SHIPPING.

I PORT OF LYTTELTON. I, Arrived. a. jJI Yesterday. Vpjnedift schooner, Uom Stewart’s Island. Jf ji To-day. ’faaaxcki u.s., from Wellington. TxTTfl - Sailed. Yesterday. Circa, Brigantine, for Sydney. ■i- To-day. Mannering, barque, for London. _ Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Wellington, from Newcastle. Sailed —Estelle, for Newcastle. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Pareora, ship, from Welling ton. A ship supposed to be the Portland, from Algoa Bay is iii the offing. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Hawea, from the North; Orient, barque, from New York.

MAIL NOTICES.

’ Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : - Wednesday, May 25. f For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi (lor' specially addressed correspondence only). Continent of Europe, Point de GaUe, India, the East, China, Japan, Aden, Mauritius, Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Suez, the Mediterranean Ports, and Australian Colonies, &c., per express train (to connect with s. s. Rotorua at the Bind), as follows Ordinary letters, at 7'S.m. ; books and newspapers at 6 a.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. on Tuesday I2th'; money orders at 4p.m. on Tuesday 12th. Late lee letters may be posted in the travelling Post-office van attached to the express train on Wednesday, May 25th. „ For Northern Ports, per Hawea, at 1,40; p.m. ; fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van, 2.30 p.m. train. ' 'Malls close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows; For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 1,0-a. m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. ■ For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily.,. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 4,tn., and 420 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 Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, .Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 Am. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 435 p.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. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

*"■ AUCTION SALES. ’ , Monday. May 23. R, Wilkin and Co., at The Grange, about two miles from Ashburton Farm •• Stock, Implements, &c.; 11.30 o’clock. Saturday. May 28. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro : .periies. Friday, May 20. J.-T. Ford and Co., on the premises of j M? jEarle, Wakanui—Valuable Farm, , K lave and Dead Stock, &c.; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Saturday, May 21. Entertainment, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Mat 24. Lecture on " Hydropathy,” Town Hall, 7.30 p.m. Fanners’ Ball, at Moffatt’s Mill ; com- J mence at 8 o’clock. Thubsday, May 27. Dramatic Club, Town Hall, at , 8 p.m. Monday, May 30. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Upper. Ashburton Road Board—Meeting to elect five new members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1. Comity Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock, y - Monday, June 6. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Meeting to elect Committee for the Waka nni Library, in the Wakanui School room. Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building and ln yestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, June 8. Masonic Concert, Masonic Hall, 8 p.m. Thursday, June 9. Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet ing; : . Saturday, June 11. Ashburton School Teachers’ Association, Borough School, 2 p.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Leave Ashburton for Christ ”• OTiiBCH and intermediate stations at 6 a,in., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 KhMMkTjEAYE Ashburton for Timaru at 7 a. m., 10.36 a. m. (Ex —the latter pro- Timaru. (Express),

DEATH.

Chalmers. —On May 20th, at the resi dence of Messrs J. and P. Chalmers, Beach road, Ashburton, Christina, mother of John and Peter Chalmers. Agel 75 years.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1881. Dr. Skae’s Dismissal.

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

We were a little surprised on perusing the telegrams this morning, giving par ticulars of the action of the Govern ment in Dr. Skae’s case. For some time past, we have received at intervals, items on this subject, all tending to the creating of a belief that the Minis try were leaning towards a view of the case, the gross in justice of which was fully ap parent on the face thereof. We are glad to find this is not the case, and that for once influence and party power in their efforts to shield the offender have been unavailing. From the out set the tide of Ministerial opinion on this subject was in favor of a leniency towards Dr. Skae which would have been neither more or less than a gross piece of favoritism. That gentleman was proven to have been guilty of wil ful negligence of the duties devolving upon the office which he held, and such carelessness had been productive of the prolongation of unnecessary tor tures on a patient in the Asylum; there fore, that the reward he has received is merited is undeniable. We do not wish it to be understood that we con sider any praise is due to the gentle men composing the Cabinet for the adoption of the measures they have taken towards Dr. Skae. These have been neither more or less than forced upon them, and their proceeding in any other manner would have been de terioratory to their chances of a re election to power in February next. Had their action regarding the dis missal of the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums been as prompt as was the institution of criminal proceedings against Whitelaw, some credit might have been attachable thereto. Till is not being the case, it is otherwise. Safety at Sea. Nearly every day the various journals in this colony have advocated, since the late disaster to the Tararua, im proved methods of saving life in case of shipwreck, by means of improved equipment of the vessels themselves, and also greate r coast protection by means of lightships, lighthouses, and hosts of other methods on our dangerous coast. Cur shipping com panies will find eventually chat they must provide adequate equipment on board their passenger boats, or the Government must interfere and strictly enforce efficient life-saving means on each and every passenger boat on our coast. In the case of the terrible Tararua disaster, whereby some 131 lives were lost, the evidence of the surviving officers is anything but creditable to the company, showing, as it does, that a very inefficient and in adequate supply of life-belts, buoys, or even boats was on board the ill-fated vessel. We find that there were some six life-buoys, and a few life-belts, and the latter at the time of the accident under lock and key. We feel con firmed that had Captain Garrard been provided with better means of saving life, many more would have been saved from the wreck in the early part of Friday—the day on which the vessel struck. Rumours are now afloat that Captain Garrard and his officers were not on the best of terms, and this, in some unaccountable way, has been suggested by some as the pro bable cause of the disaster. Any comments on the evidence must be withheld until the judgment of the Court is given. While agreeing that a great necessity exists for a proper light ship or other light, or means of warning, on Waipapa Point, and other dangerous places for the safety of the shipping, we must point out that a great necessity exists, for many reasons, that passenger steamers and vessels should have at hand proper appliances to rescue un fortunate passengers from a watery grave. We have before us a short des cription of a new life-saving vessel, which was launched some four years ago by Mr J. A. Stockwell, at Blackwall. The following description is taken from the London Times, and we must say that if it has been proved to be successful, every passen ger ship ought to be compelled to have a similar appliance on board, just as much as if they went to sea in a leaky condition j It is circular in form, and capable of carry ing sixty passengers below deck, all of whom can be safely housed before the vessel takes the water. It is fitted with masts, sails, ancj rud der, a stem or projecting cutwater, aijd a shift ing keel, to drop down at pleasure, with lockers for provisions, and watertight compart ments to hold fresh water. In the centre is an aperture fitted with a network made of hemp, combined with indiarubber, allowing free play for the waves, whereby, it is believed, wilt be insured a comparative immunity from capsiz ing. It is suggested by the inventor that in large passenger ships one of these vessels might be built as one of the ordinary deck houses, fitted for use either as captain’s cabin, chart house,for store rooms, and built on a radiated girder just high enough above the deck to form 1 a curve for the outer launch-ways, and the 1 berthing on either side being made moveable, i

the whole deck-house capable, say, of carrying 600 souls, could he launched complete into the water. A technical description of the ma chinery would, perhaps, seem somewhat com plicated, but it is only fair to say that, in the opinion of those Lest acquainted with the working, the launch, even under the most ad verse circumstances, would he an affair of but a very few minutes. The trial was certainly in every respect as satisfactory as such trials can be, taking place as they must under cir cumstances so esscn'ially different from the reality. The vessel and launching gear was adapted to a vessel of 1,500 tons, but the latter was tilled to an old hulk, which would fairly have represented one of 3,000 tons. Conse quently, the height from which the vessel took the water was far in excess of what it properly should have been, considering also that the deck from which it was launched was station aiy. Nevertheless, the little craft slid down easily enough in to the water, carrying-.on her deck ten or twelve men, whe paid the penalty of their refusal to seat themselves below, as they should have clone, with a sound ducking. The vessel quickly righted, and as re gards the success of this invention, it would certainly seem that it is about the most complete of its kind that has yet been seen. We hope that the pas senger steamers, at all events, will be provided with some adequate method for the safety of those who travel on the “ briny deep,” and that those com panies who allow vessels to go to sea without efficient life-saving apparatus will be brought under very severe Par liamentary legislature.

Seed Wheat. —Cunningham and Co advertise that they can supply prime samples of the above on favorable terms. Clearing Sale. —Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. advertise a sale of the property and stock belonging to Mr A. G. Earle (consequent on his leaving the district), to be held on Friday, June 10th.

Amateur Dramatic Performance. The Amateur Dramatic Club announce that they will perform the spectacular drama of “ Ashore and Afloat,” at the Town Hall, on Friday next. Grand National. —" Neophyte” writes us as follows regarding this event : —“ The field for the Grand National is but a poor one, and the majority of the animals engaged but second class. Should the seven acceptoxs go to the post, the finish 1 think will lie between Clarence and The Agent, and I fancy them in that order, with Winfield close up. I learn, however, that Mr Liinu’s representative will pro bably be kept for the Cup, the distance in that being more to his fancy. In this event I shall tip The Agent, 1; Winfield, 2 ; Shark, 3. The Cup should go to whichever of the ‘ dons ’ is reserved for it. Should Clarence run in the by event, Agent ought to win this. Sailor Boy will, I think, appropriate the Maiden. Professor Tamburini - —Last night, the Tamburini troupe performed in the Town Hall to a well-filled house and the frequent applause of the audience testified to the very clever way in which the Pro fessor performed his various sleight-of hand tricks, etc., which in many instances defied the closest and most careful inves tigation. In the second part of the per formance, Professor Tamburini gave some wonderful specimens of his skill in his particular profession, not the least of which is the bird cage trick ; indeed, this trick was done better than any performer whom we have yet seen try it. The watch trick was also a very clever one, and was a great surprise to the gentleman who furnished a silver watch, which was placed by the Professor in a small box, to find shortly after, in examination, in its place a small brass toy watch. Mr Manning’s portion of the entertain ment with his amusing little folks, "Joe and Mary,” caused roars of laughter, not only with their funny remarks and local hits, but the really clever way in which he used his ventriloqual powers, making the figures absurdly lifelike. His imper sonations of William Hoskins, Rev. Chas. Clark, and Pastor Chiniquy, were really clever, and he was loudly applauded. The musical arrangements were carried out by Mr Elleng, in a spirited manner. The troupe intend to perform again to night, and in addition to the programme, several comic solos will be sung, so that we may expect to see a good house. The Wakanui School Committee.— A meeting of this Committee was held in the school-room on the 4th instant. Present—Messrs Leadley (in the chair), Stewart, Painter, Kilgour, and Clephane. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education, apprising the Committee of payment into the Bank of New Zealand at Ashburton of the usual monthly remit tance for salaries of teachers ; and also from the same body, asking to be supplied with a plan of locality and site of the pro posed side school at Seaside. The school master’s usual monthly report on the school and school work was also received and read. The report complained of the total inadequacy of the accommodation in both school and dwelling-house, and stated that the roof of the house was in su

leaky condition that duping the recent rains the upper rooms had to be vacated and cleared of all furniture ; while the kitchen, which is wash-house, scullery, and dining-room —four compartments m one—was in a state of flood. The master farther stated that he apprehended im minent danger to the health of his family if compelled to remain in the house in its present state during the winter. With respect to the school the report stated that the state of the weather now precluded the possibility of the porch being used as a class-room, as had hitherto boon the practice, and the consequence was that the school-room was too small to allow of two loud, or reading lessons, to go on at the same time; it was necessary to bring in two of the reading classes during the dinner hour. The Committee could not be blamed for this state of affairs, as they had done all in their power, and much more than could have been reasonably expected of them, to procure increased and better accomodation, and to the dilatoriness and neglect of the Board of Education the blame is attributable. The Chairman said this state of things was unbearable, and that unless the Board of Education did something very shortly the school would have to be closed. He had written to the Board time after time, and they had sent an architect up to examine and report on the school buildings. The Board had asked the Committee to state their wants and wishes, and the sugges tions made by the Committee had been accepted, but still nothing was done, and the children remained cabined, cribbed, and confined in a building that was only expected to accommodate half the number at present attending it; and as for the master’s house, it was a disgrace to the Board of Education that they compelled their servants to reside in such leaky structures. Ho had written to the Board, telling them that the house was not a fit residence for Mr McLaughlin’s young and numerous family, but they had not yet replied. Ho would advise the Committee to send the master’s report down to the Board of Education intact, as a further means of pressing their claims and grievances upon the Board’s attention. It was therefore resolved, upon the motion of Mr Clephane, seconded by Mr Stewart —" That the schoolmaster’s report be forwarded to the Board of Education for their perusal.” Mr Kilgour moved, and Mr Painter seconded —" That the school be granted a holiday on the 24th inst., it being the Queen’s Birthday.” Carried. Mr Kilgour moved, and Mr Painter seconded—" That half-a-ton of coal and half-a-cord of firewood be obtained for the use of the school.” Carried. The usual monthly salaries, amounting to L2l) 0s lid, were passed for payment, and Mr Stewart having proffered to obtain a plan of site of side school at Seaside, the meet ing adjourned.

Ploughing. —Tenders'are invited else where for ploughing 300 acres stubble land.

Carting.— Tenders for work of this character are invited by advertisement in another column.

Backhouses. —The horses, Mousetrap, Agent, and Winfield, passed through here to-day, en route for Tiniaru where they will fulfil their Grand National engage ments. Mr Bates’ The Poet and .Hilda, were also passengers per express train for Dunedin. Only a few of the “talent” have gone through as yet, the southern capital being the invariable destination. Captain Garrard’s Funeral. The funeral of the late Captain Garrard took place at Christchurch to-day. It was of a private character, only the relatives of of deceased, and a few friends attending. Postal and Telegraphic Holiday.— The Post Office will be closed on Tuesday next (Queen’s Birthday), but mails will be despatched north and south by the early trains. The Mount Somers and Waicanui-Seafield lines of mails will go as usual. Sunday hours will be observed in the telegraph branch. Barring the Press. —Says a Dunedin telegram :—A fully attended meeting of the Jockey Club Committee was held last night to consider the change in the racecourse site, but there was no answer from the Forbury Park Company, so that the discussion had to be deferred. The meeting decided, after a lively discussion, that reporters should not be admitted for the future, except if their presence were requested. Gone Where the Good Niggers Go.— A young Maori chief was sent up by his relatives lately to Kikurangi, in the King country, to consult a celebrated native doctor there named Whatarangi, whose herbs and incantations have not been efficacious in restoring the patient to health. He died, and the body is now being brought down to Orakei, where a tan(ii will be held. The N.Z. Sculling Championship. — Mr T. Henderson, jun., of Auckland, has received, as stakeholder, a deposit of L 25 from Hearn, of Wellington, in the sculling match with Albert White, of Mercury Bay. Sporting. —Mr J. Smith’s racing stud, Auckland, was offered for sale, but with drawn at the reserves. The highest bidding was Xantippe, L 56 ; Tim Whiffler, Ll2O. The Auckland Stud Company offered LSOO for the Maid of Honor.

Dunedin Industrial Exhibition. Owin'? to Melbourne exhibits not arriving it is feared that this Exhibition cannot be opened as intended on June 1. _ Bronchial Diseases.— Victims to any of the above affections are referred to the notice appearing elsewhere re Bonning ton’s Pectoral Oxymel of Carrageen or “Irish Moss.” Road Board Election. —The nomina tion of five persons to serve on the Rangi tata Road Board must be made at a meet ing of householders in the Road Board district, on Friday, 3rd proximo, at Wilkin and Carter’s Woolshed, Maronan. If necessary a poll will be taken on the

15th proximo. Meeting of Creditors. —A meeting of the creditors in the estate of Quinton Bros., bankrupts, is convened, to be held in Mr O’Reilly’s offices, on the 25th inst., for the purpose of considering the debtor’s intended application for an order of dis charge. Smart Arrest. —Last night Constable Neill effected a very smart arrest. During the evening he met two men, with one of whom ho was well acquainted, recent arrivals from the Coast, and was struck by the resemblance his chum bore to a man “ wanted ” for some time past on a warrant issued at Oamaru on a charge of bigamy. A reference later in the evening to the gazetted description reassured the officer as to the identity of his man, and he proceeded to the river bed, where the men were camping, and arrested him. His name is Harry Cheriton, and his first wife is now in Dunedin, and the one whom he married in 1879 in Oamaru is at present in Christchurch. He has not yet been brought up owing to the difficulty the police experience in the obtaining of a J. P. Christchurch - Sydenham Building Society. —The balance-sheet, as read at the meeting of the Society held last evening, shows a balance of L 2,698 (is as the amount of the defalcations re presented by W. W. Charters, the late Secretary. British Coins in Circulation. —The City Press states that from carefully pre pared statistics it may safely be computed that at the present day there are 130,000,000 sterling of gold coins doing duty in the British Isles : of crowns, 2,320,047 ; of half-crowns, 41,516,343; of florins, 16,456,220; of shillings, 125,540,160 ; of sixpences, 82,125,578 ; of fonrpences (possibly), 12,000,000 ; and of threepences, 17,572,857 ; or a grand total in round numbers of 300,000,000 of silver coins of all denominations. Of bronze coins, it is stated that since the in stitution of the Royal Mint more than 6,000 tons have been struck and issued. By far the largest portion of these are in the form of pence and halfpence, although many hundreds of tons of farthings too are in existence. Taking an average of the proportionate number of e mh variety of the subsidiary coins, it my be safely assumed that there are collectively not less than 800,000,000 of pieces in the pockets and the tills of her Majesty’s lieges at the time of the present computa tion. From the foregoing statistics it may be gathered, and the gathering may be depended upon, that the aggregate number of current coins of every legiti mate kind now in use throughout the United Kingdom is not less than 1,230,000,000 ?

Infected Mils. —The British Medical Journal gays :—Another of the now numerous outbreaks of scarlatina, due to infected milk, has occurred at Bromley, in Kent, where, in the course of a few days, 19 families have been invaded, and 34 persons attacked by the disease. Dr Baylis, the officer of the district, finds that all the infected families except one, had their milk from one milkman, who states that the families in question constituted the larger half of his customers, and included the largest con sumers. Nearly all the sufferers are in a good social position, and belong to a different class from those who are usually most affected by infectious diseases. Other circumstances conspire to make it very improbable that there could be any thing common to the households invaded except their milk supply. On investiga tion, it was found that a man employed at the farm supplying the infected dairy with milk, was engaged there while four of his family were suffering from scarlatina at home. He it was that milked the cow's and attended generally upon them ; and ho also it must have been who was the agent for the dissemination of the poison in the milk.

A Warm Customer. —A European, who for some time resided in New Plymouth, had a warrant issued against him for not satisfying a claim. He coolly proceeded to the magistrate’s office, and threatened to shoot the man who dared to serve the warrant on him. Ho then went to a Maori settlement, and the warrant re mains unserved.

To the Unemployed. — ln reply to the resolution of a Tapanui public meeting that work fpr the unemployed might be found on the Heriotburn railway exten sion the Under-Secretary for Public Works writes : —“I am to point out, in the interests of the persons to whom your letter refers, the advisablpness of distri buting themselves over the country, and accepting employment wherever it can be found, as a much bettor course than look ing forward to the resumption of Govern ment railways works. ”

Out of Employ.—For a vacant clerk ship in the Auckland City Couuci, there were 80 applications. The Bishop Scores One. Bishop Hadfield, who evidently carries a copy of the Greek Testament in his pocket, found the little volume of use in a very unlooked-for direction. During his recent trip to the West Coast he was waiting for the train at Palmerston, when, according to the Ma naif ala Herald, an individual, whose cheek outran his discretion, walked up to him and proceeded to declaim against the Church, and informed the Bishop that his opinion was that his Lord ship was trusting in forms and cere monies, etc. The Bishop listened with a smile, and when his interlocutor paused for want of breath, his Lordship quoted from the New Testament a short passage expressing his view of the very earnest individual and his arguments. “Ah !” said the man, “that’s not a correct transla tion !” The Bishop’s turn had now come. He suddenly produced his Greek Testa ment, and, handing it to Mr Zealous, he said, “ Well now there is the passage ; you translate it as you think it should read.” With a confused face the man stammered out, “ Well, I don’t know anything of Greek myself, but ,” “ Ah ! my friend,” said the Bishop, “ re member this : if a man is to be a car penter, or anything else, he must be trained, and so it is with a clergyman. ”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [pee eectee’s agency.] Breadstuff's, Iron, and Hides. London, May 19. Adelaide and New Zealand bread stuffs are without quotable change. Best Scotch pig iron, No. r, f.o.b. in Clyde, 475. There is little enquiry for hides, and prices are }£d lower. The Wool Sales. At the wool auction to-day 1,000 bales were offered. There was a good demand generally, and full prices were realised. The withdrawals to date since the opening of the present series amount : to 4,000 bales. i The P. and 0. Company. The Peninsular and Oriental Steam • ship Company have declared a dividend of per cent, for the half year. ’ The Reserve of Wealth. r The total reserve in notes and . bullion in the Bank of England is ■ Li 4,875,500. Passed at Last. London, May 20. In the House of Commons yester- day the Irish Land Bill was read a I second-time - and passed by a majority t .of 176. Mr Parnell and other members of the extreme Irish party abstained s from voting. f Political Matters. x Paris, May 20. 1 The motion of M. Bardouse for the , abolition of Scrntin d’Arrondissment, i and the substitution of Scrutin d Liste - in its place, was, after much discussion, adopted by the Chamber of Deputies 3 yesterday. f The Arabs Show Fight, b Telegrams have been received by c Government from the headquarters of 1 the French army in Tunis, to the effect ] that the advance of the troops has been

£ I , y vigorously opposed by the native Arab ’ tribes, and that severe fighting has 1 taken place. 3 Garibaldi’s Mission. 3 Rome, May 20. ® Garibaldi, the Italian patriot, has written a letter to the Press with reference to the treaty recently signed e by the Bey of Tunis in that country, in . which he declares that the annexation > of Tunis by France would be an insult * to Italy, and that the French policy in fc that respect is threatening to Italian . interests. 3 AUSTRALIAN. 5 [per reciter's agency.] I The Squadron. , Melbourne, May 20. r The detached squadron arrived off 1 Cape Otway to-day. ’ Oats. , Fifteen hundred bags of New Zea [ land oats were sold to-day at 3s 4d. I Agricultural Statistics. ; Victoria statistics prepared from the census returns show that the area of land devoted to wheat crop has in creased 220,000 acres since last census. . The yield has, however, decreased during the same period by 265,000 ; bushels. The Reform Bill. Melbourne, To-day. In the Legislative Assembly yester day, the debate on the Reform Bill was resumed, but was subsequently adjourned without any decision having been arrived at. Condensing the Irish Land Bill. At a banquet in the city yesterday evening, the Marquis of Salisbury made a speech, in the course of which he re ferred to the Irish Land Bill in dispara ing terms; severely denouncing the Irish policy of the Government. The Markets. Sydney, May 20. Kerosene, Diamond, per gallon, is Sd ; Devoe’s per gallon, is nd ; New Zealand wheat, per bushel, 4s 8d; New Zealand oats, per bushel, 2s 6d ; maize per 60 lbs, 2s 5d ; tobacco, Raven’s twist, per lb, is 5d ; candles, D.RJ.’s per lb, 8d; candles, D R.O.’s, 7^d. Public Sympathy with Them. Sydney-, To-day. Enthusiastic preliminary meetings were held last night, at the Theatre Royal and at Barwood, with reference to the verdict recently delivered in tiie Bulletin libel case. Re solutions were passed at both meetings that subscription lists be opened to indemnify the pro prietors of the paper for the costs of the trial, which are estimated at Li,200. LIOO were promised at the Theatre Royal, and over L2O at that at Burwood. Large meeting are being organised to carry out the reso lutions passed. A Mail Steamer Aground. The Orient steamer Potosi, after leaving her anchorage for England, grounded at Clarke Island. After remaining for eleven hours, she was got off by the tug boats, and returned to her moorings. A diver is to examine her to-day, and report whether she is seaworthy or not. Adelaide, May 20. Wheat, per bushel, 4s 6d to 4s 7 j The tone of the wheat market is' steady. I Town flour, Ljo 10s to Lio 12s 6d ; country flour, L 9 15s to Lio, The freight market is dpll, and there was I very little doing during the week. 1 Freights remain at last quotations. »

NEW BUILDING.

«. We have been favored with an in spection of the plans of the new build ing now in course of erection in Cameron street. It is executed to the order of Mr Lazarus, late of Lyttelton, and is intended for a boarding house, having two stories, and being con structed of wood and iron. The ground floor will include six rooms, viz., dining-room, T4ft6in x 23ft 6in; two sitting-rooms, 12ft 6in x 15ft;. kitchen, 12ft x 17ft; proprietor’s room, 12ft 6in x 14ft 6in ; and scullery, 10ft x 7ft 6in. The upper floor is divided into eleven chambers, eight of which are designed as single and three as double bedrooms. The former are 9ft x Bft, and the latter 12ft x 10ft. The building will be scrim and paper lined, with rusticated front, the upper windows having segement heads, and will cost about L 650. Messrs Nelson and Coutts are the contractors, the moulding being sublet to Messrs Page and Hodder, and when complete will form a very substantial erection. It has a frontage of 37ft 6in on Cameron street Messrs Fooks and Son are the architects.

DR SKAE’S CASE.

- ■ W Notice of Dismissal At the meeting of the Cabinet yester day evening, the case of Dr Skae, Inspector of Lunatic Aslyums, was carefully considered. The evidence given by Dr Skae before the Com mission, the Commissioners’ Report, and Dr Skae’s reply thereto, was duly considered, and Government decided to give him six months’s notice of termination of his engagement. The special correspondent of the Lyttetton r Tunes sends the following to that journal:—“ The decision that Dr Skae should get six months’ notice had been brought to bear, and amongst those behind the scenes it is known to be a reversal of the first intention. Strong Scotch and clercial pressure was in the first instance brought to bear on behalf of Dr Skae, to which Ministers showed every indication of yielding, but within the last few days some of their strongest supporters have intimated that they must expect strong opposition from them when the item of Dr Skae’s salary came up on the estimates. One of these supporters especially gave it to be understood that he would not wait for the estimates but would table on adverse motion. It was thought that Dr Skae will accept six months’s salary and retire immediately. ,

Extraordinary School Board Prosecution.

* At a recent sitting of the Wands worth Police Court, Mr Charles Kennedy, of Fullerton road, Wands* ’ worth, was summoned tor not sending his three children to school. Defen dant was represented by his wife, who said she was educating her; own children, which she supposed , was, allowed, but the officer told her it was ' not. Her husband had been a solici tor in practice, and she was highly educated. A note was handed to- the Magistrate from defendant, stating that his children were being trained at home by their mother, who hatd been a governess. Mr Paget thought it was not a case for the interference: of the fechool Board. Captain Pasley, the superintendent, said that he could not obtain any proof tqat the children were being educated. Mr Paget wished to know from the visitor why he thought the children required the enforcement ’ of the penal rules. The visitor said he found the children playing in, the street. He called on the parents, and . was told by the mother that she would send the children to school, but she had not done so. Mr Paget said the children were getting education at home. It seemed to him that the School Board officer had interfered improperly. Captain Pasley stated that the houses in the street where defendant lived were inhabited by persons who would come under the Education Act. . They generally drew a line at a rental of L4O per annum. Mrs Kennedy denied that her children were in the habit of playing in the street. The youngest child, a girl of 5 years of age, was called on to the Bench by Mr Paget, as he was in formed by her mother that she could: work sums, though so young. Mr Paget then set the child a small ad dition sum, which she cast up correctly. ; He then gave her a book, and she appeared to read the letters without difficulty. Captain Pasley said if proof : had been given before, he would not have proceeded with the case. Mr Paget said it was quite clear that AJt Kennedy was a gentleman of education, whose children were being educated at home by his wife. If a gentleman was to 1 be subjected to that inquisitorial treat ment, the Act would become intoler able. It was an extremely difficult Act, which required care to carry out He must say, in that district, Captain Pasley had administered it with great discretion and kind feeling. He ad journed the summons for the attendance of Mr Kennedy and his eldest daughter. —On the following Tuesday, Mr Ken nedy appeared with his eldest daughter, aged 11. Mr Paget tested her know ledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic and was satisfied. Defendant said that some months ago he offered tO submit his children to the test j but he received a reply stating that it was unlawful to educate the children at home. Mr Paget said the object of the Act was to prevent children being brought up under such circumstances as were likely to cause them to be a burden on the country, and not to educate senior wranglers. It was most desirable that the object of the Act should not be misunderstood, and that it should be carried out with extreme forbearance. He dismissed the sum mons, and ordered the School Board to pay defendant Lx is and costs.

A STRANGE BED.

One bleak December night, abouj the year 1823, I, John Newstead, coun-. try traveller for the wholesale drapery, firm of Marriott Brothers, Manchester, was making my way, on the back of rr\y steady, sure-footed grey mare Polly, across Sefton Moor, a stretch of wild and barren heath lying between the towns of Packerton and Sefton-on-the» Wold, Yorkshire. In those days, before railroads had taken the poetry out of everything, and when the knights-errant of commerce, ourneyed from town to town on horse

We ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1881.



Wanted. WANTED —A respectable MAN as night porter. Quill’s Hotel. 866 a j WANTED— A General SERVANT, where two children are kept. Ap ply, Office of this Paper. 840 a WANTED— A SITUATION by a good Double-furrow Ploughman. Apply to J. K., Bligh’s Restaurant, Christ church, or at the Office of this Paper. 834 a WANTED A general SERVANT. Apply to Mrs F. P. O’Reilly, Wakanui road. 786 a WANTED —Person to adopt a Child two months old. Apply, Office of this Paper. 785 a WANTED A quantity of Fresh BUTTER, delivered weekly, at A. Young’s Grocery Store, Wakanui road. Highest price given ; none but beat quality accepted. 852 a WANTED KNOWN —In consequence of the refusal of the Consuls of the Great Powers to protect Midhat Pasha, the Good Templars will charge only Is 6d Tea and Concert. 864 a WANTED KNOWN, Particularly— that Hodder’s prime fresh butter is 8d per lb, and cheese 3ld, 4id, and 6d per lb. ANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to farm an unim proved freehold. For particulars apply to W. H. Gundry, or W. 8., Box No. 1, P. 0., Ashburton. 801 a WANTED KNOWN—The Directors of the Gas Company are making superhuman efforts to get the lamp lighted at the Templar Hall for Queen’s Birthday Night. 863 a ANTE D . TENDERS for PLOUGHING 100 Acres of Land, with the option of taking 200 Acres, within three miles of Ash ton ; near the water. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. For particulars, apply to HAY T. SMITH, 839 a Ashburton Farm. w N T E D TENDERS for PLOUGHING 200 Acres skim-ploughed Land ; to be ploughed six inches deep for -wheat. There is a good hut for men, and good stables and paddocks for horses on the ground. Tenders to be sent in by THURSDAY, 26th inst., and the work to be completed within one month. Tenders, to be addressed “ Farmer,” Office ofjthis Paper. 484 a w N E D. TENDERS for BREAKING UP and SOWING m TURNIPS 300 acres (more or less) of land near Methven, ploughing to commence on or about Ist July, 1881. For particulars apply to MESSRS MORGAN & HTBBS, 807 a Methven. WANTED EVERBODY to know that HORSE COVERS can bo bought for 17s Gd (former price, 265), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED— MRS PAULING begs to notify that she has taken that Commodious House in Moore street, nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will be glad to ACCOMMO DATE PATIENTS requiring surgical or medical aid. Mrs Pauling has had very considerable experience as Ladies’ Nurse, both at Home and in New Zealand. 528 a TTT ANTED KNOWN That VV HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.ra. till sp. m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a ITIEA and CONCERT, at the Templar 1. Hall, on TUESDAY EVENING next. Admission —Tea and Concert, Is Gd ; Concert onlv, Is. Tea on tables at 5.30. 830 a WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), NewJ Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. EUN, Entertainment, and Sociable Evening to bo obtained by attend ing the Tea Meeting and Concert on Tuesday next, at the Templar Hall. 838 a WANTED KNOWN—That John Moison (late in the employ of Mr Nealas) has opened business in Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, where all descriptions of Boots and Shoes can be made to order. Having had large ex perience both at Home and in the colonies, J. M. feels confidence in soliciting a share of public support. 758 a TTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton VV REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.— L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that ho 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. Andkewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. ——MB—— vmm* Special Advertisements. O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* W. JtL. SPACKMAN’S Offices Canterbury Chambers, Here- next Miles JOYED from Messrs jeon's. 335 a TUR KEY



Special Advertisements. ii A LL work and no play makes Jack YjL a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OP EAST STREET, H AIRDRES S ER, Has lust imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, Ac., Ac. CIGARS and CIGARETTES : Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, Ac., Ac., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. FLOODED OUT. F.C. was fioooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do ? Sue the Council for damages 1 No ! no ! Sell the damaged ooods at the best prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, Ac., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819 George St. Hill, JUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. 1 Plans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. 409 a < o ° Hht' Sw 0° P-l oO PQ c/3 03 o co i—i TH E Marvellous Remedy for HOARSENESS, COUGHS, COLDS, BRONCHITIS, CONSU.VIPTION, AND All Chest Diseases. General Agents for New Zealand— KEMPT HORNE, PROSSER, A CO. BGla W o° XX ,32 §t-3 °2 CO ha *0 is o O si td BOYS’ AND YOUTHS CLOTHING. WE have, on account Q' holding too large a Stocß Reduced the Prices of an\ Boys’ and Youths’ Tweed Suits and Overcoats. Intending pur chasers will save money by giving us a call. EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. 822 a "VTOTICE TO FARMERS AND l\ OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Horne. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717^ PJIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. kTE THE .BRANCH ADDRESS— & East Street. H W. SPARROW, Branch Manag



Special Advertisements. Hayes’ rjp IMB E R YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to bis customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. Goßa OTICE TO FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. P.UCUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton.