SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Jane Douglas, s.s., from Wellington, via Foxton and Kaikoura. Sailed. Yesterday. Jane Douglas, for Kaikoura and Wel lington. Emerald, ketch, for Foxton. To-day. Frith of Lome, ship, for the United Kingdom. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. «r; Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Superior, from New York ; Linds -Weber, from Oamaru ; Oamaru, from Dunedin. Sailed—Pearl and Sybil for Rarotonga ; City of Sydney, for San Francisco. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Kiwi, from Napier. Sailed—Charles Edward, for Nelson ; Wave, schooner, for Greymouth. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Oretl, from the North.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the fallowing places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Thursday, April 28. For Otagb, per Hawea, at 11.15 a.m.; late fee letters, 11.30 a.m.; guard’s van, 12 nopn train. For Northern Ports and Australian Colonies, at 1.40 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 2 p.m.’; guard’s van, 2.30 p.m. train. Mftiln close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows: — For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longheach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanni, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 ara.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Ohertsey, &o. at. 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. m. 5,35 pirn., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From. Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanni, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, April 30. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. ,To-morbow, ' Thursday, April 28. Meeting of persons interested in forming a Sparrow dub, Waterton Library HalL Public Meeting, re the Railway Engine Shed, Town Hall, 7.30p.m. Amateur Dramatic dub Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 7.30 p.m. Borough ..Cricket Club—-Meeting, at Mr Andzewes’, East street, at 7.30 p.m. ' ' Friday, April 29. Parishioners, St. Stephen’s, Library Hall, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 30. Wakanni Sparrow Club, Somerset Hotel, 3 p.m. Monday, May 2. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, May 4. Local Industries Association, Committee Meeting, Upper Room, Town Hall. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Winchester School Committee.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

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

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1881, Butter, Cheese, and Meat.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.30 p.m.]

From whatever point of view the interests of our Colony is taken, its mainstay must be, for many years to come, on the capabilities afforded it for opening up steady markets for our agricultural and pastoral products. Day by day this fact has become more ap parent, and prudent capitalists, awakened by the Success of our sister colony, have deterrpined to test

the shipments of meat and dairy pro ducts on no small scale from New Zealand. In all probability, the direct benefit from the successful export of meat will accrue to the large and wealthier class of our agriculturists; but we feel assured that whatever benefits them directly will also enable the smaller agriculturists to be considerable gainers indirectly. So long as both are benefitted, what more can we desire ? With our climate so far superior to any other in the Australasian Co lonies for grazing purposes, dairy pro duce must be ultimately classed as one of our principal exports —provided suf ficient care is taken in making it mar ketable in order to be found good after shipment to England. With regard to the shipment of butter, some has been already sent Home, and has been de livered in excellent condition, little, if at all, inferior to the celebrated Cork butter. We are not prepared to say, however, that the butter sent Home was made in the Ashburton County. From all accounts, we believe it to have been made elsewhere. Undoubtedly, Ashburton possesses some excellent ca pabilities for the purpose of the manu facture of splendid butter and cheese. Situated, as we are, in the centre of a very large agricultural district, every fa cility is afforded to our farmers to excel in this particular branch of dairy farm ing. But what is the experience of our housekeepers ? It is that a difficulty is often experienced in obtaining a really good pound of butter, free from a de cidedly manufactured taste. Now, this is certainly not what should be ex pected in a country district. In Dun edin the milk supplied is decidedly su perior, and very much cheaper, and the butter is of excellent quality. How is the difference to be accounted for? We can only account for it in this way : that the little demand over production, and the pernicious system of barter, have caused a carelessness in matters pertaining to the dairy, so that no in terest is taken in supplying a good article of produce in connection there with. At the last meeting of the Com mittee of the Local Industries Associa tion this matter was specially referred to by two of our leading merchants. They pointed out the benefit that would be derived from the exportation of a portion of the large quantity of butter which might be made in this district,' if the quality could be de pended upon, and this could only be effected by the establishment of a “ creamery,” where the process of butter and cheese making could be properly and scientifically carried out. We quite concur with this view’, and we believe that one of the best and safest indus tries our settlers in this county could at present introduce would be a “creamery,” on the American principle, where their cows’ milk could be sold and found to realise its highest cash value, and be utilised under a process, alike satisfactory to the promoters and the district generally It may, perhaps, seem premature to start anything of the kind here, but the low price ruling for some time past, for dairy produce, must convince us that a step towards guarantee ing its proper manufacture, will be the only way to command success in its ex portation, and its rise in value will soon follow, as a matter of course. The latest New Zealand Gazette pub lishes an advertisement notifying that a bonus of jfsoo will be given for the first twenty-five tons of butter, or, the first fifty tons of cheese (both of which are to be produced in a factory worked on the American principle, and to which factory any farmer, subject to certain conditions, may send his milk), which shall be exported from New Zea land and sold at such prices in a foreign market as shall show that the articles are of fair quality. Now we contend that this is a splendid opportunity for our agriculturalists, and should not be lost sight of. The - Govern ment are very wisely putting everything in the farmers’ power to enable them to start a manufactory by offering such a liberal bonus, and we hope that this county will be the first effect the start. It will not take long to make the 25 tons of butter, at all events. The bonus of for the first 100 tons of meat from New Zea land, in vessels fitted with refrigatory machinery, is also notified in the same Gazette. The Otagon capitalists and squatters are to the front in this matter, and no doubt they will succeed in obtaining the bonus. It seems strange that Canterbury should have been so apathetic over the matter of meat export. Whatever portion of the colony first establishes the export of butter, cheese, and meat, and is lucky enough to obtain the bonuses, our best wishes are that success may attend the effort, as we feel assured that the yearly addition to the value of our exports, by the export of butter, cheese, and meat to England, will attract most valuable additions to the population, in the shape of skilled immigrants to cultivate the soil, and a possible extension of our export values, on which it is impossible almost to place a limit

Borough Cricket Club.—This club meets to-morrow night, and not this even ing, as noticed yesterday. In Bankruptcy. —Mr W. R. Boyle has been appointed creditors’ trustee in the estate of Henry Godfrey, a bankrupt. Train Arrangements.— Notifications appear elsewhere regarding the train arangcments for the Timaru races on Thursday and Friday. St. Stephens’ Church. —The annual meeting of parishioners takes place on Friday evening next, in the Library Hall, when the Churchwardens’ report and balance sheet will be submitted, and Churchwardens and Vestrymen elected for the ensuing year. To the Unemployed. —The South Rakaia Road Board invite tenders for repairing and maintaining several roads in the Rakaia district. Tenders are asked for cross-ploughing 150 acres tussock land on the Coldstream run, for Mr John Emmerson ; and the County Engineer desires tenders for the water race passing Dromore.

Death to the Sparrows. —A meeting of persons interested in the formation of a sparrow club in the Waterton district is called for to-morrow evening, and on Saturday afternoon the Wakanui Sparrow Club will hold a meeting at the Somerset Hotel to receive the Committee’s report and adopt rules.

Errata. —Our information in reference to the medical testimony as to the cause of the sudden death reported in yester day’s issue is incorrect, so far as stating that death had resulted from embolism. We are desired to state that tlfe imme diate cause of Mr Stalker’s death was disease of the heart, and he had for some time past been attended by Dr Trevor for that disease.

More Racers for Timaru. —Another long string of racehorses passed through here to-day for Timaru.

Omitted. —Natator should have been among the list of contents for the S.C.J.C. Handicap, published by us yesterday.

Released. —The Hon. W. Rolleston was in Dunedin yesterday. Sixty of the Maori prisoners are to be released, and will go North by the Hinemoa on Thurs day ; thirteen remain behind. Accidentally Drowned. — A little boy named Edmund Frog gat, aged 3£ years, a son of Mr Cabel Froggat, of Long Bush, was drowned in a water-hole on Monday last.

Accidentally Smothered.— An infant child, named John Howard, was found dead in bed in Auckland, yesterday. It is believed to have been accidentally over lain by its mother.

Fire in Lyttelton. —A fire was dis covered yesterday morning in an oyster saloon, Lyttelton, but was immediately extinguished, it having only obtained a very slight hold at the time of discovery.

A Centenarian. —An Englishwoman, named Catharine Merritt, died in Naples on the 20th Jan., at the age of 106 years, having been born at Rochester, Kent, in 1775. She retained her faculties to the last.

Extremes Meet. By the City of Sydney which left Auckland yesterday afternoon for San Francisco, the Rev. A. Reid, the Wesleyan representative at the (Ecumenical Conference ; and the Rev. C. Melville Pym, whoso services here were recognised by a farewell meeting, were passengers. Colo’s circus is also on board.

Farinaceous Food Factory. The Telegiaph of last evening states;—“Mr Ward, late of Ashburton, has determined to erect a starch and farinaceous food manufactory, on premises the property of Mr J. A. Morgan, in Madras street south.” We regret that Mr Ward did not see his way clear to erect the factory in this town, and thus establish a largo local industry in our midst. Local Industries Association. We are desired to point out that the next meeting of the committee will be for the purpose of considering the report of the sub-committee appointed to furnish details in connection with the formation of a joint stock company to assist in start ing manufactories in Ashburton. The business will be strictly private. .The notice appears in our advertising columns.

Malvern Water Race. —The opening of Branch No. 2 of this race took place on Friday last. Both branches of the race are eight feet in width, and when com pleted there will be about nine inches of water on the sills of the falls, which are constructed of timber, possessing wings let into the banks for support, and below each, an apron of boulders. There are 2,400 of these falls in this branch. No. 1 Branch is now carrying 4in of water as far as Kirwee.

Prostitution not a Trade. —At the Wellington Resident Magistrate’s Court, yesterday, a number of women of ill fame were charged under the Vagrant Act. His Worship held that prostitution per se is not unlawful, but if accompanied by disorder or indecent exposure, or any thing that grossly shocks the public mind, then it is unlawful. In giving this decision, Worship pointed out that, although the trade the defendants were pursuing was not denounced by any law of the land as unlawful, it was a mistake to suppose that it had been made lawful. He bound the defendants over to appear before the Court that day week for sentence.

Football.—A meeting of the Ashbur ton Football Club was held last evening, there being present Messrs A. Fooks, C. J. Fooks, Hodder, St. George, and Mayo. Hie minutes of the previous meeting were road and confirmed. Tha action of the chairman in having the ground mown was approved. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Hodder, to play matches on alternate Saturdays and Wednesdays. A match between teams picked by the Captain and Secretary was fixed for Saturday next, play to commence at 2 o’clock sharp, the sides to be as follows : ■ Captain—Brett, E. Fooks, Ross, McFarlane, Leitch, Barker, Shury, Fowler, Davison, Toppin, Hodder, Anderson, and Tate ; Secretary —Jephson, St. George, J. Fooks, R. Hodder, Groves, Lechner, Fitzgerald, Hepburn, Burfoot, McLaren, Stevens, and Andrews. This was all the business and the meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman. Supposed Suicide.—A tragic event (says this morning’s Press) took place yesterday afternoon in the district of Papanui. From the report of Constable Wallace, it appears that he was called to the house of John Day, a jobbing gardener, Clare road, and ascertained the following particularsAt about one o’clock p. m., whilst Mr Day was in his kitchen, cooking, a strange unusual noise in his wife’s bedroom attracted his atten tion. On going in he found Mrs Day “in convulsions, and seemingly in hysterical fits.” He asked her what was the matter, and she replied, “I have poisoned myself with poison, which I took from your box on Easter Sunday. ” The unfortunate woman expired almost imme diately after making this statement, to which one of Day’s neighbors was a witness. Dr Townond had been sent for, but though he was quickly on the spot, the woman was dead before his arrival. The poison was purchased at Elliot and Co.’s, chemists, by Mr John Day, who said he wanted it to kill rats. The latter stated to the constable that he kept it in a box of which he had the key, and no one but himself could get it unless with a second key. He found a duplicate in the house yesterday. Prison Fake. Michael Davitt, the Irish agitator, gives the following descrip tion of his experiences in an English prison:—“ The food in Dartmoor prison,” he says, “I found to be the very worst in quality and the filthiest in cooking of any of the other places I had been in. The quantity of daily rations was the same as in Millbank, with the difference of four ounces of bread more each day and one of meat less in the week. The quality, as I have already remarked, is inferior to any other prison, and from about November to May it is simply execrable, the potatoes being often unfit to eat, and rotton cow carrots occasionally substituted for other food. To find black beetles in soup, ‘ skilly,’ bread, and tea, was quite a common occurrence; and some idea can be formed of how hunger will reconcile a man to look without disgust upon the most filthy objects in nature, when I state as a fact that I have often discovered beetles in my food and have eaten it after throwing them aside, without experiencing much revulsion of feeling at the sight of such loathsome animals in my victuals. Still I ha«j often come in from work weak with fatigue and hunger, and found it impossible to eat the putrid meat or stinking soup supplied me for dinner, and had to return to labor again after ‘ dining’ on six ounces of bad bread. It was quite a common occurrence in Dartmoor for men to be reported and punished for eat ing candles, boot oil, and other repulsive articles ; and, notwithstanding that a highly offensive smell is purposely given to prison candles to prevent their being eaten instead of burned, men are driven by a system of half-starvation into an animal-like voracity, and anything that a dog would eat is nowise repugnant to their taste. I have seen men eat old poultices found buried in heaps of rubbish I was assisting in carting away, and have seen bits of candle pulled out of the cesspool and eaten.”

More Power to Them. Messrs Austin and Kirk, of Christchurch, have notified Government of their intention to claim the bonus of L 250 offered for the first L 1,500 worth of household pottery made and sold in the colony between given dates.

Distinguished Arrivals. Says an Auckland telegram :—The mail steamer brings Lady Gordon, Miss Gordon and two children, the two Misses and Captain Knollys, and two stowaways, who were given in charge of the police. The case was adjourned to give time for the pay ment of the passage money. Shakespeare as a Text-book. —The Dunedin Shakespeare Club gave an enter tainment on Friday evening in the Rattray street Hall in celebration of the 317th anniversary of the birth of Shakes peare. His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, who presided, in the course of his open ing remarks, suggested that a cry for Shakespeare’s works as text-books in our schools would be better than some other cries raised in that connection. The Sweets of Office. —All of the recent Presidents of the United States are said to have saved money. Mr Lincoln is spoken of as having laid by over 50,000d01. Johnson saved 60,000d01. The salary in their time was only 25,000d01, while it is now 50,000d01. Grant is generally supposed to have saved 100,000dol. He only had the increased salary for a part of his term. Mr Hayes is supposed to have lived on 10,000dol a year, which will make his savings lGo,ooodol at the close of his term.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Monetary and Commercial. London, April 25. New Zealand securities to-day ad vanced by to 1 per cent., the present quotations being as follows : For Five per Cent, xo-40 Loan, Five per Cent. 1889 Loan, 106; Four and a Half per Cent. 1879-1904 Loan, 101. The markets for Austra lian and New Zealand bread stuffs and Australian tallow are without quotable change. That Unhappy Country. The state of Ireland is causing renewed uneasiness, there having lately been a marked increrse of agrarian crime. Reports are now coming to hand daily of outrages committed in various parts of the country.

General Regret. Both Houses of Parliament re-assem bled to-day after the Easter recess. In the House of Commons the Right Hon, W. E. Gladstone made a speech in which he referred in terms of deep regret to the death of the late Earl Beaconsfield, and gave notice of motion, to come on in a fortnight’s time, in favor of funds being voted for the erection of a monument to the late Earl in Westminster Abbey. In the House of Lords several Peers took occasion to refer to the death of Earl Beaconsfield, all expressing great regret at the sad event. The Land Bill-

In the House of Commons this evening the Irish Land Bill came up for discussion on the second reading. In the course of the debate the Right Hon. Edward Gibson, Q.C., who was Attorney-General for Ireland under the last Administration, made a speech, in which he denounced in strong term;, the provisions of the measure before the House.

A Mark of Respect. ‘ Bolh Houses of Parliament ad journed this evening until 9 p.m. to morrow (Tuesday), as a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Earl Beaconsfield. Getting Lively. 1 Paris, April 25.

Telegrams have been received from Algeria reporting that the Arabs there are getting excited over the state of relations between France and Tunis, and are showing a strong warlike feel ing. The French Government lias given orders for the immediate des patch of 40, 000 troops to Algeria, in preparation for any emergency. Pushing On. Constantinople, April 25. The Porte has received information from Dervisch Pasha, stating that since the defeat which he inflicted on the in surgent Albanians at Uskiop last week he has pushed on with his force, and has now entered the Albanian town of Prierend. Dervisch Pasha, moreover, announces that, owing to the defeat of the insurgents, the Albanian League has completely collapsed.

AUSTRALIAN

[per reuter’s agency.] The Town Hall Swindle. Sydney, April 26. The investigations of the city build ing surveyor into the construction of the Sydney Town Hall have resulted in fresh disclosures. He has now dis covered that the plastering is of a very inferior quality, and not in accordance with the specifications. The City Council have the matter under con sideration, and contemplate instituting legal proceedings against the con tractors.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Contractors Censured. Wellington, To-day. At the inquest on Wm. Peckham, the jury returned a verdict that he came by his death through the upsetting of a cart. The jury censured the contractors for bridge repairs, for not having the road properly lighted. A Negligent Firm. Ernest Greatrex, representative of Greatrex and Son, saddlers and iron mongers, of Wellington, and Wallsell, England, has been summoned for not furnishing Property Tax returns, as required under the Property Tax Act. This is the first case laid by the Commis sioner, and will be heard in the course of a day or two

FIJI NEWS.

[Per s.s. Southern Cross, at Auckland.] [by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The charge of kidnapping natives of Pentecost Island, brought against Captain Gibbs, of the schooner Winifred, was not concluded ; but the Government agent and officers of the ship have given evidence that the natives were obtained legitimately. A large sugar mill is being erected, at a cost of L 30,000, at Suava Point. The orders given to the Customs authorities not to clear any vessel in which G. W. Hunt’was a passenger have been revoked. The Wolverine and flying squadron go to Wellington, not to Auckland.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Annual Meeting. The annual general meeting of the above was held this afternoon, at the upper room of the Town Hall. There was a fair attendance of members present. Mr W. C. Walker, President of the Association, occupied the chair. The Secretary stated the object of the meeting, and read the followng report and balance sheet :

REPORT. In presenting their third annual report, your Committee have pleasure in recording much woik satisfactorily accomplished during the year. The monthly meetings held during the winter for the reading of papers on subjects of interest to all connected with farming, were well attended, and will, we hope, be resumed shortly. During the year negotiations were entered into by the County Council, which resulted in the erection of commodious sheep and cattle yards for the sale of stock and tor the use of the Association at their annual shows. The yards are most substantial and convenient, and have been leased to the Asoci ation on reasonable terms. Since their erec tion the fortnightly sales have very largely increased. The horse parade held on the 28 September was numerously attended. A large number of horses were entered, all classes being well represented, the draught stock especially, showing a great improvement on those paraded in former years. The Annual Exhibition of stock, produce, im plements and manufactures, was held on Tues day, the i6ih November, and was a decided success. The attendance during the day was very large, and a great amount of interest was shown in the exhibits. Some discussion has arisen as to the best time to hold the show— whether before or after the Christchurch one. The question will be laid before members for an expression of opinion at this annual meeting. A collection of books on farming matters has been presented to the Association by Mr F. IJ. Passmore. These will form the nucleus ef a valuable library, and it is hoped the example shown by this gentleman will be followed by others. Mr G. Gould has also presented the Association with a number of first-class books on agriculture which he wishes given as prizes at the next show instead of medals. The committee desire to acknowledge, with thanks, the liberality of these gentlemen. The expenditure during the year has been un usually heavy. Much has been done and many expenses incurred which will not occur again, such as cost of material and fencing ring for horse parade and for judging pur poses, fencing the reserve at Tinwald, dies for medals, &c., &c. A glance at ihe balance sheet, and of the statement of liabilities, which appear on the other side, will impress mem bers with the necessity there is for increasing the number of subscribers to the Association. In conclusion, your Committee think there is much cause for congratulation on the amount of work which has been accomplished, and they hope what has been done, no less than what has been left undone, will stimulate all to use their utmost efforts to further yet more the object your Society has in view—viz., the welfare of the farming and pastoral interests of this large and influential district.

BALANCE SHEET. The Balance-sheet was then read. The total receipts from all sources during the year were L 364 13s 4d, and the expendi ture L 371 9s Bd, leaving a debit balance of L 6 16s 4d, and liabilities amounting to about L 169 16s lOd.

The Chairman stated that the report as read calls attention to the principal features of the Association during the past year, and that which had already been done and what had been left un done. He hoped that new members would come forward and help the Society, as in creased aid was requisite to carry on the work of the Society in a satisfactory manner. He would read two letters from gentlemen who were unable to attend the annual meeting -viz., Messrs Carter and Passmore.

Dr. Trevor proposed, and Mr Hunt seconded—“ That the report and balance sheet as read be adopted. " Carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with. For the office of President Mr Carter was elected, unopposed. Vice-President Messrs Cox and Passmore were nomi nated, the former being elected. The election of the other officers was proceeding when our representative left (4 10 p. m.) __________

Ingenuity that Saved, his Life.

As Peter Mulvaney, a wealthy farmer of il arengo, was crossing the Kalamazoo river at that place on one of the cold days last week, ho stepped into an air-hole that was concealed by a thin crust of ice in the middle of the channel, where was a depth of several feet and quite a current. He came down on his breast with his arms extended on the ice in iront, which was solid; but as the most of his body was in the water, and weighed with his wet and heavy clothing, it was impossible for him to get out, until by a presence of mind and forethought rarely equalled, he con ceived the idea of wetting the buckskin mittens he had on and letting them freeze to the smooth ice, when his strong arms would answer for his safety. But to at tempt this was hazardous, as his body was so poised on the edge of the ice that by any movement of his arms backward he was in danger of loosing the slippery hold he already had and sinking back into the stream and be drawn under by the current. Another risk was that should he wet his overcoat sleeves they would instantly adhere to the ice and he would be utterly helpless, and soon perish from the intense cold. It was his only hope, and he re solved to take the chances. By carefully bringing his right hand by his side he succeeded in wetting the mitten on that hand, and then extending it ahead as far as he could reach, hold it until the mitten was firmly fastened to the ice; he then withdrew his hand and seized it, and thus had a firm support. He served the mitten on the other hand the same way, and thus became master of the situation, and readily pulled himself out of his perilous position.

A Man Burns Himself to Death.

One of the most shocking suicides which has ever taken place occurred at New York on March 2nd, at the exten sive greenhouse of Mr. Louis Schmutz, at Flatbush. The victim was a young man named Phillip Truschel, a nephew of Mr. Schmutz, and employed by him in light work around the greenhouse. Truschel, in a cool and deliberate manner, opened the grate of the furnace, crushed his head, one of his arms, and as much of his body as possible into it, and burned himself to death. There was a strong fire in the furnace at the time the horrible act was committed, and when a fellow-workman discovered the body of the suicide the head and neck and one of the arms were almost burned off. Truschel was only eighteen years of age, and had been in the country twelve months, during which time he had been with his uncle at Flat bush. He was quiet and steady in his habits, and read considerably. He was subject to frequent fits of despondency, and on many occasions had threatened to commit suicide by shooting himself. As he had never, however, made any at tempt on his own life, his uncle supposed he was fooling, and never gave the matter much attention. The young man was always treated kindly by his uncle’s family, and whatever wishes he might express were gratified. He was very retiring in his disposition, and no credence is given to the rumor that it was a dis appointment in love which led him to take his own life. That the act was deliberate was apparent from the fact that he left a note behind him, written in German, on the back of a business card. The note was as follows: —“Flatbush, March 1, 1881. Good-bye to all. And if anyone is tired of life, as I am, he need only do as I am about to do.— Philip Truschel.”

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. —To-Day. (Before his Worship the Mayor and W. C. Walker, Esq., J.P.) Drunkenness Whilst in Charge of i Horse.—For this offence a previous offender was fined L2, and 2s 6d costa of stabling. The same offender was .fined 20s for using obscene language ; and for making use of abusive language to the police was also fined 20s. Drunkenness. A prisoner, who appeared on a charge of drunkenness, and who pleaded "it as his first offence, was dismissed with a caution. He appeared to have a bad memory. Lunacy —Thomas Austin, on the certi ficates of Drs Trevor and Stewart, was committed to the Sunny side Asylum.

LISA.

CHAPTER IV. — Continued. Her sno,vy cap and kerchief came through the bushes, and Bebe escaping rushed to her, grasping her lilac cotton skirt tight; burying his head in her white apron. ‘He was terrified at being alone,’ said Jacques, looking with sombre eyes at both. ‘ I blame myself for not watching the child better. He found something, my Lis, which I had meant as a surprise for you. If he wishes to tell you, and that you listen co him, I shall not think you love me very much. ‘ Why no !’ said Lisa, with a gentle persuasive emphasis, taking the child’s head softly between her hands. ‘We will not talk about it, eh ! little heart ? we will not be unkind to dear Jacques.’ ‘ No, no, no,’whispered poor Bebe, whose little body felt utterly jaded and heavy after the long day and that last long, long run; an awful dead weight of terror on his mind, but silenced now into a horrified quietness, the meaning of which Lisa never guessed. So she gave him some small wild scarlet straw berries she had picked ; and took him in her lap in the cart as they went back; and praised him for being good, never noticing in her happiness, the fixed stare in his wide infant eyes. And the way homeward was very pleasant, downhill through the forest, for Jacques went too and was soblythe. None sang so gaily as he, and big Pierre himself looked at him with a warm glow of genuine admiration, when the woodcutter clapped that good lad on the back. Nay ! when Lisa wished to walk a little, while the other children took a ride, he even seized Bebe and carried him pick-a-back by way of a change. ‘ How good you are—but how good you are—,’ whispered loving tones in his ear, while the miller slowly turned his broad Flemish face smiling upon them, and bade Jean take warning and only grow up such another. But Bebe in his ungrateful little heart would rather have clasped his short arms round a gallows tree than round that strong brown neck he held to so re luctantly, with a childish aversion, which yet, through some strange in fluence, he must have died rather than have told.

As they came through the scattered, cosy, little hamlet of Vaucourt, they halted a few moments to chat with the loungers near some booths on the village green. The Vaucourt Ker messe began on the morrow, but as yet only three little wooden gimcrack shops had been put up; bright with polished coppers and gaudy red and blue glass pipkins for aerated waters. Towards one of these Jacques moved lazily off, to buy sweetmeats, as he said, for the child. But, as he looked over his shoulder, his eyes grew darker as it were and more close, the only sign of a hidden savage wrath, for Pierre was closely following. Per haps that honest overgrown lad had a secret longing for the yellow saffron cakes the sturdy Brabant wife was loudly recommending from behind her counter, or that he could not under stand why Jacques, whom he stupidly worshipped, could ever wish him from his elbow.

‘ What is that you are pulling out ?’ he bluntly asked, staring at a little leaden thing which seemed hung round the woodcutter’s neck, and that he had drawn from its hiding place and held half concealed in his hand. Jacques took the colored paper horn of comfits from the vendor.

‘ What is it ? —what is it ? —can you not see, it is only a blessed medal that I have a trick of fingering at times,’ he growled with an oath which only heightened Pierre’s admiration. ‘ Good mother ! give this fine young man some raspberry brandy.’ But as the woman turned to pour out the luscious dark liquid, while Pierre greedily watched her, neither saw’ the woodcutter’s fingers again doing something with his leaden relic.

Like a giant refreshed, Pierre joined the others, yet Jacques, though he had taken a far deeper draught from the woman’s hands, had grown moody and silent.

Silent still! during the supper in the mill kitchen, where the old grandmother awaited them; but in the clatter of children’s tongues recounting the day’s adventures in strong Flemish, none heeded much the woodcutter.

Bebe was silent too, but then he was tired out, as all knew; so he sat on Lisa’s Jap with his heavy little head on her breast. And Jacques’ eyes were always furtively upon them. As was their wont, he moved after supper to the deep casement, where Lisa joined him, while he gazed at the wheel with vacant eyes. Should he do it? Should he not? His life hung on what?—a child’s lisping speech ! Fool! why did he doubt; what so unnerved him that he could not act with decision ? Should he do it ? Should he not ?

‘ I fear our little one was sorely frightened in the forest: there is a look in his dear eyes which pains me,’ said a sweet troubled voice, quite low, to him alone. (She felt sure he would share her fears, however small; poor soul !) Yet he said nothing. Nothing for some moments. While his body was still standing there by the deep lattice in the old mill kitchen, the last red sun light falling on his strong dark head, what ghastly conflict was in that mind, darkened as by the mighty wings of evil powers obscuring the light, strug gling with fainting holier instincts tor awfulsupremacy—alas! rapidly triumph ing within his heart in gathering black ness ? Who could guess ?

In such moments of silence we de cide for —it may be—eternity.

‘ He—Jje Js not exactly sick you say ? - Excited,' perhaps. Keep him from saying anything talking too much, I mean. . . . And, Lisa, you may give him these comfits I bought for him; they will make him quiet.’ ‘ You are so good, dear Jacques. You bought these because you know I love the child.’

‘Stay one moment.’ He held her arm. ‘ Which do you love best, him or me ? Think of it, Lisa. Which, did, for example, death come for one of us (a wild fancy, you know), but which could you best lose ?’- ■ ‘ Oh, Jacques,’ she quietly said, with ■ grieved awe at such a strange, terrible ’ imagining, ‘what can I say? I Ipve him so dearly, for. he is to me a| times like one of the infant angels,smiling jr» ~ beautiful pictures at the Holy. Mother jt and her little Boy—but you are different, and like the whole world to' * me.’ ' ’’

That was enough. He loosed his hold and turned again to the window ; she had herself so decided it. For a moment or so she stood silently looking up at him; then, warned to leave him by some fine instinct, quietly glided away to put Bebe in his cot. The stars were coming out to ; light 1 i faintly the dusky night sky when: the ; lovers parted. They lingered round the corner of the mill, where was the ’ little strip of flowers against the south wall, and the sleepy columbines and. / marigolds and sweet prim lavender"’ watched them and listened, while the great lily with her glorious flowers, like ■; a spire hung with bells, drooped her. 1 head with a little rustling sigh as she L bent to the nigh airs ; but the double : red and white daises had theif eyeS ; tight shut. ' ‘ No, I cannot come to-morrow, Lisa —it is impossible; so we shall not meet again, my girl, till ’ ‘ Till our wedding-day, the morrow after; is it not so?’ she sweetly answered, looking more lily-like than ever, as straight, and slim, and tall in, her Flemish costume, she stood’: wilhr"’ aaK her two hands lightly dashed on Iris? arm, looking up at the strong, swarthy man; herself like the spirit of the fad ing light—he of the coming darkness. ‘ Strange, is it not, deaf Jacques, bat

to-night I feel as if it were not coming the very morning after next, but put far off instead—far as eternity.’ ‘ If so, let me look well at you now,’ he answered; yet he had never taken his eyes from her. Dark, pitiless, with but a smallest spark of red glow to mark the evil spirit far within, they kept her in their power. ‘ But what shall stop you from being mine, Lisa? Listen ; should aught so happen —should it be postponed tiH this eternity you talk of—would you , dare swear to me now' that you will 1 never be any other man’s wife.’. : . ; ‘Ah, I should tremble to swear, - Jacques, only I promise! I promise be fore the Blessed Mother and all the saints. But,oh!’ she cried under.her breath, while her voice shook; *it is easy to say that, for without you 1 be lieve they would never be so cruel as not to ask the good God to take me home —to live there ; but not any more down here.’

He wanted to make so sure of her, to bind her still faster, that he never cared how he hurt that tender soul in drawing tight his cruel cords. * And in your eternity, what then ? No doubt you could be happy in your para dise while I might be in the torments of purgatory, a poor devil amongst devils.’

It was nothing to him, who mocjted : - all sacred creeds, so to speak; bat as h that face, dearest to her of, all human faces, looked intently in hers, while, unconsciously, he tightened his grasp, , , she gave a little pitiful cry, for her troubled soul was like a hied struggling in the lowler’s snare. ‘Do not torture me. Ah ! i f you too loved me, wppld, you not wish to gain paradise also ? And,, if not —oh ! I dare not love you better than the good God . . .. . Only ; I think I could never be aught but sad through the long countless ages. Yet I trust Him.’ ' v

Her voice died away in a half sob; but there was faith still unquenched in her eyes, faith for what she could not understand. :

‘ls it so ?’ he said, with a touch of scorn, she never even suspected. * Well, well; at least I shall have had my day. And now, be happy again, my lily saint, for I swear to you after our wed ding-day we shall strive to think perforce, on all holy subjects.’ Cheered by so little, she did grow happy after a while. When they bade each other adieu by the rough garden gate; under the night’s shadows she stood listening, tp the sound of his footsteps down the forest path, and her pure heart cried out m gratefulness to the Mother who had given her so blessed a day ! One long day, as perfectly happy as any day could be on earth.

She stopped to kiss each one of the broad-breasted lilies and whisper her happiness to her namesakes; and their strong scent filled her nostrils and rose as in fumes, making giddy her happy brain, for you could smell those lilies almost down by the little footbridge And then, in the darkness, she heard Matron’s voice call her from the thresh old of the kitchen door, so answered and went in. (To be continued.)

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1881.



Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30ia per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East' street and Baring Square. 365 a Hayes’ rp IMB E R YARDS. FIREWOOD ! ; FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD !



The Undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. AIiPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a O. ;Carstens & Co., - • (Late Weston’s), . PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipea, G.B.D. Pipes NailrS* . Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco. :■ - A nic^iasaerfepaeUt: of Accordions, Con certinas, Elutes,/Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toye.uf <every;description, direct from Home. j/xD Kni;i - J Haircutting, .Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. hue o ■ ■ - o B27a*. W‘ ASTE PAPER for Sale, 2d. per lb. at the Guardian Office



Wanted. WANTED —A strong active GIRL as servant. Apply, Mrs Pass, Wills street, Ashburton. 628 a WANTED, by a Young Man, a SITUATION. Can milk, and is willing to make himself generally useful. Apply Office of this Paper. 601 a Wanted —board and resi dence by a single gentleman. Apply Office of this Paper. 603 a ANTED—A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a rANTED KNOWN That HENRY’S PORTRAIT BOOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a WANTED TO SELL PIANOS. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £26 ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a TTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. —L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the ibove Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 WANTED THE GUARDIAN tells your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. W. id. SPACKMAN’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



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITUKE. 819 fjp H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



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



Kerosine oil will remove rust from knives. Emery paper is also good. Holloway’s Pills. —The chicfest wonder of modem times.—This incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents, flatulency, purifes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout the globe astonishes everybody, and a single trial convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove all complaints incidental to the human race. They are a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of the blood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and ■ gentle aperitive action are the prolific sources of' the extensive curative range of Holloway’s Pills. [Advt.]



Ecclesiastical. Q ATHOLIC CH URO H. ASHBURTON: Ist Mass, 9 o’clock; 2nd Maas, 110 clock, on the Ist, 2nd, and 3rd and sth Sundays (when one occurs) of the month. RAKAIA: . I Mass, 11 o’clock, 4th Sunday of the 610 a m ° nth EDMUlffp fc COFFEY, 1