SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. Ringarooma, s.a, from Melbourne, via the South. Wanaka, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Jannett, ketch, for Amuri Bluff. Cynosure, barque, for the United King dom. Clio, schooner for Waitapu. Omaha, ; brigantine, for Chatham Islands. Star of the South, for Westport. Hawea, s.a, for Wellington. ““ To-day. Wanaka, s.s., for Akaroa and Port Chalmers. _____ SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Rotomabana and Wakatipu, from the North. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed —Te Anau, for the Bluff. Albany, Yesterday. Arrived—P. and O. Co.’s steamship Rosettaj with-the inward Suez mail, dated Londoit-March 11th. ____

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows: For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 6 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, al 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 *.m., and 420 prim,.daily. For Greenstreet, Ash bin ton 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, Row 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., 435 p.m., and 7-50 p&4 From Chertsey, &c. atdfy||pAm. daily. From Dunedin and intorfcMiate places at 5.85 p.m- daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.36 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, Row land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. The next mail for the United Kin;- pom (via San Francisco) will leave on April 23rd. ; -

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, Apbil 16. Mr. T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horse, Cart, Harness, Cork-press, Corks, &c.; 1-30 p.m. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale ; 12 o’clock. Saturday, April 23. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-night, Thursday, April 14. Meeting of persons interested in forming a Sparrow Club, Quill’s Hotel, 8 p.m. Monday, April 18. Ashburton Building Society General Meeting, Library Hall, 5 p.m. Thursday, April 21. Wakanui Road Board—Special Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street. Wednbsday, April 27. Agricultural and Pastoral Association—. Annual Meeting, upper room of Town Hall. Wkdnbsday, 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 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a. in., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timarn. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 435 p.m., and 7.60 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.

DEATH.

M'Callum. —At Moore street, Ashburton, on Sunday, - April 10th, Nathaniel James, youngest son of Robert and Isabella M'Callum. Aged 16 months.

The Ashburton Guardian. agna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1881. Small Bird Pest.

TOWN EDITION. [issued at 435 p.m.]

The small bird pest is increasing alarmingly throughout the colony, and Ashburton is equally as un fortunate as its neighboring dis tricts in this respect. The only remedy in cases such as these is the declaration of a war of extermination on the part of the farmers, and we notice that steps in this direction have already been taken, in the form of the convention of a meeting to consider the formation of a Sparrow Club, which will take place this evening. From a Southern exchange we extract the following recipe, recommended by an agricultural gentleman, who vouches for its efficacy, and we commend it to the notice of the gentlemen in question: —Dissolve a lady’s thimbleful of strychnine in a small portion of spirits of salts, mix with rolbs of wheat and oats and sprinkle over the fields.

The Rangitata Bridge Difficulty. The wriggles in which the Geraldine County Council have been indulging, in the form of deputations, conferences, resolutions, communications from their chairman, &c., in their endeavor to escape their liability in the Rangitata Bridge extension, are certainly laugh able in the extreme. Their unflagging zeal in the matter of pointing out to the Ashburton Council the error of their ways is equally amusing, but at the same time greatly deteriorates from the future market value of these gen tlemen’s word, either individually or collectively. By the answer, which was yesterday prepared in committee, and afterwards approved of in Council, they will not only have convincing proof of their liability in this direction but will also have pointed out to them the fact that the Ashburton County Council is composed of men of shrewd business capacities, and they cannot therefore feel greatly surprised, how ever deeply mortified they may be, at the entire failure in the attempt they made to catch their neighbors asleep. Tempting as was the offer of the depu tation to hand out L 6,000, provided the Council indemnified their Geraldine neighbors for all further sums which might be incurrable in the execution of this work, we are glad to see that our Council had sufficient foresight to decline the favor extended. What, however, is the most ridiculous portion of the whole affair is the emphatic refusal to spend a sixpence of the rate payers’ money made by the chairman of the Geraldine County Council. We fear all the efforts on the part of the Ashburton County Council to prove to their southern neighbors that they are legally responsible in the half share of the expense, without an appeal to a court of equity, will prove futile. We hope not, yet, nevertheless, think so. We should regret that the amicable relations between the two bodies should suffer; yet we cannot see that the Ashburton County Council are doing other than creating an unnecessary delay by thus giving ear to the excuses of the Geraldine Council. Our repre sentatives appear fully satisfied of the stability of the project, and of the jus tice of their claim, notwithstanding the breakage of 50 per cent, of the piles yet driven, attributable to faulty work manship, not material. Therefore, why this dilly-dallying ? It is for the Ash burton County Council to call on the Geraldine gentlemen to give a decided answer as to whether they will or will not comply with the agreement made by them some months back. If they accede to the demands of the Council and hand over the half of the expense, well and good; if not, the Ashburton County Council can seek their remedy before a civil tribunal. We have no desire to advocate hasty action in the matter, but are certainly of opinion too great a delay has already occurred in a case where all that is necessary is a direct yea or nay.

Telegraphic. —The Western Austra lian line is restored. No Business. —There was nothing done at the Police Court to-day. Sporting.— The following are the ac ceptances for the Free Handicap :■ —The Poet, Billingsgate, Frailty, Nautilus, and Romeo. Christchurch Races. - Sir Modred still remains first favorite for the Great Autumn Handicap, at 2 to 1 against. Natator at a point longer odds, is his im mediate attendant, with The Governor and Lady Emma next in order. Ashburton Rifles, —The contingent of this Corps which will participate in the Raster review proceedings at Oamaru will leave here by the express train to-morrow for that place. Cricket. —The final match of the season will be played to-morrow in the Domain, between the County and Borough clubs, sides to be chosen from members present upon the ground. Play to com mence at 10 sharp. The Natator Scratching Case. The following resolution was passed at the enquiry held by the Dunedin Jockey Club (n this matter Having received a letter from the Hon W. Robinson, to gether with the explanation of Mr H. P. Lance, with regard to the scratching of Natator for the Forbury Handicap, on Feb 26, the Committee consider the same highly unsatisfactory, and express strong disapproval of the course pursued in allowing the horse to remain in the betting for nearly four hours after he had left Dunedin, and for a long time after Mr Lance had decided to send the horse away." A resolution proposing the dis qualification of the horse and Mr Lance, was negatived

Post and Telegraph Holidays. —All branches of the Post Office will be closed to-morrow (Good Friday), and Sunday hours will be observed at telegraph stations. Sunday hours will also be ob served at all telegraph stations on Easter Monday. Midnight and other stations required for press purposes will, however, re-open from 7 to 8 o’clock in the evening, and again at midnight for the tranmission of cable news. Rakaia Masonic Lodge. —The instal lation of officers of this Lodge took place last evening, at the Town Hall, Rakaia, in the presence of a large assemblage of brethren. The ceremony was conducted by the D.D.G.M., Bro. H. Thomson, in his usual impressive manner, assisted by Bro. Dr. Deamer, P.G.S. W., who delivered the addresses. On the dais were visiting Bros. James Bradley, W.M. (Somerset, 1811, E.C.) ; W. H. Gundry, W.M. (St. John’s, 1858, E!C.) ; W. Sparrow, W.M. (Thistle, S.O); Rutledge, W.M. (Corinthian, 1.0.) ; H. Stephenson, P.M., and R. W. Shearman, P.M. The fol lowing officers were installed for the ensuing year : —Bro. C. A. C. Hardy, P.M. as W.M. ; Bro. G. A. Winter, I.P.M. ; Bro. A. Makeig, S.W. ; Bro. Clark, I.W. ; Bro. Gordon Holmes, Treasurer; Bro. W. U. Lyttelton, Secretary ; Bro. Manghan, S.D. ; Bro. G. Robertson, I.D. ; Bro. W. Hussey, LG. After the ceremony', Bro. G. A. Winter, 1.P.M., on behalf of the Lodge, presented Bro. C. A. C. Hardy, P.M. and newly re-installed Master, with a handsome P.M. jewel. In doing so, he alluded to the great services rendered to the Lodge by Bro. Hardy during the year he bad hold the chair, and during his year as I. P.M., and con gratulated the Lodge on Bro. Hardy again taking the chair. The jewel was manu factured by Messrs Coates and. Co., and bore a suitable inscription. The musical portion of the ceremony was conducted by Bro. H. J. Weeks, assisted by a choir. After closing the Lodge, the visitors were entertained at a banquet given by members of the Lodge at which fifty sat down, the chair being occupied by the W.M. (Bro. Hardy) supported by theD.D.G, VI., 1.P.M., aud Bro. Deamer. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given, interspersed with some excellent music and singing by Bros. Lanibie, Sharp, Mann, Allan, Stephenson, Jackson, Clel land, Willowby, and Weeks, the latter brother playing the accompaniments.

The trustee In the estate of C. R. Harold summons a meeting of creditors for eleven o’clock on Wednesday next, at Mr Crisp s office. A. O. Aitken, baker, East street, advises the public to look out for his carts to-morrow morning, with hot cross buns.

Mr Alpheus Hayes advertises a reduction in the price of firewood. __

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per rbuter’s agency.] Confidence in the Ministry. Paris, April 11. The Chamber of Deputies to-day passed a vote of confidence in the Ministry. Commercial. London, April 12. Consuls remain at New Zea land securities are unchanged at last quotations—viz., five per cent 10-40 Loan, ioz}4 ; five per cent 1889 Loan, 106 ; four and a-half per cent 1879- 1904 Loan, 98. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 51s; New Zealand, ex ship, 475; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 34s ; Australian tallow—Unchanged at 34s for best beef, and 36s 6d for best mut ton. Best Scotch iron, No. 1, f.o.b. in Clyde, has declined to 40s. Lord Beaconsfield. A bulletin issued this morning re ports that Earl Beaconsfield has again experienced renewed difficulty ol breathing, and is still in a critical state. The Irish Land Bill. A conference of Land Leaguers held at Dublin has passed resolutions de claring the Land Bill jiow before Par liament to be inadequate to meet the demands of the tenants. Putting Their Oar In. Constantinople, April 12. The Ottoman Government has sent a circular note to the Powers, deprecat ing any violation of territory in Tunis.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Meteorological. Melbourne, April 13. A Meteorological Conference will hold its first sitting here on the 21st inst. Dr. Hector will represent New Zealand. The Reform Bill. It is understood that the debate on the second reading of the Reform Bill will take place in the Legislative Council when the House meets after the Easter recess.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Broke Her Back. Auckland, To-day. The coasting steamer Annie Milbank, struck a rock in Purau Bay, and is making water fast. It is said the steamer’s back is broken. She is insured in the South British for L 1,500, LI,OOO of which is re insured as follows :—National, L 250 ; Victoria, L 250 ; New Zealand, LSOO. The Rees Libel Case. In the Police Court, to-day, the prose cution by Mr. W. L. Rees, against Mr Wickham, of the Free Lance , for libel, was proceeded with. Mr G. M. Reed, is the principal witness for the prose cution. He deponed that he was the agent of the Belfast immigrants referred to in the article, and Mr Rees had never been guilty of the conduct imputed to him in the article. With respect to those im migrants, he denied that Mr Rees had attempted to swindle the immigrants, or had failed in his promises to them, or that the Judges had reflected on Mr Rees. They had complimented him, and the natives had given him (Mr Reed) assurances that Mr Rees was carrying out their wishes, Wickham has been committed for trial.

An Unexpected Verdict. At the inquest re the fire which de stroyed Ireland Bros. Tannery, a verdict was returned that the place was wilfully set fire to by some person or persons un known. The verdict created some sur prise. Mr G. Ireland, the resident pro prietor, and Roger Kay, the manager of the works, both swore that in their opinion the fire was accidental. Going to Withdraw. Mr Mills, on behalf of the Union Com pany, has sold the steamer Wellington to Captain M'Gregor, owner of various Auckland steamers, and agreed to with draw from opposing him in the Russell, Tauranga, Wangarei, and Bay of Islands trade, except with such steamers as go to coal. Arrested. Bowman, the engineer, who attempted suicide, by taking laudanum, has been arrested on a charge of attempting suicide. Looking Up. Gkahamstown, To-dayl Mining prospects here have materially improved during the past few days. The Alburnia cut, a new golden reef, which likewise: runs through the Whan. The former company are likewise on a small leader, which it is believed will load to a rich patch. The Golden Calf is seeing gold daily. Homeward Bound. Dunedin, To-day Sailed—Oamaru, for London, with 11 p.asiengers and a full cargo.

LOCAL INDUSTRIES ASSOCIA TION.

A meeting of the members of the above was held in the Upper Room, at the Town Hall, last evening. Mr F. Pavitt was voted to the chair, in the absence of the vice-president. The following gentlemen were duly pro posed as new members :■ —Messrs J. Car ter, A. Thiele, and W. Roberts. The secretary said that the principal business of the meeting was the considera tion of opening up some fresh industry in Ashburton.

Mr Hodder said that he was not pre pared to go into any figures on the matter which he intended to bring forward this evening, but he thought that some steps ought to be taken towards establishing a creamery, in order to export cheese and butter from this district. Mr Carter said that care should be taken before starting any cheese factory, and the result of the shipment made to England should be fully considered. It would be found that the cheese made at Homo was of a very superior kind to that made here. Consequently the quality would have to be very good to compete with that supplied to the Home markets. Mr Harrison suggested that other markets besides the English could bo tested.

Mr John Orr said that he had dealt in all kinds of colonial and other cheeses, and he knew some splendid quality cheese was made in Canterbury, and he was sure that if the farmers only studied the art of making the proper quality, a good market could easily be found. Mr Hodder agreed with Mr Orr, and suggested that the system of barter which the farmers here had always carried on, should be discontinued. The system he alluded to was detrimental to the proper carrying out of the systematic making of good quality butter and cheese. Mr Jacobs >n thought that some of the best cheeses were made on the Peninsula, and were quite equal to the best produced in the Old Country. He had been told by captains of ships that the cheese made at the head of the Bay was equal to any they could get to keep in England. Mr Poyntz said that another matter was the preservation of fruit, which would be found to be very beneficial to the dis trict.

Mr Hodder said there was no shelter here, and consequently a very limited supply of fruit would be forthcoming for some time.

Mr Jacobson disagreed with Mr Hod der, and said that he could point out one of the best gardens in the country a short distance from Ashburton.

Mr Poyntz said that something ought to be done in starting a local industry without delay, as already Mr Ward, lately of Ashburton, had started a potato farina manufactory in Christchurch, in stead of Ashburton. A conversation then ensued on several questions re formation of a company, for the purpose of helping anyone to start a manufactory for developing local indus tries.

Mr Harrison said that, in order to test the matter, he would move —“That a committee be formed to consider the ad visiability of forming a joint stock com pany, having for its purpose the object of raising capital to assist individuals now es tablishing local industries, and that mem bers be requested to furnish the com mittee with information as early as pos sible, so that the committee may bo able to report progress at the next meeting of the Association.”

Mr C. Braddell, in seconding the reso lution, said that he thought the forma tion of a company would be a step in the right direction, as it would help matters considerably. Mr Young said this matter was exactly what he wanted last year, and if they were prepared to assist any individual, he was prepared to start a new industry to-mor row, but the money must be at once forth coming. Mr Ofr that if any feasible scheme was started by anyone, the company when formed would assist, but it could not be expected that any shareholder could agree to the company assisting without some thing satisfactory being guaranteed before doing so. He anticipated no difficulty in starting the company. Mr Hodder spoke in a similar strain. The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting, which was carried unani mously. Mr Harrison proposed, and Mr Mayo seconded—“ That the following gentle men act as a committee to carry out the foregoing resolution, viz.: —Messrs H. Friodlander, J. Orr, T. R. Hodder, SI. S. Revans, F. Pavitt, and the hon. sec.” — Carried.

After passing a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned.

ACCIDENTS.

A Boy Drowned at Kaiapoi.—Yester day afternoon, about two o’clock, a son of Mr George Templeton, Raven street, Kaiapoi, was drowned in the river Waima kariri. ■ It appears that the little fellow was playing on the groin a little above the footbridge, when, by some mischance, he fell into the water, which at this spot is very deep, and before assistance could be obtained he was drowned. —Lyttelton Times.

A Boat Capsized. —The Napier arrived off the Wairau bar early on Tuesday and anchored, awaiting signals from the Pilot station as to the safety of the bar. Captain Fisk offered to put on shore in a small boat any persons who desired. Mr Fell, the owner of the boat, five passengers, two seamen, and the mate put off; those on board anxiously watching her progress as slio approached the heavy surf on the Boulder Bank about a mile distant. The anxiety was increased when it became evi dent that an accident had happened. At first it was supposed that the boat had capsized, but it subsequently turned out that, after having a narrow escape from one roller, a second one completely swamped her ; washing one of the seamen overboard, who narrowly escaped, the boat rolling on him. The third roller fortunately drove the boat sufficiently ashore to enable all hands to struggle out on to the beach. The Napier steamed into Port Underwood, and intended to attempt the bar again, after putting into White’s Bay to telegraph despatches.

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACES. The following is the handicap for the Tinwald Trotting Match, 2 miles : Mr Wallis’ Titikowaru, scratch Mr M'Rae’s Narrow Guage, 1&0 yards Mr O. Digby'a Ginger, 155 yards Mr James Hay’s Conrad, 170 yards Mr T. Cotton’s Mungo Park, 180 yards Mr F. Lewis’ Naughty Cousin, 185 yards Mr W. G. Biggs’ Maronan, 190 yards Mr M'Kenzie’j Kate, 190 yards Mr E. Button’s Polly, 190 yards Mr C. Leitch’s Dunn’s Pony, 200 yards. . S. Saunders, Handicapper.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(from our own correspondent.) April 2, 1881. Parliament has been very busy this week clearing up the work of the session. The loan estimate for Railways and Public Works having been agreed to, the resolution authorising the Government to raise L 7,800,000 to cover the votes was sub mitted, and developed some discussion, in the course of which Sir Henry Parkes said that the Government was deeply sensible of the necessity for constructing a fresh line from the now Northern rail way to the North Shore. It has also transpired that the Government intend to remove the Pyrmont bridge, which now impedes the navigation of Darling Harbor. This step is to be commended, because some thousands of pounds are lying locked up in splendid iron wharves, to which ships have no access owing to the old bridge, which has served as a means of communication between the city and the western suburbs of Pyrmont and Ultimo for years. Parliament has now voted LG,OOO for the extension of the Darling Harbor pier, so that in a few' months the Government will have at least one wharf at which large ships may take in cargo direct from the railway trucks. It has been asserted that there is not sufficient labor in the colony to carry out the 1,000 miles of railway now authorised, and some hon. members have commented on the want of judgment the Ministry showed in permitting the re duction of the immigration vote when they had such large pubic works in view. There seems to be a steady influx of labor from the other colonies, and 13-day the arrival of 2n4 men from New Zea land, per Wakatipu and Rotomahana, is announced.

The revenue is still advancing with “ leaps and bounds.” The returns for the last quarter have just been issued from the Treasury. They show that the State income during that time has been L465,7G0, or L 446,000 in excess of the returns for the corresponding period of last year. Under circumstances like these, it is no wonder that the people are becoming more liberal in their ideas, and talk of most wonderful undertakings and results. Private enterprise seems to have thoroughly awakened, and all through the city the music of the trowel and the wind lass may be heard. It would be difficult to compute the number of men at work in the city on new buildings, but such con tracts as the Post Office, Infirmary, Arcade, St Mary's Cathedral, and the new theatre must be employing thousands. A want that has long been felt in Sydney by respectable young ladies fol lowing the avocation of governesses will, lam glad to say, soon bo supplied. Mrs Marie P. Mead, a highly accomplished lady, who has for a short time past super intended a governess agency, has taken actively in hand the founding of an insti tute for the reception of governesses from the country, seeking situations, etc. Her object in the formation of the above Institute is simply to save a number of those young ladies, who have no settled abode, from utter destruction, through coming in contact with people of an inferior class. Mrs Mead states that it is astonishing the number of cases of wretchedness that have come under her notice during the few months she has had an agency. This lady’s idea is to obtain a large-sized house, furnishing the same comfortably, where young ladies desiring employment can live at a much cheaper rate than in the ordinary boarding-houses. None but those of undoubted respect ability and talent will bo allowed to enter on the books, all denominations being admitted. The papers have taken the matter up with interest, and I have no doubt it will be a success, despite the cold water thrown on the undertaking by Lady Manning, and other grandees, who do not think all denominations should be admitted. Yet we live in a Christian era. The Town Hall foundations have now formed the subject of some unpleasant proceedings. Yesterday the Mayor had a consultation with the City Solicitor and Mr Darley, Q.C., and the result has been that steps have been taken to bring those responsible to book. In addition to bad work, the Corporation officers have dis covered that L 2,392 has been paid for work never done. This the late City Architect (Mcßeath) offers to reimburse the Council, but the offer has been justly refused. Proceedings will in a similar manner be instituted against the con tractors When thoroughly gone into, this will be one of the grossest swindles perpetrated for some time past in Sydney. The Chinese are noc generally liked, especifdly as colonists; so it may be pleasing to my readers to learn that at Wagga Wagga 17 Chinamen have been poisoned by a fellow-countryman, a cook near Narandera, and 8 are dead. It is said that the cook made tea in a bucket which had contained a specific for foot-rot in sheep. During the past week Mr Charles Thurlow, one of our oldest and most valued Government officials, has passed from our midst. The deceased gentleman was connected with the Lands Depart ment for a period of 20 years, during which time, by his faithfulness and general deportment as an officer, he won for him self the love and esteem of all those under him.

The Sydneyites will not forget their old acquatic champion, Ned Trickett. At a general meeting of the subscribers to the fund for the purpose of defraying Trickett’s expenses to England to compete against Hanlan, held last evening, the treasurer reported that a total amount of LI,OOO was received, and after paying all ex penses a balance would be left of L 250. This is to be handed over to the ex champion. Whenever you come to Sydney you may be expected to be asked —“ Oh, is not our harbor lovely, eh !” But nothing is ever mooted about the streets. For bad roadways Sydney ranks foremost. Oxford street, prior to the tramline being put down, was narrow enough, but now there is scarcely room for the omnibuses and other vehicles to pass, the motor whizzing past so close as to endanger hundreds of lives —provided the animals dragging the vehicles were to take fright. The Sydney Permanent Building Society have made a bold proposal to the Government, viz., that it is imperatively necessary to widen Oxford street, the Government requiring the greater part of the road for tramway purposes. It is the only outlet from the City to the eastern suburbs, and as the City and its environs increase, so the traffic through this street will become enormous, and then unqes tionably a second line of rails must soon bo constructed. The carrying business of our tramways is very large at present, but when the twenty-three motors, now afloat on their way to the colony, are set in work this business will be much increased. The tramways will soon be carried to Coogee and Bondi, and not merely hundreds, but thousands of people will travel through Oxford street at all hours of the day in quest of fresh air and health.

Farm Cove at present has a very war like appearance, there being no less than seven men-of-war lying there, five Eng lish, one French, and one Japanese. To day being a Japanese general holiday, it has been a grand gala day on board the last named vessel. She has been thrown open to the public all day, and to-night the celebration will close by a grand dis play of fireworks. The Hon. John Lackey, Secretary for Public Works, has been dangerously ill during the past few days ; it is pleasing to note that his medical advisers expect him to be soon in possession of his usual good health.

Op Tuesday morning at Darlinghurst

Gaol Henry Brown paid the last penalty of the law. The execution was witnessed by a great many, most of whom had got admittance through idle curiosity. The criminal almost fainted on the scaffold he tried to speak but could not. And ho. wonder that the power of speech was taken from the man who had, after driving his wife from his doors, carnally abused his three daughters, the youngest being of the tender age of twelve years. The Austrian Band concerts are still drawing well at the Garden Palace, assisted by Mde. Boema, Signora Agnes Palma, and distinguished pianist, M. H. Kowalski. Kowalski’s new lyric work Yercingetonsc has become a general favorite. Ten thousand were present at the concert last night. The fancy dress ball by the Austrian Band, at the Garden Palace on Tuesday next, will be one of the most brilliant events ot the kind ever given in Sydney. The tickets are going off rapidly, and most of the big houses are busy with orders for historical and other dresses. The galleries will on this occasion be open, so that people not wishing to attend at the ball, can, how ever, witness the festivities. The decision of the primary judge in equity in the suit of Smith v. Kearney, declared the infant - defendant, Miss Wilhelmina Eve Linden, to be the lawful issue of the testator, J. H. Linden, so that the young lady now comes into L 50,000 worth of property. His Honor in delivering judgment spoke of the safe guards wherewith law hedged about the fraternity of the individual so as to pre vent his or her birth being idly questioned. The case occupied a great deal of attention and the disclosures were anything but edifying. It was admitted that Mrs Linden was separated from her husband for years and had been living with a man named Baldwin, for some months before the infant defendant was born. They subsequently went together to New Zea land and resided there for some time. The learned judge laid the law down very clearly that it was incumbent upon the plaintiffs to prove that the husband had not had opportunities of meeting his wife before she went to live with Baldwin. The verdict has given great satisfaction.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

We resume our report. the Bonovma claim. It was resolved in this matter—“ That a committee consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Wright, and the mover, be appointed to interview the Mayor re surplus land fund, and also to arrange proportion of coat of maintenance of Hospital.” WATERTON POUND. A letter was read from the Waterton poundkeeper, saying he was willing to act as poundkeeper for the next two years, provided the pound were put in proper repair. It was determined that the engineer should be requested to inform Mr Holland, the poundkeeper, to attend to these re pairs. NOTICES OP MOTION. Mr. Wright gave notice of motion — “ That the Council apply to the Minister for Public Works for permission to con struct a foot bridge over the Hinds in connection with the railway bridge. Mr Grigg gave notice that he would move at the June meeting—“ That a grant of L4O be made by the Council to the Winslow Cemetery Board.” tenders. The following tenders were accepted : Water race.—Con tract No. 1: Y. Soland, at Is lOfd per chain ; No. 2 : J. Quigley, at 2s per chain ; No. 3 : L. Mangham, at Is lOd per chain ; No. 4 : L. Mangham, at Is 7d per chain. Ploughing and fencing cattle yards.—P. Rattray (for fencing), LSG 19s ; Smithel (for plough ing), 7s per acre. YEARLY BALANCE-SHEET. It was decided to consider the yearly balance sheet at a special meeting, to be held in May after the ordinary meeting. The meeting then terminated.

THE PROFESSOR’S EXPERIMENT.

(From the Neza Yotk Sun.) 111. Strout was stretched upon a reclin ing chair, his coat and waistcoat off. Professor Schwank stood over him. In his hand was a hollow cone, rolled from a newspaper. He held the cone by the apex; the broad aperture at the base was closely pressed against Strout’s face, covering all but his eyes and his forehead.

‘By long, steady, regular inspira tions,’ said the Professor, in a soothing, monotonous voice. * That is right ; that—is —right; there—there—there !’ With every inhalation Strout drew in the pleasant, tingling coolness of the ether fiimes. At first his breathing was forced ; at the end of each inspiration he experienced for an instant a sensa tion as if mighty waters were rushing through his brain. Gradually the period of the rushing sensation ex tended itself, until it began with the beginning of each breath. Then the ether seemed to seize possession of his breathing, and to control the expan sions and contractions of his chest independently of his own will. The ether breathed for him. He sur rendered himself to its influence with a feeling of delight. The rushing be came rhythmic, and the intervals shorter and shorter. His individuality seemed to be wrapt up in the rushings, and to be borne to and fro in their tremendous flux and reflux. * I shall be gone in one second more,’ he thought ; and his consciousness sank in the whirling flood.

Professor Schwank nodded to Dr Diggleraann. The Dr nodded back to the Professor.

Dr Diggleraann was a dry little old man, who weighed hardly more than xoo pounds. He wore a black wig, too large for his head. His eyes were deep set under corrugated brows, while strongly marked lines running from the corners of his nostrils to the corners of his mouth gave his face a lean, sardonic expression, in striking contrast with the jolly rotundity of Professor Schwank’s visage. Dr Diggleraann was taciturn but observant. At the Professor’s nod he opened his case of surgical instru ments and selected a scalpel with a keen curved blade, and also a glittering piece of steel, which looked like an exaggerated auger bit with a* gimlet handle. Having satisfied himself that these instruments were in good condi tion, he deliberately rolled up the sleeves of his coat and approached the unconscious Strout.

4 About the medium line, just behind the junction of the coronal and saggital sutures,’ whispered Professor Schwank eagerly. 4 Yes, I know—l know,’ replied Diggleraann. He was on the point of cutting away with his scalpel some of the brown hair that encumbered operations on the top of Strout’s head, when the door was quickly opened from the out side and a young lady, attended by a maid, entered without ceremony. 4 1 am Blanche Bellglory,’ the young

iady announced to the astonished savants, as spon as she had recovered her breath. '* I have come to .’ At this moment she perceived the motionless form of Strout upon the reclining * chair; while the gleaming steel in Dr Diggletnann’s hand caught her alert eyes. She uttered a little shriek and ran towards the group. ‘ Gh, this is terrible !’ she cried. I am too late, and you have already killed him.’ ‘ Calm yourself, I beg you,’ said the polite Professor. ‘No circumstance is ■« terrible to which we are indebted for a visit from so charming a young lady.’ ‘So great an honor!’ added. Dr Digglemann, grinning diabolically and . rubbing his hands.

‘And Herr Strout,’ continued th£ Professor, ‘is unfortunately, hot yet trephined. As you entered, we wete about beginning the operation’ Miss Bellglory gave a sob of relief and sank into a chair. In a few well-chosen words the Pro fessor explained the theory of, his ex periment, dwelling especially upon the effect it was expected to have on the fortunes of the young people. When he finished the American girlV eyes were full of tears, but the firm lines of her mouth showed she had already re solved upon her own course. , \ 4 How noble in him,’ she exclaimed, ‘to submit to be trephined-for my sake! But that must not be. 1 can’t consent to have this poor, dear head mutilated. I should never forgive myself. The trouble all originates from my decision not to marry him without papa’s approval. With my present views of duty, I can not alter that de cision. But don’t you think,’ she con- - tinued dropping her voice to a whisper, ‘that if you should trephine me, I might see my duty in a different light?* *lt is extremely probable, my dear young lady,’ replied the Professor, • throwing a significant glance at Dr Diggelmann, who responded with the faintest wink imaginable. ‘ Then,’ said Miss Blanche, arising and beginning to remove her bonnet, ‘ please proceed to trephine me im mediately. I insist on it.’ : ‘What is all this?’ demanded the deep voice of the Rev. Dr Bellglory, who had entered the room unnoticed, piloted by Fritz. ,_*l came as rapidly as I could, Blanche, but not early enough, it appears, to, learn the first principles of your singular actions.’ ‘My papa, gentlemen,’ said Miss Bellglory. The two Germans bowed courteously. Dr Bellglory affably returned their salutation.

‘ These gentlemen, . papa/ Miss Blanche explained, ‘ have kindly under taken to reconcile the difference of opinion between poor George and our selves by means of a surgical opera tion. I don’t at all understand it, but George does, for you see that he has thought best to submit to the opera tion, which they were about to - begin when I arrived. Now, lean not allow him to suffer for my obstinacy ; and, therefore, dear papa, I have requested the gentlemen to trephine me instead of him.’

Prof. Schwank repeated for Dr Bell glory’s information the ‘explanation which he had already made to the young lady. On learning' of Strout’s course in the matter, Dr Bellgloty was greatly affected. * No, Blanche !’ he said; ‘our young friend must not be trephined. Although lean not conscientiously accept him as a son-in-law while our views on the verity of subjective knowledge differ so widely, I can at least emulate his . will ingness to open his intellect to convic tion. It is I who will be trephined, provided these gentlemen will cour teously substitute me for the patient now in their hands.’

‘ We shall be most, happy,’ said Prof. Schwank and Dr Digglemann, in the same breath.

‘ Thanks ! Thanks I* cried Dr- Bell* glory, with genuine emotion. ‘ But I shall not permit ybu to sacri- T ‘ fice your life-long convictions- to my happiness, papa,’ interposed Blanche. The Doctor insisted that he was only doing his duty as a parent. The ami* able dispute went on for some time, : the Germans listening with indifference. Sure of a subject for their experiment at any rate, they cared little which, one of the three Americans came under the knife. Meanwhile, Strout opened his eyes, slowly raised himself on one elbow, vacantly gazed about the room for a few seconds, and then sank back, re lapsing temporarily into unconscious ness.

Professor Schwank, who perceived that father and daughter were equally fixed in their determination, and each unlikely to yield to the other, was on the point of suggesting that the question be settled by trephining both of them, when Strout again regained his senses. He sat bolt upright, staring fixedly at the glass jar which contained the posi tivist’s brain. Then he pressed both hands to his head, muttering a few incoherent words. Gradually as he recovered from the clutch of the ether one after another of his faculties, his eyes brightened and he appealed to recognise the faces around him. After some time he opened his lips and spoke. ‘ Marvelous !’ he exclaimed.

Miss Bellglory ran to him and took his hand. The Doctor hurried forward, intending to renounce his own resolu tion to be trephined. Strout pressed Blanche’s hand to his lips for an instant, gave the Doctor’s hand a cordial grasp, and then seized the hand of Prof.

Schwank, which he wrung, with the warmth of respectful gratitude. ‘ My dear Herr Professor,’ he said 4 how can I ever repay you ? The ex periment is a perfect success.’ 4 But ’ —began the astonished Pro fessor.

4 Don’t try to depreciate your own share in my good fortune,’ interrupted Strout. 4 The theory was yours, and all the triumph of the practical success belongs to you—to you and to Dr Digglemann’s skill’ , ,• Strout, still holding Blanched hand, ' now turned to her father. 4 There is now no obstacle to our union Doctor,’ he said. ‘Thanks to Prof. Schwank’s operation. I see the blind folly of my late attitude toward the Subjective. I recant. I am no longer a positivist. My intellect has leaped the narrow limits that hedged it in. I know now that there is more in our philosophy* than can be * with metric rule or weighed in a Cou lomb balance. Ever since I passed under the influence of the ether, 1 have:

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1881.



George St. Hill, JgUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. Flans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates- Terms as may be arranged. 490 a jyj-R 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



Hot “|“ Buns. T 00K out for AITKEN’S CARTS 1 J TO-MORROW (GOOD FRIDAY) MORNING, -with HOT + BUNS. The Shop will be open from 6 to 9 o'clock in the morning. Buns in any quantity. . AITKEN, BAKER, &c. f SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS. Encourage local enter- PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards time amoved). 1,000, 7s 6d; 6,000, 6s 9dper 1,000, for Cash. . Hanoi, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred .payments, from 30s per month. K JONES, kTATIOSKB akd Book.seli.kh, East street and Barbu? Square. nnHE GUARDIAN is on every Tea :'**• Table in Ashburton.



Wanted. WANTED— A Station COOK, must be a good baker. Also, wanted, a double-furrow PLOUGHMAN. Apply immediately to Archibald M*Coll, Ran gata Station. 11th April, 1881. 531 a WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. WANTED —A BOARDER in a private family. Apply, Office of this Paper. 523 a ANTED—TENDERS for PLANT -ING about five (5) miles with gorse, parties to find plants. Plants to be six (6) inches apart. Tenders to be posted by 12 noon on SATURDAY, 16th inst. Roberts and Winter. 526 a w ANTED—A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a TXT ANTED KNOWN That W 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 £SO. Address: Cameron street west. 86a ■Tf 7" ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton VV 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. 208 a WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the iboye Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 Special Advertisements. H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



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



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a*



I M B E R YARDS. Hayes’ T FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings pee, Cord, in large or small quantities, ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 0 TIC B TO SUBSCRIBERS Subscribers to this Journal are requested to communicate with the Proprietor when any delays or omissions in the Delivery of this Paper occur. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor.



Special Advertisements. Q OOD FRIDAY. To-morrow, being Good Friday, there will be NO PUBLICATION of THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN on that day.



WANTED TENDERS for 300 Acres Turnips, at South Rakaia ; water on the ground. Tenders, addressed to “A. 8.,” Office of this Paper, will be re ceived up to noon of TUESDAY, 19th inst. 651 a



Thieves work on abstract principles. Cupid’s Vagaries. —Some wcmen en tertain strange fancies. A young lady of Kingston, New York, named Ada Deyo, possessed both of wealth and education, was so determined to marry a negro servant of her uncle’s, that when all the ministers in the vicinity had refused to marry them, she blackened her face and hands, curled her hair with a pair of frizzing tongs, and got married as a negress, washing herself white again after the conclusion of the ceremony.