COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List. Butter, inferior to best, per lb, gd to is ; eggs, per dozen, 2S ; cheese, prime quality, per lb, 4d to 6d ; bacon, prime smoked, per lb. Is; hams, in cloth, per lb, is to is 2d ; flour, in bags, per icolbs, 12s; oatmeal, per ajibs, 4s; lard, per lb, yd. The Christchurch Com Exchange- The following is the report for the week ending Friday, the 13th of May ; The market during the week has exhibited HO new features, and values remain unchanged. Large quantities of grain from Lyttelton ore now afloat, for the United Kingdom. The weather during the week has been exceedingly fivo'rattle' for fanning operations. Wheat. — The firm tone-of the market which has been visible lately is still upheld, as the farmers are beginning to enquire for seed. Fine samples of all descriptions of wheat will command from 4s to 4s 3d; shipping lines of good Tuscan, 3s gd to 3s lod, f.0.b.; velvet chaff and pearl, in good lines, 3s yd to 3s 8d f.0.b.; Hunter’s white, 3s fid to 3s, f.0.b.; seconds, from Is fid to 2s fid per bushel. Oats. —Shippers are in the market for good bright milling samples, and there is a nuotable advance on last week’s prices for the foregoing—is iodtq2s is obtainable, f.0.b.; feed samples are also in good request, and range from is'Sd to is gd per bushel. Barley-—The market has not shown much

alteration; the' large stocks held by the Con sumers being the principal bar to business being done in this cereal. The samples coming to hand continue to be of very indifferent quality, and almost completely neglected. Brices nominal; really good to first-class malting- ranges from 2s fid to 3s fid per bushel; feed,.quality, is lod to 2sper bushel. Grass Seed.—A few small orders continue to qpme forward. Holders are indifferent as to effecting sales at present, anticipating that higher rates will rule in spring. Last week’s quota tions are, however, unaltered ; well cleaned farmers’ samples rule from 4s fid to Ss per bushel; badly: cleaned, according to sample. Potatoes.—The market has undergone some fluctuations during the week, and both growers and buyers appear undecided as to what course tq, pursue. - Meantime orders are coming to hand,, but prices - are a shade weaker, and quotations are from 31s fid to 34s ; at country stations, sacks extra. Cheese and Butter. — 3d to3l£d for the former; yd to y)£d for the Sitter. Hay.—Lz 10s to L2 15s per ton, elivered in Christchurch. : Auctioneers’ Reports. -Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market &c.,for the week ending Thursday, May 12th, IBBi, as follows :—For yesterday’s weekly sale, at Addington, there was a larger supply of sheep than on the previous week, a large proportion being stores, whilst the bulk of the mutton was of indifferent quality. The attendance comprised the usual representatives of the trade, several country buyers being also present for store sheep. The comparatively snUllsupply of prime mutton on offer com manded high prices and a brisk competition, last week’s rates being in most instances fully maintained, but inferior classes were scarcely in such.good demand, and values ruled more in, favor of buyers. Prime crossbred wetheis account ’ Messrs Lovegrove. Miln, Coe and Dudley brought 13s gd to 15s gd. Medium weightsacccuntother owners, 123 to 13s fid; merino wethers sold up to 12s. Fresh con ditioned store merino ewes, with sound mouths, are worlhlfis to ys ; strong full mouth merino wethers, 5s fid to 6s; crossbred lambs, for bolding over, 6s fid to Ss fid. The fat cattle market of last Wednesday was simply a farce. More than half the entry bad been disposed of privately prior to the auction, and for the re mainder competition was dull, and prices con siderably lower than last week. The best steers sold’ at from Ly 10s to L 8 10s ; heifers and light weights, Lsssto L 6 10s. Of store cattle there are now very few on offer, and prices remain unchanged. The entry of pigs was by far the largest of the season, three fourths of the number being either prime quality porkers or bacon hogs. A clearance was made of every lot, but prices have fallen IO to 15 per cent.' within the past month. The Jotals . yarded for the day comprised—y,iß3 sheep, 284 head of cattle, and 3yfi pigs, of Which-our entry included 2,213 sheep, 112 head of cattle, and 236 pigs. In sheep, our principal sales were—s 3 fat crossbreds at 15s fid,. 50 at 13s 9d,5y at 15s fid, 108 at 13s gd. 60 at I2s ( fid> S3‘at 14s 3d, 50 at 14s, 40 at 14s fid, 41 at 13s fid ; stores, 118 mixed crossbreds at 9s, 130 at ios, 6o at gs gd, 2SI at 10s gd to Ila fid, 69 merino ewes at 6s gd, 56 crossbreds at gs, 60 merino ewes at 6s, 134 cull do at 3s fid, 70 lambs at ys 3d, 78 mixed crossbreds at 8s fid, 164 hoggefts at 6s gd, 276 merino ewes at 4s 6dj 126 mixed crossbreds and merinos at 6s gd. Fat, cattle, 3 at LB, 4 at Ly, 2 at Ly, -2 at L 5 12s fid, 5 at L$ ids j stores, ! 4 at Ls, 3at Ls ss, 2at Lj I os, 3 at L 4, 5 weaners at Li ss, and a few springers and dairy, cows at from L 5 to L 8 IQs ; scrubbers, Li 10s upwards. Fat pigs, 7-at 25s fid; 4at 265, Sat 403, gat 355, 7at 295, 6 at 40s, $ at 445; 6 at 31s, '7 at 355, 10 at 32s fid, 35 at 38s, 4 at 44s fid, 14 at 30?, 10 at.4ss, 10 at 435, 8 at 31s, 12 at 34s fid; stotesj, 9' at ‘l2s fid, 7 at 18s, 6 at 225, 10 at 235, 4 at 225, 21 at 235, &c. Canterbury Horse Market,—The horse trade generally is still very quiet, and except fori the belter class of light horses there is no improvement to report. For our last Saturday’s sale iwe submitted no horses of various de scriptions, comprising a fair proportion of plough and farm horses, a few well-bred hacks, the balance unbroken colts, weedy hacks, &c. The yard was well filled during the day, and a large, number of the better class of light horses were placed at current rates. We also succeeded ‘ih disposing , of the bulk of the unbroken stock and some of the heavy horses, but prices as now ruling for the latter are very unsatisfactory, and the greatest difficulty is experienced in - doing business at all. As special entries we .sold a pair of buggy horses for 30 guineas.;, horse, buggy, and harness for, L4l j, plough horses, Ll 4 to L 25 ; hacks, up to Lao. Country Sales. : -At Ashburton, on Tuesday, we Held’ bur usual fortnightly sale for the district, in the Tinwald saleyards. There was a very large entry of sheep, principally merino ewes. There . Was a large attendance of fannets and others,' and in every instance the biddings were keen, resulting in nearly every thing entered being sold at satisfactory prices. We sold 28 crossbreds at 14s fid, 29 at 15s 3d, 35- it IDs,. 35 at ns 3d; 317 merino wethers, 4s ,: 279, merino ewes, 2s9d; 281 ewes, 4s ; 256 merino wethers, 8s fid; 500 merino ewes at 4s Sd, 400 at 4s gd, 266 merino ewes, 6s fid; 200 do, >Js fid, &c. In cattle, we sold 5 heifers at L 6 10s, 8 at Ly 12 fid 4 at L 6 12s fid, lat Lfi as fid, &c. In pigs, we sold 30 at 2 is, 12 at 39s fid.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Satukday, Matt 14 For, Northern Ports, per Hawes, |at 7.30 p.m. The guard’s van must not be usdH for this mail. ' Tuesday, May 17. For Chatham Islands, per Island Lily. ', V Thursday, May 19. For Fiji, to connect with the Southern Cross at Auckland. . Satobday, May 21. For the ITnited Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., per Wanaka, as follows Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 8 pi in- ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as fqlldws■ •• For Ohristjchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10jL.xh.-i, and 6 p.ro. i daily. F/dr.Oherteey:; Eakaia, &c., at 10a.m. ana r ß*V“? flaily- „ , ■ , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata,,Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at Ip a.m. daily. Fop Temufea, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., dailV.• - .. ForTiinaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 A,xn., and 420 p.m., daily. For GreOnstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays'and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 430 p.m. dally.' .'tuie'cnp.; •'!

For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafiold, 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.m. From Chertsey, Ac. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Tiraaru at 10.15 a. in. 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, Row land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Saturday, May 14. Mr. T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Race Privileges; 2 o’clock. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale ; 12 o’clock. Thursday, May 19. R. Wilkin and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Horses, Farm Stock, Implements, Ac.; 12 o’cloak. Monday. May 23. R. Wilkin and Co., at The Grange, about two miles from Ashburton Farm Stock, Implements, &c.; 11.30 o’clock. Saturday, May 28. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-morrow, Saturday, May 14. Ashburton Sparrow Club, at Quill’s Com mercial Hotel; 3 p.m. Monday, May IC. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Mondvy, May 30. Upper Ashburton Road Board —Meeting to elect five new members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a. m. Wednesday, June 1. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Monday, June 6. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Asheup.ton you Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaku and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timarn. Trains at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [issued tri

To CorPvEspondents. —“Old Sailor’s” letter is in type and will appear to-morrow. A Richmond in tub Field. —Mr Rich mond is a candidate for the seat in the House of Representatives rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr^Acton Adams. Accident. Joseph Dawson, a son of Mr Andrew Dawson, of Longbeach, un fortunately met with an accident at Long beach, yesterday afternoon, by which he broku his leg. He was, it is stated, driving a seed drill at the time of the accident.

Sporting. —The programme issued by the Oamaru Steeplechase Club, comprises a Maiden Steeplechase of 40 sovs; Handicap Steeplechase of 100 sovs ; Sell ing Stakes of 40 sovs ; and Consolation or 30 sovs. Entries for the first and third, and nominations for the Handicap, close on the 28th inst.

The Census. —Complaints are being made by residents in various parts of the district that, although census forms were supplied them for filling in, they have not yet been called for by the sub enumerators. This is negligence on the part of some one. Canterbury Coursing Club. The running in the Canterbury Oaks and Derby was continued yesterday, and re sulted as follows: —In the Oaks Desde mona and Bide-awee divided. In the Derby only Sir Roger and Le Loup re main in. Glenlora, Master Walter, and Champagne Charlie remain in the Christ church Slakes.

Improvement Wanted. —We would suggest to the proper authorities the pro priety of having the entrance to the Police Court either shingled or a concrete path leading from the public thoroughfare thereto constructed. At present persons who during rainy weather have business to transact in the Court have to do so through puddles of water and miniature Irish bogs, the fording of which is any thing but a pleasant operation. We hope some steps to remedy the evil will be im mediately taken.

South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club. —Yesterday’s events at this meeting resulted as follows 120 yards hurdle and quarter-mile hurdle handicap, won by 0. W. Miles; one mile race and two miles running handicap, by A. S. Baker; throwing cricket hall and standing high jump, by F. N. Robinson; putting 21-Ib. stone, by E. S. Rutherford; one mijf*. walking handicap, E. T. Rhodes; 150 yards handicap, J. S. Smith; scurry, W. C. Chapman ; consolation, J. Million. The Champion Cup is won by Mr J. S. Smith, and the Ladies’ Cup and Mr Parker’s Challenge Cup by Mr A. S, Baker.

The Tararua Catastrophe. —At a meeting of the Tararua Relief Fund Com mittee, held at Dunedin yesterday, the following resolution was come to ;—“ That the Committee have to report that the only cases brought under their notice have been one Oamaru, one Port Chalmers, one Wellington, one Auckland, and Dun edin, which has been relieved, and the party has gone home. From this it would appear that there is no distress to warrant the getting up of a general fund, and that all the cases are such as can bo best met by the local charities. Should any further cases come to light they will bo considered at a meeting to held in about a week. ” The Harbor Master in his report to the Harbor Board this afternoon, strongly urged that the Government should es tablish fog signals in connnction with lighthouses along the coast. The ketch Good Templar left for Waipapa Point yesterday, taking boats and a party of men to the scene of the wreck. Govern ing it intend at once to commence diving operations at the wreck for the old silver. Nothing further was elicited at the sitting of the Court of Enquiry yesterday. The Court has adjourned till Saturday. Missionary Meeting. —The annual meeting in connection with the Wosleyan Foreign Missions, was held in the Cameron street Church last evening; there was a moderate attendance, and the Rev. W. Keall presided. In the course of his opening remarks, the chairman apologised for the absence of Revs. A. M. Beattie and J. Nixon, who, but for prior engagements, would have been present. Mr Keall said that the meeting was held for the purpose of extending and deepen ing the feeling of interest in foreign missions, and the rev. gentleman pro ceeded to give some very interesting in formation with reference to the work of missionaries in Australasia, and especially concerning the labors of Revs. Messrs Brown and Banks, at New Britain and Duke of York Island. Speaking on the Chinese question, Mr Keall remarked that while for many reasons the large influx of Chinamen which threatened the colony, was to be regretted, yet it raised another question : instead of having to send missionaries across the seas to con vert the heathen, they were being brought to our very doors, and hence a heavy responsibility rested upon the religious portion of the community with regard to the conversion of the Chinese in the colony. After giving statistics of church membership, &c., in the South Sea Islands, Mr Keall introduced the Rev. J. S. Rishworth, of Sydenham, who, in passing, made some complimentary refer ences to the progress which Ashburton had made since his last visit, some ten years ago, before the excitement and danger attending coach travelling had given way to the more dreary railway train. The speaker referred to the motives which induced Christian people to interest themselves in those who were not the recipients of such privileges as were possessed by those in civilised com munities ; and, while it might he said there were plenty of heathens at our own doors who were in need of the Gospel, yet it was only a selfish mind which would harbor the thought. More provision was being made in the colony now for ministering to the spiritual requirements of sparsely-populated districts, than had ever before been done and, using a homely illustration, the rev. gentlemen said that after having fed and clothed our own children, it would not be humane to turn away the starving waif who craved charity at our doors. Speaking also on the immigration of Chinamen, Mr Rish worth remarked that, in his opinion, no thing but the Gospel would bring about a satisfactory solution of the question. He spoke warmly against the opium traffic, which was a disgrace to Christian Eng land. The chairman made a few con cluding remarks, and a most interesting meeting terminated.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per eeuteb’s agency.] Turned Out Again. London, May 10. In the House of Commons this even ing, Mr Bradlaugh again appeared at the table, and repeated his demand that the oath of ailgiance should be administered to him. He was ordered by the Speaker to withdraw, and upon his declining to do so, was forcibly ejected from the Chamber by the Sergeant-at- Arms. The Speaker, moreover, issued orders forbidding his presence within the precints of the House until he engaged not to disturb its proceedings. Iron. Galvanised iron, 26m gauge, has de clined to Lx6. Best Scotch pig iron, No. 1, fo b. in the Clyde, has declined to 48s per ton. The Wool Sales. London, May 11. At the wool soles to-day 9,300 hales were offered. Prices were firmly main tained, and there was a good competi tion for the various lots offered. Commenced Its Sittings, News is to hand from the Transvaal that the Royal Commission, consisting of Sir Hercules Robinson, Sir Evelyn Wood, and Chief Justice Devilliers, appointed to consider the provisions for the protection of native interests, to make arrangements as to frontier affairs, and to decide whether any territory to the eastward should be severed from the Transvaal, has commenced its sittings. Nearing the Goal. Paris, May 10. Telegrams have been received from Tunis stating that the French troops are continuing their advance with all possible speed, and are rapidly nearing the capital.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per rbcteb’s agency.] Oats. Melbourne, May 12. There is a better demand for New Zealand oats, which are now quoted at 2s gd to 3s 4d. Postal Union. The Victorian Post Office is pro pounding a scheme for an Intercolonial Postal Union. A Blaze. Sydney, May 12. A serious fire occurred here to-day on the premises occupied by J. J. Cunan, wholesale grocer, 600, George street, resulting in the partial destruc tion of the building. The stock was also much damaged by fire and water. The insurances on the building and stock amount to Li 2,000, including L4OO in New Zealand insurance offices, and will fully cover the loss. Another large fire occurred to-day in the Hay market, causing the total destruction of a store occupied by Messrs Harris and Co., general produce merchants. The stock and building were insured for L 2,000 in the National Company of New Zealand. Arrived. Albany, May 12. The P. and O. Company’s steam ship Kashgar, with the inward Suez mails, dated London, April Bth, arrived in King George’s Sound to-day.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Carried Away. Charleston, To-day. The Government dam was carried away on Thursday night, taking with it Gregory and Horner’s dam, also everything below it, and very nearly causing loss of life. The damage done is considerable, and causes nearly a total cessation of mining in the district. More Mystery. Wanganui, To-day. A fire broke out in the Post Office last night, between II and 12 o’clock. The fireoriginatedin a store-room, which,Wong with the roof of the office, is much damaged. The cause of the fire is un known, and the damage estimated at LIOO. The telegraph instruments and mails are uninjured. Poor Quirk. Timaru, To-day.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, Michael Quirk was charged with attempting suicide in the Park by stabbing himself. The man was only discharged from tho Hospital this morning, and was immediately arrested by Detective Kirby, and committed for trial; but was liberated on his own recognisances of LSO. The Burning Continues. Dunedin, To-day. The Grange store, Forth street, was burned down yesterday. The building was insured in the Transatlantic for L4OO, and the stock and furniture in the same office for L 350. Mr Thompson, the owner, estimates his loss at L 550 above insurance. At Last. The Vincent County has reached the end of its financial tether. The Bank has refused further advances, and requested a reduction of the overdraft. Satisfactory. The Garrick Club had a crowded house in aid of the Tararua fund. A Trio. There were three insolvencies this week. The principal one was John Morrison Innes, Mosgiel, storekeeper; debts, L 1,935 ; assets, L 1,399.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBU RTON. —To-Day. (Before Mr N. Wood, Esq., R.M.) Drunkenness. —William Storey, who had been locked up since Wednesday, was discharged with a caution.—Joseph Ibell was fined ss, or in default 24 hours’ imprisonment. Obscene Language. —Joseph Ibell was further charged with using obscene language in a public place. Accused plead guilty, and was fined 10s, or in de fault 48 hours’ imprisonment.

Illegally on the Premises. —Andrew Rattray was charged with having been illegally on the premises of George Comp ton, on Sunday last. —Constable Daly gave evidence of having his attention directed to the fact of a person being in an unoccu pied shop at 2 o’clock an Sunday morning. He entered and found the accused, whom he immediately arrested, lying on tho floor feigning sleep. The building was in darkness. Accused was sober.—William Beaumont deponed to hearing a person moving about in the shop next to that in which he resided, at about 2 o’clock on Sunday morning. Knowing the building to be unoccupied, he gave information to last witness, and in his company entered the building, where be found accused lying on the floor. Witness before giving information to tho police noticed the reflection of a light in the building on the fence. There was no light in the place when they entered. —Sergeant Felton slated that he had examined the premises on whioh ac*

cused had been arrested. Admission had been gained through a window in which two pa' es of glass had been smashed, and the pieces of glass around the frame care fully removed. On the floor in the room in which accused was arrested, were some matches which had been burned thereon, there being burnt marks on the floor. A candle was also found.—George Compton, the proprietor of the shop, stated accused had no authority to be on the premises. —Accused pleaded intoxication as the cause of the offence.—His Worship pointed out that the prisoner might have by his actions caused a fire on the premises, the blame for which might have been placed upon an innocent person. Accused would be sentenced to one month’s imprisonment. Vagrancy. —William Evans, a late inmate of the Old Men’s Home, and who had, whilst in the institution, behaved in a very refractory manner, leaving the in stitution several times without leave, was charged with having no visible means of support.—Accused was sentenced to three months’ hard labor. Petty Larceny. —William Roden was charged with the larceny of a purse, the property of William Bush. The evidence showed that the accused and prosecutor

were room mates in the Somerset Hotel. Last evening the purse and a watch chain were taken from prosecutor’s pockets, and he gave information to the police this morning on discovering his loss. Con stable Neill searched the room, in which accused was lying in bed, and found the purse under the mattrass on which he was lying.—Accused denied all knowledge of the affair, and submitted that the person who stole the chain, placed the purse under his bed to transfer the guilt to him. —The Bench considered the case clearly proven, and sentenced accused to one month’s imprisonment. Valueless Cheques. —George Wood was charged on two informations with obtaining money by means of valueless cheques, from Robert Shearman, and Samuel Brown.—Accused pled “ Guilty,” and was sentenced to three months’ im prisonment on each charges, the sentences to run concurrently.

Breach or Borough Regulations.— Michael Neal as pleaded guilty to allowing a horse to wander at large.—A fine of 5s was inflicted, accompanied by amount of costs, 2s. Illegal Rescue of Cattle, —John Kellar was charged with the illegal reouing from John Fox of one cow, then in the possession of defendant for the purpose of impoundage. —Mr Ireland ap peared for the defendant.—Defendant was fined L 5 and costs, 17s.

Insulting Language. —Robert Little was charged with having used insulting language in a public place, at the Hinds, to Harry Burnett Chichester.—Mr Bran son appeared for Little.—The evidence of the complainant showed that he was passing the Hindhope Hotel on the date in question, when the defendant shouted out, “You jumped-up b—— of a school master, I’ll put the set on you. You go down to Tinwald to get drunk, and then come down here and be all over the school.”—Mr Branson applied for an ad journment till Friday next, to enable witnesses to be subpoened by the defence, this having been prevented yesterday, no J.P. being available to issue them.—Mr Branson’s application was granted.

Breach of Bridge Regulations.— HemyMoffatt was charged with having, on the 9th April last, driven a traction engine over the Ashburton railway bridge, the fires of the same not being ex tinguished.—Mr Purnell defended, the prosecution being conducted by Mr Blood, instructed by Mr Joynt.—The evidence of the gatekeeper at the south end of the bridge showed that on the night of the 9th April, at about 10 o’clock, he noticed a traction engine approaching the bridge. He told the persons in charge, including tiie accused, whom he recognised, that the engine should not pass over the bridge, at the same time closing the gate. When the engine came up, Moffatt and others forced open the gate, and held the same whilst the engine passed over tho : bridge. It was driven by its own power To Mr Purnell : It was a moonlight night. Witness was perfectly sober.—Mr Purnell called as evidence for the de fence : Henry Moffatt, the defendant, who stated that the traction engine in question had been seized at Tinwald under a bill of sale, and at the time was in the posses sion of the bailiff. Witness was merely accompanying him, and was going home. —To Mr Blood : Witness had a very strong feeling in the matter of the by laws affecting the bridge, and considered them absurd. None of the men at the time wore in his employ.—William Brown deposed to seizing the engine in question on the afternoon of the 9th April, under a bill of sale held by the Now Zealand Loam and Mercantile Agency. Witness was acting under instructions from the Com pany. It was by his order that the engine was taken to Wakanui. He in structed the men, who had previously been in defendant’s employ, to take the engine over the bridge. Witness was in charge of the engine. Moffat in no way inter fered with the gate-keeper.—Peter Stuart deposed to being present at the time. Ho was accompanying the engine. Mr Moffatt was never near the gate.—To Mr Blood : Mr Moffatt employed witness to come in with the, engine. Henry Wake ling accompanied the engine from Tinwald to Wakanui. He did not see Moffat at the gate. Could have done so had he been there. —The Bench held that the evidence proved that the engine had at the time passed from the control of the defendant. As regarded the by-law, it was a most necessary one for the safety of public property. The case would be dismissed. Further Charges. Two other charges preferred against the same de fendant, for obstructing a railway official in the execution of his duty and for assault, were withdrawn.

Gambling in a Licensed House.— The charge of this nature against Robert Little, adjourned for the decision of the Bench, was brought up. In giving judg ment, His Worship said—l adjourned this case for consideration as I had my doubis as to the meaning of the word gambling as applied when only drinks were at stake. I find that the Lexicons’ inter pret gaming or gambling as the practise of playing and following up any game, particularly those of chance, as cards, dice, &c., and in the Acts on the subject passed in the 12, 13, and 18 of George 11, gambling is described as the games of faro, basselt, ace of hearts, hazards, passage, roly-poly, and roulette, and all other games with dice, except backgam mon ; and I find in Stephens’ Commen taries that all games played with dice, except backgammon, are unlawful; in Oke’s Synopsis that all housekeepers can have billiard-rooms, Ac., but if played for money or money’s worth, or there be betting at the games with the knowledge of the ale-house keeper, that constitutes gaming. I find that Mr Watt, R. M., is reported in the “ Jurist,” page 87, vol 2 of new series, to have held that playing for money’s worth is gambling. I shall, therefore, fine Mr Little. I know it has been the common practice to play at what is known as “Yankee grab ” in hotels for drinks, but the case being brought under tho notice of the Court, I have no other course ; at the same time I shall, however, inflict only a nominal fine in this case. Defendant will be fined 10s and costs. CIVIL CASES. Hanna v. Dawson.—Claim, L4s.—Mr O’Reilly for the plaintiff and Mr Branson for the defence.—The claim was for damages received by defendant riding over plaintiff and thereby breaking his leg. Mr Branson now applied for an adjourn ment for three mouths, on the ground that the defendant yesterday met with an accident whereby he had sustained a fracture of his leg, and would therefore

be incapacitated from attending the Court. ’ —The case was adjourned for two months, ; viz., 12th July. ' Fricdlander Bros. v. Patterson. —Claim, LI. Mr Crisp for the defendant The claim was for the balance of an account due by the defendant on the purchase of a plough. The defendant swore to the payment of the amount to one of the employe's in plaintiff’s office, and to the obtaining of a receipt for that sum, which had since been destroyed by accident. He admitted indebtedness on a further claim to the extent of L 3 9s. Judgment was given, by consent, for the plaintiff, for the sum of L 3 9s. [The civil business was proceeding when our representative left the Court.]

FIRE.

This morning about i 40 a.m. the residents of the Borough were alarmed by the ringing of the fire bell and whistling from the engine shed, and in looking out it was soon seen that a serious conflagration had broken out in the centre of the town. The exact position of the burning was very soon ascertained, as the flames in a few minutes leapt high in the air, and in a very short time two buildings were totally consumed. On arrival at the scene of the fire it was found that the boarding-house known as the Central Temperance Hotel, kept by Mr Watts, and the coach factory belonging to Messrs Baker and Brown, were both doomed to destruction by the devour ing element, and that the greatest pos sible exertions were necessary to. protect the buildings adjacent from being burnt. Through the great exer tions of many willing hands the fire was confined to the two buildings already named, which adjoined each other, and although a portion ot the County Council premises on the opposite side of the street caught fire in several places, as also the outbuild ings ot Mr Hicks, baker, Mr Cavanagh, blacksmith, and others, a plentitul supply of water by means of buckets kept the fire from spreading any further. The, fire brigade arrived on the scene shortly after the alarm was given, but a great deal of time was lost in obtaining a supply of water owing to the side channels leading from East street to the belt having been slopped to allow of the formation of the outfall drain, so that when the water was turned into Havelock street, all the light drift matter, which had accumulated during the late nor’-west winds, was carried into the hole dug for the suction hose and choked the engine. The brigade has frequently impressed upon the Borough Council the imperative necessity for providing some means of obtaining a sufficient depth of water to allow of floating debris , such as straw,

paper, &c., passing over the suction hose, but so far without avail. However, we hope that before another disaster occurs, something will be done in the matter.

The fire originated in the back kitchen of the Central Temperance Hotel, and was first discovered by a lodger, named Lawry, who Was stopping in the house last night. Mr Lawry retired to bed about 11 o’clock, when, to bis knowledge, everything was all right in and about the premises. The servant retired about an hour afterwards, and she states that every thing was perfectly safe then. Mr Lawry was awakened by the noise of fire and the smoke, and immediately roused the servant and children and two of the lodgers, but was unsuccess ful in his efforts to awaken another lodger named Thomas Daly, who had been intoxicated the previous night. While carrying the children to Butler’s Hotel, where they were kindly cared for, Mr Lawry informed Constable Neill of the man being left in the burning building. Hearing this Con stable Neill rushed upstairs, and only succeeded in saving Daly by pulling him through the window, as. it was impossible to get back by the staircase owing to the flames, which by this time had spread all over the building. Daly was severely cut and bruised by his hurried exit, but as he has to thank the constable for saving his life he will probably think very little of his minor injuries. A large number of persons were engaged in taking out what carriages and wheelwright’s stock they could from Baker and Brown’s establish ment, but succeeded in saving only a small amount, so quickly had the fire spread from one building to the other. It was now seen that the houses in rear of these buildings were in great danger of catching, and strenuous efforts, which, happily, were successful, were made to prevent the spread of the fire in this direction. Continuous streams of water were poured on Mr Davidson’s (fruiterer’s) house, and on other places which had become ignited. The private hose sup plied by Mr R. W. Shearman, of the Somerset Hotel, did good service, and was the means of preventing further danger in this quarter. Indeed, at one time it was thought impossible to save either Mr Hicks’ or Mr Davidson’s houses, and if the fire had spread to them, it is hard to say where it would have ended. Luckily, very little wind was blowing at the time, or very great damage must have been done to the various surrounding buildings, and very great loss the immediate result. The Fire Brigade and Fire Police worked well, and all deserve the greatest praise for their untiring efforts to save property.

Mr Watts, the lessee of the Central Temperance Hotel, was absent with his wife at Chertsey, attending a concert there, and had left their two children at home in charge of the servant. We regret to hear that their loss is a severe one, as none of the effects were saved. The furniture belonged to Messrs Friedlander Bros., and the building to Mr James Baker, both of which were insured. Messrs Baker and Brown arc also considerable losers, as their valuable stock was not insured. It is supposed the fire originated from a stove in the kitchen. Mr Mainwaring’s furniture was all removed from his dwelling in a short time, but must have been considerably damaged. None of it was insured. The following are the insurances : Baker and Brown, Laso in the South British; stock uninsured. Central Temperance Hotel, L3OO in South British, L3OO in the Standard; and the furniture, L2OO in , the Union office. Mr Watts is a heavy loser, as none of his private effects were saved and were uninsured. Messrs Baker and Brown estimate their lost at about L 35 0 .

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(from our own correspondent.) Sydney, April 30. It is now not at all unlikely that Par liament will assemble in the course of a few days. Sir Henry Parkes is at present in Melbourne, and yesterday it was learnt that he had interviewed Mr Berry, with a view of getting the Vic torian Parliament to meet immediately, to deal with a decisive measure on the Chinese question. Also, that Sir Henry Parkes was to frame a Bill and submit it to the Chief Secretary for Victoria, ~ and if Mr Berry concurred in the ■ pro visions, both Premiers would introduce the same Bill in their respective' Parlia ments. , '

The Mongolian invasion here is the general topic, and it being a mat-' ter of Intercolonial and,! news being unusually scarce.this;.week, I therefore will take the opportunity of present! ng to your readers a rough out-line of the doings of the “ Chows,” in what they consider a “ Land of Promise.” The newly arrived Chinese hail from the neighborhood of Canton and : Macao, where, owing to the failure of the crops, the farmers were unable,.not , only to pay wages, but to find food for the men they employed. They had only one alternative—leave, or die of 1 starvation, and the only country which would receive them was Australia. With few exceptions, the yellow strangers arrived in Sydney without .a ~ penny in their pockets. Despite all as sertions to the contrary, it is an indis->. put able fact that several Chinese chants here were cognisant, and moved in the irruption now taken place, months and months ago, and further* if they choose to impart the knowledge, in their possession at present regarding the number of Mongolians likely to ar rive, public indignation would, be greater than it is. It may be mentioned that the consignees of these living cargoes of Asiatic humanity feel tin-. comfortable at the excitement they‘have 1 aroused, and consequently, they.pre very reticent, and evasive to an unusual degree; although, to one acquainted with Chinese character, it is known that it would be practically impossible ' to ; get the slightest reliable respecting the number now swarming to our shores. A significant fact in connection with the arrival of the ' Mongols is that ■ each ship was ac-D companied by several Chinese who had previously been in Australia, and who act ashore as guides and friends. The<e can be little doubt that these Australian Chinese have been acting) as immigration agents in China for*; capitalists, who derive large from the introduction of the cheap labor, and, owing to their circulating glowing accounts of the easy .man.uer,. wealth is acquired in New South Wales, it has caused a universal desire among the lower classes to emigrate, and their minds becoming inflamed ...with, the brilliant prospects described to , them, that they will stand at nothing to y this colony. Families are clubbing together in order to send one of their number to the land of promise. Men ‘ pledge their wives and families, 1 and ' ' sell their liberty for a peripd of years, to get to New South Wales. The,;, modus opemndi of the agents in the Flowery Land appears to be as follows —Emissaries from. Chinese firms, with: agencies in Sydney, go about extolling Australasia; and as soon as they, think they have a sufficient number- of recruits together, they are sent to Hong Kong and coopedup lilla steamer ... is 1 They have to sigh - a ; 1 binding agreement to serve a certain time, at whatever the shipping firm may direct, and to pay passage money,. 42 dollars. They are hot allowed to gp } about Hong Kong, and . are therefore literally slaves to the agents. All the immigrants who arrived here were clad in their Oriental costuihe ; but] in order to divert attention, those whb were granted the sacred permission of, per-, < ambulating our streets were attired by| certain Chinamen in- old clothes pi European style. The greater number of the immigrants who left Sydney are - > now employed in the stanniferous regions ; the result of this will be to throw hundreds of European miners out of work, and compel many to break up their homes, and seek lab'df elsewhere. To this the Britisher must : put his back up, to see their wives and familes deprived of means of existence, and in their own colony simply to make room for hordes of hateful f whose habits are digustingand whose ini- ? morality has long since shocked the civilised world. It is well known that all the Celestials earn in a country they immediately transfer to China, cony. sequent! v wherever they are,, owing to 1 the non-circulation of their money, they - are bad colonists. Before this , last irruption of Chinese, Tenterfield was populated with about 1,600 Europeans ! and 1,000 Chinamen. Now it is estimated that over 2,000 of the almond-eyed are in that district Moreover, the Chinese are nearly all adult males, while the Caucasian population comprises men, women, and children. Really this is a pretty state’ - of things for a young and rising colony! A few, but very few, of the, arrivals intend to proceed overland to Queensland to evade the poll-tax., _ Some have engaged themselves' to . market-gardeners in the suburbs, Some/’ of the European clothiers and boot makers in the lower part of George street thought they would run a trade with the “Chows,” but had the wind taken out of their sails by four Chinese storekeepers starting. Of course their own countrymenwill • \ patronise them. This 'shows that k* ' large influx of Chinese are anticipated; if not, it is hardly possible that the r Chinese storekeepers would have laid .’ in such large stocks. Nearly all the new arrivals were domiciled in the stores in Lower George street and Waterloo. As may be expected, they were packed together in a manner, . which prevented the rules of ordinary decency, let alone: sanitary measures; being observed. However, my readers can judge for themselves, the following being a description of one of the camps of the immigrants from the Flowery , r

Land: —The establishment presents a fair appearance to George street north, the front part of it being well stocked? .. with Mongolian, merchandise. The back of the building is fitted up with small, but numerous bunks, packed closely together. There is' a ! small'” 1 ' vard, very dirty, and twp bidsheets.' 1 * During the day the new chums arq ..

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1881.



JIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. fly John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND- HAND FURNITURE. Bro 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* '



Wanted. .y.— ' WANTED — By a competent Young Man, homo artd colonial experience, SITUATION as Working Manager or Overseer on a farm. Good testimonials. Apply, J.T., care of Mr M'Coll, Cracroft, Ealing. 771 a WANTED at once—J.EiNjU.cjKo tor 60 chains (more or less) of WIRE FENCING (stakes and wire). Labor only. Apply, Office of this Paper, where the specifications may be seen. 780 a WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED EVERBODY to know that HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED KNOWN—That W. Fergie’s EXPRESS runs to and from Tinwald Twice Daily. Goods con veyed at most reasonable rates. Orders left at Jephson’s Store, Tinwald, or W. Patching’s, Ashburton, will be promptly attended to. 760 a XyANTED—MRS PAULING begs to » * notify that she has taken that Commodious House in Moore street nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will be glad to ACCOMMO DATE PATIENTS requiring surgical or medical aid. Mrs Pauling has had very considerable experience as Ladies’ Nurse, both at Home and in New Zealand. 528 a ttt ANTED KNOWN That 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 YTT ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. —L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a



TTT'ANTED THE GUARDIAN tells • • your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, g tao wucii oi mis iiuiige in nmiu, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, H A I R D, R E S S E R, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ snueezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. ' THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO :—Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES : Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. F.C. was floooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do 1 Sue the Council for damages 1 No ! no ! Sell the damaged goods at the best’ prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a FLOODED OUT.



jyjj-R 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 OF REMOVAL. Daniel Fitzpatrick, BOOTMAKER, Begs to return his sincere thanks to his friends, and to the general public, for their liberal support accorded to him since commencing business, and by paying every attention, and civility to his customers, he asks their continuance in future. Also that they may find him in future in East street, next Orr and Go. (late Trickett), with a well selected Stock of BOOTS and SHOES of every kind. Please note the Address^?- FAMILY BOOT & SHOE DEPOT, East street (Next Orr and Co). 7lla IST OTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Horne. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a Encourage local enter- PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 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 Barinr Square. 3G5a



Hayes’ rpIMBEB YARDS. 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 Thihty Shillings per. Cobd, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a THE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving every day’s news, up to the hour of going to press. This is better than buying a sixpenny weekly.



Special Advertisements. Geo. Booth & Sons, TUAM AND ST. ASAPH STREETS, Christchurch, IMPORTERS of all kinds of AGRI CULTURAL IMPLEMENTS and MACHINES. Tillage Implements Food Preparing Machinery Dairy Machinery Harvesting and Threshing Machinery, &c., &c. Indents on the English and American Markets executed on the most reasonable terms. Agent— FREDK. PAVITT, 783 a Ashburton.