SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Oreti, s.s., from Southern ports. To-day Wakatipu, s. s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Hinemoa, C.G.S., for Wellington. St. Kilda, s.s., for Wellington. Oreti, s.s., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Seabird, from Lyttelton, and George Noble, from Timaru. Sailed—Te Anau, for Melbourne and the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Star of the South, from the South. Sailed —Hawea, for Picton and Nelson ; Star of the South, for Nelson and the West Coast. t Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Sailed —Ringarooma, s.s., for Mel bourne, via the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List. Butter, inferior to best, I? H), 8d to lod. Eggs, W dozen, is. Cheese, prime quality, P lb, 4d to 6d. ■ Bacon, prime smoked, P' lb, is. Hams, in cloth, $ lb, is to is 2d. Flour, in bags, I? loolb, 13s. Oatmeal, 251 b, 4s. lard, $ lb, yd. The Christchurch Corn Exchange- The following is the report for the week end ing Friday evening, the 25th inst.:— The past week has not developed any material change in the grain trade. The unpre cedented spell of dry weather has enabled the proprietors of threshing machines to keep them steadily at work, and the consequence is very heavy arrivals at all country stations. Tonnage is still scarce, but the recent arrivals and others overdue will doubtless relieve the pressure now being felt at Lyttelton and other ports. It is announced by the railway authorities that it will be advisable for farmers to withhold deliveries, pending the clearance of the out stqtions.:, ,-Tai mers will, it is presumed, see the nfljß£SSity of seconding the efforts of the traffic , maniageitin this dii action. Wheat.—Good long berried sound parcels in large lines will command 3s 8d to 3s gtl, f.oib. in Lyttelton. Hunter’s white, Essex, Pearl, and other descriptions of white wheat, 3s 6d to 3s yd. Chick wheat varies so much in quality that a wide margin must be given, viz., is pd to 2s pd per bushel. Oats are coming to hand very slowly. The demand is good. Growers, however, appear to be indifferent for the prices offered. Good stqjlt milling are worth from is yd to is pel; good feed samples, is 4d to is 6d per bushel. Parley.—The hulk of the samples coming to hand are of inferior quality, and for these the demand is heavy. Sales are taking place of fair to medium malting at from 2s 6d to 2s pd per bushel; really first-class malting will com mand 3s 4d to 3s 6d per bushel. Grass Seed.—The demand continues steady at lasi week’s quotations. Well cleaned farmers’ parcels are saleable at from 3s 6d to 3s -pd per bushel ; indifferently cleaned ac cording to sample. Fp.tatpes.—Business in this tuber has not yet assumed definite proportions. A few sales have-taken place for forward delivery at 35s per ton. Cheese and Butter.—The former is exceed ingly unsaleable; really good quality is only worth from 3d to to P et lb ; the latter is worth 6j£d to yd per lb. Hay, Lz 10s per ton, with a slightly im proved demand.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. \_J.s.mcd at 5 p. m. ]

Wellington Seamen’.s Union. —This institution which was formed some months ago, has been abolished. Shilling Luncheon. —Host Shearman, of the Somerset Hotel, intimates that visitors to the Exhibition will iind an ex cellent luncheon in the spacious marquee on the lawn between the Town Hall and the Somerset Hotel. Timaru Mechanics Institute. — His Excellency the Governor, during his visit here yesterday, kindly gave permission to the Exhibition Committee for the exhibi tion of the trowel presented to him on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of the above building. It is a splendid specimen of the silversmith’s art, being most elegantly chased, and is now on view in the main hall of the Exhibion. Sugar Refining Bonus. The Govern ment in the Gazette issued yesterday, offer a bonus of LSOO for throe years in succes sion for refining sugar each year by machinery established in New Zealand, to the extent of not less than one hundred tons of cane sugar. The firm refining the first hundred tons of sugar and receiving the bonus, shall bo also entitled to the bonus for the two following years upon ful filling the conditions above-mentioned. Eire Alarm. —Last evening a curtain in one of the rooms at the Central Hotel was discovered to bo in flames, and, as a consequence, the fire alarm was rung. By the time, however, that the Brigade were in attendance, the flames had been extinguished, and their services were therefore, fortunately, unneeded. It is unknown how the casualty originated, but it is presumed the curtain was blown into contact with an adjacent gas jet, and in this manner became ignited.

Ashburton Wesleyan Church.— The quarterly meeting of the Wesleyan Church was held in the Cameron street vestry on Wednesday evening, some ten officials being present. The Circuit fund was considered satisfactory. The receipts were not all in at the time, but they were approximately stated at L7C, and the ex penses at L 73 7s. 3d.; but there was a balance in hand from the previous quarter of L 27, and a special payment to the Home Mission fund, made during the present quarter, so that when the accounts are balanced finally there will probably be a debt of L2 or L 3. A very interesting Sunday school report was read. Initia tory steps were taken to erect a stable and purchase a circuit horse. The services at Tinwald were to bo continued ; efforts were to be put forth to make the coming Seafield tea meeting a success on Good Friday next; if possible to secure the ser vices of the Rev. J. Buller for a lecture before long for the Trust fund of the Ash burton church. Gratification was ex pressed that the Circuit plans of appoint ments were being taken up more readily than in the past, and that there was a prospect of more pastoral oversight being given to the outlying parts of the Circuit, id consequence of the financial depression passing away.

Arrival of the s.s. Norfolk. —The s.s. Norfolk arrived at Lytttelton from London this morning after a passage of 51 days 20 hours. She brings 272 pas sengers. The Exhirition. —The total sum taken yesterday at the doors was LIOO, which, in addition to the tickets sold, will pro bably reach to Ll5O for the opening day. Toe attendrnce this afternoon was large, and up to 5 o’clock fully ( 'OO persons hadgpaid for admittance. The musical arrangements last night were very good, the Ashburton string band playing some nice selections of music. To-night Miss Gates and Master Morris play several overtures on the piano. Lack of Storage Accommodation.— The arrivals of grain in Oamaru are so large that storage is unobtainable, and it is now being stacked in the open. Destruction of a Church ry Fire. — About half-past ten last night the new church in course of erection at Blenheim, for the Wesleyans was discovered to bo on fire. Before an alarm could be given the whole place was in flames, and in less than half-an-hour was burnt to the ground. It is not known how the fire originated. The adjoining places were saved by the courageous exertions of a few willing hands, who stood their ground manfully, amid the heavy showers of sparks. The contractor, Mr Coleman, has a builder's risk, but the amount is not known.

More Lirel.- —One of the trustees of of the Ponsonby Highway Board lias issued a writ for LI, OOO damages against another trustee, for issuing a libellous cir cular to the ratepayers respecting the ac counts.

Waitangi Treaty Monument.—lt is now stated on good authority that the hall will not be opened, nor the monu ment commemorating the Treaty of Wai tangi unveiled. It appears that up to yesterday morning the natives expected the Governor, and they refused to open the hall or unveil the monument except in the presence of his Excellency. That Heathen Chinee.—A very laughable event happened in Inangahua recently. A number of intending com petitors in the foot-races were taking their daily exercise, and amongst the many spectators present were several Chinamen. At the close of the training a number of amateurs started racing round the course, and one young man, who evidently “fancied himself” not a little, after doing a spin, -went up to the Chinamen and challenged one of the number to run. John at first declined, but being hardly pressed by the challenger, who counted on a certain win, the Chinaman eventually yielded, and divesting himself of all surperflous clothing, he stepped into the ring looking as ferocious as a buck rat, while his European opponent wore a smile of confident success. A good start was cflected, but John rapidly drew ahead, and in spite of the most desperate exertions of his opponent, won the race hands down, amidst the greatest storm of applause ever heard on the ground. That young turn wont home the back way, and last night when the people in church looked round and saw the empty pew, they just winked at each other. — ImntjahuaTimcs. Patent Flexible Harrows. —Messrs Haxton and Beattie, tho.inventors of the patent flexible harrow, now on view at Industrial Exhibition, intend, in order to afford facilities to the local agricultural ists to form their own opinions as to its merit, holding a trial on Mr Joseph Hunt’s farm, Wakanui road, on Saturday next, from 11 a. in. till 2 p. m. Newlands School Committee.—An or dinary meeting of the above Committee was held in the school last Monday night ; there being present—Messrs Meg son (chairman), Lloyd, and Margetts. Correspondence read included communi cations from the Education Board, re salaries, new regulations regarding the teaching of music, and a Government circular asking masters of public schools to use their influence with their pupils, in order to induce a feeling of respect for the public interests in the working of the telegraph, this latter being prompted by the fact that numbers of insulators on the telegraph poles had been damaged by stone throwing. A letter was also re ceived from the master re post-office, and consideration deferred to next meeting. The chairman stated that he had received from Mr Williamson the balance of the book account paid to him, and also the subscriptions in aid of post-office letter boxes, and that he had paid Mr J. Scott’s account re letter boxes, and Mr Zouch for auditing books of the Committee, which actions were approved of. The following resolutions wore passed “ That the school cleaning bo re-let to Mrs Margetts, for another year, at L 4 10s per annum. ” “ That the amount duo for school clean ing for last quarter, LI 2s Od, be paid to Mrs Margetts.” “ That ss, half year’s payment due to D. Margetts, jun., for cleaning out offices be paid.” “ That the chairman bo allowed LI per annum, by two instalments of 10s each, for stationery and stamps, also, 2s for candles for the use of the Committee since the school opened.” “That authority be given to the master to obtain the school books ap plied for by him.” “ That the chairman attend to the repairs of out offices, and also write again to the Board of Educa tion for object lesson cards, and maps, ap plied for by the master in January.” “ That the Committee meet the first Mon day in each month, at 7-30 p. m.” After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned to the first Monday in April. Thirty Bound for a Wire. —A sensation was created at daylight yesterday morn ing between the Maori tribes at present located at Cambridge. A member of one tribe appropriated last night a married woman belonging to the other, and at daybreak this morning tlio aggrieved tribe, largely supplemented by oilier natives, armed with spears, axes, Ac., marched through the town to the camp ing ground of the other tribe. The de monstration was of a most threatening character, and amongst tlio residents, suddenly roused out of their buds, great consternation prevailed. <>n both tribes meeting', a good deal of hostile demonstra tion was indulged in. and a long animated discussion, conducted in the native tongue, ensued. Eventually, however, a compro mise was agreed to, and the ollimding tribe rendered a sort of compensation, consisting of money, blankets, greenstone, ornaments, pigs, horses, dogs, Ac., all heaped up in a pile between the two con tending parties The wrath of the offended tribe gradually became appeased in proportion as the pile accumulated, and at length the tender was accepted in full satisfaction. The money value of the compensation is roughly estimated at L3O. This was deemed sufficient retribution, and the injured husband returned with his tribe, leaving the woman undisturbed. The proceedings created a good deal of uneasiness until the effect came to be understood.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON.— To-Day. (Before J. N. Wood, Esq., R. M.) Civil Casks.— Hardy v. Lake. Claim L 44 18s Bd. Mr Parnell for the plain tiff. Judgment by default for amount claimed and costs. Forgery. —James Scott was charged with having, on the Ist day of October last, forged a certain acquittance or re ceipt for the sum of L 8 ss, with intent to defraud Charles Jones. Mr Harper ap peared for the prosecution, and called as evidence the following—Charles Jones, a laborer, residing at Chatmoss, deponed. I am in the employ of Messrs Miles, Hai (Sfill and Co., and was engaged at Chat

moss in their service on the 13th Oct., 1880. I know the accused. He was manager at Chatmoss on that date. The signature to the receipt produced is not mine, neither is it my mark. 1 can write. . I never received the money, or any portion thereof, which is mentioned therein. On that date I told Mr Scott to pay LI 9s to a hawker named Mitchell. I signed no receipt for that amount. I know the accused’s handwriting ; that in the body of the receipt produced is his, (the receipt purported to be for L 8 os paid to C. Jones). I never authorised him to sign a receipt on my behalf. I first be came aware that he had signed my name about a month ago, when the new' manager (Mr Bell) came to the station. I have re ceived an account (produced) from my em ployers, debiting me with the receipt of LB ss, to which [ objected. William Mitchell —I am a draper, residing at Ash burton, and w'as carrying on that business in 1880. On the 13th October last, I w r as at the Chatmoss estate hawking drapery. I sold some goods to the last w'itness, to the value of LI 9s. which amount he told accused to pay me, and he did so with an order. He paid me LI in addition, on behalf of another young man, making the order for L 8 os, and I gave him the balance of Lfi 10s. The cheque I paid into the Bank to my credit. I was at Chatmoss in January last; as far as I am aware, I did not sell anything to Jones on that occasion. 1 took no other orders on the date mentioned in the information, besides that received from Jones. By ac cused —I took L2 9s out oi the order you gavefme, and returned you the balance. You said a young man in the swamp wanted a pair of boots, and if they did not fit they were to be returned to the store. Onlprevious occasions you paid me one cheque on behalf of the whole of the men who had obtained things from me. You had made this your rule for vears. Charles Lovatt —I am a shepherd on the Chatmoss Station. I have been there for two years and nine months. I know the prosecutor. He has been there about nine months. During the time I. have been on the estate I have not knownauy other employee of the same name on the estate. I had every oppor tunity of knowing all the employees. By accused—l used to see all the men in the swamp cutting the drain. I saw Walker and another there. Henry Emplcto.i —I am cook at Chatmoss. I have been em ployed there nearly fourteen months. I cook for the men and the house. I know the prosecutor. During the time I have been there I have not known any other person named Jones being employed there. I recollect Mitchell being there in October. I did not see any person buy anything from him. I do not remember buying anything in January from Mitchell. By accused —I remember a man named Messiter working at the drain. I did not know his mates. You said you had a warrant out for him. Thomas Taylor—l am a clerk to Mcssx-s Miles and Co., Christchurch. On the 29th of December I went up to Chatmoss and saw accused there. On the day following I received the receipt produced from him. Walter Foster—l am a clerk in the employ of Miles and Co. Accused was engaged as manager at the Chatmoss estate. I have general supervision over matters connected with the estate. The account produced ■ is made up from orders we received from Chatmoss and paid. It was rendered by me to accused. There is an item there dated 13th Oct. for L 8 ss, which was pre sented by the Union Bank of Australia, and paid by cheque on Miles and Co. ’s account. On receipt of same, the amount would be debited to Charles Jones’ ac count. I know the handwriting of the accused. The body of the order is evidently written by him, and so far as I can judge, the signature is also his. This was the case for the prosecution. For the defence, accused called John Walker, a contractor at Willowby, who deposed : I know a man named Messiter, . working at Chatmoss. I also know one of his mates, whose name is Jones. Ho is a lad about 19 years of age. When I first saw him he was in company with Messiter. They met me on the Long beach road. Messiter was carrying a bundle of clothing, and I asked him if he was leaving the swamp, to which he re pied, “ Oh, no ; Jones and myself are going to spend a Sunday in Ashburton, and were going to Winslow to catch the train.” When we wore cutting a drain in the swamp Jones called on mo. I fre quently told you of the sheep getting in the drain. During the whole time I was en gaged on the drain I never saw the shop herd. By Mr Harper—'When I first saw the lad Jones was, 1 think, in July. I have seen him since two or three times. I know accused. He called on me when I was cutting the by drain. John Alpine —I am a laborer working at Chatmoss. I was mates with tiro last witness in November last in cutting a big drain in the swamp. We started tiro work on November 4th. I was not working with Walker on his Road Board contract in July. I saw Charles Jones whilst working at the drain. The shepherd never came down to the place where wo were working. It would have been possible to have had a dozen men working at the drain without it being known. Charles Jones, at the request of the accused, was ro-called, and in reply to him said —My employers have never threatened mo with tire loss of my billet. I did not prosecute. I bet that you would get convicted, but not on this count only. I heard that there were likely to be other actions brought against you. Having been duly cautioned the accused made the following statement, somewhere about tire 24th June, I am not certain about the exact date, 1 was in my employer’s, Mr. Rhodes’, office, Christchurch. We wore talking about tiro drainage of Chatmoss and during this a man named Messiter came and asked Mr Rhodes for a job. Ho stated ho had been employed at Bhmclirtb for several months, and Mr Rhodes instructed mo to interview him. Me told mo bo had three other mates, one a lad named Charles .limes. 1 took his name down specially because ho went into the ollice and asked Mr Rhodes fo* a job on n station. When ho came out he said be did not think there was a chance of getting a job. I went, in with Messiter then to see Mr Rhodes, and the result was that it was arranged that ho should come up to Chatmoss, and 1 should contract with him if possible. Messiter asked mo bow much work there would lie, and then asked the lad Jones bow much ho would want a week to come up. Jones said lie did not care about wages, as lung as ho got a job, and Messiter said lie could come up. On the following day Jones came up and was accompanied by two others. The next day the lad Jones came up to mo and said ho had had a job at Lithtield, at 12s Gd a week, but did not like it, and so had come on after Messiter. I gave him a pair of old trousers and boots, and he wont down to the swamp. He worked for three weeks. A man named William son was at that time doing a contract for us, and I told the lad to go down and he’d probably get a job. Subsequently Williamson and Jones came up, and Williamson offered to reduce the contract by a certain amount if I would let Jones finish it ; I to pay his wages. Ho was working three weeks and two days, for which lie allowed him LI per week. I then gave Jones a job to sew grass seed, which lasted a week. He then went cooking in the camp for Williamson for about ten days. In October, about the Bth or 9th, ho came to me and said that as the orders could not be cashed down south, would I make up his account, get his order cashed for him in town, and obtain him a pair of boots. About the 13th of October Mitchell was up there, and I drew the ' boy’s order and got him a pair of boots,

paying for them and for the pi’osecutor’s things out of it, and subsequently refunding LI 9s out, of my own pocket to make up the latter sum. Next morning I gave the lad his boots and change, there being present at the time two other per sons, one the bookkeeper on the estate. I was often pressed for time, and made memorandums of payments on slips of paper, and think an error has occurred between the two Jones’ accounts. Ac cused was committed for triai. Embezzlement.—The same accused was charged with the embezzlement, on the 3rd Feb., 1880, of L 25 15s, the property of R. H. Rhodes, H. P. M. Aynsley, F. Banks, W. Reeves, and E. "S. Harley (executors of Mr Hassall, deceased). Mr Harper prosecuted, and Mr Branson de fended the accused. After hearing the evidence, which was very lengthy, nrisoner, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial, bail being fixed in two sureties of L 250 each, and self in LSOO

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) The Wool Sales. London, March 22. At the wool scries to-day 8,700 bales were offered. The tone of the auction was firm. 'The sales close on Friday, 25th inst- London, March 23. At the wool sales to-day 7,500 bales were offered, and the tone of the niar was firm. Monetary and Commercial. Consuls remain at par. New Zea land securities are firm at last quota tions. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, sis ; New Zealand wheat, ex ship, 465; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 345. Australian tallow is without quotable change. A Warm Performance. Paris, March 23. The opera house at Nice was totally destroyed by fire to-night. 'The con flagaration broke out during a per formance. and nearly one hundred per sons perished in the flames.

The Greek Premier. Athens, March 23. M. Coumoudouros, the Premier, made a speech to-day dealing with the present negotiations for the settlement of the frontier difficulty with Turkey. In the course of his remarks he ex pressed the opinion that though there was every possibility that Greece would be compelled to go to war to force her rights, an outbreak of hostilities with Turkey was not inevitable, and might be avoided by negotiation. The Royal Commission. Capetown, March 22. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into affairs in the Transvaal will be composed of the following members : Sir Hercules Robinson, Sir Evelyn Wood, and Sir John de Villiers, Chief Justice of Cape Colony. They will proceed without delay to Heidelberg in the Transvaal, and will there hold the Commission.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) The Council and the Reform Bill. Melbourne. March 24. The Legislative Council last night passed a resolution declining to receive the Reform Bill from the Assembly for consideration, on the grounds that the question had already been dealt with during the present session, and, more over, because the House was of opinion that such measure should have been initiated in the Council, and not in the Assembly. Melbourne, Tc-day. The Age to-day, in a leading article, comments in angry terms on the action of the Legislative Council in declining to consider the Reform Bill. The Atgits also disapproves of the shelving of the reform question, and says that the country expects that the same should be decided on its merits. Adjourned. The Legislative Assembly at its rising last night, adjourned till Wednes dav next.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association .) Thick Weather. Wellington, To-day. The steamer Penguin, which left Picton at 2 o’clock this morning, has not yet arrived. The ordinary passage takes five hours. It is thought that thick weather in the Straits has detained the vessel. The Governor. The Governor returned from Ins Southern tour at 10.30 this morning. He Speaks on Tuesday. Mr Hutchison, M H, It. for the city, addresses his constituents on Tuseday night. A Night with Lover. Mr Bracken, the Deputy Grand Master, American Order of Oddfellows, delivered a lecture last evening, his subject being “A night with Lover.” The Hon. Mr Dick occupied the chair. The lecture was in aid of the Wellington Working Men’s Club. Fire. Hokitika, To-day. Eastgato’s grocery and Lindemain’s engineers and smith’s shop, in Revell street, were burnt at 3 o’clock this morning. The insurances are—Eastgate, L 250 in the Now Zealand. Lindman is uninsured, and lie estimates his loss at LOGO Presentation-!;?^;^ Dr. Copeland was presented with a purse and 100 sovereigns, on severing his ton years connection with the Dunedin • church. Going to Rome. Bishop Moran leaves for Rome on April 21. Rifle Meeting- Al the Easter Review, to be held at Oamaru, the question of holding a rifle meeting for Otago, Canterbury, and South land annually will be discussed by^the representatives of the various companies. A Waif. Invbkgabgill, To-day. The body of an infant was found in the back yard of a boarding-house to-day. The mother is believed to be a young woman named Kathleen M'Carthy. An inquest will be held. Stack of Oats Burned. A stack of oats, containing 500 bags, was accidentally burned on Laing’s farm, at Castlerock ; uninsured. Discharged. William O’Brien, an elderly man, charged at the District Court with inde cent assault on a girl, was discharged.

Destructive Fire at Featherston.

A moat disastrous fire broke out at Featherston yesterday morning, resulting in the destruction of property valuedat over LB,OOO. The fire was first discovered in Faber’s Club Hotel about 11 o’clock, and the flames having got a good hold, spread-, with surprising rapidity, and the building

was soon enveloped. A large number of, neighbors turned out, but the means of checking a fire at Featherston being of the most primitive description, their efforts to stop the conflagration were futile. The hotel was soon burnt to the ground, and, despite the energetic efforts made by the bystanders, the flames spread to.tho build ings on the opposite side of the road. Messrs Toogood’s general store was soon wrapped in flames, and was totally des troyed, along with the greater portion of the stock. The fire next attacked the shop and dwelling of Mr O’Neill, which also, along with the detached out houses, was quickly lowered to the ground. Through the united efforts of the public the fire was confined to the buildings mentioned. The greatest excitement prevailed in the township, it being feared at one time that other build ings in the vicinity of the fire would be destroyed. The origin is unknown, but it is believed to be accidental, and owing to a faulty chimney in the Club Hotel. The fire damaged the telegraph line, and interrupted communication north of Featherston. The following arc the in surances - —Faber’s Hotel—on the build in", Standard, L 220;50; United, L 250; North British, L 250 ; National, L 250 ; Union, LSOO ; London, Liverpool and Globe, 1.500; on the stock, National, L 250 ; Union, L 250 ; London, Liverpool and Globa, L2OO. Toogood’s store—On the building, Victoria, L 500; on the stock, Union, LSOO ; New Zealand, L 500; Colonial, L 250; North British, L 250 ; on the furniture, Hanseatic, Ll5O. Mr O’Neil —On the shop and dwelling, Ll5O ; on the furniture, LSO; on the stock, L 15 0; all in the London, Liverpool and Globe.

ASHBURTON INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Next to Mr Branson’s exhibits in the "allcry .arc some well executed photo graphs by Mr Henry, the Mayor’s like ness occupying the centre of the frame. The collection of ferns which are shown by Mr J. Stanley Bruce, are very fine, their color being fixed by him so that they appear as if freshly gathered. Some of the ferns have been collected as long as twelve years ago. A collection of various articles which have been electro-plated, a number of electros taken from wood-cuts, and type for printing ; _ also various silvered iron articles used in coachbuild in". Specimens of stereotype, Ac., are exhibited by Mr S. Papprill, of Christ church, and altogether are very interest ing, showing, as they do, quite a new in dustry for New Zealand. A very nice model of that beautiful architectural structure, Cologne Cathedral, made by Mr Otto Peez, of Christchurch, was very much admired. On the wall, at the back, is seen a very largo collection of weapons used by East Indian natives, and from (heir appearance, and their probable use, one shudders at the thought of meeting with an antagonist armed with such in struments of warfare. Another interest in" exhibit in the gallery is a self-register ing water metre by J3asto, and exhibited byMr Passmore, also specimens of spirally made iron pipes by the same exhibitor. We must not forget to mention two pieces of statuary?, which were exhibited by Mr Passmore, and which, owing to their ex cellent design and finish, deserve more than a passing notice. They are, — “Checkers up at the farm” and the “ Three Graces,” the former after Rogers. On table No. 3, omitted from our report yesterday, Miss Yerrall, of Christchurch, exhibits ladies’ and children’s corsets, belts, shoulder straps, Ac., and to which a first award has been made by the judges. The workmanship in these articles displays that thorough acquaintance of the subject in hand by the manufacturer which is ever perceivable in work executed by artists of the first order. Mr V. Almao has a col lection of hats manufactured by him in Dunedin, and for which he received an award at the hands of the Melbourne Ex hibition Commissioners. They embrace hats of every shape, size, and, we were going to say quality, but here we should be incorrect, for none but the best quali ties of material have been employed in their manufacture. During this afternoon Mr J. Herne’s newest invention, in the form of the fountain washing machine, was exhibited working, just outside the tent devoted to agricultural ma chinery, Ac., and attracted large numbers of on-lookers. The principle of this simple and y*et efficacious machine is based on that of over-circulating water, and saves such a large amount of labor that, all things considered, inclusive of the price, which is very small, it should find in every housewife a ready advocate. Near the entrance to the main hall is situate some exhibits of terracotta orna ments, hand manufactured. The ex hibitors are Messrs Bedson and Sons, and a representative of the firm is busily en gaged on an adjacent table in illustrating the process of manufacture, this proving a great source of interest and attraction. Award of the first merit is conferred on the exhibits. Mr Bullen, of Christchurch, exhibits some magnificent specimens of graining and marbling, some of these proving very deceptive, so g jptl an imita tion of nature are they, that the _ real character is only discoverable on minute inspection. The official list of awards will be pub lished in cxfenno by us in our next issue.

THE LUNCHEON. The following is the remainder of the report of the Luncheon, after his Excel lency left yesterday : Mr W. C. Walker proposed the next toast on the programme—“ The Ministers of the Crown,” coupled with the name of the Hon. John Hall. In doing so he re marked that the present Government were peculiarly unfortunate in having to pursue a policy of retrenchment, their position being one of great difficulty. Whilst pursuing such a policy, however, they should be careful not to carry retrench ment too far. The farmer doubtless had a broad back, but it was not advisable or fair to place too great a burden on him, and it must be borne in mind that he could not successfully compete with America and other countries unless the greatest facilities were afforded for the conveyance of grain. He then referred to the Hon. John Hall, the Premier, as a man whom the colony had every reason to bo proud of. He was a man of the people. He had raised himself to his pre sent proud position from the old days of Provincialism to the highest office which the colony had to offer. He was, more over, not one of those who only studied one particular district ; he had, on the contrary, the interest of everyone at heart, and would work hard and w'ell for the future welfare of the colony. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm.

The Hon. John Hall, on behalf of his colleagues and himself, returned thanks. He could assure them that it gave him very great pleasure to be present on tins occasion, the more especially when he reflected on the remarkable growth which had taken place in Ashburton during the last few years, and he was extremely pleased to witness such a creditable and useful exhibition as that which had just been formally opened, indicating as it did the strength of local industries in their midst. It was perfectly true that in the infancy of a young country, agi-i ---culture must be its main stay in ordinary circumstances, and for that reason this industry was one which the Government would do its utmost to encourage, bearing in mind that keen competition to which the Chairman had alluded. (Applause). It was also true that no country had be come rich which had depended upon agriculture alone, and the time had come in New Zealand when that sort of em ployment must be supplemented by others.

Therefore he was gratified that the gentle men < £ Ashburton had taken this step towards awakening an interest in local industries. He could assure them that the Government had a very lively sense of the importance of local manufactures, and would do everything to support enter prise of that kind. Before he sat down he would take the opportunity of saying a word about himself and the Ashburton district. He remembered when he first came through Ashburton, some 25 years ago. He was then accompanied by a Maori guide. The spot selected by him was a piece of land somewhere'near thew present homestead of Messrs Gould, and Cameron, and he could never hare be lieved that such a rapid change could take place in so short a time. In his *" most sanguine moments he never thought he should live to see the plains covered as they were now, far less that he would see so large a town* as this on a site so very near his early rambles, and least-of' all did he dream that he should stanj here to return thanks as the Prime Minister of the colony. In conclusion, he expressed bis grateful thanks for thei kind manner in which the toast had been proposed and responded to. Mr Bullock proposed—“ The General ' Assembly, coupled with the name of Mr. Wakefield. ” To the members which com prised that body the country owed most of its present prosperity, and the menii- r bers which represented the provincial district of Canterbury were all men they might bo proud of, as they served not ’ only their particular district, but the well-being of the whole colony, Mr Wakefield, M. H. R., said he regretted the absence of the member for. the district (Mr Wright), who was absent A with the Governor. It nevertheless gave him great pleasure to respond on this occasion, as representing the General Assembly of New Zealand. He might, say that he believed the members of the Assembly from all parts did their jdnty : " towards the country—(applause)—in a greater measure than the public, generally gave them credit for. (Applause.) . Tho } circumstances of New Zealand were so s , peculiar that its government was more * difficult perhaps than that of any .other-., country in the world—circumstahces that gave rise to so many local jealousies that 1 it was almost impossible to get any num ■ her of men coming from different parts of - the colony to agree on any. subject ' . 1 (Laughter and applause.) That the , results of their deliberations, in these * circumstances, was not not. worse than they were, was owing principally ,to' the ■ high character generally of the men chosen as members of Parliament. They hadat ~ ! all events no violence in their councils,, i L and he felt bound to say that a very high ■ ’ desire appeared to animate the members ’ to further the interests of the colony, so far as the means would permit. 1 On this particular occasion it afforded him 1 personally very great pleasure to be i present, and he looked forward with hope ! to the time when the General; Assembly of New Zealand would devote itself to practical subjects, such as the local indue- •_ tries of the colony, instead of making laws ■ which the people do not want, and which they did not know whether to obey or not, (Loud applause.) He considered that’ an i occasion of this kind was of very great ; ’ assistance to the Legislature of the • country, as pointing out the way to go. 1 The members of Parliament had to look to the people for guidance, asmuch as thee ! people had to look to them in the'satne 1 way ; and he must say that if the General, ; Assembly of New Zealand would follow - i the guidance of the people of Christchurch,' i of Ashburton, and other places were ; affording them, in attending to the local industries, and increasing the productive* > ness of the country, they would d 6 a great ; deal more good than by devoting .them ' selves to discussions tending id swell the volume of our statute books.- (Hear-hear.) As time was short he would Conclude by ; thanking them for honoring the toast of i the General Assembly. Mr J. C. Wason rose to propose the : s next toast, which was “ The Borough and - ! County Councils of Ashburton. ” In doing I so, he said that it was becoming more • and more apparent day by day that in the , i future of the colony, local governing' i bodies were to play conspicuous parte' - i A great deal had been said about respon sible government. In his opinion a great i many did not understand what the word r “ responsibility ” meant. The best and ( most amusing definition he had heard i given to it, was illustrated in the follow- ■ i ing way by a boy, when ho said that if one of the buttons which held his sus-’ - penders gave way, there was a deal of ! responsibility remaining with the .other. >! . (Applause). The two bodies named had shown that they were capable of -gwww®* ing their local affairs, and, in sc doing? ha<jh gained a prestige. Mr W. C. Walker responded on behalf of the County Council. He believed that body had done their best to merit the approval of the district. That stream of water, which now crossed a portion of the plains, was one instance in which the County Council had endeavored to forward the resources of the district at large. (Hear, hear). ■ ?; Mr Bullock responded to the toast of the Borough Council, and alluded to the progress which had been made in the town during the past year. The special train at this juncture , arrived at the place of departure, where a large crowd had congregated. His ExcsD ■ lency and suite, having returned from their drive, then entered the train amid hearty cheering. We must not qmit to mention that the luncheon was provided by Mr R. W. Shearman, in a very spacious marquee adjoining the Hall, and was served in a way which gave the greatest satisfaction. Indeed the quality of the viands and the wines could not be surpassed.

MR BRYCE ON NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Mr Bryce, in his address to his con stituents on Wednesday evening, stated that the plan he suggested, when in the. Ministry, for dealing with Te Whiti' would have to be carried out in the future. From the time he took office he had one consistent plan in mind. Things as they have been on the coast could not continue) and therefore the object which the Uo- t vernmeut had to bear in mind was to deal justice to the natives, at the same time determinedly upholding the authority of the law. The whole question was a most difficult one, for in the first placed the whole of the coast with regard to claims and promises ip respect to land re. ' stored or to be restored, was in the most tangled and complicated condition it was | possible to conceive. The appointment of a Commission was merely folio wing -out., the proposal of the preceding Govern ment, and the only difference was in the -, number of persons appointed on such: It ' * was necessary to appoint the Commission to satisfy the natives that the colony"'’.', meant to do justice to them, but at the :: same time he took it that it was necessary to show the Maoris that Government were fully determined to carry out their pur poses, and have their will upon that coast; to show them in fact that settlement rndpt go onandthe authority of the lawibetiphlla! It was with the latter idea of cotmn&ng 1 the Maoris that they had the power to do H that, that he meved the Armed Constabp- , lary across the Waingongoro river.* Qraat J ’- changes had taken place since that time, * so great that people had almost forgotten > ! the state of things that existed there* ’ fourteen months ago. Why, when he : ‘ asked for money to make roads,-a member' of the late Government tried to gfct ! *hlra‘ !f to promise that he would raake no roada fr; - without the consent of -the natives. People felt convinced that it* meant war, 1 and from various influential quarters the Government were urged 'not do advene©-' the Constabulary across the river until

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1881.



First Award of Merit. JNDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. Allthe CLOCKS and TIMEPIECES 1 EXHIBITED BY Robert Murray . ARE THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE EXHIBITOR. 418 a Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards. 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, .East , street and Baring Square. 365 a -jy ASHING DAY REFORM. THE FAMILY" WASH IN FOUR HOURS Without rubbing or boiling, saving five hours of copper firing every washing day, by using Harper Twelvetree’s Patent WASHER, WRINGER & MANGLER. Three Machines in one. Price reduced from L 9 10s to L 8 10s. Sold by J. HERN, Manchester and Tuam streets, 40§a Christchurch.



Craighead & Co., JAILORS AND CLOTHIERS. In thanking our friends and patrons for the liberal support which they have ac corded to ua in the past, we have much Eleaaure in announcing that Mr Craig ead, having now completely recovered, will be found at his post of duty as usual, in - TANCRED STREET. We have also to intimate that we have just refaeived a VERY SELECT ASSORTMENT OF WINTER TWEEDS, FANCY : ’ COATINGS, For the approaching season; and, as these comprise only the VERY BEST MATERIALS .in the MARKET, they need no other recommendation. (A FEW SAMPLES JBE SHOWN AT \ FORTHCOMING t HIBITION. WILLI THE I EXT PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. PRICES MODERATE, AS USUAL. CRAIGHEAD AND CO., . Tancred street ■(Next ■ Orr and Co.’s). A T ,R I A L OF HA&rON & BEATTIE’S Patent, Flexible H arrows Will ytaJip .place on SATURDAY, from 11 a.ni. tifP 2 p.m ,, on the Farm of Mr Wakanvi road. All FarnfflftMrifpd . £ BEATTIE. a “'[!; '• • 423 a U- ' -



Wanted- WANT ED Immediately, a good General SERVANT. Apply to Mrs A. Okk, Tancred street. 400 a WANTED— A BOY to cook for four or five men. Apply, Office of this paper. 407 a WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ANTED”to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 398 WANTED KNOWN, That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are Open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a WANTED KNOWN—We have just opened a splendid assortment of Children’s Maids’ and Ladies ULSTERS ; Also, a great variety of Ladies’ black cloth JACKETS, at prices not to be equalled in Ashburton. An early inspection in vited. 418 a FRIEDLANDER BROS. WANTED TO SELL —PIANOS. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes ; 1 full-sized Brinsraead, £45 ; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £2G ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £BO, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can lie obtained on deferred pay ments. Address; Cameron street west. B(3a



WANTED KNOWN—The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlery is to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Tinwald. Good strong Cart Collars from 135.; Cart Winhcrs, Bs. Cd.; Plough Back-bands, 6s. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. XT'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. 2°Ba ‘ WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 n—— —— i i Special Advertisements. LOST —Yesterday, a NOTE-BOOK. Finder please return same to this Office. THE BEST VALUE eor READY MONEY is THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE < NEW Clothing ZEALAND F actory, Which can be purchased at their Re.ail Branches, now established all over New Zealand.



The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best de scription. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout, can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satisfac tion. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarves, Bags, Portmanteaux, Rugs, and Blankets, at Wholesale Prices. 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. WM. SPARROW, 369a* Manager.



Miss V err all Wishes to inform the Ladies of Ashbur ton and the surrounding districts that she will be at ASHBURTON the THREE DAYS of the EXHIBITION to take orders and measures for Ladies requiring Stays, Corsets, Belts, and Shoulder Straps, &c. A case of these several articles will be at the Exhibition, of Miss Yerrall’s own make. For any information required apply to Mr. Thiele, Baker and Confec tioner, where Miss Yerrall will be in at tendance. COLOMBO STREET (Oposito Cookham House), Chhisxchurch. March 10, 1881. 324 a



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* J. Sherriff, Monumental mason, Manchester street south, and Bar hadoes street (near the Cemetery), Christ church. A large stock of- Head-Stones, 'Tombs, and Slonuments always on hand. Designs forwarded on application. For further particyF k apply -A. Tkiete, Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. jyj'R W. Jd. 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 IST ELSON, Pure MOATE, AiSD CO.’S Blended T eas Beautiful Teas Delicious Teas Faultless Teas Genuine Teas Magnificent Teas Agreeable Teas Wonderful Teas ABE .. Nutritious Teas .. Splendid Teas .. Rare Teas .. Valuable Teas .. Incomparable Teas .. Original Teas .. Useful Teas ASI) Guaranteed Unadulterated PURE BLENDED TEAS. NELSON, MOATE, & CO., HIGH STREET (Next Ayers’ Baths), Christchurch. Ac ext, Ash isuktox — H. M. CARSO N. 422 a



DYANCE ASHBURTON. SHEARMAN’S Somerset Hotel. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. To meet the wishes and add to the comfort of the Public, R. W. SHEARMAN, Has resolved to throw open his MONSTER MARQUEE, WIIEIIE A Sumptuous Lunch Can be procured for ONE SHILLING. Remember tiic Great Marquee where the Governor lunched, on the lawn be tween the Exhibition and the Somerset Hotel. 424 a



ASH STORE. J. WARD & CO. desire to intimate to their friends and residents of Ashbur ton and Surrounding Districts that they have OPENED a GENERAL STORE, in the shop adjoining Mr R. Murray’s, East street. J. W. and Co. intend to Sell at the lowest remunerative rates, and will also he prepared to purchase Farm Produce at ruling prices. Every descrip tion of Grocery and General Merchandise in stock. Motto—“ Small Protits and Quick Returns.” J. WARD Sc CO. East street 427 a



TO LET, in the township of Ashburton, Canterbury, an old-established DRAPERY AND GENERAL STORE, Having a good connection in town and country. The building is lately erected, built of brick, containing two storeys. The shop is large and commodious, and on second storey there is large show-room, work rooms, and there are also a dwelling-house attached on premises, a three-stalled stable, cart-shed, and chaff-house. The building is situated in one of the best business positions in the town, and affords a Splendid Opening for an energetic business man with a small capital. For particulars, apply to the proprietor, JOHN FOWLER, 428 a Ashburton. JNDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. Wanted, everyone to see J. HERNE’S latest Washing Machine. At work, just outside Tent No. 1, and back of Refreshment Tent Price, ... ... £o ss, 429 a