SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Wanaka, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Isabella, ketch, from Gatlin’s River. Prance Cherie, ship, from Newcastle, Albion, s.s., from Auckland, via way ports. Grafton, s.s., from Wellington. To-day. Wakatipu, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Gatlin, ketch, for Timaru. Albion, s.s., for Dunedin. Wanaka, s.s., for Maoukau, via way ports. To-day. Grafton, s.s., for Wellington.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Hokitika, Yesterday. Arrived —Prosperity, from Melbourne. Port Charmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Te Anan, s.s., from Mel bourne, via Hobart and the Bluff.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Ofhce for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, April 23. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., per Hawea, as follows -.—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard's van, 8-30 p.m. train. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at G a.m., 10 4.m. , 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, 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 10.25 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 andTimaru 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. Friday, April 22. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr. Reany’s Farm, Mount Somors —Horses, Cattle, Imple ments, Ac.; 1 o’clock. Saturday, April 23. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. Wednesday, April 2 %. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr William Innis’ Farm, Wakanui —Stock, Implements, &c.; 1 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Wednesday, April 20. Amateur Dramatic Club Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 8 p.m. To-morrow, Thursday, April 21. Thistle Lodge, Monthly Meeting, at the Masonic Hall. Wakanui Road Board —Special Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street. Wednesday, April 27. Agricultural and Pastoral Association- Annual Meeting, upper room of Town Hall. Wednesday, May 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Winchester School Committee.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 0 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashrurton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

BIRTH.

Stephens. —On 20th April, at her resi dence, Aitken street, the wife of Mr J. H. Stephens, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4 p.m.]

Clean Sheet.—There was no business before the R.M. at the Police Court this morring.

Masonic. —The usual monthly meeting of the Thistle Lodge, S.C., will take place to-morrow evening. Ashburton Fire Brigade.—The mem bers of the Brigade are summoned to practice this evening. Tinwald Sports. —A meeting of the Committee and Stewards of these sports will take place this evening, at Scott’s hotel, Tinwald, when balance sheet and report will be submitted. Tenders. — r I he Longbeach Road Board invite tenders for different quantities of road making, particulars of which will be found in our advertising columns. Christchurch Races.—The Consola tion Handicap, of 40 sovs, at the Autumn Meeting, yesterday, was won by The Poet, with Luna second, and Romeo third. Sir Garnet and The Joker were the other starters. Longbeach Road District. —At a meeting of a committee of the Board of this district held on Monday evening, Mr S. S. Chapman, chairman, the tender of Messrs Hastie and Smith, for the com pletion of a side ditch on part of Crowe’s road, was accepted, A Coincidence. —It is a strange fact that the University Boat Race in Eng land and the antipodean Intercolonial Race (Victoria and New South Wales) took place on the same day, and in both instances the dark blues (the colors being similar) were victorious. Infanticide at Palmerston North. —At the local Court this morning, the hearing of the charge of infanticide against Joseph Hall and Christina Good win (father and daughter) was concluded, and resulted in the accused being com mitted for trial at the next session of the Supreme Court at Wanganui.

Theft by a Schoolmaster. At the Timaru Police Court yesterday an elderly man named William Oldfield Radford, schoolmaster and holding a re spectabe position in life, was sentenced to one month’s hard labor for stealing a gold chain from the hut of a laborer named Dennison, at Albury. Yestby Meeting. —A meeting of the Vestry of St. Stephen’s Church was held last evening, there being present—the Rev. A. W. Hands and Messrs Bullock, Fooks, Hunt, Jameson, and Ward. The business was of a desultory character, relating purely to finance, and following the authorising of the payment of certain amounts, the meeting terminated. Big Fortunes. —Fifty-two persons died in England in the year 1880, leaving for tunes of LIOO,OOO and upwards. Three of them left more than L 1,000,00 Duke of Portland, LI,500,000; Mr John Williams, of Caerhayes, Castle-Cornwall, LI,GOO,000; and Mr Thomas Rigley, of Timberhurst, Lancashire, L 1,300,000.

The Accident on the Racecourse. — An inquest was held at Christchurch yesterday on the body of the unfortunate man, William Deakin, who was run down by a horse in the hack race at the late meeting. After hearing the evidence, the jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of “ Accidental death,” adding their opinion that no blame was to be'attached to the jockey. Fires. —Last night, between 7 and 8 o’clock, a two-roomed cottage, at Oamaru, owned by Mr. Byrne, and occupied by Mr M'Gill, was gutted. The house was insured for LSO, but Mr M'Gill loses everything.—Brooks’ fisbmongery, Cary’s Bay, was burnt down yesterday morning. It was insured in the Northern office for an amount unknown.

Local Improvements. —The building now in erection for Messrs Reid and Gray is being rapidly proceeded with by the contractor. From Mr Quill we learn that it is his intention to erect a commodious billiard room, jutting on to the lawn at the back of his hotel, capable of holding three full-sized tables and a private bar. The addition will cover an area of 42ft by 20ft, and when completed will be under the lesseeship of Mr Ryan. The contract for the work has been placed in the hands of Messrs Reid and Muir, and was signed yesterday.

Management of the Wellington Asylum. —A Pi ess Association message dated yesterday says It is understood that the Government intend to summarily dismiss Whitelaw,the Superintendent of the Wellington Asylum, in consequence of the Commissioners’ report. Government have further decided that the Asylum shall be placed under the management of a duly qualified medical practitioner. With regard to the Inspector, Dr Skao, no final decision has yet been arrived at, but he is called upon to make an official reply to the charges contained in the Royal Commission’s report. The Ever-present Irish Difficulty.— A London correspondent of an Austra lian contemporary tells an amusing story of the all-night sitting of the Commons. As soon as the division was anuouncced two of the most popular of the Parnel lites having sat up all night, thought they would go over and have a Turkish bath. This intention was carried out, and one of the first men they recognised among the half-clad figures in the bath-room was Mr Forster, Secretary for Ireland, to whom this method of refreshment had simul taneously occurred. Mr Forster, it is said, assumed a resigned look, as if he admitted the impossibility of getting away from Ireland even in the recesses of a Turkish-bath. Easter Services. —At St Mark’s Church, Rakaia, the Church was very prettily decorated with corn, fruit, and flowers. The attendance in the morning was not very large, but in the evening it was very good. The incumbent, the Rev. W. H. Elton, who is leaving the parish to go to the Cathedral as Minor Canon and Precentor, took the opportunity to preach his farewell sermon. He urged his hearers to help each other in the attempt to win sou's to Christ, and to love each other, thus fulfilling the new Com mandment. He thanked heartily every one for the many kindnesses he had ex perienced at their hands, thus making the work of his ministration lighter than it would otherwise have been. lie also ex pressed his deep sense of thankfulness to the Churchwardens and Vestrymen, who through all the period of financial depres sion, had worked so effectively for the good of the Church. It was announced that the Rev. Mr Chambers, the new in cumbent, will preach next Sunday, and that the Harvest Thanksgiving services and Gift Auction would be held on Thurs day next.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per keuter’s agency.] Mimic War. London, April 18. The usual Easter Monday review was held to-day at Brighton. Twenty five thousand volunteers took part in the proceedings. Second Thoughts. Rome, April 18. Signor Cairoly and his colleagues have withdrawn their resignation, which they tendered in consequence of an adverse vote of the Chamber of Deputies, and have again resumed the government of this country.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per rbuteb’s agency.] Likely to Go For It. Sydney, April 19. The following are the probable starters for the Sydney Cup, to be run for to-morrow : —Wellington, Progress, Woodlands, Black Swan, Falmouth, The Pontiff, Slrathearn, Richmond, Rraidwood, Barber, Canary, r ;rient, Wandering Jew, Major, Cynic, Gunild, and Templar. A Secret Mission, H.M. schooners Alacrity, Beagle, and Conflict have left this port under sealed orders. It is believed that they are proceeding to the islands.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Turned Out. Auckland, To-day. At the Supreme Court civil session to day, Sir Michael Seymour, by his attor ney, obtained a writ of ejectment against Mr Hutcheson, occupier of the house and land belonging to the Admiral, in Victoria street, Auckland. Sale of Racing Stock. There were sold to-day the following racehorses : —Rawsnata, L 95, to Mr Gallagher ; Harkaway, L6O, Mr Holy wood ; Omega, L2O, Mr M‘Gee. For Yortex, the bidding reached Ll9O, but the reserve was L 250. For Miss Domett LGO was offered, but L2OO was required. Fire at Bulls. Bulls, To-day. A serious fire occurred here this morn ing about 9 o’clock, resulting in the total destruction of a six-roomed cottage be longing to a man named Knight. The origin of the fire is unknown at present. The house was insured, the ugh not to the full amount of its value. Honor to Whom Honor is Due.

Wellington, To-day. At a meeting last night of gentlemen interested in making a suitable acknow ledgment to Mr J. W. Shaw and others, who contributed to the recent result of the Asylum enquiry, it was resolved that his Worship the Mayor be requested to call a public meeting to consider the result of the enquiry. A Strange Request. Dunedin, To-day. At the commencement of Moritzon’s case, Mr Smith, leading counsel for the prisoner, asked the Court to request the press not to publish the evidence till the completion of the case, as, otherwise, ordering witnesses out of Court would be unavailing, seeing the case could not be completed to-day. The Next Review. Dunedin has been chosen as the site for the next Volunteer Review.

SOIREE AT ALFORD FOREST.

(from our own correspondent.)

The annual soiree in aid of the Presby terian Church funds was held on the 14th instant. The weather was all that could be desired, and there was a very large gathering of friends from all parts. The Main School was decorated with great taste for the occasion, and the tables were literally covered with every conceivable delicacy, the ladies rivalling each other in their efforts. For Mount Somers, Mrs. Hood, Mrs Mcßae, Mrs Rutheaford, Mrs Tomlinson, and Mrs McGregor; for Alford Forest, Mrs McFarlane, Mrs Muirhead, Mrs Grieves, and Miss McNeil, had tables. Mr Bibmer, with his usual kindness, presented a splendid lot of apples, which, with all kinds of choice flowers provided by the ladies, and neatly arranged, lent an additional charm to the tables. The Rev. J. B. Westbrooke opened proceed ings with prayer, directly after tea, and then gave an amusing and instructive ad dress, ( hanking the ladies and all friends heartily for their untiring attention in the arrangements of the festival. A full musical programme was provided, the first part consisting of hymns from Moody’s collection, led by the Main School children, and the master, who ac companied them on the harmonium, those most especially noticeable being “Jewels,” and “ What shall the harvest beThe second part consisted of secular pieces, as follows ; Song, Mr Henry Knight, “ Beautiful isle of the sea.” The school children gave, ‘ The merry sunshine Mr Dillow, from Methven, “ Sorry for this,” and others, which were encored. “ The darling of our home,” was sang very pleasingly by Mr Knight. Mr Morrison gave “ Grandfather’s clock,” and Miss K. Knight, “ Mother’s parting gift.” Miss Charters and Miss Lambic sang “ The gipsy’s warning,” witli good effect, and Miss Charters and Miss Symes con tributed a duet. Mr and Mrs Knight sang “ The minute gun at sea.” Recita tions and readings were given in good style by Messrs Tomlinson, M'Ncill, and Ross. Songs by the children and Mr Price, followed by the “ National an them,” brought this part of the pro gramme to a close. Mr Puddicombe, of Mount Somers, ex pressed his delight at finding social pleasures and happy gatherings in places far from town, the whole affair reflecting the highest credit on all concerned, and said ho would always assist in every way.

A tent was pitched outside, where, dur ing the evening, refreshments were dis pensed continuously by Mrs Grieves and Miss M’Neill. After the Rev. J. B. Westbrooke had thanked all concerned for their liberal supplies and hearty welcome, he took leave of the meeting, and some hours were spent joyously to the strains of Messrs Price, Dillow, and M'C’oy, who not only volunteered their services for the occasion, but were unwearied in their exertions. The festival was generally pronounced the most successful, in every respect, ever held at Alford Forest, and the funds of the church will be consider ably augmented in consequence.

DEATH OF EARL BEACONSFIELD.

(by cable.) London, April 18. Earl Beaconsfield suffered a severe relapse, and died to-night. London, April 10. A bulletin published this morning, with reference to Earl Beaconsfield’s death, states that, after the severe relapse which his Lordship suffered during the night, he sank rapidly, and breathed his last at half-past four this morning. His attendants state that his Lordship passed away without much pain. The news of his death has been received with universal sorrow and regret throughout the country.

We take the following from “ Men of the Time ” :—Beaconsfield (Earl of), the Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli, K.G., eldest son of the late Isaac Disraeli, Fsq., of Bradenham, Bucks, the celebrated author of the “ Curiosities of Literature,” was born in London, December 21st, 1804, and became an author while yet a minor. In 1825, ho took the novel-read ing public by surprise with “ Vivian Grey,” followed at intervals by “ The Young Duke,” “ Henrietta Temple,” “ Contarini Fleming,” “ Alroy,” and other brilliant works of imagination. After ex tensive travels in the East, he returned to England in 1831, and contested the borough of Wycombe, being defeated by a small majority. In 1837, he was elected to the House of Commons for Maidstone, which constituency he ex changed in 1841 for Shrewsbury. In 1847, he was returned for the county of Buckingham, in which his estate of Hughenden Manor was situated, and which he has continued to represent to the present time. He adhered to Sir R, Peel’s party, until that Minister be came a convert to the doctrines of free trade, and from that date allied himself closely w r ith the Conservative party, of which he became the acknowledged leader in the House of Commons after the death of Lord George Bcntinck. He was Chancellor of the Exchequer under Lord Derby’s three administrations, and on the resignation of that nobleman in February, 1868, was appointed by the Queen Prime Minister of England, which office he resigned at the end of the year. On the Liberal Government bung defeated on the Irish University Bill, by a majority of three (March 12th, 1873) Mr Gladstone tendered his resignation to Her Majesty ; and the Queen having accepted it, sent for Mr Disraeli, who, however, declined to take office in the circumstances. Mr Gladstone accord ingly reconstructed his Cabinet, and re mained in office till the commencement of the following year, when, most un expectedly, after the Parliament had been summoned to meet for the dispatch of business, he rashly resolved on an appeal to the nation. The returns of the general election—the first which occurred under the system of ballot—were com pleted on February 27th, 1874, and showed a total of 351 Conservatives and 302 Liberals, inclusive of the Home Rulers, whose allegiance to the Liberal cause was by no means to be relied on. Of corpse Mr Gladstone, without daring to meet Parliament, at once resigned, and Mr Disraeli, who succeeded him in the Premiership, formed his Cabinet early in March. Mr Disraeli was elevated to the Peerage by the title of the Earl of Beaconsfield, August 16 th, 1876. To gether with the office of First Lord of the Treasury, he held that of Lord President of the Council from August, 1870, till February, 1878. His policy, which was severely criticised at the time with regard to the Eastern Question, 1 resulted in the assembling of the Con gress of Berlin, at which the Earl of Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbury assisted as the Plenipotentiaries of Great Britain. It is interesting to know that Lord Beaconsfield went to Berlin at the earnest solicitation of Lord Salisbury, who felt that the Prime Minister, “ speaking as he alone was able to do, with the full mandate of the English people, would produce an effect on the negotiations and the action of the Powers such as no other man c«uld have produced.” The Congress hekl its final sitting on July 13th, 1878, when the Treaty of Berlin was signed by all the Plenipotentiaries. Lords Beaconsfield and Salisbury, on returning to London on the 16th, were met with a most enthu siastic reception at Charing Cross, and were enabled to announce that they had brought back “peace with honor.” On July 22nd, Lord Beaconsfield was in vested by the Queen with the Order of the Garter. A few months previously the same honor had been offered to him, but, with Her Majesty’s permission, it was then declined. The policy of the Government which brought about the Treaty of Berlin, and the signing of tire Anglo-Turkish Convention, and the occupation of Cyprus, led to much dis cussion in Parliament. The Marquis of Hartington moved in the House of Commons a resolution directed against that policy, and after a debate of four nights the action of the Govern ment was supported by the overwhelming majority of 143, there being 105 votes for the resolution and 338 against it (August 2nd, 1878), The day after this decisive political victory had been achieved the Earl of Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbury were presented with the free dom of the City of London, and subse quently entertained at a grand banquet at the Mansion House. Lord Beaconsfield is an honorary D. C. L. of Oxford and Edinburgh, a Privy Councillor, a Trustee of the British Museum, a Governor of Wellington College, an Elder Brother of the Trinity House, a Trustee of the Na tional Portrait Gallery, and a Deputy- Lieutenant for Bucks, and was a Royal Commissioner of the Groat Exhibition of 1851. He was installed Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow, November 19th, 1873, and re-elected to that office in November, 1874. Among his publica tions since his entrance on political life are “ Coningsby,” “Sybil,” “Tancred,” works curiously compounded of politics and fiction; “ A Vindication of the Eng lish Constitution,” “ A Biography of Lord G. Bentinck,” and “ Lothair,” a novel. 1870. An early poetical work, entitled “ A Revolutionary Epic,” was re-published in 1864. He married in 1830 Mary Anne, only daughter of the late John Evans, Esq., of Branceford Park, Devon, and widow of Wyndliam Lewis, Esq., M.P. In acknowledgment of her husband’s official services Mrs Disraeli was raised to the Peerage of the United Kingdom as Viscountess Beacons field November 28th, 1868. She died December 15th, 1872, aged eighty-throe. The Earl was, it will be seen, in his seventy-seventh year. But little remains to add to the above biography. Lord Beaconsfield re-appeared as an author lately, and hia book is at present the lead ing topic among literary men.

THE FATAL FIGHT NEAR PICTON.

(by telegraph.) Blenheim, To day. The adjourned enquiry re the Waihwai tragedy lasted all yesterday. The jury found that the deceased, Ropoama, met his death during a quarrel with Rawiri Kopa and Mary Ropoama, and that death was caused by the injuries received during the scuffle or fight, and recorded a verdict of manslaughter against Rawiri Kopa and Mary Ropoama.

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND AUTUMNj MEETING.

Auckland, Yesterday. Flying Stakes.— Sir George, 1 ; Maid of Honor, 2 ; Slanderer, 3. Handicap Steeplechase.— Sportsman, 1 ; Whakahiki, 2. The Autumn Handicap.— Foul Play, 1 ; Kenilworth, 2 ; King Quail, 3. Selling Race.— Paramena, 1 ; My Dream, 2 ; Ratcatcher, 3.

Shouts Handicap. Seven horses started. Mr M'Douald had Paramena and Foul Play engaged, and elected to send them for it without declaring to win with either. Coming into the straight both jockeys were at the whip, and a splendid race ensued, Foul Play winning by a length. Mr M'Donald was shoul dered and loudly cheered. Consolation Stakes. The Slander filly beat Ratcatcher by a length. HOKITIKA RACES. Hokitika, Yesterday. At the second day’s races the attendance was good, and the weather fine. Westland Handicap. —Mr Frith’s Greyhound, 1 ; Mr Brimble’s Whalebone, 2 ; Mr Osborne’s York, 3. Farmer’s Race. —Kumara, 1 ; Hard Times, 2. Ladies’ Purse. —Hero, 1 : Native, 2. Hurdle Race. —Mr Clark’s Kingston, 1 ; Whalebone, 2.

DUNEDIN BIRTHDAY MEETING- Dunedin, Yesterday. The following are the entries received last night:— HURDLE HANDICAP. Never Mind Her, Turk, 'iom King, Isaac, Antoinette, Romance, Leap Year, Milo, Noumai, Robin Hood, Maude. BIRTHDAY HANDICAP Lady Emma, Hilarious, Sir Garnet, Jasper, Randwick, Coldstream, Atlantic, Nautilus, Billingsgate, Libeller, Sylvanus, Hilda, Poet, Don Juan. TROTTING HANDICAP. Ada, Sala, Bella, Minx, Our Pony, Gentle Annie, Red Rose, Willie, Mar mion, Elsa, Native Cat, Jessie, Brown Bess, Vicious, Lady Don, Darkie, Peggie, Cutty Sark, Jack, Devil, Gazelle. NOVEL HANDICAP. Swagman, Isabel, Tom King, Emerald, Morpheus, Nora, Dolly Barwon, Flossie, Flying Beauty, Ginkel, Playboy, Sir William, Robin Hood, Swede. tradesmen’s handicap. Lady Emma, Lampooner, Hilarious, Sir Garnet, Onys, Jasper, Randwick, Dolly Barwon, Coldstream, Atlantic, Nautilus, Billingsgate, Libeller, Mame luke, Sylvanus, Playboy, Trovatore, Hilda, Foot, Don Juan.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(from our own correspondent.) Sydney, April 9.

On Wednesday last, the sitting of the Legislative Council was the longest that has occurred in the House for the past 20 years, the adjournment not taking place till two o’clock the following morning. The greater part of the sitting of the Council was occupied in considering the Appropriation Act and Public Works Loan Bill. In the Ap propriation Bill, Mr Paddington moved the reduction of the item of Li 7,000, compensation to the Milburn Creek Mining Co., to L 7.000. After a long debate the amendment was not pressed, and the Bill was passed through all its stages without an amendment. In the Loan Bill, the omission of the sums for the completion of the Albury rail way, and the construction of the Jerilderie railway, was proposed, but the amendments were negatived, and the Bill passed through all its stages. In consequence of the count-out in the Council before the passing of the Liquor Licenses Suspensory Act on Wednesday morning, and the ne cessity to meet again the same day for the transaction of business, the arrange ments that had been made for the pro rogation fell through, and Parliament was prorogued by proclamation in a Government Gazette Extraordinary till the 17th May next.

"The Intercolonial boat race was decided about an hour ago, over the champion course, Paramatta river, and was one of the grandest struggles ever witnessed in Australia. The Sydney representatives were strong favorites at the start ; 5 to 4 was freely laid on them, they being much the heavier crew. The race was a sharp contest, and the Melbourne men came to the front in the last 100 yards, winning by a boat’s length. The Marquis de Ray’s expedition to New Ireland does not appear to have been a success. From news received by the City of Melbourne, which arrived last night, it appears that the colonists were not only short of provisions, but some 70 or 80 were down with ague and fever, and that the only course left for them was to finally abandon the settlement, which they did, taking all machinery and other matters on board the India.

The Tramway Department, with a laudable desire to adopt any improve ment that can be shewn to be for the greater convenience of the public, have entered into arrangements with Colonel Beaumont, of England, to test a new moter for tramways, recently invented by that gentleman, which works by compressed air, and which is said to have the advantages of being bpth noiseless and vaporless. The agree ment made by our Government with Colonel Beaumont is to the effect that the latter should send out, at his own expense, one of these moters, together with apparatus for compressing the air. The extension of the tramway to Waverly will be open about the com mencement of next week, and within another week the cars will be running contitnously to and fro.

The continued influx of Chinese into our colony is causing general comment. On Monday the steamer Menmuir arrived from Hong Kong, having on board 500 Chinese for this colony, Victoria, and New Zealand ports; and again on Friday the steamer Hungarian came into the harber with 600 more. It is not yet ascertained for what special work they are destined, but it is probable they are being attracted by some of the new mineral discoveries.

Anyhow, for Sydney’s sake, it is to be be hoped so, because the Chinese in habitants of our city arc quite numerous enough at present. The Orient S. S. Company’s steamer Lusitana arrived in port on Tnursday evening, with E. Laycock on board. 1 The reception committee, on board a ■ steam launch, proceeded down the harbor to meet the vessel, and having received him in a most complimentary way, landed our acquatic hero in the bosom of his family at Shark Island. Laycock could not find words to ex press his gratitude at the reception that he had met with. It was quite contrary to expectation. He said he stuck to Trickett, and when he had lost the race with Hanlan, he was ready to drop through the deck. On Friday afternoon the return of the well-known sculler was celebrated. The event assumed an almost national character, as the whole city turned out to join in giving the veteran oarsman a welcome, which was worthy of him and his deeds. The ships in the harbor, which were decked cut with bunting, dipped their ensigns as the procession passed up the harbor, and the crews lustily cheered. On the arrival of the launch at the Quay, the place was lined with a cheering multitude, thou sands composing which were beyond accurate computation. On landing at the Prince’s stairs, two four-in-hand drags were ready to convey Laycock and the committee to the Town Hall, but so great was the enthusiasm of the spectators, that it was with difficulty a start was made. As the procession passed through George street, the win dows of the houses, and even the roofs were crowded with people shouting and cheering the return of the rower. On arrival at the Town Hall, the Mayor came forward and presented Laycock with an address, to which he replied in suitable terms, admitting having met in Hanlan a better man. During the week a purse of sovereigns of Li,ooo is to | be presented him at one of the theatres. The long talked of fancy dress ball is now all over. The curtain has fallen on the pageant, and realism once more reigns. The ball was a success socially, anyhow, if not artistically, and the scene was brilliant if not impres sive. The dresses, like the company, were very mixed. A great number were picturesque, and a very great many grotesque. Some, notably the costumes of the ladies, were in ex quisite taste, and keeping, others, more particularly the gentlemen were marked by eccentricities of design and color that were positively amusing. About 500 couples engaged in dancing during the evening. The galleries at the Garden Palace being thrown open to the public at an admission of 5s each, nearly 2,000 availed themselves of the chance of “ going to criticise.” The Hawkesbury Autumn Meeting, as usual, drew a large concourse of people together. The weather being intensely hoi, the vendors of fluids must have driven a roaring trade. The racing was on the whole good, but the finishes were, with one exception, not exciting. There were about 6,000 spectators on the ground. The railway arrangements were on this occasion notably carried out, not the slightest hitch occurring. Mr Balfour, lately owner of the Red Gauntlet yacht, from Europe, was killed on Sunday by a fall from his horse, on Liverpool Plains. The de ceased gentleman was a Director of E. and A. Steam Navigation Co. Terrible tales of sufferings, endured by parties who have left the settled districts of this colony for a fancied El Dorado, at Mount Poole, reach us from different sources. It has been stated that a party of five men, after their horses, had perished from thirst, were reduced to the necessity of lancing their own arms to moisten their parched lips with a few r drop' of blood. Nearly mad, they reached a watering place. No tongue can tell or pen describe the agonies they underwent. Three others of a party reached Bourke a few days ago, after living upon the blood of themselves and horses for days. On the Bourke track there is no water for 120 miles. Of gold obtained at the cost of first drinking the blood of horses, then drinking their owners’ blood and nearly becoming mad, if dear life be preserved, it may be said “ The game is not worth the candle.” The varied competitive attractions presented during the week in the shape of fancy dress balls, giant circuses, fashionable amateur performances, and grand concerts, seem to have very little effect upon the attendance at the Theatre Royal. The “Pirates of Penzance ” has been sung for three weeks, and is likely to run for a very long period, judging from the audiences’ appreciative applause. That the busi ness keeps so good is probably owing to the fact that Dr Sullivan’s music is so pleasing that people can hardly help going again and again to hear it. Mr J. C. Williamson has spared no ex pense in making the opera a success. Miss Maggie Moore and Miss Elsa May take the two principal characters.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

IS THE RIVER BED PRIVATE PROPERTY

To the Editor. Sir, —Advertisements from landlords, warning sportsmen to refrain from shoot ing over their properties, are so numerous now-a-days, that every year the ground open to them becomes more circumscribed, and now, in a notice in your last night’s paper, Mr John Grigg claims that the whole of the laud in the Ashburton river is freehold ; the plain inference of which is, that from bank to bank of the river is private property, and any person crossing the river is allowed so to trespass only on sufferance. I have no wish to trespass on private property for my sport, and so have carefully noted and avoided the proclaimed spots. As the river is now almost the only place open to us sportsmen, will you, Mr Grigg, or his agent, inform me as to whether it is possible for any private individual to buy up a river, and is Mr Grigg’s notice to be taken literally ; if so, I for one will trespass there no more. I am, &c. , Sportsman. [None of the river beds (i.e. , the river courses) in Canterbury are, or can pos sibly become, the freehold property of anyone; but runholders can prevent persons from trespassing over the bed of the river with dogs, when the river forms the boundary of the runs. —Ed. G.~\

THE HAND ON THE PANEL.

( Continued,.)

‘ Yes, the mark is probably there yet, below the paint, as you saw the stain still is on the boards where the body lay. The old man was rich, and eccentric; he distrusted banks and kept his money at home. As it happened no sus picion rested upon anyone in the house; the maids could all account for themselves, indeed it could have been no woman’s work, from the evidence of force used. The man servant had slept out of the house, as he frequently did unknown to his master. The policeman on duty in the square that night had heard nothing, but as his beat was extensive nothing could be said of that; but mark me, though he heard nothing, he had seen something—a young man had, so he said, nearly run him down as he was turning into the square, between two and three o’clock in the morning. As to who the young man was, he could not positively swear at first, but that he would know him again, he was certain. The old gentleman had an illegitimate son, whom he treated in a manner conformable with his character, at one time with lavish indulgence, at another with the most virulent severity. Naturally the young man became reck less, got into a bad set, lost heavily, came to his father for help, and was turned out of the house This quarrel took place a few nights before the murder. Yet so great was the com passion felt for the young fellow, and so keen their sense of the father’s harsh ness, that not one word hinting at any dispute transpired until it was forced from them at the son’s trial Fcr eventually he was arrested, the police man on duty identifiying him as the man whom he had encountered upon the night of the murder. ‘ I was his junior counsel, but the evidence was overpowering, and he was brought in guilty. ‘ He committed suicide the night after his trial. The policeman was complimented for his zeal and pro moted ; he went as inspector to a mid land town, but shortly after left the force, and went abroad. So I lost sight of him until to-night.’

* Good heavens 1 That was the man.’ ‘ Yes, that is the man, and the mur derer, as I expected. I knew ray client was innocent, and suspected the police man. He was over zealous ;he went out of his way to collect evidence, and was rich enough afterwards to throw up a good office. My plan in corning here was simply to see him first. When you described him at Lady Gordon’s I was convinced I should recognise him, and the actions you described showed me he was mad, but with method in his madness. Your clever by-play helped me wonderfully, giving me a tole I should never have thought of. What suggested it to you ?’ * i don’t know, myself; it was one of those sudden inspirations or impulses, which sometimes occur in a case of emergency, and compel a form of action unthought of, and frequenently adverse to our better sense.’

‘ But this was the sharpest thing I’ve seen done. You made the man ex pose his madness, though it was pretty plain before; but more, convict him self. That mutilated arm clinched all. A determined villain to cut off the guilty hand. Verily, a strong case of folio ving up Scripture to the letter.’ ‘ Poor wretch, he roust have repented bitterly.’ ‘ Pooh,’ said the legal authority; “a fanatic —mad, now —if you like, but the coldest blooded brute while sane, my experience has shown me.’ ‘ You don’t hang madmen ?’ I said.

* No : but we shut them up ; and you may congratulate yourself in having es caped some deadly injury ; the lust of blood brought out by insanity gives ground for the old superstition of the wehr wolf. ....

Mr Barrington cleared up the memory of the poor dead son, and our police man was put in safe keeping. My landlord was in z great taking ; of course he knew of the man haunting the house; and also, of course, had been glad to let it at any price; the reputation of being ‘ uncannie ’ having clung to the place ever after the mur der.

The mystery of the light on the panel was never explained. We had it taken out; Barrington took it away as a memento, had the paint scraped off, and there, deep in the wood, was the stain, clear enough. I ought to say the landlord took up the stained boards, expressing surprise he bad never thought of doing so be fore. 1 But then,’ he said, ‘ most likely his mind was darkened for a purpose ; but now the real murderer was dis covered the ghost would rest. That,’ in his opinion, ‘ stood to nature. We should be troubled no more, and had a fine house dirt cheap.’ I do not think Ellen agreed with him, but she behaved with her usual good sense, and in time the impression of her extraordinary vision, or dream, or whatever it was, wore off; and we grew, as it were, into the house, so much so that after a few years of un clouded happiness and worldly success, I paid the purchase money, and am now owner of the notorious, and ‘ dirt cheap,’ number 3, Barlow square. (Concluded.)

THE ASHBUETON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, ABRIL 20, 1881.



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 JET me. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. IMBER YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! 527a* Hayes’



The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of j Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HATES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING. PRICE ONE PENNY. ADVERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisements are very eosonable.



Wanted. WANTED— A good Strong LAD, accustomed to horses. Apply, Office of this Paper. 280 a WANTED, a General SERVANT. Apply Mrs Ireland, North East Belt. 575 a SHBURTON BORO UG H COUNCIL. WANTED TO PURCHASE—Two good DRAUGHT HORSES, two Tip CARTS, one SCOOP, and one PLOUGH. For particulars, apply to CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, 20th April, 1881. 281 a WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. ANTED—TENDERS for 400 Acres, more or less, of Turnips, at Methven, to be fed off by the 25th July. Tenders to be sent into Pocock Bkotheks, Methven, not later than the 25th of this month, April. SGOa



WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ■V\7ANTED—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. 52Sa WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a ANTED KNOWN That VV HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a 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, £26; 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. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a ttt ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 3 ' fif\o A



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE bogs to inform the . public that he has taken the ibove Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 TTTANTED THE GUARDIAN tells » » your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. rpHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. THE Competition cle- NEW ZEALAND fied. Fit equal CLOTHING FACTORY to bespoke THE Wear - resisting



NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager.



jyj-R W. H. SPACKMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barins- Square. 365 a



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



All orders for insertion of advertise ments must bo written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith.



Between Two Stools. —The Minister of Education in Victoria is evidently somewhat of an “original.” Not long ago, it being considered advisable to appoint a married teacher to a certain country school, he gave notice to the ger tleman who held the position, that he would have to get married before a certain date, or be removed. The un fortunate teacher, thus ruthlessly placed between prospective want and matrimony, endeavored to obey the orders of his chief, and made strenuous exertions to induce some eligible female to share his lot. Sad to relate nobody would listen to him, and the fated day arriving, he was forced to acknowledge his ill-fortune, and was accordingly removed from his position.



A Man of Many Pauts. —Lord Camp bell (says the Law Times ) was a tutor, a dramatic critic, a reporter in the gallery, a law reporter, a pupil in a pleader’s chamber, a barrister, a Queen’s Counsel, a Member of Parliament, a law officer, an Irish Chancellor, Chief Justice of Eng land, Lord Chancellor. He made a happy marriage, had a united family, devoted children, a long life, and a painless death. What more could mortal man expect or desire 2



Alcohol and whiting will clean silver in any form. If you are buying carpets for dura bility choose small figures.



Holloway’s Pills. —The changes of tem perature and weather frequently upset persons who are most careful of their health, and most particular in their diets. These corrective, purifying, and gentle aperient Pills are the best remedy for all defective actions of the digestive organs; they augment the appetite, strengthen the stomach, correct biliousness, and carry off all that is noxious from the system. Holloway’s Pills are composed of rare balsams, uumixed with baser matter, and on that account are pe culiarly well adapted for the young, delicate, and aged. As this peerless medicine has gained fame in the past, so will it preserve it in the future by itsrenovatingandinvigoratingqualities andjits incapacity of doing harm.—[Advt.]



Publications. The trade protection so ciety’s PRIVATE CIRCULAR (instituted 1873) gives a weekly list of Bills of Sale, Mortgages of Stock, Liens, Bankruptcies, etc., throughout land. On Monday an “extra” is printed for Canterbury, containing information up to 12 o’clock on the preceding Saturday. For particulars apply at the Office, Hobbs’ Buildings, High street, Christchurch.— T. B. Cbaig, Agent for Canterbury. 612 a



Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with. Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, East street, near Railway Station