printed for the pur pose, and also to enter on the card the number of the Savings Bank book issued to the depositor, whether it is a first deposit or a subsequent one. The

postmasters have been instructed to carefully examine each card and stamp, and will have to obliterate each stamp with the dated stamp of the office when the payment is made. The whole system is very simple, and we shall be surprised if it does not soon command great popularity throughout New Zea land.

The San Francisco Mail. —The Ash burton portion of the San Francisco mail will probably reach Ashburton by the express to-morrow morning.

Levee. —His Excellency the Governor will hold an undress levee in the Provin cial Council Chamber, Christchurch, at noon to-morrow.

Presentation. —A presentation of a purse of sovereigns was made at Auck land, yesterday, to the Rev Mr Nixon, Free Methodist minister, who is leaving for Ashburton.

Drunkenness. —Thomas Brewer, the complainant in the larceny case heard in the R. M. Court yesterday, was, at the conclusion of that case, charged with being drunk and disorderly. He was fined five shillings. The Governor’s Tour.— The Premier will accompany the Governor on his southern tour, at all events through Can terbury. It is possible that Mr Dick may attend his Excellency through Otago, but this is yet undecided.

Presbyterian Church. —C. E. Button, Esq., barrister, is to preach on next Sabbath,, morning and evening, in the Presbyterian Church, Ashburton ; and we learn that on his passage through Ashbur ton, en route north, the Rev. Thomas Spurgeon will preach in the Presbyterian Church, when probably the sou of the groat preacher will be listened to by a large congregation. Masonic Installation. Mr John Bevan, of Hokitika, who was lately ap pointed on the authority of H.R. H. the Prince of Wales to succeed the late Mr John Lazar as District Grand Master of Freemasons in Westland, was duly en stalled yesterday. A very large assem blage of members of the Order from all parts of the coast, took part in the pro ceedings. A banquet was held in the evening.

The Industrial Exhibition. —The Secretary of the Industrial Association, Mr S. E. Poyntz, has been apprised by Government of the appointment of Mr Edward Wakefield, M.H.R. for Geral dine, as Commissioner at the Ashburton Industrial Exhibition. Mr Wakefield will attend on the 24th, the opening day, and will make an inspection of the Ex hibition, sending a report to Government on the industrial exhibits displayed, with a view to supplementing the report on Native Industries that has already been made by the Native Industrial Commis sion.

Ashburton Horticultural Society.— A committee meeting of the above society was held last evening. Present—Messrs Jacobson (chairman), Mayo, Bloomfield, J. and T. Scaly, Simmonds, Collins, and Randall. The minutes of previous meet ing were read and confirmed. Accounts amounting to LSO were received and passed for payment. On the motion of Mr Collins a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the judges. Mr Sealy also moved a hearty vote of thanks to the hon. secretary, Mr Poyntz, which was carried unanimously. The secretary reported that after payment of all accounts there would be a surplus of L3O. The meeting then adjourned.

Roman Catholic Church. —A meeting of Roman Catholics was held in the above church last night, to receive the Rev. Father Coffey, who has been appointced to the charge of the church. The Rev. Father Chervier occupied the chair, and briefly introduced Father Coffey, who delivered an address, in the course of which he announced that they would have to build a new church. A council of six persons, namely —Messrs O’Reilly, Dudson, Leggett, Nealas, Quinn, and Higgins was ap pointed. On the motion of Mr O’Reilly, a cordial vote of thanks was passed in re cognition of the Rev. Father Chervier’s ministration in their midst, and the meeting adjourned.

The Brindisi Mail. —There is to be no outward mail this month to connect with the P. and O. boat. The Tararua, if she had left Port Chalmers yesterday as announced, would have reached Mel bourne in time to connect with P. and O. boat leaving there on the IGth inst., but the Union Company, over which the postal department has now no control, their contract having ceased, having post poned the steamer s departure till to morrow, it is impossible that she can catch the Brindisi mail. The postal authorities have been instructed to make up the Brindisi mail by the Arawata, leaving Lyttelton on the 15th inst., for convey ance by the Orient liner Cotopaxi, which leaves Melbourne on the 29th inst.

The Advertising Account. —Says a contemporary : —“ The mistake many ad vertisers make is to place their advertising expenses to current account instead of to capital account. Suppose a yearly expen diture of LIOO in advertising produces a net profit of only L2O for the first year. Undoubtedly this does not mean a loss of LBO, but it means a return of 20 per cent, upon capital invested ; for the business is there, and will remain if properly looked after, and a second year’s advertising will most certainly increase the profit on the full capital to 30 or 40 per cent As a set-oft’ to these expenses in the capital ac count of the enterprising business-man, ho can show the increased value of the article advertised,and also of the goodwill of his business. Some business-men lose sight of this fact.” The Revision of the Bible.— A very limited audience assembled in the Library Hall last night to hear the Rev. A. W. Hands lecture on “ The Revision of the Authorised Version of the Bible.” The subject, which is one of universal interest, was treated by the rov. gentleman in a most able manner, and it is to be regretted that there was such a compara tively small attendance of the intelligent public of Ashourton. While paying a very high compliment to the excellence of the present version of the Holy Scriptures, Mr Hands gave abundant proof that the revision was absolutely necessary for tho roughly understanding the Word of God* and he wished it to be borne in mind that it was not because the existing version was bad that an improvement was called for, but because they wanted what was already good to be perfected. In the course of his lecture the rev. gentleman gave a number of instances in which the language used by the translators 250 years ago did not now give a true idea of what appeared in the original Greek copies. Other reasons wore given for the necessity for a new translation, and from the fresh light which the rev. lecturer throw on several passages, it may be expected that the new version will have an increasing interest to the Biblical student. In his concluding remarks, Mr Hands stated that he looked forward with much expectation to the new edition of the Bible, as the Anglo-Saxon language could very beauti fully express the Greek rendering ; and as the translators at present at work on the Bible were the finest scholars of the day, who had been chosen from every denomination of the Christian Church, a very excellent version might be antici pated. A collection to defray expenses was taken up, and as there was a surplus of 4s Gd, it was announced that it would be devoted to obtaining tobacco for the Old Men’s Home. A vote of thanks to Mr Hands terminated the proceedings.

Acknowledgment. —The master of the Old Men’s Home desires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a roast of beef from Mr J. Carter, of Tinwakl. Collision. —The express train from the south, when close to the Timaru station yesterday, ran into a team of bullocks, killing one and injuring two others. A Savage Horse. —While Alexander Davidson, a farm servant at The Laws, Dundee, was looking after the horses in a threshing mill, one of them made a snap at him and bit his nose clean off. A Divine on the War-path. —The P.ev. J. U. Davis, of Dunedin, is about to get up a monster mctition to Parlia ment for the suppression of consultations, sweeps, lotteries, and other common forms of gambling. Melbourne Town Sections. vVe learn from the Insurance ami .Banking Record that the National Mutual Life Associa tion of Australia has purchased the fine it available corner in Melbourne, on Collins and Queen streets, fifty feet square, at L4fio per foot ; or L 23,000. Inquest. —An inquest was hold at Auckland yesterday, on the body of the woman Emily Barnett, who poisoned her self on the previous day. The jury re turned a verdict of “ Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity.”

The Natives on the Parihaka Land Sales. - The Hawera Star's correspondent at Opunake states that the natives are quite overjoyed at the failure of the Pari haka land sale. They say the Europeans were frightened of them, but they need not have been. As long as the Maunga ronga rules peace must he maintained. In one of Te Whiti’s remarks, he says the Government is like a man who has a thorn in his foot but cannot find it. Although he may wet the sore spot, and rub it until further orders, the pain still remains.

Worth Recording. —The payments at the Property Tax office, Wellington, yesterday, included one of about LI,COO, voluntarily made by the Hon. A. G. Tollemache, now resident in England, through his representative, Mr Valentine Smith. This is for the tax upon money out on mortgage, nearly the whole of the interest on which is paid in London, and does not pass through any agent in the colony. It had been held that, as the money was not under the control of any agent in New Zealand, Mr Tolle mache was nob legally liable to pay the property tax upon it. Short of Funds. —After the distribu tion of prizes on Wednesday, to successful members at the Rifle Association meet ing, the recipients of cheques for prizes won in the Association matches found that the same had been made out for less than the amounts to which they were entitled. A good deal of dissatisfaction was ex pressed at first, but on its being learnt that the Association only looked upon the amounts already paid as part payment, and that each man would receive the balance due to him as soon as the Associa tion was in funds, the grumbling ceased. The carbine men received 6s 8d in the L less than they were entitled to, and the riflemen 4s in the L less.

Drowning of a Relation of an ex- Governob. —A relative of the Marquis of Norraanby came to a sad end lately. The European Mail says : —“ Great excite ment existed throughout Herefordshire on Bth January, when it became generally known that Miss Fanny Russell, youngest daughter of the late Captain Russell, R.N., who resided at Hampton Dene, had mysteriously disappeared. The river was dragged, and the woods in the county searched, but without effect. Next day, however, a number of citizens again ex amined the Wye, when the body of Miss Russcdl was found, in about four feet of water. The deceased was about forty-five years of age, and was a niece of the Marquis of Nonnanby.” The trustee in C. I'. Sheppard’s estate has summoned a meeting of creditors to consider the bankrupt’s dis* charge. The Borough Council have noted that pans for the new sanitary arrangements can be obtained at their offices. Messrs T. J. Maling and Co. make liberal cash ad vances on wheat placed in their hands for sale in Condon, and prompt returns may be relied upon. The ladies ot Ashburton are asked to interview Miss Vcr.all during the three days of the Exhibition for various requisites.

All claims against the Horticultural Society are to be paid on Monday next. The trustee in James Gardner’s estate calls a meeting of creditors for Wednesday next. Mr Harrison will sell at his yards to-morrow the balance of Anstec’s effects, also fowls, onions, fruit.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Fcr Heater's Agency.) The Wool Sales. London, March 9. At the wool sales to-day, 8,000 bales were catalogued. The bidding was animated. The next series will com mence on May loth. The total quantity to be offered during the sales will be limited to 350,000 bales. Further Arrests. The authorities in Ireland are vigor ously employing the powers granted by the Coercion Act for the apprehension of persons guilty or suspected of treasonable conduct. In addition to the arrests already reported to have been made, warrants have been issued, and are being daily executed, against many other suspected persons. The Ashantees. Intelligence has been received from the West Coast of Africa which gives a complete disavowal of the reported intention of the Ashantees to attack the British settlements on the coast. The news to hand states that the envoys from the Ashantees have arrived at Cape Coast Castle, and have assured the Governor that the King has no desire to provoke war with the British. Consols. Consols have advanced }{, and are to-day quoted at 99P8- Wheat. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, has declined to 49s 6d per qqfilbs. Changes in the Cabinet. It is generally expected that impor tant changes will shortly take place in the Cabinet. The Boer Rebellion. Capetown, March 9. News has been received from Natal that Joubert, the commander of the Boer forces, is making strorag efforts to induce the loyal Boers in the Transvaal and Free State to join in the rebellion. At the same time President Brand is doing his utmost to bring about a peaceful settlement of affairs.

AUSTRALIAN

(Per Reuter's Agency.) The Proposed Conference. Melbourne, March 10. In the Legislative Assembly last night the debate on Mr Murray Smith’s motion for a conference of the two Houses on the Reform Bill was con cluded, and on a division being taken, the proposal was rejected by 40 to 33. Mr Graves, Sir John O’Shanassy, and Sir Bryan O’Loghlen, voted with the minority.

Inquest. .• Melbourne, To-day. An inquest on the remains of the men who met with their death by the disaster to the boat of the Cerberus failed to elicit any fresh facts in con nection with the explosion. The Reform Bill. In tiie Legislative Assembly last night the Reform Bill was under con sideration in Committee of the Whole, As the Government declined to sub mit to any amendment, tire Oppposi tion abstained from discussion, and most of the clauses of the Bill were passed through Committee. Sold by Auction. Sydney, March 10. '] he steamer Collaroy, which went ashore on the coast near Sydney .on the 20th of January last, is still in the same position. She was sold at auction to-day as she lies for LSIS. Fire. Brisbane, March 10. ■ A serious fire occurred to-day at Toowoombo, Queensland, and caused the destruction of six houses. They were insured for Li,ooo in the New Zealand Company, and Li,500 in the South British.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Stranding of the Mohaka. Blenheim, To-day. Further enquiries into the stranding of the Mohaka commenced this morning, before Mr MTntyre, R.M. , and Captains Cross, and Lambton, Nautical Assessors. At the request of Mr Sinclair, who ap peared on behalf of the Marine Depart ment, the master and mate were called in by the Court, and informed that the charges about to be brought against them might result in cancelling their certificates. If they were desirous of having time or counsel to enter into a defence, they should say so. They stated they did not require time. Mr Sinclair submitted that the mate was guilty of gross carelessness and incompetent in going to the helm, and leaving the vessel in charge of a steward and seaman. Bankrupts. Dunedin, To-day. Three new insolvencies have been filed this week including McGill and Forrest, contractors. Dunedin, McGill’s liabilities are L11,2G0; assets, L 8.782. Forrest’s liabilities are L 11,590 ; assets, L 9,250.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR AT LYT TELTON.

[Bv Telegraph. J Christchurch, To-day. The Government steamer Hinemoa arrived at Lyttelton shortly before ten o’clock this morning. The members of the Borough Council and a number of leading citizens of Lyttelton and Christ church went on board, and were introduced to his Excellency the Governor by the Premier. On the Governor landing, a detachment of the Naval Brigade formed a guard of honor, and the Christchurch Artillery fired a salute. The party pro ceeded to the Colonists’ Hall, passing under a handsome triumphant arch en route. On arrival, addresses from the Borough Council and friendly societies were read, and the school children sang the National Anthem. The Governor subsequently visited the Borough Schools and graving dock, and expressed himself surprised at the size of the latter. He said he hoped it would he extensively used by the vessels of Her Majesty’s Navy, and said he trusted to be present at its opening. Returning to Lyttelton the party came on to Christchurch by special train. A large crowd were at the station, including the Mayor, members of the City Council, representatives of the several public bodies, the Primate, Justice Johnston, and leading citizens, the City Guards form ing a guard of honor. Addresses were read from the City Council, the Selwyn County Council, and the Sunday School Union. The vice-regal party were afterwards conveyed in a four-horse drag through the city, the cavalry forming an escort. In Cathedral Square 1,200 children sang the National Anthem, which was followed by hearty cheers. After making a tour of the town, the Governor was driven to Coker’s Hotel, where he will reside during his stay.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. —To-Day. (Before G. Percy Cox, Esq., J.P.) Threatening Language. Robinson Ruddick was brought up on remand charged with this offence. As there was no evidence forthcoming against the accused, he was discharged. 111-treating a Horse. —Martin Moran, against whom there were a number of previous convictions, was charged on the information of Constable Smart with ill treating a horse. Fined L2 or eight days’ imprisonment with hard labor. Drunkenness. —William Kenner was charged with this offence, and discharged, as it was his first appearance. Creating a Disturbance in a Licensed House. —William Kenner for this offence was fined 20s, and for the wilful destruc tion of private property was fined 20s, and to pay damages, with costs, 255. The same offender was also ordered to pay 3s, the cost of some public property which he destroyed wilfully.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for die opinions expressed by our correspondents.

A QUERY.

To the Editor. Sir, —I have heard with regret that the Industrial Exhibition Committee have made it one of their conditions that all exhibits for competition must not bear any of the exhibitors’ names, or otherwise they will be. disqualified. Whether the rumor is true or not of course I am not in a position to decide. I can bard'y imagine that such an absurd condition is really meant to bo enforced, as the names of exhibitors has always been allowed to be shown on the exhibits at any Exhibition that I have been present at. As to the name having anything to do with the qualification for a certificate of merit can hardly be flattering to the judges, whoever they may be. Perhaps, Mr Editor, you can inform me whether the Committee have really decided this question.—l am, Arc., Exhibitor. [vVo refer our correspondent to the Hon. Secretary, Mr Poyntz, who will give any information as to the conditions on which exhibits are received. We can, however, hardly credit the rumor that the names of exhibitors shall be excluded.— Ed. €?.]

THE WITCH OF WINDY HILL.

CHAPTER I. “ To hear an open slander is a curse : But not to find an answer is a worse.” Ovid. In the North of Ireland—the Black North, as the hot-blooded southrons call the province where the sun shines less warmly than with themselves, and Protestants and Presbyterians . and Scotch-speaking descendants of Scotch bred colonists abide—there lived some years ago in one of the districts furthest from towns and a widow and her only child. This only child was a girl. The widow’s name -was Daly ; and she and little Mary lived, in a ipoor enough cottage, with two fields at tached to it. on the top of a little hill so bleak, bare and solitary, among Sur rounding lowlands, that it was ; known through all the country simply as “The Windy Kill.” Just below the hill, however, in the valley, was a farm of rich land—richer indeed than most of the holdings around; and Dennis Ryan, the young farmer who owned it, himself still almost a mere lad, and alone in the world, besides being young, was strong, handsome, and comfortably off. Through the valley ran a little streahi, and where the high road crossed .this by means of the bridge lived the car penter and his wife. These two were thus the next nearest neighbors to the Widow Daly; but not any the' more welcome for that, since the carpenter’s wife was a shrew and a gossip, with- a bitter tongue in her head. Some years ago, Widoyr. Daly had come to take up her abode at Windy Hill as an utter stranger. , None knew whence she came or wherefore. The peasants round, naturally after awhile, went up the hill to visit her from curosity, although somewhat harsh in her ways and more outspoken ‘than polite.

But the new neighbor was a “ stand off” woman they all afterwards sepa rately declared. Plainly not from those parts of the country, though as to where she did come from they got very little “ satisfaction,” as they expressed it. They all were displeased, more or less, at being thus baffled; and some said she was proud and unfriendly; and soma even said she was a suspicious character. The truth was, the widow was so sad a woman, and one who, with bitter reason, had so sore a heart, that she shrank from the faces and questions of strangers, and would rather have lived alone with her grief, her soul at first refusing comfort. The little daughter, too, was unlike other folk’s children since she was dumb. A dumb only child, and/a strange woman who avoided giving any history of herself, and shunned neigh borliness ! That was enough to ; mike the pair on Windy Hill seem strange in the opinion of the countryside. Nevertheless, since human beings were never meant to live solitary lives, by degrees and with time the widow’s heart and manner softened; and although the peasants in the few ami distant cottages around, from want_£f habit, never now thought of going Up to see Widow Daly, still she had to come down to them sometimes, in especial to the wayside grocer’s shop. Here she weekly came to buy Her slender store of tea and tallow candles, salt and sugar, flour and soap—little more. But after so coming for months she was persuaded at times by the good-natured mistress of the shop to stay and drink a friendly cup of left, and rest herself and the child.

Little Mary was the apple of the mother’s eye, so for her sake she would at whiles stop. The dumb chiUf was so pretty, with a beauty of raven-hair and deep-blue eyes, common enough in the southern parts of the island, but, rare in the north among the sandy haired, raw-boned type of folk found Windy Hill, that the grocer’s ,fvi|e honestly praised its looks. :L, “ But what does she blush up like that for, and hide her wee face in ydur apron, woman dear? Dear bless ui, Mistress Daly, ye don’t tell me the dummy understands what I’m “ Hush, hush !” said the poor mother, with a warning glance, while she caressed the sensitive little creature, who toas then about eight years old ; then added in a burst of confidence, with tears' in her eyes : “ You see, she was not always like this. She’s no born dummy;, slid could speak like any other child till a little while ago—till it pleased God to afflict us sorely, when she lost her voice.” ' “Deary help us! but that is over everything ! How did it come to her ? What made her dumb anyway ? Would she no mend and get back her speech ever again ?” cried out the grocer’s wife.

But at that little Mary broke into such a passion of tears (she had been trembling all over before while the talk about her went on), that the alarmed by her passionate agony M&f emotion, hushed, caressed her, anjJ finally hastened with her homewardsj giving no more explanation. The grocer’s wife, however, naturally gossipped about such a curious fact as little Mary Daly’s strange and recent dumbness to many of her customers. Among others, the carpenter’s wife heard the tale, and as a rival gossip she hastened to put a shawl over her head on the first spare convenient evening, and hied up Windy Hill for the express purpose, as she declared, of hearing all details about the cause of this pheno menon.

But to her the widow Daly would not vouchsafe a word. She disliked the carpenter’s wife ; and she was busy, her cow being sick, and her potatoes unweeded. Also little Mary had a ner vous horror of strangers and of her calamity being talked about, that made the mother dread a similar outbreak on the poor child’s part to that in tbe grocer’s shop. Down Windy Hill, accordingly, the carpenter’s wife had to come “ with a flea in her ear,” as she expressed. it to ■ her cronies, and with a strong dislike to “ thon queer, wee witch,” as she called little Mary. “ She is not like any other child, but so cranky and petted that the mother never dared tell a word about her durpt)- ness before me, for fear of her crying herself into fits.” . j The carpenter’s wife was right in I saying that the child was unlike others. Not only was she delicate,. and si?fe sensitive and nervous than J c>!det and

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1881.



Late Advertisements. J>E JAMES GARDINER’S ESTATE. As requested by the Creditors in the above estate, I hereby call a MEETING of the same to be held at Orr and Co. ’a Office on WEDNESDAY, the 16th inst., at 10 a.m. Business of importance. JOHN ORR, 327 a Trustee. To-Morrow. SATURDAY, 12rn MARCH, Twelve o’clock. Alfred harrison w m sen by public Auction, at his Yards — FOWLS. Brahmas, Polish, Spanish, and Game. ALSO, The balance of EFFECTS, the property of Mr J. G. Anstee, comprising— Set Carpenters’ Tools, Chairs, Tables, Mattrasses, &c. 16 ALSO, Bags ONIONS. A splendid sample. 50 10 ALSO, Cases APPLES, King Pippins. Cases PEARS. 16 50 10 The above is a magnificent lot of Nelson Fruit. A. HARRISON, 326 a Auctioneer. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, East street, near Railway Station



, # Wanted. ij* WANTED— APPLICATIONS for the office of ’Secretary and Caretaker combined, for the Templar Hall Company, Limited, to be sent in by TUESDAY next. For particulars, apply at the Office of this Paper. 899;l WANTED — A smart LAD, about I'- or 14 years of age, as an appren tice. Apply, Office of this Paper. WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. l ß9il WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wabanui Bead. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 VttANTED KNOWN That the \\ undersigned is now landing 100,000 feet Best Union KAURI, ex Aratapu,from Kaipara. Joshua Tucker, next Jameson and Roberts, Ashburton. So2a WANTED KNOWN, That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are Open DAILY, from 9 a. in. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a



WANTED TO SELL —PIANOS. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45 Bord, £25; Broadwood, £2G ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Address; Cameron street west. 80a WANTED KNOWN—The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlery is to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Tinwald. Good strong Cart Collars from 135.; Cart Winkers, Bs. 6d.; Plough Back-bands. 6s. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. TTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. —L. F. Andrevves 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. WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE bogs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenborg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 853 WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the ‘‘Guardian” office, opposite the Railway Station. WANTED THE GUARDIAN tells your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. Commercial and fancy STATIONERY. The Undersigned has opened up a NEW ASSORTMENT of the above. Cream, Blue, and Hand - made Notepapers ; Ruled, Plain, Fancy, and Repp ditto. Good Business Envelopes, No. 7, Court, Albert, Queen, Tinted, Repp, and others. Pens G llott’s, Mitchell’s, Brandauer and Co.’s Inks—Stephen’s Blue Black, Walkden’s Black and Colored, Antonine, Copying, &c. Workboxea, Alburns, Books, &c. h. m. Tones, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT, East Street and Baring Square. 710 O T I 0 E. Fresh arrangements having been made in connection with the “ Ashburton Guardian,” taking effect from the Ist of March instant, I have to request that all Debts owing to me as Proprietor of the said Newspaper on the 28th February ultimo, be paid to Mr S. Saunders, on my behalf. AIL Debts now accruing to the Proprietor of the “Guardian” will be payable to Mb W. H. Zoucn. Dated this first day of March, 1881. 251 a MAX FRIEDLANDER.



jst 0 T I C E. Persons willing to LEND the Exhibi tion Committee the use of GLASS CASES during the Exhihtion, for the better preservation of perishable articles, are requested to communicate at once with the undersigned. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 280 a Hon. Sec. mHE BEST VALUE X J'OR READY MOiNEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURE D BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can he purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best de scription. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout, can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that docs not give satisfac tion. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarves, Bags, Portmanteaux, Rugs, and Blankets, at Wholesale Prices. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 75J# Manager.



Special Advertisements. SIIBUII TO N MUSE UM. All persons, and particularly exhibitors at the forthcoming Exhibition, who feel disposed to ASSIST in establishing a MUSEUM in Ashburton, are respectfully informed that the Committee of the Library have generously consented to appropriate a room for that purpose. Any willing to give Specimens, Works of Art, Ac., will kindly communicate with the undersigned as early as possible. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 293 a Hon. Sec. Industrial Exhibition.



0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1. AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nail rod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Homo. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON.



N 0 T __ l 0 E - Miss Yerrall Wishes to inform the Ladies of Ashbur ton and the surrounding districts that she will be at ASHBURTON the THREE DAYS of the EXHIBITION to take orders and measures for Ladies requiring Stays, Corsets, Belts, and Shoulder Straps, &c. A ease of these several articles will be at the Exhibition, of Miss Yerrall’s own make. For any information required apply to Mr. Thiele, Baker and Confec tioner, where Miss Yerrall will be in at tendance. COLOMBO STREET (Oposito Cookham House), Christchurch. March 10, 1881. 324 a



l loi.i.oway's Pills.— Mind and body a-e so closely onlert wined that for the former to be vigorous the latter must be healthful. The first step towards the maintenance of health is to secure perfect digestion, which is readily obtained by this noted medicine, the most com petent effectually to restrain every adverse Influence which can mar, impair, or vexatiously modify this all-important process.. The student, merchant, man of pleasure, and humblest labourer may each in turn derive vigour, ease, and strength from occasional dpses, or a longer course of Holloway’s purifying Pills. However waveri g the mind, or unstrung the nerves this fine medicine will track the derangement to its sourse, where it will over throw it and established order apd purity In its lace —Advt.