SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Edwin Barrett, barque, from Newcastle. Sea Bird, brigantine, from Polorus Sound. To-day. ' Wakatipu, s.s., from Sydney, via Wel lington. Hawea, s.s., from Wellington. Sftildd. Yesterday. Star of Jhfe South, s.s., for Timaru. Te Anau, s.s., for Northern Ports. ■■ 'Vic-. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. JAJrnvr 1 Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Oreti, from Manukau. Westport, Yesterday. Sailed —Beautiful Star, for Lyttelton. 6raftofa| f<y Nelson. Melbourne, To-day. Arrived—Rotomahana, s.si, from the Bluff

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : Ear Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. Fob Chertfiey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a. m. and & g. lAudtaly.- For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Cjldfltream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. Ecfr fTeinuka, at 6 a. m. aud 10 a. m., daily. Fje*i Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., ,10 A-nj;* and 4.20.p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, McmiJt’cSoDiera, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays :and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. Fdt' Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kjrle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Offic©”: From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m.i;4(35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From-Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Frem Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 8.35j}.m., and 8.16 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 and>: and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and;Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, v ; , . , Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, February 1. Quill and Co., at the County Saleyards— -700 mixed Sheep. Tuesday, February 8. . Davies and Winter —T. S. Nos. 332 and 334,. Rakaia. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. . - i ‘-'Tuesday, February 1. Degree Temple, Fortnightly Meeting, Templar Hall, at 8 p.m. Horticultural Society, Monthly Meeting, at Jacobson and Eyton’s office, at 8 o’clock. Wednesday, February 2. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 afm;, 10.30 a. m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 436 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.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p. m.] The Ashburton Guardian. SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1881. An Leader Wanted.

The political atmosphere just now is very quiet. Mr. Bryce has vacated his seat in the Cabinet, and with a stern loyalty to his colleagues declines to give the slightest indication of his reason for resigning, lest he should create for them difficulty in dealing with some delicate Maori question His portfolio has been taken up by Mr. Rolleston, and no addition has yet been made to the’ Ministry, but we assume —though Ministers appear in no hurry—that this will shortly be done. There is really no need forhurry,for neverwas theirhold on office more secure than it is at (this moment. This, perhaps, is unfortu nate, both for themselves and the coun try, for when a Government believes that it cannot be replaced, it is apt to lose its discretion, as did the administra tion of Sir George Grey, and the coun try is likely to materially suffer in con sequence. We say the hold on office of the present Government is exception ally secure, for the simple reason that the Opposition is thoroughly dis organised, and has no head whatever. In the ranks of the anti-Ministerialists there is not one man who could com mand the confidence of the House, or could bring together a compact party. Mr. Macandrew’s name has only to be mentioned as a probable leader to evoke antagonism to the Opposition in its own household, and . all the other men who, during the last and previous sessions appeared as followers of Sir George Grey, would individually fail to win the confidence of a party of any strength, so that actually the only man we can look to with any expectancy is Sir George Grey himself. How the ex-Premier would succeed again at the head of affairs we can readily conjec ture, and think it would be a melan choly day for the colony should he ever again be at the head of a majority. It is with regret that we observe this weakness in the Opposition, a weakness which is apt to make Ministers less watchful than they might be, and less careful of their conduct. Far rather would we see an Opposition composed of men capable of keen and discriminating criticism of the doings of the Adminis tration, which criticism the Administra tion would be forced to do their best to disarm and defy. Instead, however, of such an Opposition, it was truly re marked last session that the Govern ment members had nothing to which to reply. Streams of talk certainly flowed, filling up the pages of Hansard , but the* artillery was weak at best, and in most cases the guns were light and altogether unshotted. The impotency of the Opposition has told already on the conduct of the Government, for had their doings during the recess been liable to a searching dissection when Parliament re assembles, it is highly improbable that such an enormity of the railway tariff would have agitated Canterbury during this summer. On this question probably Government will receive its severest criticisms from its own side of the House, and it was the fear of this doubtless that brought about the modifications that have been conceded. One thing is evident, it can not be said of the Government that they have been over Conservative of the interests of their friends, but in their cutting-down policy they have merci lessly "wielded a two-edged sword, that cut wherever there was anything to cut, regardless of who suffered in the inte rests of the country.

Possibly the very weakness of the Opposition, showing that while they are dissenting among themselves, the one jealous of the other, and a dozen men wanting to lead, may prove their strength.- They may realise that the party in power is daily gaining a firmer foothold, and if anything is to be effected the disunited ranks must be reorganised and brought together during the session that is drawing near. This session will more than likely be the end of the present Parliament, and one last effort may be made, but it will require to be a very powerful one, to unseat the present holders of office. Of what another appeal to the constituencies may evolve it is difficult to speak with any certainty; some new blood intro duced may perhaps add strength to the opposing party, and it is much needed, for its power was never at a lower ebb than at this moment.

Australia v. Canterbury.— ln another column we give a report of this cricket match up to 4.15 this afternoon. To-night at 8 o’clock wa will publish an “ extra,” giving the full day’s score. A Good Example. —The Mayor of Auckland announces that he intends de voting L2OO of his salary to the free public library school. Amateur Dramatic Association.—A nautical drama entitled “Ben Bolt ” has been selected for representation at the Town Hail, on March 3rd next. Ashburton Horticultural Society. —This society will meet at Messrs. Jacob son and Eyton’s office, on Tuesday even ing, to arrange details in connection with the Marcli show. Presentation. —On Wednesday after noon a number of the past and present officers of the Bank of Hew Zealand pre sented Mr. J. L. Coster, late Manager of the Bank in Christchurch, with an illu minated address, and a purse of sovereigns with which to purchase a piece of plate.

County Waterworks. — The formal opening of the water race will take place at Pudding Hill on Monday. A special train for the convenience of visitors will leave Ashburton at 8.20 a.m,, and we ex pect to see a large gathering at the in teresting ceremony. We hope, with the assistance of carrier pigeons, to publish a report of the proceedings in our Monday’s issue. Flemington School Committee. —At the annual meeting on Monday last, Mr. Joseph Clark occupied the chair, and eight other householders were present. After the transaction of routine business, the following committee was elected Messrs. E. Anderson, H. Anderson, Clark, Fleming, Dunn and Smith. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, Mr. Joseph Clark was . unanimously elected chairman. That Lecture. —At a meeting of the Prebbleton school committee, held on the 21fch instant, a letter was road from Mr. P. M'Guire, of Ashburton, requesting the committee to grant him the use of the schoolroom to deliver a lecture on edu cation. The applicant had not stated whether the lecture was to be free or otherwise, and the committee refused the request.

The Southern Crops;— Very favorable accounts of the crops in the country districts of Otago continue to be received.

Pedestrianism. —Edwards has signed the articles of agreement for a forty-eight hours’ walking match between himself and Scott,

Sunday Concerts in Christchurch. —The Christchurch City Council have refused to give a permit to Mr, Mari in Simonsen to hold concerts of sacred music on Sunday evenings in the Theatre EO3 al. Racehorses for Wellington.— Tue following racing stock was sent to Welling ton per the Te Anau, yesterday Mis chief, The Governor, Randwick, Virginia Water, Clarence, Badsworth, The Agent, and Luna. The Powers of School Committees. —The various school committees in > Ire Auckland district are going to, hold a provincial conference respecting their powers under the Act, and the relations of the Education Board to committees. Wreck Inquiry. —An inquiry was held at Napier, yesterday, into the stranding of the Silver Cloud. The Court exonerated anyone from blame, but considered i hat it would have been wiser had the ve sel been brought in at flood tide.

Sporting. —The one mile race between Groves and Bayliss, for L 5 a-side, has been arranged, and will take place next Tuesday week. Groves has consented to give Bayliss the sixty-five yards s art asked for, and an excited contest is looted forward to.

Gallant Rescue. —In transhipping the passengers from the Waikaia to the Annie Milbank at Wangarei Heads, Auckland, on Thursday night, a passenger fell o ver board. Captain Aubrey jumped over board and saved him, at the peril of his life, as a strong tide was running. Prospecting. —A party of prospectors are going out to examine the western slopes of the Ruahines, Hawkes’ Bay. Quartz similar to the Thames stone has been brought in from time to time by surveyors, and in a recent lecture Dr. Hector expressed the belief that gold would be found there. Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion. —The Committee of this Assccffion met at the Somerset Hotel yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs. Carter (in the chair), Cox, H. Friedlander, Buff ck, E. F. Wright, Gundry, and Jameson. The Secretary reported that the County Council had agreed to lease the yards to the Association at a rental of Ll3l 16s. per annum. The question of sub-letting the yards was left with the Committee already appointed. Correspondence was read from Mr. James Little, protesting against any alteration in date of the Annual Show, and from Mr. Passmore, requesting the Secretary to enroll a num ber, of gentlemen as members. After passing sundry accounts for payment, the meeting adjourned. To-Day’s Court. —At the R. M. Court to-day, before Mr Nugent Wood, Andrew Everson was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and also with indecent exposure. Constable Neill gave evidence to arresting accused near the post office yesterday afternoon, where he was lying drunk. The constable also proved the second charge, and the accused was fined 205., or three days’ imprisonment, for being drunk and disorderly, and for in decent exposure fourteen days in Adding ton gaol. William Stewart was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Rakaia, and after Constable Rowse had given evi dence, accused was fined ss. or twenty four hours’ imprisonment. Poultry Society. —A meeting of gen tlemen interested in the formation of a Poultry Society for Ashburton wasthold in the Town Hall last evening. Mr. S. Saunders occupied the chair, and briefly explained the objects and advantages of the proposed society. Mr. Poyntz re ported what steps he had already taken, and apologised for the absence of several promised supporters. It was then re solved—“ That a Society be established, to be called ‘ The Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society;’” and the rules of the Christchurch society were considered seriatim, and, after several slight alterations, adopted. The following officers were elected:- —President, Mr. E. G. Wright; vice-president, Mr. T. Bullock; treasurer, Mr. Poyntz; secretary, Mr. J. Permain; managing committee, Messrs. Wood, Charlton, Saunders, Biggs, and Jacobson. In the conversation which followed the business of the meeting the month of May was mentioned as most suitable for the Society’s first show. Good News. —The Bruce Herald says : —1“ We have good news for local growers of oats, and intelligence, if wo mistake not, which will attract the tittentiou of farmers in every part of New Zealand. A representative of an eminent Glasgow firm is now in New Zealand. The firm to which he is attached arc large dealers in oats and oatmeal, and their usual source of supply is now, and for years past has been, the United Stales. The demand for oats are increasing, and samples of New Zealand oats, which have been sent home, have attracted the attention and admira tion of the dealers in farm produce. • The firm referred to require annually a supply which amounts in value to L160,Q00, and their representative has received a com mission to erect oatmeal milla in the colony, which must provo a boon to all concerned, and which will be a positive source of wealth to the whole farming in terest in the colony. The question arises, will our farmers, wo refer to the whole body not to any particular locality, be able to supply this unexpected demand ? If they can give practical answer in the affirmative, a source of wealth will be utilised and extended which will open up numerous avenues of employment, and a permanent industry will take root and flourish in New Zealand.”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Money and Commercial. London, Jan. 26. Consols remain at New Zea land securities unchanged. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 13,750,000. Adelaide and New Zealand breadstuff’s and Aus tralian tallow are without quotable change. Russia. London, Jan. 28. It is currently stated in Russian and other political circles that, in view ol the success of General Skobeloffs ex pedition against the Tekke Turcomans and übe retreat of the latter from Geok Tepe, the Russian Government is now averse to continuing the campaign, and that further hostilities will not be pro? ceeded with, Success of the Meat and Butter Experi ment- The butter brought by the steamer Protos has realised one shilling per pound, and the total return shows a large profit. From the shipment. of fresh meat,; after payment of all charges, there is a profit of fully Li,poo. French Shippers. Paris, Jan. 27. At to-day’s sitting of the French Senate a Bill , giving ‘Government power to grant bounties to French shippers was finally discussed and agreed to. > The Boers jihd Basntos- Capetown. Jan. 27. Telegrams :are to hand from Natal stating that news ' has been received ■

from the Transvaal that a successful sortie had been made by the British troops from Pretoria. The Boers’ laager was captured, and a heavy loss was inflicted on them in killed and wounded. News also received in Natal from Governor-Brigader-General Sir G. Colley, who had reached Ingogo from Newcastle, states that owing to heavy rains, the rivers are swollen, and the advance of his force is for a time prevented. Wouldn’t Show Fight. Capetown, Jan. 28. News has been received to-day from the Transvaal that the rivers.have fallen. The force under General Colley has been able to continue its advance into the Transvaal. The large bodies ot Boers Which were sighted a few days ago were again seen ahead of the line of march, and were apparantly prepar ing to oppose the advance of the colonial troops. Sir George Colley at once ordered the artillery to open fire, and the infantry followed up to attack, but the enemy declined an engagement and retired in haste.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Pet Reuter's Agency,) The Geelong Gold Cup. Melbourne, Jan. 28. The Geelong Cup was run to-day, and was won by Progress. Interest. Melbourne Banks have reduced their rate of interest on deposits to, 3 per cent. Exhibitors Awards. The following awards to exhibitors are announced to-day : —Firsts : Miss Annie Wilson, Dunedin, for specimen of English modern point lace; A. Moore and Co., Christchurch, for wheat, &c.; Royse, Stead and Co., Christchurch, for twelve . samples of cereals. Seconds : Dr. Hector, for geological maps ; Miss McTavish, Thames, for specimens of needle work from New Zealand flax; Marshall and Copeland, Dunedin, for malt and bar ley. Thirds: Board of Education, Napier, for school apparatus ; Profes sor Von Haast, for geological report; Miss Jessie Logan, Dunedin, for lace work; J. and E. Paul, Marlborough, for barley ; Thomas Surman and Co., Invercargill, for malt; J. Bycroft and Co., Auckland, for biscuits. Fourths : Walter Deverell, Invercargill, for speci mens of survey drafting; W. W. J. Spreat, Wellington, for map of Otago; Miss M. F. A, Jones, Nelson, for point lace. Fifths : Gerard Muller, Hokf tika, for map of Westland; Charles O’Neill, Wellington, for plan of Wel lington ; V. Almao, Dunedin, for hats. Homeward Bound. Melbourne, To-day. The yacht Zephyr, seven tons, owned by Mr. Gibbs, of Dunedin, sailed for Port Chalmers on Wednesday last. The Markets. Sydney, Jan. 28. Kerosene, diamond, is. ; B}4d. ; maize, 3s. twist, is. 4d. The markets for brandy, rice, sugar, New Zealand breads tuffs’ and candles are unchanged. Adelaide, Jan. 28. Wheat, 4s. 6d„ -without buyers; town flour, Lio 10s. to Lio i2s. : fid.; country brands, L 9 3s. Freights to London, 455.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) The Regatta. Auckland, To-day. It is a splendid day for the Regatta, especially for the sailing races. The Intercolonial Gig Race for LIOO has been postponed till later in the day, owing to the bumpy sea. There are only three local entries for the Champion Schooner Race for LIOO. Eight fine vessels entered —the Caledonia, Linda Weber, Edith, Sovereign, Belle Brandon, Torea, Borealis, aud Myrtle. A good start was effected, and a fine sail made down the harbor. Arrived at the North Head the Sovereign was leading, with the Borealis and Edith close up. No Race. Wellington, To-day. At the Magistrate’s Court an action brought by Captain Fleetwing against the Regattta Committee was finished to-day. The Magistrate decided it was no race, and the entrance tee bo returned. Further Adj ourned. Dunedin, To-day. Mbritzon’s case has been further ad journed until Friday next. The Week’s Bankruptcies. Ten. small insolvencies have filed during the week.

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN V. CANTERBURY FIFTEEN. First Day—Saturday, Jan. 29. [Per Pigeon Post.] [From our Special Reporter] There was an immense crowd in Hagley Park to-day to witness the greatest match of the Australians’ New Zealand tour against Fifteen of Christ church.. The weather was simply superb for cricket, and the gorgeous wicket of Hagley Park was in the pink of condition. A slight wind blew that made the outing agreeable, and toned down what otherwise would have been a hot day, but did not interfere either 1 with the bowler or bat. The men came on the ground at about half-past twelve, the Australians in the field, who received Corfe and Watson- with a graceful salute. Spofforth took the west end bowling to Corfe, and the first ball was sent neatly to leg for i, the rest of the over being resultless. Palmer sent down a maiden, and Spofforth followed suit. The defence of both batsmen pp to this time had been splendid, and it was evident that they were losing any nervousness that may haye troubled them. The spectators were in .high spirits, and faith in the: home team rose high. In Palmer’s second over Watson sent him to leg for l, and then Spofforth came into play. Watson drove him over the bowler for i, and Spofforth, though he leapt high, could not quite reach it. Corfe sent the .next ball away, but in attempting to steal a run from an over throw Watson was cleverly run out. The fielding of the Australians was simply perfection, i— z —4. Leach was the ne*t comer, facing Spofforth and hitting him to leg for x. Palmer sent down q maiden. Then Corfe faced the demon, sending- his second ball into the slips for 1. This brought Leagh round to Spoffoyth, w 2jpse - over be finished. Palmer’s next half was got away beautifully past nifdron by

Corfu, well out of bounds, 4 going to thO batsman’s credit. In the next over* 2 were run for a leg-bye offSpof forth*. and then Leach cut to cover one for a single. In Palmer’s next over Leach scored 1, and then cut Spofforth’s third ball for 2. A run was then very cleverly stolen, and Corfe followed it up with a snick for 2, and in the same over Leach placed one in the slips for a single, Christchurch high in favor. Spofforth sent down a maiden, Corfe appearing now well-set, but Palmer’s first ball gave him a nasty blow, and savagely swiping at the next he was. bowled. 2 9 Ashby then joined Leach, and the lat ter got two singles. The new comer opened fire with a cut for 2 off Palmer, then Leach cut Spofforth for r. The next over was a maiden. Leach played with’ great care and judgment, but Ashby skied Spofforth’s first ball in the next over the latter bowled, and Murdoch after a smart run made a magnificent catch, showing that the Australians were edged tools not to he trifled with. 3 —2—25. Hartlandnow partnered Leach, who sent the hall along the grass for 2 off Spofforth, but in Palmer’s next over, Hartland suc cumbed without scoring—clean bowled.

4o —27. Secretan was the next man sent in, and Leach made a gallery hit off Spofforth to wards the booths for 4. Secretan sent the first ball he from Palmer to leg for 2, and followed in the next over with another brace. Leach, still playing a careful innings, took another single off Spofforth, and Secretan came up to the great trundler. He made a fine hit, but Murdoch was all about, and fielded it magnificent!}', so that the hit went for nothing. He, however, stole a run in the next over. Leach did the same. Then Secretan opened out in style, and drove Spofforth from his bat for 4, right across to the reporters’ tefnts. Up went 40 on the board, and loud cheers rang out all round the densely packed circle, which had now increased to several thousands, the Saturday half-holiday letting loose innumerable workmen. At this stage the wind considerably increased, blow ing rather stiffly, still not sufficient to cause trouble to the players. A couple followed off Palmer, but Leach’s time had now come, and when he sent his next ball high in air Murdoch was again in the way, and with one hand made .a beautiful catch. Leech played a patient and plucky innings for his 18, and was loudly applauded on re tiring. 5 —iB—45. Ollivier joined Secretan, who cut Spofforth for one, and Ollivier broke his egg with a couple off the Demon; He was nearly caught off the next ball, and the following one found its way into his wickets. 62 —48. W. Frith took the captain’s place, and sent 1 to leg for 3 off Spofforth, which brought 51 up, and the teams adjourned to lunch at 2 p.m. At this hour fully 7000 people were on the ground. At a few minutes before three play was resumed. During the interregnum the concourse of spectators had "steadily increased, and when the men came to the; wickets the circle was deep and dense. A ring was kept such, as could not have been kept in any other ground in New Zealand, and the wide circle showed what a splendid fielding ground was hfforded by the noble park. Yet with all all its amplitude it was some times all too circumscribed fcfor the splendid hits that were occasionally made by players of the Fifteen, and twice at least the ball was driven out side the ring of spectators, and into the adjoining wood belts. Frith and Secretan took up the posi tions they had left, and Frith began business by hitting Palmer away for 2. Secretan secured a single in the next over, and Frith sent a skyer to lopg-on when there was no one to receive i and a valuable life was spared. I the next over he made another single and a couple, and then he drove Spofforth beautifully for 4, scoring 10 less than ten minutes, and bringing 60 up. Then a single, and the youngster scoring 7 off the demon’s bowling in one over —treatment Spofforth was evidently not prepared for, and he shook himself together accordingly. Frith then hit Palmer for 1, and Secretan dribbled in two singles. Then Spofforth had his revenge, for Frith finished a brilliantly played innings of 16, by playing one; too high, and McDonnell got it by one of those neat tit-bits of fielding for which the Australians are famous. 7 —16—66. Fowler followed, starting with a couple of 2’s off the demon —70 up —and then did the gallery business with a straight drive for 4. A maiden followed by Palmer, and then Spofforth scattered Fowler’s timber by one of his own little particulars. 8—8—75. Reeves then faced the bowler; two maidens followed; and in the next over Secretan sent Palmer well away, getting 3 for this hit, but the next ball was fatal' to Reeves, who was clean bowled. 9 —0—78. E. Cotterill was the next to try his luck, which was the reverse to good, Palmer securing his wicket first ball. 10 —o —7B. Redmayne followed, and. Secretan put on another single, and then 3 for a nice hit from Palmeri The rest of the wickets fell in rapid succes sion, and gthe Jtotal only reached 90, Secretan carrying out his bat for 30, made in a truly masterly style.

THE COERCION BILL.

(By CABijiE.) London, Jan. 28. In the House of Commons last even ing, the, debate; on the second reading of the Irish Coercion Bill, giving the Viceroy power to arrest and detain all persons guilty or suspected of treason able, conduct, and to limit the sale and possession of' arms, was commenced. Several members spoke during the evening, but the chief speaker was the Right Hon. John Bright, President of the: Board of Trade, who addressed the House in strong terms of justification of the action of the Government in pro posing coercive measures for the re pression of the prevailing disorder in Ireland. The debate now stands ad journed until the next sitting.

VISIT OF MINISTERS TO INVER CARGILL.

A Warm Reception. (By Telegraph.) Invercargill, To-day. Major Atkinson and Mr. Oliver arrived at 9.30 last night. An excited crowd at the railway station relieved their feelings by tremendous hooting, groaning and howling like a menagerie broken loose. The noise was audible more than half a mile off. • The Ministers declined to enter a cab, and. walked, followed by the hooting crowd, to the hotel, being hardly pressed by the mob once or twice.. Major Atkinson turned upon his pursuers and exchanged some chaff with them, but, not being backed up by his friends, who were evidently in a hurry to get to shelter, he had to give way. Pie continued, however, to perform the duty of rear guard with admirable coolness, and was the last man off the street. Mr. Oliver and Mr. Bain were special marks of popular disapprobation, and they evidently felt the humiliation keenly. A few over ripe eggs were thrown. .After the party entered the hotel the groaning was kept up for some time, but no personal violence was done. The proceedings wound up with three cheers for Sir George Grey. The banquet was attended by 35 Ministerial supporters. The Mayor presided, in an avowedly neutral capacity. Major Atkinson pleaded the urgency for retrenchment. He denied the accusation that the position of the colony was depicted by him in too dark colors, but expressed confidence in the resources of the colony, and said that renerved prosperity would follow' the exercise of thrift. Mr. Oliver claimed indulgence on the score of the difficulties encountered in reorganising the railway service. He denied that he had purposely disestablished the Southland workshops for the benefit of Duntdin, and said he had only given effect to the recommendation of Mr. Maxwell, who found four men potter ing away at a one man’s job. The rest of the speeches had no political signi ficance. One or two tried to intro duce local grievances, but they tvere put down by more sensible banquetters.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

4t I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains.” —Lon’gfkllow.

Pytn is drawing crowded houses, and is likely to do some good. He manages.' to accord a very practical obedience to his Great Master’s commands by ministering to the by-way and hedge frequenters in big lines. He manages to secure listeners, many of whom have well-nigh forgotten all they ever knew of the subject on which the Rev. Pym addresses ; and lots of them come out to hear Pym who are excellent subjects for a practical joke, if you could surreptitiously steal a five-pound note from them and hide it in" their Bibles ! The first-difficulty, woukl.be perhaps to find the fiver, the' next the Bible to hide it in—but these given, the note, would be painfully safe from the subject' of the joke. Let my readers ponder on : thc possibility of being made the object of such a joke. It may be worth their while to occasionally turn over their Bibles, or such as have not secured that publication should not longer leave their jocose Wends without an opportunity to be eminently funny. Try it.

Provost Peter Mason sat on the bench in a Scotch town hearing a case of assault. The lawyer who was defending the alleged rowdy, in making his appeal to the magis trate,' stated that an important witness for the defence had become defunct : in the interval between the offence arid the trial. Provost Peter would allow no man to defy the power of the law by becoming defunct, and ordered the witness to be appre hended at once, and brought in to give evidence ! When matters were,Explained to the Provost, he soundly rated- the lawyer for daring to use slang in his Court. It was Peter who used to fine all concerned in a row pri soners and witnesses, and his. , sentence usually was—“ Eexy-pcexy—hauf-a-cropn —hadna been +herc, yo wadna been here. Ye’re a’ fined thegether. ” Our worthy Magistrate was very nearly having a case —like Peter’s—with a defunct in it this week. A Christchurch company sent up to its representative here an account to be collected—sued for, in fact—at once. The agent went to the bailiff to have the summons issued. But, on arrival, he learned that the debtor had been dead for some time, and “ death cancels every debt,” said his informant. “ I don’t kn-o-o-o-w about that,” was the answer. “ But I am afraid my travelling expenses would be somcw.bat heavy.” “ Yes, they would include a refrigerator of double power for yon anyhow.” Proceedings have been stayed for a time.

Phew ! A scavenger rate ! I reckon there will be some trouble over this. One man, who has resided in our city since pre-historic times, told mo he would oppose it with all the vigor of his nature. “ It was an unlawful tax, an unscriptural tax.” I modestly hinted that I didn’t see where the Scriptures came in. He re-: ferred me to the 12th verse of one of the chapters in Deuteronomy past the twen tieth, and I would ,aoon see that the ancient Hebrews tolerated no such tax, but provided just some such system as the good people of Ashburton adopted now. I suggested that we had advanced con siderably since then. “ Ay,” said be, “and so have our rates.” lam afraid there are too many like him—willing to adopt the Mosaic system of scavengering, and this old fossil wants the passage he quoted made a borough by-law. I hope he will got it, just to see how the Mosaic language, short and direct, will - look alongside the legal diffuaeness of the home-made borough statutes.

Somehow I can’t get away from the Church in my letter this week, t don’t want to hang about it too much', especially on a Saturday ; but I must get off another little incident that has relation to it. The engineer of the valuation rcll this year has succeeded in putting another two pounds on the annual taxes of a staunch Church man. The Churchman looks through very practical spectacles when the object is a money one. His weekly contribution to the collection is a bob, occasionally, I; fear, a button. Mr. Fooks has let him in for extra rates, and the good Churchman has taken a solemn vow not to give another copper to the Church till he has Saved the amount of his additional rate. Last night he was practising how he would look when, the bag came round to him during the offertory song. He’s a hard case, is that Churchman, but sensitive to public appro bation, and I’ll'bet my bottomist dollar be subscribes before a month is over, even if compelled to, curb his liberality to buttons or nails. Chispa.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

ROMANCE OF A JANITRESS. More than a year ago I put the last stone upon the wall that I had built between my old life and my present one. It was well built, firm and unyielding, of earth made out of clay with tears so burning and bitter that I thought the fount fiom which they came was dry forever more. But ah ! the day came when the whole barrier fell away and crumbled into dust at the magic hand of memory, and I was sobbing and cry ing as if my heart would break over the feelings brought into life by the sound of a sweet young voice singing “ Rock me to sleep mother.” The. words, “ Make me a child again, just for one night,” razed to the ground the work of months —the big house, the city full, faded away. I was back again at the old homestead, w’ith mother and brother Ben j the sweet smell of violets and piney woods came to me with the -sing ing of birds and the pleasant shade flung by the elm trees over a mother’s window. I forgot for a moment that I had no home, no mother, that the dear face was hidden from my sight in the village churchyard, and that brother Ben was lying at the bottom of the sea. I had not heard that song since mother sung it as we three sat together in the gloam : ing long ago; but as the music ceased, I was back again with a heart all wrinkled and scarred, child no longer, but a poor lone working woman. I could not help it; I threw myself upon the floor of the hall where I was in a perfect abandon of grief. I took no note of time or place, remembering nothing but that I was entirely alone. I heard no one coming, and so was startled when I felt a hand upon my head and heard the words :

“Tut, tut! this will never do, child, you’ll be sick. Have you lost your canary or pet cat ? Tell an old man all your troubles.” I started up ashamed, that I, usually so dignified, should be caught in this way by any of the servants of the apartment house of which I had the charge; but looking at the speaker I saw a strange face—a face strong, kind and true, with piercing eyes which seemed to look into my soul. I said : “I beg pardon, sir, were you looking for a flat ?” “ A flat?” he answered, with a merry twinkle-in his eyes. “If I wanted that I found one without going any further when I saw a little, foolish girl lying flat on the floor, trying her best to inundate my friend Fleming’s house with tears.” As he was speaking I felt my face growing scarlet. I fancied he feared another outburst, so he said ; “ Excuse me, dear, can you tell me where I can find the janitress~who certainly is not a very faithful one or else she would show herself.”

In answer, I drew myself up to as tall a height as I could get, and said : “ Yes; sir, I am the janilress.” ,

i “ You ! Whew ! Do you think you are on the stage ? Come, now, no non sense. I have no time for such tom foolery ; I’m in a hurry.” He tried to look cross, but as he only succeeded in looking queer, I being in that nervous state that I must either laugh or cry, I burst into a fit of laughter. Then he was angry —mut- tered something about hysteria; told me to stop, or he would box my ears. This brought me to my senses, so I gently told him that I had charge ’of the house, and would give him any in formation he required. With a most, quizzical look, he asked :

“ Can you tell me if you have a sick gentleman here—a Mr. Janies Talbot, j am his medical attendant, Dr. Arthur Colville, at your service, madam. Can I trouble you for your name ? ” I said : “ Ruth Hopkins, sir.” “ Well, Miss Ruth Hopkins, as 1 shall probably visit this house every day for some time, and as I know my nervous system would suffer if I were obliged to witness to-day’s scenes often, therefore to prevent a repetition, I will give you a prescription, which you will have made up, and then swallow it down. If you do not I will complain to Mr. Fleming, who is one of my best friends.”

I took the paper without making any answer. I was afraid to do anything else. As we were going upstairs to Mr. Talbot’s apartments, the doctor said :

“ In a few days, >.hen -you are com paratively recovered from this attack, I wish to hear how it is that such a midget as you should hold such a'posi tion.” He then said, “Good morn ing,” and with a most courtly bow went into the patient’s room. I went slowly down the stairs to my own room. Upon reaching it I took myself severely to task for daring to give way to such emotion. What right had I, a servant, to enjoy the luxury of feel ing ?—unfitting myself for my duties. “ Let the dead past bury its dead ” had been, and must be again, tjjg law of my life, for it is such a tembfe-, thing to stand amid the wreck of life’s treasures, feeling they are gone from ns for ever, and to be obliged to realise that hence forth a gulf lies betw r een us and what made our life’s life. I felt there must be no more looking back for me. The first thing to be done was to see Dr.' Colville before he left the house, and to try to do away with impression I had unfortunately given him of my unfitness for my present position. I watched for him, and at he was leaving I said : '

“ Dv. Colville, I wish to tell you that, though I am small, and, perhaps, do not look as old as I am, I am not a child.. lam twenty-eight years old— long, long past girlhood. Mr.,Fleming has employed me for more than a year, and to-day is the first time -I have for gotten myself. Do not, I beg you, tell him of my foolish conduct, for he might be displeased and discharge me ; then what would I do ? I have no home but this, and have not one friend in the city. I can assure you, that ” I had spoken thus far very rapidly, giving the doctor no time to answer. I had not even looked at him, when I was interrupted by a hand being put over my mcuth, and the word “ stop” thundered in my ear. “ What do you take me for? one of your own sex? a gossiping old woman ? Do you think I have nothing to do? that I have time to talk of such nonsense as the sayings and doings of my friend’s un faithful servant ?”

'TrofmmoreNhan I could bear in silence. - ' , I said ;l am not unfaithful, and I think you had better be a kind gossip ing old woman, than a man who would speak in this wayto ahelpless won an.” “ Hoity toity! The child is roused ; rage is becoming to you. I didn’t think you were so pretty.” Then as he looked at me, his voice changed into a low kind tone, and he said: “ Girl, child, or woman —whatever youare— forgive me. I spoke hastily, buCydu touched upon a tender point! { Do not fear, I see you are fighting "the baitle of life with weapons to hands are unused; but bearopbratifelyA a little while, then all will be righT" After this I saw the doctor every [day! He merely said “ Good morning,’* ,as r . he passed me. Ido not ktiaw why 1 1" should have expected anything, mere, but as day after day Went on &nd Ytct | ceived no further notice fropt him disappointed. His last words’ to me had acted like a powerful tonic. l that a fresh impetus had been given me. Poor old Bridget/ ray • helper, would say: 'C “Oh ! Miss Ruthlwe will all the flesh off this house if we clean it any more.” - ~. •..>;! -,-.n unksl' But I was determined that Mr. Fleming’s friend should see nothing to find fault with iti the care taken, and that I was not a sentimental girl, but a hard-working woman. I liked rny life , - it was a busy one, and not monotonous. Tenants were coming and going. All had a little world of theiHOtjin! ' Inlof. many of these the was mitted. Some of these bright and ‘ * —love and hope rulingthere. I would go from them refreshed; •.Others were dark and dreary; but 1 found that'most- . ; of the clouds hadasikerTinmg, would leave with feelings that theJe ' were sorrow's even greater than and so would be- v | (To be continued,')

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1881.



Special Advertisements. Commercial and fancy STATIONERY. TlielJndcrsigned has opened up a NEW ASSORTMENT-'of the above. Cream, Blue, and Hand - made Notepapers; Ruled, Plain, Fancy, and Repp ditto. Good Business Envelopes, No. 7, Court, Albert; - Queen, Tinted, Repp, and others: - Pens —' GUlott’s, Mitchell’s, Brandauer and Co.’s. Inks—Stephen’s Blue Elack, Walkden’s Black and Colored, Adtbnine* Copying, &c. Workboxes, Albums, Books, &c. H. M. JONES, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT, Easx -Steeet and Baking Squakb. 710



READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED By THE' NEW ZEALAND GlotMng Factory, Which can be at their Retail Branches, all over New Zealand. A J SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch EAST STREET. 751* WM, SPARROW, Manager.



JJREAD ! BREAD ! ! BREAD !! ! surtdnnding districts are reminded that good wholesome Bread can be st all times procured from the undersigned. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS made for Supplying Harvest and Threshing Machine hands. Assemblies, Parties, &c., supplied on reasonable terms. An assortment of Biscuits, Pastry, BAKER AND CONFECTIONER, Saunders’ Buicdings, ASHBURTON. f | HE GUARDIAN 1 is published every 1. evening, giving every day’s news, np to the hour of going to press. This is better than buying a sixpenny weekly. KASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb. at the Guabdian Office Cakes, &c., always on hand. A. 0. Aitken, 792 ■ANTEI>.— THE GUARDIAN teUs your Wants for Is.—cash.



Dangerous.—Calling a red-headed man a liar is experimenting with explosives. Not Likely.—Facetious man (to sea sick chum) —“ I say, old fellow, you’re not sick, are you I”, “ You;don’t suppose I’m doing it for tun, do you ?” A New Decoration. — “ What decora tion is that jou are wearing I said an Austrian sergeant to a ne.wi recruit; i £ohel manhlushed deeply and responded, “It is a medal our cow won at the cattle show.”



Phuiv.— Natur luys phun : if she doesn’t she never would have made a munky,— Josh Billings. He Subsided. —“ Eugenie, Eugenie, will you still insist on wearing the hair.of an-- other woman upon your head I” “ Al iphdnae, 'Alphonse, ilo youiatill insist upon wearing the skin of another calf upon your feet!”



— v i “Accidents will Hahpen.” , Bragsott (at last winging a pheasant, after missing right and left all day)—“Ah, ha ? Knocked him over that time!, f JehkinsU” Keeper—“ Yes, sir ; they will fly into it sometimes !” Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— Rheumatic Pains, Tic-Doloreaux.—These cases are unfortunately very prevalent in this country, and are frequently most distressing* sometimes for years baffling, all medical^skill to alleviate the sufferings* or the'victim. ■ Inno case have Holloway’s Ointment and Pills failed to produce a cure. The Ointment piodnees- 81. ’ peculiar and soothing influence over thenertis: and muscles, relaxing spasms and 'stlbduidg;; ! pain. The attack soon becomes milder,fend— A the intervals between the paroxysms/dbuget until they cease altogether. The Pills restore the body from a weak and I to a state of health- and strength.' * Pferahns ■-*- bedridden for months with rheumaUq.painsjaod. dwellings, after using the ; cured in an incredible short period.— Ah VT.*^L



Wanted. WANTED— A General 1 SERVANT . for the country. Apply to Mrs. 0 ' W, T. Davison, Town Hall, Ashburton. ' 1 20a T O WANTED—A second HAND for a Bake-house. Apply, Office 'of tips Paper. WANTED, Watches, • Clock*,: ami Jewellery of all sorts toßepair. Gold and steel Watch-hands ; all descrip tions of Watch-glasses.'■‘Brooch-pins, all at 6d. each..- Parki®,- T directly opposite Public- SciidwT-1 '•< tfOa^ WANTED TO SELL —. Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui' J Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. - - 898



WANTED, TENDERS for PUR CHASE of 250 Acres six A miles from Hinds, next Mr. Pye’a/ Water, 20ft. : Half Fenced. ■ SixtyAcpoe f Ploughed. Terms—lo per cent. r 15 per cent, in. twelve. months, balance ’I per arrangement;, Tenders -tp CL Howabd, Woodend, by PVbruary lOui. No tender necessarily accepted.r •;//. 944 ANTED KNOWN, TH4t HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East 1 Street,. Ashburton, l 4wL open DAILY, from 9 a. m. till B p.m. Portraits taken ,in any weather.. threat Reduction in Price. : - ‘ 1 * '*6oo ANTED KNOWN—The Labgbst and Best Stock of. Saddiebt is to be found at the shop of S. STEFHENS, Tinwald. Good strong Cart Collars from., . 135.; Cart Winkers - , Bs, Cd.; Plough’ | ’ Rack-bands, 6s. cash ;Caft Saddles and *- Breecheris, from. 1 505.; - Reaping MaethineA Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will, 1 a great saving by buying of S._ Stkphbns, Saddler, Tinwald.



TTT ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton T_ V REGISTRY OFFICE . for and Female F. Andrewes a begs to inform' the- phblic of Ashburton/^ l - 8 and surrounding districts that he has opened the - above. Male^ Secants of '.alt classes y prcnriflafeSEm ployers requiring servants, and all persona— — with good recommendations,, who are in want of are to Apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street^ WANTED KNOWN—That of England mTuiater’a wife ' writes that: she saves Ten ShilUdgS 'a Fortnight by, .using Harper TwelvetreesL.. Villa Washer, Wringer, and Mangier, com bined ; ; and,' although? rubbing, the clothes are BeAiHuimyTraiw, s ~ and much cleaner than _ when done by _ hand, while the saving in niehding’ | been astonishing. Sold by J., HERN,' J- Range Maker and Itnpbrtelp, eomer of Manchester and Tuam streets. Christ- . church ; WANTED KNOWN"; 0 "i SOMERSET LIVERY AMD BAIT STABLES. ‘ .-jj-L-** a.i-i-AauTj JW. M‘RAE bogs tp -infbrm the , public that.'he has taken,' \hove Stables from Mr.Bbssenberg] ‘ tliia is making extensive repairs. .) *; ' ri'ZHa v -O Buggies and saddle horses on hjfe.- ~ Lowest prices and .best attention.' 862



Meetings. - 10.G.T. —Unity DEGREE 1 TEMPLE^ . Second and Tl hirtl Degree. MEET*- k ■ ING, and Election of Officers, on TUESt jfy DAY EVENING, at 8. o’clock, at the 5 Templar Hall. —Thomas T.. Ecclesiastical. -rn'-r PRIMITIVE METHODIST SREOUIf tf > SERMONS. ; TOWN Ojt SUNDAY NEXT/ j,^UrpAliY' 30,f ) T W O, /S:ERiM:O;#;SI ricrf d Will be preachy by .Mrs-. floW-Wh of Christchurch, recently from England-. 2.’3dy Collections at the close of each service. IWQ