SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Torea, schooner, from Kaipara. Maud Graham, schooner, from Kaipara. Circe, brigantine, from Timaru. Guy Mannering, ship, from Newcastle. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived— Sovereign, from Rarotonga. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Ellarton, Mary Bannatyne, Ctoydon Lass, and Elizabeth Conway, schooners, from Greymouth. Albion from North. Sailed —Penguin, for Nelson. Albion and Grafton, for Lyttelton. Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived —Te Anau, s.s., at 7.30.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Tuesday Afternoon. Mr. Alfred Harrison reports for the week ending April 10 : —On Tuesday April 12th, 1 held a land sale at my rooms, of town and suburban properties when a few sections were disposed of at low rate . Town section No. 807, Aitken street, brought LSO, the rest being scarcely worth quotation. Mr. T. Prendergast’s farm of 207 acres, near Elgin was withdrawn, matters having been arranged just pre vious to the day of sale. On Saturday, April 10th, I held my weekly sale. There were numerous entries of horses, but sales were difficult to efleet; the country being fairly over done with draughts, nothing but a really gdod hack creates anything like spirit amoung the crowd. 1 cow, just calved, brought LG 2s Gd. The entries in pigs were'heavy, and sold as follows ;—I sow, in ph*, L2 14s ; 7 suckers. 3s Gd each ; 3 do. 7s, 6 do. 8s Gd, 4 do. 9s Gd, 6 do. 11s, 1 do. 13s Gd, 3 do. 13s, 6 do 14s Gd, 3 do. 20s, 3 do. 21s, 2 do. 235, 7 do. 16s. Fowls sdld from Is 9d to 2s 9d per pair ; geese, 8s Gd to 9s Gd per pair ; turkeys, 7s each; rabbits. Is 9d to 3s 3d per pair ; ducks, 4s Id to 4s 3d. Implements—Harrows, 31s ; dray LI2 5s etc., etc. Produce -26 bags oats sold at Is Gd per bushel; 14 do. cluck wheat at 2s per bushel. A quantity of inferior chick wheat sold at from 4s'6d to 5s Gd per bag. Potatoes, L2 os to L 3 per ton ; carrots, L2 5s per ton ; onions, Id lid per lb.; pickling, Ijd per lb.; cheese, 4|d to 3id per lb. (small useful sizes); apples, 6s Gd per case. The attendance was as usual very large, bid dings brisk, and the sale satisfactorily concluded.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alienations) 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, Ac., 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.

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 27. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr William Innis’ Farm, Wakanui —Stock, Implements, &c.; 1 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-morrow, Wednesday, April 20. Amateur Dramatic Club Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21. 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 G a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. 1 Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timaru and South, at 7a. 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 Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1881.

FIRST EDITION. [lssued at 4 p.m.'J

Home Again. —A special train from Oamaru, bringing the local volunteers and northern contingents from Oamaru, reached here shortly after 4 a.m. to-day. Lucky Dogs. —The three first prizes in Quill’s sweep have been drawn as follows : Lady Emma, James Wells ; Sir Modred, Pin-chase and Co; The Go vernor, T. Salisbury.

Drunk and Disorderly. —At the R.M. Court this morning, before Mr Nugent Wood, George Dolloy, for being drunk and disorderly, was fined Is, and 4s cost of cab hire. John Brennan, for a like offence, but against whom there were a number of previous convictions recorded, was mulct in the sum of ss, or, in default, twenty four hours’ imprisonment.

An Injured Actress. —Mr Wrixou has presented a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Victoria, from Lilian Reid, late of the Stray Leaves Company, asking for compensation, alleging that the police had unnecessarily harried her and de prived her of certain medical comforts ordered by her physician. A few days after her acquittal she was delivered of a child, which evidenced the injustice of the accusation made against her. Tinwald Sports. —The following were the results of the events not published in our last issue:—Three-legged race—Muir and Murphy, 1; Bushett and Lechncr, 2. 410 yards xaco—R. M'Farlane, 1 ; R. Lechner, 2. Long jump—S. Reeves (IGft bin), 1; Bates (16ft Sin), 2. 120 yards hurdles—R. M'Farlane, 1; S. Reeves, 2. Sack Race—Bushett, 1; A. C. Claridge, 2. Running High Jump—A. C. Claridge, 1; Reeves and Evans, 2. Consolation — S. Reeves, 1; Bates, 2. Mile handicap (open) —Bayliss, 1; M’Farlane, 2. Hack race, fora silver-mounted bridle—Nancy Lee, 1; Pirate, 2. Won hands down. Sporting. A race of a friendly character took place at Winslow yesterday, between Mr Watts’ Maori Kate, Mr Elz’s Fritz, Mr Commons’ Dawn, and Mr Nealas’ Margaret. Mr Yeal’s Naughty Cousin was also to have run, but from some reason or other neither hoise nor owner turned up. A good start was effected, and Margaret immediately took first place, but after going round half way Mr Commons’ Dawn pulled ahead of the mare, and won by half a length. Fritz ran off the course, and Maori Kate managed to come in a good third. In connection with the above a challenge appears in another column.

Assessment Court. —At the sitting of this Court for the Upper Ashburton Road Board District, held by Mr N. Wood, Judge, at the Road Board offices, Wester field, the following objections were heard : —A property registered in the name of William Saunders was transferred fo owner, objection by Samuel Saunders to the amount of his assessment was dis allowed, the Court being of opinion that the valuation was a moderate one. The valuer (Mr J. C. Bell) applied to have the name of Mr Benjamin Ede inserted as occupier of certain properties owned by the Hon. T. Braddelt This being all the business the valuation', list Was signed by the Judge, and the Court closed.

An Audacious Fraud.—A somewhat amusing incident is told of a woman whose husband, a wealthy man, died sud denly without leaving any will. The widow, desirous of securing the whole of the property, concealed her husband’s death, and persuaded a poor shoemaker to take his place while a will could be made. Accordingly, he was closely muffled in bed, as if very sick, and a lawyer was called in to write the will. The shoe maker in a feeble voice bequeathed half of all the property to the widow. “ What shall be done with the remainder ?” asked the lawyer. “The remainder,” replied he, “I give and bequeath to the poor little shoemaker across the street, who has been a good neighbor and a deserving man ” —thus securing a rich bequest for himself. The widow rvas thunderstruck ■with the man’s audacious cunning, but did not dare to expose the fraud, and the two rogues shared the estate.

A Ferocious Dog.—At the R.M. Court this morning, Mr C. P. Jephson appeared in answer to an information charging him with allowing a ferocious dog, his property, to attack Alexander Burns, Mrs Quartennain, and George Griffiths, respectively. The two boys complained of being bitten on thelcg, and Mrs Quartennain exhibited a dress which had been torn by the teeth of the lively animal. Mr Jephson denied ownership of the dog, and stated that he could bring the owner himself to admit that the dog belonged to him, but as defendant ac knowledged that he had chained the dog on his premises, and otherwise taken care of it, His Woi'ship said he had no alter native but to inflict a fine. The very fact of allowing the dog to remain on his pre mises laid the defendant open to a penalty L 5 on each information, but being the first case of the kind brought before him, he would only fine Mr Jephson 10s on each information, with Gs costs, and wit nesses expenses, 22s Gd.

A New Method op Ejectment.—Ac cording to St James’ Gazette, a French chemist assorts that he has concocted a substance by means of which tenants, in Ireland or elsewhere, who will not pay their rents may be evicted without diffi culty, and without the expense attendant on legal proceedings. The mixture is in the form of a powder. A small quantitj' of it sprinkled before sunrise on parts of the land adjacent to the tenant’s dwelling will render it absolutely impossible for any human being to remain within half a mile of the spot where the sprinkling has taken place for at least seven days, when the process should if necessary, be repeated. The effect of the power is to produce violent nausea and other feelings of so un comfortable a kind as to be quite unbear able. It is, however, not dangerous to life, and produces no injurious effects on cattle. Under arrangements the inventor is making, Irish landlords will soon bo able to buy the powder at any respectable chemist’s shop in Dublin at a reasonable price. Land Leaguers will, he chinks, also find it useful for the purpose of getting rid of obnoxious agents. If used impartially and<in sufficient quantities, it might, indeed, secure some very striking and unexpected results.

Go and Sin no more. —lt has been decided to release another batch of Maori prisoners in a few days. They will be selected mainly from those confined in Lyttelton Gaol, to the number of about 100, and will be forwarded by the Hine moa to New Plymouth. Electoral Rolls,— ln another column will be found an advertisement notifying the place where the rolls for the electoral district are to be seen. As the elections of County Councillors takes place shortly, only those electors whose names are on the roll will be enabled to vote.

Complimentary. —We have to tender to Messrs S. Saunders and J. Wilkie our compliments and thanks for the great service rendered us- yesterday in the matter of obtaining particulars of the result of the Great Autumn Handicap. To the former gentleman we are indebted for the loan of the pigeons employed in the carriage of the message from Christ church, and to Mr Wilkie our thanks are due for the assistance rendered us in the the despatch by him of the birds. By those means we were enabled to supply our readers with the information at the same hour that it was published in Christchurch, and can also boast of being the only evening journal, except the Christchurch papers, in receipt of par ticulars, the Telegraph Department being closed during the day.

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND AUTUMN MEETING. Tradesmen’s Plate Handicap, of 50sovs. Mr Smith’s Maid of Honor, Bst 81b ... 1 Mr Leonard’s Ratcatcher, Bst 21bs ... 2 Mr A. M‘Donald’s Paraiuena, 7st 81bs ... 3 Won by a length. Hurdle Race Handicap, of 50 sovs. Distance, 2|- miles. Over 9 flights of hurdles. Mr IV. Douglas’ Harkaway, lOst Blbs 1 Mr J. Ellis’ Lonehand, 12st 71b ... 2 Mr R. W. Wheeler’s Morning Star, lOst 3 Won by a head. A good third.

Ellersub Handicap, of 100 sovs. Mr Owen’s Sir George, Bst 101 b ... 1 Mr Leonard’s Kenilworth, 7st Sib ... 2 Major George’s Tonambra, Gat ... 3 Won in a canter. Six started. Easter Handicap of 100 sovs ; distance,

two miles. Mr Horsfall’s King Quail, 7st 51b ... 1 Mr M'Donald’s Foul Play, 9st 51b ... 2 Mr Douglas’ Eawonata, Ost 3 Won with a little in hand. Novel Handicap, of 50 sovs. Mr O. C. M'Geo’s b g Skylark, 7st 21b 1 Mr J. C. Mills’ b g Diver, 75t... ... 2 Publicans Pulse, of 60 sovs. Distance, I,[ mile. Mr McDonald’s Foul Play ... ... 1 Mr Smith’s Maid of Honor ... ... 2 No others started. Won easily. The betting being 10 to 4 on Foul Play.

HOKITIKA RACES. TRIAL stakes. Mr Freeth’s Hero 1 Mr Osborne’s York 2 HOKITIKA HANDICAP, Mr Jones’ Warrigal ... 1 Mr Brimble’s Whalebone ... ... 2 SELLING RACE. Mr Harcourt’s Yorkey 1 publican’s purse. Mr Clarke’s Kensington ... ... 1 All the events w r ere iVell contested. CHRISTCHURCH AUTUMN MEETING. This meeting was commenced yesterday, when the following events took place : The Free Handicap; asweepstakeof 3 sovs each, with 50 sovs added ; for three year-olds and up .vards. Mr J. Chaffe’s ch f Nautilus, by Traducer—Waterwitch, 3yrs, Cst 4lb (including 41bs overweight) (Thompson) ... ... ... ... 1 Mr W. Walters’ b c Billingsgate, 4yrs, Ost 31b (Wattie) ... ... ... 2 Mr Seabright’s ch c Romeo, 3yrs, sst 121 b (including 51b over) (Butler) ... 3

The Poet and Frailty also ran. Bil lingsgate was made the favorite, and at the back of the course closed with Nautilus and Romeo, but only succeeded in finish ing second, after a good race ; Romeo a good third.

The Great Autumn Handicap ; a sweep stake of 10 sovs each, with 300 sovs added ; for three-year-olds and up wards. The second horse to receive 25 sovs out of the stake. One mile and a half. Sir H. Robinson’s b f Lady Emma, by Yattendon, 3yrs, sst 131 b (M. Allen) 1 Mr H. Driver’s b c Sir Modred, 3yrs, Bst 101 b (S. Harris) ... ... ... 2 Mr H. Horseford’s ch c The Governor, 2yrs, 6st 81b (G. Rosewarne) ... 3 Time—2mins 43secs.

In the ring Sir Modred, Randwick, an I Natator were equal favorites at 5 to 2 against, Lady Emma and Luna, at 5 to 1, being next, with the Governor at a point longer odds. All the horses looked the picture of health. The starters were, in addition to the placed horses above, Prospero, Luna, Randwick, The Joker, Harkaway, Hi'da, Natator, and Libeller. Grip was he only absentee. Some trouble was caused at the post by the fractiousuess of Sir Modred, but eventually the flag fell to a start, of which Luna and The Governor got slightly the best. Prospero was loft at the post. Mr Horsford’s colt main tained his advantage to the back of the course, Lady Emma having closed up to Luna, Libeller leading the van. The latter then ran up and displaced Lady Emma, the rest being in a cluster, close up. At the home turn, Sir Modred and Randwick had commenced to run through their field, and Lady Emma disposed of Libeller and Luna, securing second place to The Governor, and improved this to the extent of getting on level terms with him on entering the straight. The Dunedin Cup winner now made his effort, and collared The Governor, Natator following suit on the outside. For a few paces the four were in company, and then Lady Emma shot out, and after a game struggle with Sir Modred, landed the Great Autumn Handicap of 1881 by three-quarters of a length, The Governor an excellent third.

Champagne Stakes, of 20 sovs each, with 250 sovs added; for two-year-olds; colts Bst 101 b, fillios Bst 81b ; 20 subscribers ; G furlongs. Mr H. Driver’s b c Somnus, by Traducer—Hammock ... (Harris) 1 Mr W. Walters’ b c by Yatteuclon— Peeress, Bst 101 b ... (Rudings) 2 Mr H. Horsford’s ch g Nonpareil, by Korari—No Name, Bst 101 b (Derritt) 3 Time—limn. 19|soc. Somnus led throughout, was never headed, and although Rudings on tho Yattendon—Peeress colt made a grand effort to dislodge him from premier posi tion, won with a little in hand. The other starters were La Mode, Amulet, Hinemoa, and Gold Dust. The bettirm was 7 to 4 on Somnus. The Epsom Stakes; a swoepstake of 5 sovs each, with 100 sovs added. For horses that have not wt n 200 sovs in one event, or two events each of tho value of 100 sovs or upwards up to tho time of starting. Maidens at starting allowed : —For three-year olds, 31b ; 4yrs, 71b ; syrs ard up wards, 101 b. Weight for age. Once round. Hon. W. Robinson’s bf On Dit, by Albany—Gossip, 4yrs, Bst 61b, (Der rit) 1 Mr H. Prince’s br c Sir Garnet, 3yrs, .Bst 61b (Harris) ... ... ... 2

Mr H. Horsford’s ch g The Joker, syrs, PstGlbs ... ... ... ••• 3 Time —2inins 53secs. Won easily by two lengths. (By Telegraph.) Racecourse, To-Day. The Autumn Meeting was continued to day. The weather is dull, but fine, and the attendance is good. Nursery Handicap, of 5 furlongs, for two-year-olds. Mr Fraser’s b f Hinemoa, Bst, (Wattie) 1 Mr Weston’s ch c Amulet, Bst 71b (Clifford) 2 Mr Walters’ b c by Yattendon — Peeress, Bst 101 b (findings) ... 3 Dauphin, Nonpariel, Envy filly, Leger demain, La Mode, and Gold Dust, also ran. The Envy filly had the ca’l in the betting, being at 5 to 2 against. Hine moa started at Gto 1. Amulet and the Peeress colt made the running, and the former led into the straight, where Hine moa began to run through the field, and after disposing of Walters’ representative, ran a grand race, with Amulet, winning by a neck. The Peeress colt a bad third, four lengths off. Time Selling Race, 1| miles. Mr Walter’s b h Billingsgate, 4 yrs, Bst 71b (Watty) ... ... ... 1 O’Brien’s b h Fishook, aged, 7st 91b (Butler) ... ... ... ••• 2 Luna’s g g Coldstream, 3 yrs, 7st 71b (Blanch) ... ... ... ••• 3 llandwick, Norseman, and Frailty also ran. Bet’ing—Even on Billingsgate, 5 to 2 on Norseman, 3 to 1 on the others. Easter Handicap, of 100 sovs. Distance, 1 mile. Sir H. Robinson’s b f Lady Emma, 7st 31bs (Palmer) 1 Hon. W. Robinson’s ch g Natator, 9st 51bs (Derritt) 2 Mr Hereford's ch c The Governor. Gst (Rosewarne) 3 Betting—s to 2 Lady Emma, 3 to 1 The Governor, 5 to 1 Natator, G to 1 the rest. llandwick, Prospero, and Hilda also started. Lady Emma cut out the running, but at the turn from homo The Govern, r shot to the front; Natator immediately after came with a rvsh and collared Lady Emma. The two then closed with The Governor, and a most exciting finish ensued, the judge's verdict resulting in favor of the filly by a nose. The Gover nor an excellent third. Flying Handicap. Libeller 1 Lady Emma ... ... 2 Luna 3

HORRIBLE WEST COAST.

Greymouth, April 18. News has reached here that a man named Bell, a sort of cockatoo settler, near Boatman’s Greek, has been found in his cowshed with his brains blown out. His murderer is supposed to be one David McGahcy, alias Yankee Dave, and jealousy is the alleged cause. Several policemen have been despatched to the scene. The suspected murderer is miss ing. Further Particulars. A Reefton telegram gives the following addtional particulars The name of the murdered man is John Bell, of Larry’s Creek, Westport Road. Mr Cereseto called on him on Saturday morning, and found him bailing up cows. Mrs McGahey was there, but she left soon after for Reefton. When Cereseto called in the afternoon he could make no one hear him, and on going to the cowshed he found a cow tied up, and Bell lying on the ground with the back of his head battered in, the place bearing evidence of a fearful struggle, as deceased in his death grip clutched a piece of male clothing and human hair. In the morning when Cereseto was there Bell asked him if he had seen McGahey, and he said he had not. It is supposed that the murderer crept on Bell unperceived after Mr- McG alley’s departure, and struck him on the head. A dozen policemen are scours ing the ranges in every direction.

Capture of the Supposed Murderer. Guevmoutu, 12.55 p.m. To-day. McGavey has been captured in the ranges. JNo further particulars to hand,

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] The Frontier Question. Athens, April 10. A large meeting of the people took place here to-day in consequence of the action of Government in accepting the proposals lately made by the Porte for the settlement of the frontier question. The matter was discussed in excited language, and speeches were made de nouncing the policy of the Government. The agitation is increasing throughout the country. Evacuation of Candahar. Calcutta, April. 18. Intelligence has been received from Cundahar that the evacuation of that city by the British garrison has com menced. A report is current, however, that, although the troops will be with drawn from Candahar, several British regiments will permanently occupy the Chaman and Pischeen Valley. Governor of Candahar. Calcutta, April 10. The force despatched by the Ameer to Candahar has arrived there, and the Governor appointed by him was in stalled to-day.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reutek’s agency.] Shipping Melbourne, April 18. Arrived —P. and O. Go’s steamship Roselta, with inward Suez mail, dated London, March 11. Melbourne, To-day. Per Merchant Shipping Under writers Association :—London, April i6lh. —Arrived Steamship Cuzco, trom Australia ; ship, Hermoine, from Wellington, left January ist; Kangi tikei, from Lyttelton, left January Bth.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Lost in the Bush. Napier, To-day. Two little boys between the ages of four and five years, the children of Scandi navian settlors in the Seventy Mile bush, wandered into the forest and were lost for four days and three nights. Search parties have been out in all directions, and news has just reached town that tho children have been found terribly exhausted from thirst, hunger, and exposure. Honors Divided At the Fire Brigade competition yester day, between tho Town and Port Brigades, excellent time was made. The brigades divide tho honors. Stock Sale. Christo iiar.o a, To-day. Redwoods racing stock and the young stock from tho Bundoora stud, Victoria, were offered for sale by auction this morn ing. There was but a small attendance, and not one lot was sold, no prices being obtainable.

Caught in the Act. Wellington, To-day. Long Bros., builders; of Picton, were arrested at Napier and brought down in the steomer Goahead this morning, and were charged at the Magistrate’s Court with absconding from their creditors. Their debts were shown to be L 2,142. They confess moat of the claims, and the case was adjourned until to-morrow. The Same Old Verdict. Duneiun, To day. At the inquest on the body of Emily Donaldson, a verdict of suicide while in a state of temporary insanity was re turned. More Fire. The shed in connection with the Albury pound was burned down on Sun day night. It was filled with grain and hay, the property of the poundkeeper. The origin of the fire was a mystery ; the door of the shed was locked. It is a singular fact that the old pound house was burnt down on the same spot some time last year. Destructive Fire at Wlnton. Invercargill, To-dry.

A stable owned by Mr R. Spruce, Hcddon Bush, was burned down. It was insured for L2OO in the Standard. By fire at Winton, on Sunday, the Oddfellows’ Hall, White’s (pastry cook) house and store, the Municipal Hall, and Bailey’s chemist’s shop were destroyed. The Corporation books and some other property were saved. Insurances — White’s stock and effects, LIOO in the Norwich Union, and.house L2OO in same office ; Oddfellows’ Hall, LSOO same office ; Bailey’s, drugs, L2OO in New Zealend.

Elgin School Committee.

An ordinary meeting of the above com mittee was held on Monday evening last. Present—Messrs J. S. Bruce (Chairman), Peter Innis, John Cochrane, Jas Skillen, and Andrew Leatham. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr J. Cochrane proposed, and Mr Andrew Leatham seconded —‘ ‘ That offers be invited for keeping the schoolroom clean, in accordance with schedule of duties agreed upon.”—Carried. Mr a 7 Leatham proposed, Mr P. Junes seconded —“ That the Master be informed that he is not to give any holiday or half holiday without previously obtaining the sanction of the Committee.” —Agreed to. MrJ . Cochrane proposed, and Mr P. Innes seconded—“ That the Committee cannot grant the Master’s request to en large the garden to a greater extent than already allowed, as they consider it will spoil the play ground.”—Carried. Accounts were passed for payment amounting to L2O 18s, and the Committee adjourned.

ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILD ING SOCIETY.

The annual meeting occurred yesterday afternoon in the library. It was shown by the chairman’s statement that the position of the Society was a very satisfactory one and that more business had been transacted during the past year than during the whole of the five proceeding years that tho Society had been established, and he mentioned that the increase in monthly receipts had been from L 25 to L3OO. The report and balance sheet wore read and adopted. An election of Directors for the ensuing year resulted as follows : —Messrs Trevor, Bullock, and Ward ; Mr Jameson being elected to act as a director in the place of Mr Weymouth Roberts. 7. vote of thanks to the retiring directors concluded the business of the meeting.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting meeting was held last evening. MEMBERS I’UESBNT. His Worship the Mayor, and Crs. Roberts, St. Hill, Robinson, Harrison, R. Friedlander, Ivess, Parker, and Bullock. mayor’s statement. His Worship stated there was a con siderable debit balance at the bank. At his request, the balance accruing to the Borough from the water supply had been handed over by the County Council. A meeting had been arranged between a Committee of the County Council and himself re land fund.

BANK ACCOUNT. The following letters on this subject were read:— Union Bank of Australia, Limited, Ashburton, 14th April, 1881. The Mayor and Councillors, Ashburton. — G-udemen, —I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 14th hist., asking me to lander for the Councl’s account, and to state the rate of interest on the daily minimum debtor balance. In the ab.-cnce of any definite information of the requirements of the Council, or the security to be offered tor advances, I am unable to do so ; but should you wish to transfer die account to this hank, it would be placed on the same footing as similar accounts, and receive most favorable consideration. The rate charged on the balance at debit of the account at the end of each day would be 7 percent. —Yours, &c., A. H. Shury, Manager.

Bank of New Zealand, Ashburton, 16th April, ISBI

Mis Worship the Mayor and the Borough Councillors, Ashburton. —Sir,—l have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14111 inst., asking the terms upon which this bank would be prepared to conduct the Council’s business for twelve months, and, in reply, have to inform you that in the absence of information as to the amount of advances which will be required during the time, I am unable to name.an interest rate at present, but beg to assure you that you may rely on the account being placed by the bank, in as favorable a position as others of a similar nature. —I am, &c., Samuel Kevans, Manager.

A lengthy discussion ensued, in which Or. Ivesa moved—" That the offer of the Council’s banking account should be (riven to the Union Bank for the next year;” and his Worship moved—" That in the absence of any definite proposal from any of the banks as regards the amounts, they will allow the Council to overdraw, the matter be referred to a Committee with power to act, such Com mittee to consist of Ors. Ivess, Harrison, Bullock, and the mover’’—the original resolution being carried. correspondence. Correspondence read included the fol lowing : From the Wakanui Road Board, en quiring the amount proposed to bo contri buted to the salary of the Inspector of Nuisances. —Clerk instructed to supply same.

From Mr Bradley, as follows : Gentlemen, —Observing from icport of your last Council meeting re my application of put ting clo.vn asphalt channel and kerbing “that you were not in a position to try experiments,” I beg to lay before yon the following prouosi tion, vi/.., that I will be willing to put down, at my own expense, one chain of the same ; or I will put down the two and a-half chains as mentioned in your Engineer’s report of last meeting, and allow the same to remain for any length of time it may be thought necesasry, to give it a fair test. If the same be approved of, the Council to pay me for it at the same price as concrete kerbing and channel. If, on the other hand, the Council do not think it suitable, I will be willing to remove it, and leave the ground as I found it, free of any charge. I make the above proposals to you from a desire to give the article a fair test, and if there is such a thing as it being a failure, I do not wish to put the public to any expanse. I feel so

convinced that it is superior to concrete for the purpose I have named, that were I in a - posi tion to do so, I would lay you a mile of it and not expect any pay for it until it had stood the test fora number of years. 1 may mention, in America where they have been trying experi ments with the same material for street paving, not the same as was tried in England a few years ago of laying down the continuance paving, but to make it into what is called sets, and paved in the streets, it has' been found to answci so wed that they are about to introduce it into Great Britain. Another advantage I claim for it is that there is no waste with it ; if at any time any part of it should get damaged it can be taken up and re-made and laid for a trifle above labor. I may also mention that I have not to go out of Canterbury for any of the -materials to make it with, which means a great saving to the province, as about seventy five per cent, of the money paid for channelling in concrete is spent in cement. It can also be laid at any .cason of the year, widiout fear of damage of any soil, whereas cement concrete is always liable to damage when laying, by being walked upon; and frost, before the work is set, and is not easy of being prepared when once damaged. I would have requested your permission to lay a few chains of it before my own property, only not being in a public street where there is any great amount of traffic, would not be considered a fair trial. What want is to put it to as severe a test as an would be likely to get. Trusting you wil give this your favorable consideration. On the motion < f Or. Bullock, the ap plication was granted. From the Gas Co. re lamps.—Referred to the Engineer, with power to act.

engineer’s report. The Engineer reported as follows : Cox s reel Contract : The formation and the -hingling of the footpaths is completed. A good bed of fine shingle, suitable for foot paths, has been struck at the junction of Cass and Cox streets. We would ask authority to use some of it for shingling the footpaths in Cass s.reet formed by the labor gang, as the soil is veiy sandy, and it is very desirable they should be done.—Footpaths S. E. Town Belt : This contract is now finished.—Outfall Drain ; The contractor is making progress with this work. Several chains of the concrete floor have been laid satisfactorily.—The Works Committee make the following recommenda tions :—Burnett street west ; That the re formation be done by day labor.—William street and Tancrecl street cast ; Wiiliam street requires re-forming, and considerable filling up before shingling, and as the roadway at the at the lower end ol Tancred street is much too high, it is recommended that the latter street should be lowered to the proper level in order to supply materi.il for forming William street. - Mona square : It is recommended that this square be fenced with a cheap fence, cleared and ploughed, and partially levelled for planting, at an estimated cost, exclusive of planting, of about L4o. Channelling Moore street: As there is nearly enough cement for the purpose in store, it ’ considered by the Commit; ;e advisable to ■ nnel and kerb in concre.e the north-east 01 ; of Moo>e street.— Dam in Domain : We are requested by the chairman of the Domain Board to ask the Council to consider the question of constructing a dam in the gully at Peter street, west, near reserve 1710. A vote was passed by the Council for a dam nearer the hospital, for sup plying water to the north wc't side of the town, but as it has been decided to bring the water down the Alford Forest road, it will not be absolutely necessary. The dam now pro posed is in view of the erection of baths, and also, the introduction of the water into Ihe Domain has involved the alteration and modi fication in the plan of the plantations and paths, it is necessary, now the pLnting season is near, to determine the position of dams con sidere 1 accessary in connection with the paths and plantations.—The labor gang have been engaged in spreading shingle, south east town belt, and Cox street, cleaning up streets, and attending to water supply. See., &c.

In regard to same, the following action was taken . —Mona Square—recommen dation opproved of ; channelling in Cass street- llesolved, that Mr Bradley be allowed to put down ten chains of his channelling from Cass street to Moore street in terms of his offer. Dam in Domain—Resolved, that the clerk write to the Domain Board, informing them that the Council has no funds at present at their disposal for .the work. INSI’KCTOII OF NOXSANCISS. The rc t ; .t of this officer, which was as follows, was read and adopted, viz. : i. Re Closels ; I have to inform the Coun cil that some six more pit closets have been emptied and cleansed. I may also mention that I hove had great complaints re the pans the Council promised to supply at cost price, not being ready, and I think it is great neglect on the part of the contractor, as many residents have to procme them else where.—2. Re pits, used for slops and other refuse matter, are filled up, and they arc now being thrown and buried on the sections.

BOROI .: H LEVELS. The Engineer having explained at length on this matter, it was decided that an estimate of cost of preparation of the plan, showing levels of the Borough, be obtained. WORKING PLANT. His Worship reported that no offer in the matter of the working plant of the Borough had been received. ENGINE SHED. Or Harrison asked if no further action could be taken in this matter. His Worship replied that no answer to the petition had been received, and that the work would be proceeded with in a a few days at the least. Or Harrisonson remarked that a meet ing of the burgesses should be called to remonstrate. His opinion was shared by several other Councillors. Later on in the meeting, it was resolved on the motion of Cr Harrison, seconded by Cr Ives's—“ That a public meeting should be called to petition against the proposed additions to the engine shed being made on the present site. INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. The sum of LSO was voted to the Com mittee of the Industrial Exhibition, for the defrayal of expenses of same. LEASE DRAWING EXPENSES. Cr St. Hill brought forward bis notice of noti n in the matter of legal charges, and in so doing jiointeu out that similar documents were prepared in Akaroa at L2 10s each, whereas the local charge reached the enormous sum of L 9. It was a monstrous injustice to the public. Cr Ivess briefly endorsed Cr St. Hill’s remarks, and seconded his proposal. On being put the resolution was de clared carried.

SATE. The notice of motion standing in Cr Ivess’a name—“ That a rate of Is in the £ be struck on May 14th next,” was carried. PLANTING. A vote of LG for the purchase and plant ing of shrubs in Baring Square was carried. WATER RIGHTS. The question of the right of the Council to take water from the river for the race was, after discussion, left in his Worship’s hands. work’s COMMITTEE ESTIMATES. These estimates were considered. ACCOUNTS. Following the passing for payment of accounts, the Council adjourned.

THE HAND ON THE PANEL.

(Continued.) A fire was lighted in that bedroom early in the day. I took care to show myself at the window once or twice. Mr Barrington came, went over the house, even to the cellars, reserving the room for the last. I pointed out the door upon which the reflection appeared. Mr Barring ton remarked it ‘ carried a good coat of paint; ’ then stood looking atten tively at a large stain on the boards. ‘ They don’t seem to have scoured'

these planks, very well,’ I said, ‘though the rest seem very clean.’ ‘ Some stains never can be scoured out,’ he said ; ‘ this may be one.’ X knew what he meant, and began to wish I had never told that story. If he was going to ferret out some horrible circumstances in connection with the house, what was to become of my twenty years’ lease ? for little as I cared for evil reports, I knew irfy wife 100 well not to see what consequence would inevitably follow'. There was nothing for it now’, however, but to let things take their course. -

It was a cloudy, foggy day; so by five was tolerably dark. We—my wife, Barrington, and myself—sat by the fire in the drawing-room, dialling of the north, until I almost forgot the cause of our new friend’s presence.

A low ring at the bell brought my thoughts back to the cause sharply enough. Mr Barrington drew his chair into the window, and took a hand screen, saying—

‘ Do not appeal to me, lei me speak when the time comes, only keep him talking.’

Ellen, as I advised her, got up and left the room, thinking Mr Barringtcn was the strangest and most inquisitive person she had ever met.

As I knew and expected, our police man was announced as wishing to speak to me. Mary brought him in, shut the door, and left him standing helmet in hand, the fire light shining full on his pale face and gleaming eyes.

He glanced suspiciously towards Bar rington, but the shade of the chimney and the screen must have quite hidden him from sight. ‘ I made bold to call again, sir, to, ask if you and your good lady were all right,’ he said, in the same hoarse, sup pressed sort of voice. ‘ Thank you ; yes, all right, though as you know we got a fright the other night.’ ‘ Indeed,’ he began, as if he was going to affect ignorance, then hesita tated, coughed, drew his hand across his face, and went on, speaking hur riedly.

‘ 1 am aware you were disturbed, very much so, sir; but you see, when your good lady screamed ’ —again he caught himself up, hesitated, made the same movement with his hand, and went on —“ it was a policeman’s duty to give an alarm.” ‘For an officer of the force, my friend, but scarcely for a private in dividual,’ said Mr Barrington quietly. The man did not stir an inch nearer, but he leant forward, stretching his neck, raising his chin by that action, and bringing down his eyebrows, as he peered into the shade. I never moved, or glanced aside ; something impelled me to act simply as if he had not spoken, as if he was not present; this involuntary proceeding on my part had a strange effect. The man drew himself up, uttered a short laugh, and said—<

‘ I am rather shortsighted, sir; I thought I saw a gentleman; I perceive it is only the shadow.’ ‘ Shadows, as well as appearances, are often deceitful,’ I said, acting up to the cue so strangely given me. ‘ You were talking of the alarm—were you on duty at the lime ?’ _ ‘ Not here, sir; oh ! no, not here. 1

was many miles distant. May I ask why your good lady did scream, sir ?’ ‘ Tell him,’ I seemed to hear breathed by Barrington.’ ‘ Well, my wife saw, or thought she saw, a strange appearance in the room —what I may call an illuminated or luminous mark upon the wall, resemble a man’s hand, spread out —so !’ suiting the action to the word.

‘As if he had thrown his hand up to prevent himself from falling,’ said Barrington, in the same measured tones as before. This time the effect of his words was startling. The madman, for the real stale of the man’s mind had been gradually dawning upon me, threw out his right arm, and cried— H * Get thee behind me, Satan. Behold ! If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it from thee. Thou hast no power over me now.’ I shuddered as a new light flashed upon me. It was a handles||fth 1 Barrington rose api stood in the full light.

It was an extraordinary scene. The man never moved; I could hear his breath drawn thickly, and saw the muscles of his face working, as he glarecf at Barrington. Then he put up his hand, passed it over his face, gave that low, short laugh again, and said in his usual voice—

‘ You will excuse me, sir; I am somewhat incoherent to-night—the fact is I’ve been drinking. I really thought’ —here he laughed again, agtd wiped his white face —‘ that someone was stand ing there, just behind you, sir. You’ll excuse me, sir, mentioning it, but it’s the drink, sir—the drink.’ . ‘ 1 thought you had taken the pledge,’ I said. A cunning look came over his face.

* That is too true, but I broke it. There are times when a man must drink ; there are thoughts only drink can stop ; you may pray and pray, you may read Scripture, you. may go by Scripture, and still feel the worm gnawing at ycur heart It’s only drink that can quench the fire, or send the worm to sleep. Drink is oblivion.’ Then in an instant his lone changed to the old one, with the set form o words—

‘ You’ll excuse me, sir, since you and your good lady are all right; I will wish you a very good night. Good night, sir.’

He left the room, closed the door, and listening, I heard him cross the hall and leave the house. To make sure I followed, opened the front door softly, and saw him stalking quickly along the pavement. Then I came back, ‘ What in heaven’s name does it all mean ?’ I asked Barrington. ‘ Give me a glass of brandy and I’ll tell you.’

I brought the brandy. ‘ Now,’ he said, ‘ I’ll tell you. Ten years ago an old gentleman, who lived in this house, was robbed and mur dered. The murder was done in that room in which your .wife, had her strange dream. The body was found lying across the door of a cupboard in which valuables had been kept, and against which there was the mark of an outstretched blood-smeared hand.’ . . 1 Good heavens !’ (To he continued.)

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1881.



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, ~ &.OCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 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. AND STATIONERY. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a*



Hayes’ "I B E R YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a yery large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings pee Coed, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, 1 ' East street, Ashburton.



FOUND —A PIG? Owner can have the same by giving description, and pay ing expenses. Bridaekeepee, South End. ; K OTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS to comipunicate.with the .Proprietor when any of omissions in the. Delivery of this Paper occur. •- ;.,WJ H. ZOUCH, .rlji Proprietor. ;



"Wanted- WJ ANTED, a General SERVANT. »» Applj 7 Mrs Ireland, North East Belt. 570 a WANTED TO KNOW whether the Tidal Wave can play Cricket on Thursday next. . 572 a ANTED—An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. ANTED—TENDERS for 4C ) Acres, more or less, of Turnips, at Methven, to be fed off by the 25th J nly. Tenders to be sent into Pocock Brotheks, Methven, not later than the 25th of this month, April. . 5C6a ANTED—A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ANTED—MRS PAULING bogs 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 Horae and in New Zealand. 628 a



WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a rANTED KNOWN That 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 ‘iauo fortes : 1 full siacd Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broad wood, £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 £SO. 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 Ser’-ants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, arc requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. MMIAE 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. 852 Special Advertisements. HE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



THE Buy and sell ior NEW ZEALAND Cash only CLOTHING FACTORY NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. w. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager.



W. M. SPACEMAN'S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a t ENCOURAGE LOCAL ENTER 'j PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers t - Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and up ards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s Gd ; 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 Barinv Square. 3G5a THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. PRICE— ONE PENNY. \ DYERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisements are very eaabnable. W. H. ROUGH, Proprietor.



Special Advertisements. W ASTE PAPER for Sale, 2< at the Guakdian Ollice I. per lb. nnHE GUARDIAN is published every _l evening, giving every day’s news, up to the hour of going to press. This is hotter than buying a sixpenny weekly.



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