SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Comet, ketch, from Wellington. Prince Alfred, barquentine, from Pelorus Sound. Borealis, brigantine, from Rarotonga. Saucy Lass, schooner, from Wellington. Emerald, ketch, from Foxton. Pelican, brigantine, from Picton. _ Penguin, s.s., from Manukau, via way ports. "Beautiful Star, s.s., from Dunedin. Sailed. Saturday. Beautiful Star, s.s., for Westport. Penguin, s.s., for Wellington. Grecian, ship, for London. Yesterday. Falcon, ketch, for Pelorus Sound. Lucy James, ketch, for Havelock. Dido, schooner, for Waitapu. .Hannah Barrett, schooner, for Welling ton. Especulador, barque, for Newcastle. Magellan Cloud, schooner, for Grey mouth. Saucy Kate, schooner, for Auckland. Cohen, schooner, for Auckland,

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. London, April 14 Arrived— Taranaki, ihip, from Port Chalmers.' ■ Adelaide, Saturday. Arrived—Liguria, s.s., from Plymouth.

MAIL NOTICES.

•Mails close; at the Chief Post Office for the, following places {subject to the neces sary alterations) 38 under: — Tuesday, April 19. For Otago and Australian Colonies (except. New South Wales and Queens land), per Albion, at 11.15 a.m. j late fee letters, at 11.30 am. ; guard’s van, 12 noon train. ■ For Northern Ports, per Wanaka, at;L4op.m.; late fee letters, 2 p.m.; guard’s yen, 2.30 p. m. train. Saturday, April 23. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisisd, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, '&c., per Hawea, as follows :—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 ; p.m. ; books and neWspapera, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered .letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a,m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timarii and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m-, and 420 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 430 p.m. daily. For .Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m.

TVTaila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.in. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a. m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Friday, April 22. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr. Beany’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, Ac. Wednesday, April 20. Amateur Dramatic Club Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 8 p.ra. 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 6 a.m-, 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.mi Trains Leatb Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains' Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

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 he inserted until countermanded, and charged accord :ngly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of tho sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

BIRTH.

Clarke. --On April 17, at Burnett street, the wife of W. Clarke, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. agna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5.10 p.m.]

i Borough Council. —A meeting of this body for the purpose of confirming resolu tion re stiiking a rate in the Borough will be held this evening. Mata Again. —The Committee of the C.J.O. on Saturday decided that the Club, in the absence of evidence, would not endorse the disqualification of Mata and Ray by the Victoria Racing Club. Quill’s Sweep. —The drawing in con nection with Quill’s consultation on the Great Autumn Handicap, took place on Saturday night. The winning numbers are published elsewhere. A company of twelve shareholders (holding a book con taining twenty-five tickets) drew four horses, including two of the principal favorites, viz., Sir Modred, Luna, Titania, and Sylvanus. A Screw Loose Somewhere.— The manner in which the financial arrange ments of the goods department at the Timaru station are conducted appear to give extraordinary facilities for embezzle ment. Only some few months ago a clerk named Blair was convicted of embezzle ment to an extensive amount, and now we learn that James Farrell has been arrested on a charge of embezzling the sum of L2 3s Bd, the property of the Government. He will be brought before the Timaru Court on Thursday next. Faster Services. —The Easter services at the St. Stephen’s Church, both morn ing and evening, were so largely attended tiiat in some instances admission to the building was unobtainable. The floral decorations displayed admirable taste on the part of the designers. In the morning the ordinary Easter services were followed by the celebration of the holy communion, and in the evening a full choral service was held. The services were conducted by the incumbent, the Rev. H. W. Hands. Frightened dy His Own Train. — “ Sharp curve ” yarns are going the rounds of the Press in Victoria in relation to the railway systems of Tasmania. One comes from New Zealand, however (says the Sydney Bulletin), that tops them all : —“ On one line, a new hand went on as driver, and in the darkness of the night he pulls up suddenly, sounding his whistle like mad about a red danger signal that he has discovered looming up right in his track. The guard, an old employee on the line, gets out to examine, and this is what the passengers hear him address to the engine-driver ‘ Well, you are an adjective fool. Why, don’t you see that’s the tail of your own train.’ ”

Boat Race. —A pair-oar race, between crews representing the Christchurch and Lyttelton Good Templars, was rowed over the mile course on the Avon on Saturday afternoon. The Lyttelton crew seemed the most skilful oarsmen, and were slightly the favorites. A good start was effected, the Christchurch being the first to catch the water, but slowly the Lyttel tonians forged ahead. When nearing tire Stanmore bridge the stroke of the Christ church boat unfortunately “ caught a crab,” causing them to loose ground. On passing the bridge Lyttelton was leading by half a dozen lengths, going well within themselves, and beckoning to their op ponents, who seemed unable to catch them, and ultimately Lyttelton won by a dozen lengths ; time—Omins. A return match will take place in about a fortnight. — Press.

Fikes. —A five-roomed house at Morn ington, owned by C. D. Bowman, and occupied by a man named Jones, was burned down on Saturday. The in surances are L2OO on furniture in the North British, and LIOO in the National. The fire, which was caused by the ex plosion of a lamp, broke out at 11 p.m. dn Friday, and was got under as people thought.—At ten minutes to 4 o’clock yesterday morning (says the Lyttelton Times) Constable Simpson, who was on duty in Colombo street, noticed the glare of a fire on the roof of a house at the back of Messrs Cook and Ross’ premises, at the corner of Armagh street west. He hastened to the place, and discovered that the corn store of Mr Treleavan was on fire. He at once gave the alarm, and the firebell at the Chester station was soon rousing the citizens. The Fire Brigade was promptly at the scene of the fire, but their efforts had been partly frustrated by their neighbors, who had succeeded in keeping the flames from spreading. The Brigade got their hand-pump at work, and placed a steamer at the river, and made short work of extinguishing the fire. Mr Treleaven estimates his loss, principally from damage by water to his stock, at LIOO. His insurances are in the Union and South British Companies, on the stock for LBOO, and on the build ing and machinery for L 1,200. A new brick building adjoining is insured in the Union for L 260. The fire is supposed to have originated in the loft, through some defect in the chimney, from the engine which had been at work chaflcutting during Saturday.

Chats worth. —The Duke of Devon shire intends closing Chatsworth’s beauti ful grounds to the public except upon payment of a small fee, which will be given to a local charity. The reason for this is said to be vexation because a hydro pathic establishment has been built near to his park gates, and he doer not care to make his beautiful gardens an adjunct to this new sanatorium.

“Brother Jonathan” Speaks —The iro of the Neiv York Herald is roused by the frequent marriages of American heiresses to ruined European noblemen, and cautions the native girls that the class of nobiliity who are likely to angle for them are apt to be men of bad habits, broken fortunes, and selfish instincts willing to accept the fair Republicans for their handsome dowries. Primitive Methodist. —Tho Rev. J. Nixon, the newly-appointed pastor to the above body in Ashburton, preached in the Wills street church yesterday morning and evening. The rev. gentleman’s re marks had special reference to his contem plated work in Ashburton, and the i essentials necessary for the spiritual welfare and success of the church. The congregations at both services were large, and the discourses, which bore evidence of much thought and study in their pre paration, were listened to with marked attention and apparent interest. A Powerful Light. —The remarkable electric light, manufactured at Cleveland by the Brush Company, to order, for use in the British navy, and successfully tested on March 8, 100,000 candle illu minating power, fifty times greater than the ordinary electric lamp for street light ing, is believed to be the largest and most powerful light ever made with human hands. It is designed to bo used in night attacks, and to scrutinise the sea for tor pedoes. A forty-horse power engine is required to produce the light. The car bons used are 2Mnch thick. The intense heat generated between the carbon poir ts is half a million degrees—one-ninetieth the estimated heat of the sun. It is calculated that with an ordinary reflector a beam of light will be cast so powerfully that a person fifteen miles away can see to read by it. The Late Captain Bettington. - We learn from the Broad Arrow that Captain Claude Bettington, C.M.G., formerly of New Zealand, died on the 29fchDecember, of malignant fever, at Elitnna, Gold Coast. Captain Bettington was the second son of Mr Albemarle Bettington, late of the In dian Civil Service. During the Now Zea land war he was a mounted trooper in the. A.C. Reserve Force, Poverty Bay. Sub sequently he was transferred to the detec tive branch of the police force in Canter bury, where he was for three years. He resigned at the end of 1877, and went to South xifrica, where he joined tho .frontier force. During the Zulu campaign ho commanded a small force of mounted ir regulars in General Newdigato’s Division. It was l«y some of the men of Captain Bet tington’s corps that the late Prince Im perial was escorted on the day when he lost his life. The deceased officer was present at the battle of Ulundi, and re ceived the distinction of C.M.G. for his services during the Zulu war.

A Collapse. • Still another instance of feminine weakness and its reward ! The latest fraudulent invention, patronised by the feminine fashionable world for the purpose of appealing to the sympathies of mankind, is a fearful and wonderful piece of machinery, known to modistes as a set of “patient india-rubber inflatable hips.” One of the New York fashionables attired as above in a set of “P.1.1.H.,” recently attended a large dinner party in the best quarter of the city. When the meal was over, and the company retired to the drawing-room, the young lady was handed to an easy chair by the host. So far all had been as it should have been, but listen to what folio wed. When the young lady sat down, a sound ensued which caused every person in the room to blush with embarrassment, while the victim her self sat paralysed with horror as the curves of her symmetrical figure vanished like the baseless fabric of a vision. Then she fainted, and was sent homo in a cab, while those left behind were lost in aston ishment at the extraordinary phenomenon presented to them. A business-like pin, fixed in the chair by the small boy of the family, had done all the mischief ; hence thesoundabovealluded to—the only notice given of the appalling catastrophe.

“Incumbrances.” —A correspondent of a Wellington paper, referring to an adver tisement which had appeared in that jour nal describing children as “ incum brances,” waxes warm on the subject, and after strongly protesting against the term, says :—“ To my mind, it seems impossible that a nation can ever be truly noble, truly prosperous, or truly great, if its rising generation is looked upon as an in cumbrance. This ieeling is one that con tains the seeds of future trouble in its gravest meaning. It buds in the larrikin, it blossoms in the criminal, but who can forsee its death 1 Unfortunately, there are cases in which the breadwinner well nigh fails to win the bit of bread, the clothes, and the little shoes ; but he is never so near failing as when he begins to look (and those observant eyes see every expression) upon his own flesh and blood as an —I scarcely like to write that word ‘ incumbrance ’ again. If any such read these lines to-night, lot him cheer up and thrust this demon from his soul. No knight of old ever fought such odds, for it is a battle that may last years, but then no mailed warrior ever won such living golden laurels as the man who succeeds in winning the affection of his children, and who, when the grey hairs come, hears his children call him blessed. ”

The Late Rev. W. M. Punsiion.— ■ Regarding this gentleman, whose death we announced by cable on Saturday, “ Men of the Time ” says “ William Morley Punshon, Wesleyan minister, was born in 1821, at Doncaster, where his father was a draper. Entered in 1833 the office of his grandfather, a timber mer chant at Hull, where he obtained a position beyond bis years, and - soon be came possessed with a strong desire to study for the ministry. He accordingly zealously strove to qualify himself to fulfil his self-imposed .task, and com menced his career at Sunderland in 1840, by undertaking the duties of a ‘ local preacher,’ a preparatory ministerial office peculiar to Wesleyan Methodists. Four years later, after passing a short term as a probationer at the Wesleyan College, Richmond, he accepted his first pastoral charge in the ministry at Marden, in Kent. The report of his success here was not long in reaching the leaders of the Wesleyan connection.- At the ‘ Conference ’ of 1845 he was appointed to the ministry of Whitehaven, in Cum berland, and, although only twenty-one years of age, his reputation was such that people flocked to hear him from all parts. He ministered in various parts of the country, besides visiting the metropolis, where his addresses, both from the pulpit and platform, attracted considerable at tention. In 1868 he left this country for Canada, and married his deceased wife’s sister, a proceeding which led to his being struck off the ‘ Legal Hundred ’ by the Wesleyan Conference. The lady with whom Mr Punshon formed this connec tion died in October, 1871. During his re sidence in the Dominion he was five times President of the Canadian Conference. He returned to England in 1873, and in July, 1874, he was elected President of the Wesleyan Conference for the ensuing year. Many of his sermons and lectures, published since his removal to London in 1858, are very popular, especially his lectures on ‘ John Bunyan ’ and the ‘ Huguenots. ’ Mr Punshon has also published a small volume of poems. ”

Amateur Dramatic Club. —A meeting of this Club is called for Wednesday next, at which business of importance will bo brought forward. A Handsome Donation. —The sum of L 1,600 has been received in Sydney from natives of the South Sea Islands as con tributions to the New South Wales Bible Society.

Election of Synodsman.—lt is noti fied in another column that Monday, the 2nd proximo, at 5 p.m., at the Waterton Post Office, ’ is the time and place ap pointed for tho purpose of receiving nominations for tho office of Synodsman for the district of Longbeach and Mount Somers.

Oddfellows.— Thirty-nine years ago— Thursday, the 7th April, 1842—the first Oddfellows’ Lodge in New Zealand was founded in Nelson, the spot where the meeting was held being the fern-covered hills just above where the new State school now stands, near the Saltwater bridge; the number of members—nine. Gold and silver were scarce in those days (says tho Nelson Evening Mail), and it was not without some difficulty and tho exercise of a little self-denial on the part of the limited number of founders that the funds were forthcoming wherewith to form the capital of the new lodge. But each gave what he could afford, and on the coins being counted it was found that they amounted in all to fifteen shillings. Gradually and steadily the number of the members of the Order has gone on in creasing, and year by year the funds have been accumulating, until now the former has reached 621 and the latter 1.9,/ 20 14s 6d, the odd shillings and pence just about representing the original capital. The receipts for the year 1880 were LI 403 and the disbursements L 962, tho latter including payments to fourteen widows and twenty-seven orphans. Of the nine men who instituted the Order in Now Zealand but one remains, Mr 0. P. Kearns, now living in the Waimea. From the result of their labors we may all learn the lesson not to despise the day of small things.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Consols. London, April 12. Consols remain at looj^. The Reserve of Wealth. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is Li 4,5 00,000. Wheat Afloat. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the United Kingdom is 2,560,000 quarters. Closed-

All the markets are closed for the Easter holidays until Tuesday next. Progressing Favorably. London, April 16. The latest bulletin issued reports that Earl Beaconsfield continues to progress favorably towards recovery. Further Delayed. The intimation of the Helenic Go vernment of its acceptance, under cer tain conditions, of the Porte’s proposal for the extension of the Greek frontier, is considered by the Powers to be ambiguous, and it is feared that a settle ment of the Turco-Greek difficulty may be still further delayed. Athens, April 16.

The members of the Opposition in the Greek Parliament repudiate the action of the Government in accepting the proposals of the Porte for a settle ment of the frontier question. Paid the Penalty, St. Petersburg, April 16.

Kousakoff, the assassin of the late Czar, and his accomplices, were hanged to-day.

NEW ZEALAND.

[per press association.] Whitelaw Remanded. Wellington, To-day. Whitelaw has been remanded till Wed nesday. To be Set Free. It is understood that the Hinemoa will leave for Lyttelton this week, to convey to their homes a considerable number of the Maori political prisoners, whom it has been decided to release. Lady Gordon, Lady Gordon is expected to be a passenger by the San Francisco mail steamer from Sydney to Auckland, arriving at Auckland next Thursday. Secrecy of the Census Returns. Some doubts having arriaen as to the secrecy of the census returns, the Regis trar-General writes to the Times that since he took office the portion of schedules containing names had always been severed from the other portion containing the particulars before the old forms were sent to the paper mills, so that no particulars as to any individual can become known to anyone outside the office.

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACES AND SPORTS- The weather for these races, although the morning broke very unpromising, was all that could be desired. The committee throughout the day worked unflaggingly, and as a result the whole affair was an unqualified success. The attendance was very good, numbers of yeliicles crowded with spectators being on the course. Mr M. Scott catered for the refreshment of the public, in a bootli the erection of which could have cost no little trouble ; whilst the edibles were provided in an adjacent booth. The first item on the programme was the Hurdle Race, and this proved a boil over, the favorites only managing to run into a place. The Cup, as was expected, proved a gift to Minnie, w r ho won hard held from Lady Florence. Mr Quill’s mare got a lead of some three lengths from Winnie at the start, and made the pace a rasper, as a con sequence, Merlin being quickly dis posed of. At the back of the course Minnie made her effort, and, after a game struggle, drew to the fore, and although Lady Florence made a game effort when on the post to wrest it from the grey, the effort was futile, and she won with a length in hand, hard held. The following events were contested up to the hour of our going to press:— Hurdle Race, of 10 sovs ; miles, over six flights of hurdles ; weight, list. Mr P. Husband’s blk g Raven (T. Cotton) ... ... ••• 1 Mr R. Pullar’s ch g Laghmor (Mo- Knight) 2 Mr Muir’s b g Lonehand, (A. Muir)... 3 Mr Scott’s b m Manilla (Meharry) ... 0 These were the only starters, Lonehand being made favorite, with Laghmor, who looked the picture of health, his im mediate attendant. The flag fell to an excellent start, Laghmor immediately going to the point, with Manilla second,

Raven third, and Lonehand occupying the post of whipper-in. This order was unchanged, Laghmor improving his posi tion of advantage to a considerable ex tent, and making the pace a rasper. Entering the straight Cotton came up, and passing Manilla assumed second place. Laghmor, however, appeared to have the race in hand, and led the field a merry dance, till the second hurdle from home, when was brought up alongside, and after a short run together, assumed the lead. Coming to the last hurdle it was evident the old horse had it easy, and Cotton, riding with good judg ment, finished first past the judge’s stand by some three lengths in front of Lagh mor, Lonehand an excellent third, and Manilla out of it.

Tinwald Cup of 20 sovs ; second horse to save his stake ; li miles; weight for-age. Mr Smith’s blk m Minnie, 4 yrs, ' Bst 12Ibs (owner) ... 1 Mr Quill’s b m Lady Florence, .5 jrs, 9sl 31bs (Orton) 2 Mr Claridge’s ch m Winnie, 5 yrs, 9st 21bs (Claridge, junior) 3 Mr Smith’s b g Merlin, aged, 9st 31b (Ranger) _ 0 Mr Jorneaux’s b m Prima Donna,

aged, 9st 31b5... ... ... ... 0 Smith declared to win with Minnie, who was made favorite, with Lady Florence next in demand. Minnie got away with the lead and was never headed, winning with a little in hand, hard held from Lady Florence. Lady Florence and Winnie were second and third at time of starting, the others clearly out .of it, but Winnie, when at the back of the course, took second place for a short distance. When entering the straight she lost it, however, and ■ during' the second round it was to be seen that she was out of it. Entering the straight for the final rush in, Orton, who was at Minnie’s girths, made his effort, the mare responding gamely, but was only allowed to keep company with Minnie in sufferance. The rest were nowhere. Tuotting Handicap ; distance, 2 miles ; second save stake. Mr M'Kenzie’s Kate, 190yds (Owner) (disqualified) 1 Mr James Hay’s Conrad, 170yds (Crompton) 2 Mr M'Rae’s Narrow (range (Physic) 3 Mr Wallis’ Titokowaru 0

Mr Digby’s Ginger ... 0 Mr Cotton’s Mungo Park 0 Mr Lewis’ Naughty Cousin 0 Mr Button’s Polly ... ... ... 0 Mr Leitch’s Dunn’s Pony scr Kate quickly increased the lead she had obtained, and trotting well, finished in front of Conrad, who had made up the twenty yards start conferred on her by about a yard and a half; Narrow Gauge third, with Mungo Park close up. Naughty Cousin declined to start and was walked in. Dunn’s Pony was an absentee. A protest was entered on the ground of continuous breaking when close on the post, and this was allowed, Conrad being awarded first money, and second place being given to Kate, no protest against her receiving same being entered by Nar row Gauge. Hack Race, of 5 sovs ; 1 mile. Mr Lewis’ Sandy ... ... (Bartlett) 1 Mr Rayney’s Nancy Lee... (Moore) 2 The other starters were Messrs Lewis’ White Stocking, Fraser’s Smoker, Grey’s Robert the Devil, Begg’s Prince, Scott’s Little John, Walker’s Jib, and Nicholas’ Pirate. The finish was a good on, Sandy being in front two lengths. Consol ;tion Race, of L 5 os ; distance, 1 mile. Mr Claridge’s g m Winnie (Claridge, jun.) 1 Mr Quill's b m Lady Florence (Harrold) 2 Mr Smith’s b g Merlin ... (Owner) 3 ATHLETICS. 100 Yards— lst prize, 40s ; 2nd, 15s. McFarlane ... ... ... ••• 1 Bushett 2 . There was a good deal of jostling in this race. McFarlane came to the front in consequence, and won by half a yard from Bushett. A protest was entered on the ground that the race was started by Mr Cuthbert, and not by Mr Lewis, the gentleman appointed starter for the athletics. This was allowed, and the race reinstated later on in the programme.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB AUTUMN MEETING. GREAT AUTUMN HANDICAP. [per pigeon post.] [by our special reporter.] The day broke gloomy, with oc casional showers, but during the first two races the weather held up, and as the ground was in lirst-class going order, the races were fast. The atten dance was far less than at the Autumn Meeting last year, but it must be remembered that then the Easter encampment had just been held, and a large number of vititors were then in attend nice. For the Free Handicap five faced the starter. Billingsgate was a hot favorite, mnd Romeo had many admirers, the others being neglected. A good race, in which the favorite had slightly the best of a good start, resulted in Nautilus ... .. ••• i Billingsgate ... ... 2 Romeo ... ... ••• 3 The Poet was a good fourth, and Frailty nowhere. The winner had a good bit in hand at the finish.

Great Autumn Handicap. The exceptionally large number of eleven horses contested this big event, Grip being the only absentee from the number board. Natator and Lady Emma were the most fancied. Mr Horsford’s pair, The Joker and Go vernor attracted considerable admira tion, and Luna had also followers. After considerable fiddling at the post, caused mainly by the fractiousness of Sir Modred, they got away to a good start, Luna leading for the first half mile, when Lady Emma challenged her, and the whole field, with the exception of Harkaway, kept in a cluster to the finish, which resulted in— Lady Emma ... ... 1 Sir Modred ... ... 2 The Governor ... ... 3

A Mule Kicks a Beehive.

(Californian.) I was visiting a gentleman who lived in the vicinity of Los Angeles. The morning was beautiful. The plash of little cascades about the grounds, the buzz of bees, and the gentle moving of the foliage of the popper: trees in the scarcely perceptible ocean breeze, made up a picture which I thought was complete. It was not. A mule wandered on the scene. The scene, I thought, could have got along without him. He took a dif ferent view. Of course mules were not allowed on the grounds. That is what he knew. That was his reason for being there. While I was thus thinking, the mule, which had wandered up close to a large beehive, got stung. His eyes lighted up, as if that was just what he was looking for. He turned on that beehive and took aim. He fired. In ten seconds the only piece of beehive I could see was about the size a man feels when he has told a joke that falls on the company like a piece of sad news. This piece was in the air. It was being kicked at. The bees swarmed. They swarmed a good deal. They lit on that mule earnestly. After he had kicked the last piece of beehive so high that ho could not reach it any more, lie stopped for an instant. Ho seemed trying to as certain whether the 10,000 bees which were stinging him meant it. They did. The mule turned loose. I never saw any thing to equal it. He was enveloped in a dense fog of earnestness and bees, and filled with enthusiasm and stings. The raor,e be kicked the higher he arose from the ground. I may have been mistaken, for 1 was somewhat excited and very much delighted; but that mule seemed to ,rise as high‘as the tops of the pepper trees. The pepper tress were twenty feet high. He would open and shut himself like a frog swimming. Sometimes when he was in inid-air he would look like he was fly ing, and I would think for a moment he was about to become an angel. Only for a moment. Thera are probably no mule angels. A sweet calm and gentle peace fulness pervaded me. When he had kicked for an hour, he began to fall short of the tops of the pepper trees. He was settling down closer to the earth. Num bers were telling on him. Ho looked distressed. He had always been used to kicking against something, but found now that he was striking the air. It was very exhausting. He finally got so he did not rise clear of the ground, but continued to kick with both feet for lialf-an-hour, next with first one foot and then the other for another half-an-hour; then with his right foot only every few minutes, the intervals growing longer and longer, until he finally was still. His head drooped, his lip hung lower and lower. The bees stung on. 3e looked as if he thought that a mean, sneaking advantage had been taken of him. 1 retired from the scene. Early the next morning I returned. The sun came slowly up from behind the eastern hills. The light foliage of the pepper trees trembled with his morning caress. His golden kiss fell upon the opening roses. A bee could be seen flying hither, another thither. The mule lay near the scene of yesterday’s struggle. Peace had come to him. He was dead. Too much kicking against nothing.

THE HAND ON THE PANEL.

( Continued..) Something in the intonation of the fellow’s voice caused me to turn round ; I had scarcely looked at him before. 1 saw a large, powerfully built man, with a haggard white face, a black, bushy beard, and a pair of deep set, wild looking eyes ; he held his helmet in his hand, and did not seem at all inclined to take the hint and move on. Evi dently he had something else to say ; perhaps it was about the servants, who, excepting the nurse, had been engaged for us by our landlord, and of whom I consequently knew nothing. * If you’ll go into my room I’ll come and speak to you,’ I said. My curiosity was now excited. I followed the man to my room, turned up the gas, and said — ‘ Now. What is it ? What’s wrong ?’ He drew his hand, cased in a rough woollen glove, across his eyes; a peculiar movement: as it was made by him, it seemed as if he was clearing something from his sight. ‘ The gas is too strong,’ I said. ‘ You look ill, hardly fit for night work.’ ‘There you’re wrong, sir. Night work is my duty; darkness is no dark ness to me. You know the text, sir, about evil doers, loving “ darkness be cause their deeds are evil.” That don’t apply personally in my case, but all the same'it do apply. You read Scripture, sir, no doubt. Can you oblige me by giving me your opinion of Matt, v., 38, “ An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” ’

‘ Really, my good man, I have no time to discuss such matters. If you will just stick to your text and inform me why you wished to speak to me, I shall be glad.’ He gave me a keen, suspicious glance ; came close up and whispered— ‘ You’ve not been alarmed by any thing, sir?’

Ah ! I was right, the servants were up to something. ‘No,’ I said, forgetting the ‘ It.’ ‘ Have you any suspicion against the servants ?’

He started, and held up his hand. ‘ You must be watchful, sir. It is wrong and unchristian to attach sus picion to an individual upon merely casual grounds; but be watchful, that is what I say ; be watchful.’ The man’s expression was so strange, bis manner so wild as he said this, that I at once set him down as drunk, and told him so, thereby hurting his feel ings and causing him to produce a temperance paper with his left hand, as well as a certificate of good charac ter and ability in his office, ‘ I’ve seen some eccentric policemen in my time,’ thought I; ‘but th ; s fellow beats them all.’

‘ Then you refuse to tell me what you apprehend ?’ ‘ Most certainly, sir. My duty for bids it. I must watch ; and when I can lay my hand upon the man, I shall speak ; not till then —not till then.’ ‘ The sooner you get hold of him the better. It’s perfectly abominable that one cannot find a decent servant now a-days. I’ll say nothing to my wife of this, it will only make her uneasy.’ ‘ Right you are, sir. Lady with delicate nerves, I should say, sir 1 Noticed that when I called before.’

Confound his impudence. What right had he to make observations on my wife ? Anxious to get quit of him, I pulled out half-a-crown, but he would none of it. ‘ No, sir,’ he said ; *lam on duty.’ ‘ Then the sooner you go about it the better,’ said I, losing patience. * When you’ve spotted your man, and can tell me which of the women it is, come back: Good night to ypu.’,

■" ■ * I wfth you a very good night, sir, and likewise'your good lady.’ I could have kicked the fellow, so irritable had his absurd speeches, and affected manner of putting them, made me. Ellen coming in, eager to hear what he had said, proved the last straw. I broke out into what she calls one of my tantrums, told her to mind her own business, wished all the police men in London at the bottom of the Thames, grumbled at my dinner, spoilt my digestion, drank too much, went to sleep, and woke at bedtime, with heart-burn and a bad conscience., So to bed.

To bed—but not to sleep:' NiS; ‘ Macbeth,’ or rather the policeman, ‘ had murdered sleep.’ There, I lay, wide-eyed, feverish, tossing. • Angry with myself for being angry, and angr| with my wife for sleeping placidly. J v One o’clock struck; the sound rang out like a knell, on the still November night. I heard the steady tramp of a police man passing; the tramp ceased just, under the bedroom window.

‘ By Jove, it must be him,’ thought I. Presently I got up, pulled the blind T aside, and looked softly out. I saw no one. Yet surely I had not heard that footstep leave the spot. Ah ! possibly 1 he had gone across the road, and passed along on the path by the gar dens. Just so. So after cooling my self for some minutes, following, the,- movements of a, miserable cat, aqd;re tnarking that someone must be ill across the square, as there was - a doc- 1 tor’s brougham (I wonder it is one r f always recognises the medical flavour)'" at the door and many windows lighted,* <<: I went nimbly back to bed. :■ Two o’clock struck ; my wife woke with a start, sat up, gave one terrified look at the panel, and, uttering a shrill. scream, fainted. Just after, a policeman’s rattle was sprung just below the window, followed by a peal at-the hall bell—a nice situa? tion for a man in the dead of night. A rattle going like mad, a bell ringing; •" as if it would pull down the house,; servants shrieking, baby bellowing, and my wife lying like a dead woraari fbn the bed. , _

I opened the hall door just in time - to prevent it being battered in. Five * or six policemen were on the steps. ‘ Now then, sir, what’s up ?’ I was asked, with six glaring bulleyes fixed full upon me. ‘ I came to ask you the same ques tion,’ said I haughtily; ‘and also .to demand by what right you nearly pull my bell off and alarm this peaceful house.’

‘ Come, check that; just catch hold, Bob, while I go upstairs,’ Bob laid hold of my arm.

1 am a pretty strong man when I am roused, so Bob let go, tumbling down the steps, for I had made good use of my right arm. The instant I had knocked the thin over, I saw what a fool I was. So I stood passive, while explanations ensued.

Accompanied by two of the police, I went into the drawing room and had it out.

One man said he was the first to arrive after the alarm, that be did not recognise the face of the officer who spoke to him and who was ringing the bell; then he heard shrieks of ‘Murder!’ That was all.

I saw the sergeant look at me. ‘ Are you Mr Elton, of the .’ * The same. What of it ?’

‘ Only, that I hope you will accept our explanation, sir, and not say any thing about the affair; in return, we won’t take any notice of your knocking my man over; you understand. You would not care to appear, I dares ay.’ It was evidently a false alarm ; so as soon as the room was clear of the police, who, I may remark, did not, like their mysterious brother, refuse to liquor up, I went to bed.

Next day I gave our doctor a de tailed account’of what had occurred. ‘ Over excitement of the nervous system ’ said he. ‘ I’ll drop in and see Mrs. Elton in the forenoon. But get her out of that bedroom —being there will only torment her; and if your friend the policeman calls again, ask his number, and report it to the head quarters ; the maid may be right, and the whole affair an abominable hoax. It’s a pity you didn’t say something to the sergeant, but perhaps it was better not. What time did you say the fellow came ?’ ‘ About six, Why ?’

‘ Only a thought struck me; but never mind now. I’ll see your wife and then we’ll talk it over.’

Naturally the events of the night reached our landlord’s ears. So about five in the afternoon he appeared, very indignant at the police, and very anxious to smooth matters in any way he could. He could answer for the characters of the women he engaged but not for their common sense.

I told of the visits of the one police man. He affected great surprise, but advised me to take no notice of him ; possibly—he said —the man was right, and one of the maids had been up to , something. He expressed himself glad. s that we had moved'back into our old bedrooms, and went on in a rambling sort of way about draughts, until I began to think he had taken a leaf out of the policeman’s book. Ellen was all the better for having seen Dr Wilson ; probably the change of room had an effect also. Anyway, when the evening passed without our policeman showing up, and a good night’s rest strengthened her nerves, I ; began to laugh at it all ; and, a few ; * days after, told the story at a dinner party as a good joke. - : I noticed a gentleman, whose name I knew as a leading counsel, listening : very attentively to my story, and heard him ask what the number of my bouse was. After dinner he came to me, took me into a window recess, and said—

‘Your story struck me as curious, Mr Elton; have you any objection.to repeat the circumstances ?’ * {M- Rather amused at his serious way of , taking it, I did repeat the story, dwelling 7 a little more fully upon the visits of the policeman; even, at his request, gi\ !ng a close description ofthe man. To my surprise the lawyer pulled out a' notebook, and repeated my description as he noted it. • , :

‘ Now,’ he said, * I have a favor to ask; a curious one, perhaps you think it at present. Will you allow me to. go over your house ? and, also, if possible, I should like to see this same,visitor of , yours.’

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1881.



O. Carstens & Co., (Late .Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, . OBACCONIST, 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. 'ANTED KNOWN —-That Visiting W Cards, plainer mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the « Guardian ” office, opposite the Railway Station.’' * jv,■ t«: :,,■,■ ■: Subscribers to this Journal are requested to communicate with the Proprietor when *ny delays'or omissions in the Delivery of this Paper occur. , AND STATIONERY. EAST- STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* w. H. ZOUOHi ■ .i, ii.- ■ . Proprietor.



Wanted. WANTED— AStation 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. 623 a WANTED —TENDERS for 400 Acres, more or loss, of Turnips, at Methven, to be fed off by the 25th July. Tenders to be sent into Pocock Brothers, Methven, not later than the 25th of this month, April. SHGa TTTANTED—Young Lady APFREN VV TICES to the Dressmaking ; also, good PLAIN SEWERS. Apply, Miss Buckman, Milliner and Dressmaker, adjoining R. G. Ruxton, Tailar and Outfitter, Peter street, Ashburton. 559 a WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a



T\7ANTED » » notifv rTED— MRS PAULING begs to notify that she has taken,.-that Commodious House in Moore . street, nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will be glad to ACCOMMO DATE PATIENTS requiring surgical or medical aid. Mrs Pauling has had very considerable experience as Ladies’ Nurse, both at Home and in New Zealand. 528 a ANTED 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 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 \TT ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. — L. F. Axduf.wes 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 roqmring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andkbwes, 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 Vbove Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 Special Advertisements. rjl H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



NEW ZEALAND tronised by CLOTHING FACTORY Thousands of Discerning Cus tomers Hayes’ I M B E R YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD !



The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that ho has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. W. H. 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



Special Advertisements. Encourage local enter- I PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY . IN THE PLACE. 'WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barinv Square. 3G5a



\TTASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb VV at the Guardian Office THE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving every day’s news, up to the hour of going ; o press. This is batter than buying a sixpenny weekly. THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PUBLISHED EVSRV EVENING. PRICE— ONE PENNY. ADVERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for easonable. advertisements are very W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



Sir Julius Vogel. —The Wellington correspondent of the New Zealand Herald hears that private letters received fr om Sir Julius Vogel indicate the probability of his coming out shortly to press his claims against the colony for remunera tion on account of services in raising the last loan, but that there is not the remotest prospect of his remaining in the colony or re-entering New Zealand politics. Holloway’s Ointment and Pills combine both sanitive and sanative powers in a high degree—by the former term is understood their ability to preserve health, by the latter their capability to restore healah. With these reme dies at hard no invalid need be at fault to gude h'mself O' - herself safely through the many tuals to wl ich everyone is subjected during our long and oltlimes inc'ement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, diptheria, whooping cough, can be successfully treated by well rubbing this Ointment upon the chest, and by taking the Pills. During damp foggy weather asthmatical sufferers will experience the utmost possible relief from the inunction of the ointment, and all tender chested persons will save endless misery by adopting this treatment. —[Advt.] J