SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. St. Kilda, s.s., from Oamaru and Dunedin. Sea Bird, brigantine, from Pelorus Sound. To-day. Penguin, s.s., from Wellington. Te Anau, s.s., from Fort Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Wakatipu, S.S., for Wellington and Sydney. Maty King, brigantine, for Timaru. To-day. St. Kilda, s. s., for Wellington. Penguin, s.b. , for Akaroa and Port Chalmers. Te Anau, s.s., for Northern ports.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Stella, from the South. Auckland, To-day. Arrived —Tararua, s.s., from Sydney, via Russell. She reports that at sp. m. on the 19th, when off Sapirth Bay, North Cape, ran down to the brig Wild Wave, of Sydney, in answer to signals. Hailed her, and found her under jury rudder and short of water. Sent a boat, and the captain came on board and reported having left Kaipara on Thursday, April 14th, bound for Melbourne. The wind died away when on the bar, and the brig became unmanageable, and drifted on the north spit. The sea made a clean breach over her, and swept the deck of every thing movable and stove in the boats The Wild Wave drifted over the spit, carrying away her rudder. After getting clear a jury rudder was rigged. The Tararua reports that the vessel is manage able, and required no assistance, but wanted water. She is making for the Bay of Islands or Auckland. The Tararua supplied her with water. New Plymouth, Yesterday. Sailed—Hawea, for Southern ports. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Penguin, from Picton and Nelson ; Wanaka, from the South. Sailed— Go-Ahead, for Kaikoura and Lyttelton ; Kiwi, for Napier and Gis borne.

JPOB.T UHALsieks, xesieraay. Arrived —Albion, from the North. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed —Rotorua, s.s., for the Bluff. London, April 20. Arrived —Dunedin, ship, from Pori Chalmers.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mall a close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, April 23. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Porta of New Zealand, &c., per Hawea, as follows :—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p .m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train.

' Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows: —

For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 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. in., and 420 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at J 0.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 am.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—

Prom Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a. PL, 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertaey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Tiraaru at 10.15 a. m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. ‘ From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. TO-MORROW, Friday, April 22. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr. Reany’s Farm, Mount Spinors—Horses, Cattle, Imple ments, Ac.; 1 o’clock. Saturday, April 23. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —"Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. Wednesday, April 27. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr William Innis’ Form, Wakanui—Stock, Implements, &c.; 1 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Thursday, April 21. Thistle Lodge, Monthly Meeting, at the Masonic Hall. - Wednesday, April 27. .Agricultural and Pastoral Association—. Annual Meeting, upper room of Town Hall. Wednesday, May 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Winchester School Committee.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

ThtAraa Leave Ashburton for Chbist- CHtmoH and intermediate stations at 6 a. m. ,10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p*m. Trains Leave Ashburton foe Timaru and South, at 7 am., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains ‘ Aeeivb at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 435p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashrueton from Timaru and South at 10.16 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.16 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1881. Manufacture of Pottery Ware.

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

Now that so much public interest has been awakened in reference to the encouragement of colonial industries, and the feasibility of many schemes which have for their object the opening up of our resources, thereby equally bettering the condition of our agricul turists and their dependants, it would be wise if our local association will at once take steps towards obtaining every information possible on matters which may lead to the establishment of one particular industry, viz., a pottery and glass manufacturing company. In moot ing the establishment of such a company, we do so with the greatest amount of as surance, as we feel convinced that in the neighborhood of Mount Somers raw material can be obtained, which we are told will be found equally as good as that worked in Otago. At Milton the pottery works have been in full swing for some time past, and public interest is awakened to such an extent that a public company is now started, in order to increase the manufacture of the many varied kinds of pottery which can be produced at works of this kind, and which a private individual is debarred from doing owing to want of capital. It is a well known fact that Dunedin capitalists are far more alive to their interests than any of their northern neighbors. A glance at the city of Dunedin at once conveys that impres sion. In the country districts of Otago the same desire to encourage local indus tries is manifested by the country people straining all the’’r energy to wards soliciting outside as well as local aid—and they get it. Do we do the same in Canterbury ? No. When an industry is mooted we are told that it must be in Christchurch, or somewhere near it to ensure success. We know the fate of the proposed Oxford Cement Company. Ourcountrycapitalistsrequire energy, and until that is awakened we must lie content to let our southern neighbors remain before us in all local manufactories. There is ample room for a pottery manufactory in Canterbury as well as in Otago. The value of the earthenware imports into New Zealand during the year 1879 was 1.43,361, and the value of glass bottles imported during the same year was 1.8,569, and window glass Li 5,566. Imported articles of glassware made a total of 1.27,307, and drain-pipes 1.6,259, amounting in the aggregate, including earthenware, glassware, and drain-pipes, to the respectable total of 1.73J55- That the products of the Milton works have been proved to be exceptionally good and equal to many of the imported articles of pottery, we have the best of testimony. The Milton pottery ex hibited at the Melbourne Exhibition, took a most satisfactory and enviable position in point of merit to that ex hibited by foreign countries. In their exhibit, the Milton pottery gained an award of merit in advance of the eminent Austrian Pottery Manufactory, and this is something to be proud of. We have before us a prospectus of the proposed New Zealand Pottery and Glass Company, which is to take over the Milton Pottery works from its pre sent proprietor, Mr Reeves. The capital is put down at in shares of £1 each. The provisional directors appear to be men of sound business capacities, and have issued a very plain and easily understood pro spectus. The clay, or kaolin, found at Milton, is said to be the best of its kind for pottery purposes, and the supplyprac tically inexhaustible, but we can hardly credit the statement that no other clay approaching it in quality has been found in New Zealand. As before re marked, we have a good pottery clay, which will soon be within easy reach of Ashburton, by means of the railway. We have also coal and wood in close proximity, both of which are necessary adjuncts to a pottery manufactory, and only await the completion of the Mount .Somers line to come within the reach of consumers.— This railway, by the bye, will, no doubt, be considered worth while com pleting, as soon as a good dray road is opened out to the hills from Ash burton. At present it is practically useless. —With regard to the articles made at Milton, we have examined a J number of them, and those who noticed j them at our late Exhibition must have ( been afforded extreme pleasure and \ surprise at the result of such a new 1

industry in New Zealand. As in all probability only a few shares in the Milton Company will be applied for out of Otago, we hope the Ashburton Association will be alive to the interest of the County, and shortly initiate such a scheme as our Southern neigh bors have done, and start a manu factory here for a similar purpose —for it can be proved that the demand exists for pottery, &c., and that they can be produced below the cost tf the imported article.

R.BI. Court. —There was no business at this Court to-day. Bank Holiday. —Saturday next being St George’s day, the banks doing business in Ashburton will be closed. Property Tax Defaulters. — We understand that instructions have been issued to the Deputy Property Tax Com missioners throughout the colony to take proceedings against defaulters.

Fire Brigade Practice. —There was a good attendance at last night’s practice, the drill, including both engine and hook and ladder work. Two new members were nominated for election. Wakanui Road Board.— A special meeting of this Board took place this morning, there being in attendance—H. Friedlander, Esq., chairman, and Messrs Brown and Earle. The business agenda comprisedthepassing of a resolution strik ing a rate of Is in the £ on all property in the Board’s district, and this having been done, and a resolution empowering the gentlemen present to sign the rate roll carried, the meeting terminated.

St. Stephen’s Sunday School. —The annual children’s treat in connection with St. Stephen’s Sunday School will be hold to-morrow, in the paddock adjoining the parsonage. Should the weather bo pro pitious, a most enjoyable day will doubt less be spent by the young folk, whose anticipations of the yearly gathering are, as a rule, only equalled by the reality it self. We are requested to remind the parents of the scholars that their presence to-morrow is expected and desired.

Erroneous Cablegram. Some few days back we published a cablegram from Melbourne which stated that Mr Ser geant, M.L.A., had been fined for an assault upon Mr Munro, M.L.A. His assailant was not Mr Sergeant, the late M.L.A., but a person of the same name, whom Mr Munro, as an Executive Com missioner of the Exhibition, had pre vented from touting as the lessee of a temperance bar in the Exhibition build ing.

The Profits of Boniface. —Wo believe it could be demonstrated (says the North Otago Times) that out of a hogshead of first class beer, bought by the publican from the brewer for LG, the former will, by selling it in sixpenny glasses, derive a total of nearly L2l, or nearly 350 per cent, profit. For an inferior class, bought at L 4 per hogshead, the publican will, by selling it in pints, realise, it is calculated, about LlO, or a profit of some 150 per cent.

Farewell.— A complimentary dinner was given to Mr John Gordon, guard of the Methven branch railway, on Thursday last, the chair being occupied by Mr Cameron, of Springfield. The oppor tunity was taken to present the guest with acheque for fifteen guineas, he being about to visit Scotland. The spread provided by Host Patton was all that could be de sired. Several toasts followed the removal of the cloth, a very pleasant evening being spent. Mr Bowles will succeed Mr Gor don as guard on the branch line. Football.— The opening match of the season, in connection with the Ashburton Football Club, is arranged to take place on Saturday next, between sides chosen by the Captain and Secretary. The team as per present arrangement, are as follows, but players not included therein will be picked on the ground :— Captain’s side— Allred Fooks, Guinney, Hodder, Groves, Barker, Lechner, Shury, Ross, Brett, Fitzgerald, Anderson, Marsh, Tait, Reeves, Hepburn ; Secretary’s side— Fowler, M'Laren, E. Fooks, J. Fooks, Fagan, Leitch, Hayes, St. George, Jeph son, Mayo, Toppin, Stephens, C. Bran son, Burfoot, Jameson.

A Man Missing. —A Christchurch con temporary this morning says :—“ Yester day afternoon Mr Hall, licensee of the Eastern Hotel, reported to the police that a man named Rice Foulkes was missing from his home. It appeared that he left the house in which he was residing, I uam street West, on the 19th inst., carrying with him a double-barrel gun, which he said ho was going to lend to a cabman ; he also took some powder and shot. He has not returned since. Following is the description of Rice Foulkes, as given to the police : —‘English, aged 29 years, sft 4in in height, stout build, fair hair and moustachios, fresh complexion, dressed in a light suit, with drab felt hat —a butcher.’ ”

A Tough Dog Story. —A subscriber to the Oamaru Mail brings under notice the following instance of canine sagacity : Some time ago a retriever dog was given to the mate of a schooner trading to the North Island. The vessel made a trip to Auckland, and afterwards sailed for Dunedin, at which place she duly arrived. Immediately the vessel had berthed along side the wharf the dog rushed ashore, and made straight for the steamer Maori, aboard which vessel it took a free passage to Oamaru, turning up at its previous owner’s about ten minutes after the steamer’s arrival here. Our informant (remarks our southern friend) did not mention whether the dog entered into apology for deserting its ship, or how it came to the conclusion that the Maori was an Oamaru trader. There is something mysterious in this part of the story.

Thoroughbred Stock.— The animal sale of Middle Park yearlings took place yesterday, at the Middle Park Stud Farm. The sale was well attended, and the prices realised, considering the times, were fairly good. Among the purchasers were Mr John Grigg and Mr John Carter, the former of whom secured a bay colt by that prince of sires, Traduoer, out of Aglaia, for 375 guineas, and a two-year-old bay filly by the same sire, out of the im ported mare En Avant, for 250 guineas. The latter gentleman purchased a brown filly by Traducer, out of Rupee, and a chestnut filly by Papapa, out of Red Rose, for 275 guineas, and 100 guineas respec tively. We do not know whether it is the intention of the above gentlemen to run their new purchases, but we hope we shall see the youngsters carrying their colors to victory for many a good stake, feeling sure they will add to Che list of straight running owners, of whom there are all too few in New Zealand.

Society Journals. —A contemporary thus refers to the literary publications termed “ Society journals ” :—The free dom of the press has assumed quite a new phase lately, owing to the publication of what are called “Society journals,” which are neither more nor less than scandal-spreading broad-sheets, in which private characters are shamelessly aspersed, and indecent allusions and inuendos scattered throughout the read ing matter to give it that piquancy its readers best relish. The Sydney Bulletin spiced one of its pars so highly that the person alluded to claimed and got LI,OOO damages, as he clearly proved to the jury that his life had been blameless, and that he had not been guilty of the disgraceful conduct imputed to him by the writers in the Bulletin. In Auckland some of the pars in the Free Lance and Observer are simply outrages upon decency, and have nothing in them in the shape of wit to in any way justify their publication.

A Bio Shark. A monster shark, estimated to be thirty feet long, attracted some attention in Napier harbor the other day. The fish at one bite took half the carcass of a sheep, which was lost overboard from a vessel in harbor, and was floating about. An Involuntary Baptism. Two worthy members of the Thames (Auck land) Baptist Church went the other even ing to light up for the baptismal service, and one of them (a venerable gentleman named Forsaith) fell into the tank, which is situated below the pulpit. Ihe old man sustained a complete ducking. A Warning. —Sir W. Fox has inserted a notice in the Hawera Star cautioning persons against dealing in Native lands on the West Coast, stating that all transac tions are utterly null and void, and no consideration will be given them by the Government if entered into before regu lations are made by Act of Parliament Sporting Tips. —“ Phaeton,” the sport ing writer in the Auckland Weekly JVews, was singularly accurate in picking the best of the handicap for the Great Autumn. His selection was ; —Lady Emma, Sir Modred, and Randwick. The two first ran into the situations named, but the latter failed to get a place. Settling-up. —Last evening the follow ing amounts were paid over by the secre tary of theC.J.C., namely:—Sir Hercules Robinson, L 508; Mr H. Driver, L 431125; Mr G. Fraser, L 137 15s; Mr Walters, L 134 18s; Hon. W. Robinson, L 119; Mr J. Ohaafe, L 57; Mr J. Bates, L3B; Blr Bell, LlO. Total, L 1,436 ss.

Committed for Trial. —At the Magis trate’s Court, Wellington, yesterday, John Whitelaw, ex-superintendent of the Mount View Asylum, was committed for trial for the ill-treatment of a patient named M'lntosh. Bail was fixed, himself in £3OO, and two sureties of Ll5O each. Accused, however, was unable to obtain bail, and was taken to gaol. A Maniac’s Dive. —W. H. Leckey, a son of Colonel Leckey, of Wellington, who had become insane while working in the Waito swamp, jumped from Mr Northcroft’s trap while crossing Hamilton bridge, and fell 54 feet into the river, turning over in his descent. He struck the water head first, and swam, apparently uninjured, to the shore, where he was re captured. A Faulty Culvert. —A fatal accident occurred near the Greymouth racecourse the other day. A carrier, from Westport, was taking his wagon, full of men, women, and young children, over an old culvert when, just as the horse got across, the culvert gave way, dragging the h rse back and falling upon the driver, at the same time precipitating the wagon ful of people into the creek. All the children and adults got out uninjured. The driver was found under the horse, and all efforts to restore animation failed. A Strange Hallucination. The Timaru Herald says :—A few days since a man called upon Inspector Pender. He was suffering from a strange hallucination. He said his life was a perpetual misery, as wherever he went he was followed by a man who exercised mesmeric influence upon him. At night, when he retired to bed, his bete noir would appear at the window and annoy him by contorting his face and firing small bullets at him, or if he was in a train or in the street, there also would be his tormentor. Inspector Pender pointed out that it was merely his own imagination that was the source of his trouble ; and advised him to consult a medical man. This he promised he would do, but at night a constable brought him to the station in a state of evident intoxi cation, and Inspector Pender, knowing the wretched state of mind the man was in, sent him to the Hospital, where Dr Chilton consented to admit him. Nothing, however, would induce the man to remain in that institution, and he was taken back to the station and placed in a cell

The Engineer-in-charje Middle Island Railways in vites tenders for the construction of the permanent way of the Ashburton Branch extension line. Tenders are to be in by noon of the 27th inst. A call of 10s per shnre on fie unpaid capital has been made by the directors of the Ashburton Gas Company, payable on the Ist proximo. A schedule of land to be open for application on deferred payments on the 9th of may is published in our advertising columns to-day.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Sculling Contest. London, April 19. A sculling race took place to-day, at Southampton, between Edward Trickett and an oarsman named Kirby. The contest resulted in an easy victory for Trickett. The Death of Earl Beaconsfield. The death of Earl Beaconsfield is deeply deplored by all political parties, and has created a profound sensation throughout Europe. It was officially announced, to-day, that her Majesty the Queen had expressed great.grief at the loss of her most valued and devoted friend and councillor the late Earl. Consols.

Consols are unchanged at Five per cent. New Zealand 10-40 loan, 103; five per cent. New Zealand 1889 loan, 106 ; four-and-a-balf per cent. New Zealand 1879-190410311, 99.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per rbdter’s agency.] The Australian Mutual. Sydney, April 20. 'rite report of the Australian Mutual Provident Society for the past year has been issued. It shows that 9,623 pro posals for life assurance were submitted during the year, 6,551 being accepted, assuring L 2,181,258. New premiums amount to L 74,666. Claims have arisen on 261 policies, amounting to Liii,4l3. The accumulated funds of the Society now amount to L 3,379,510, being an increase of com pared whh the previous year. John Chinaman. Sydney, To-day. Two hundred Chinese arrived here yesterday by the steamer Crusader, from Hong Kong.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Bank of New Zealand Half-Yearly Meeting. Auckland, To-day. At the Bank of New Zealand half yearly meeting, the report shows a net profit of L7G,4G4, and with the balance from last half year of L 28,337, makes a total for division of L 99.801. Dividend and bonus 15 per cent. L 75,000, balance by profit and loss L 24,801. The report was adopted. Sudden Death. Wanganui, To-day. An architect, named Thomas Peake, was found dead in his house last night. It is supposed he died in a fit. He leaves a widow and family. Tally Ho! The hunting season commences in Wanganui on the first Saturday in May. Mr Bradley, late of Otago, assumes th e mastership, his pack of hounds and th e local pack being amalgamated.

No Evidence. Wellington, To-day. The charge against Fred. Marshland Hadfield for being an accomplice in the alleged stealing of 1,000 sheep off a run in Wairarapa, was dismissed, no evidence being offered. The Dangers of the Pass-

In consequence of the danger attached to the passage through the French Pass, captains of vessels in port are drawing up a petition to the ministerial head of the Marine Department to take immediate steps to have suitable lights erected where required. The barque Brounthorpe, 133 days from London, is at the Heads. Satisfactory- Blenheim, To-day.

The Marlborough Agricultural Show was held yesterday and was the most successful one hold for years. The ex hibits were excellent and very numerous. Excellent Authorities, no Doubt.

At the Marlborough Show dinner, last night, the Lyttelton Times' correspondent, who responded to the toast of “The Visitors,” described the recent visit paid by him to the Picton coal fields, describ ing their extent so far as discovered, and predicting grand resutls from their dis covery. He said, since visiting the field, he had met Mr Blair, Engineer in charge of the Middle Island, and directed his attention to the samples brought to Blen heim, and that Mr Blair expressed the highest opinion of it. Another Journalist at Best.

Lionel Brown, journalist, died this morning. Land for Settlement. Dunedin, To-day.' An important intimation was made known at yesterday’s meeting of the Land Board, namely, that a scheme is on foot by the Education Commissioners for the sale of large Education Reserves in this province, and funding the proceeds for education purposes. This means opening up a vast extent of land for settlement. A Point Reserved. In Moritzon’s case the judge intimated he would reserve for the Appeal Court the point whether the evidence shewed the commission of a technical offence by embezzlement.

CRICKET.

MUFF MATCH-ASHBURTON V. RAKAIA. A match between representative muff elevens of the above places was played to-day on the cricket reserve. The weather was all that could be desired, the ground, however, being adverse to muff rules, as regards the it proving very bumpy. The Ashburtonites were the first to handle the willow, and made 58 runs before the last wicket fell. The Rakaia men made 111 in their first innings. The following are the scores up to the time of going to press : Ashburton —Ist innings. J. Fowler, run out ... ... ... 2 G. Eagle, b Littleton ... ... ... 2 Price, b Littleton ... ... ... 2 B. Ede, b Littleton 0 Reeves, b Hill ... ••• 7 M. Scott, not out ... ... ... 19 Ireland, b Hill ... ••• 4 Marsh, b Littleton ... ... ••• 4 Mainwaring, run out ... ... ... 4 Jacobson, run out 2 H. Fowler, b Hill ... 0 Extras... ... 13 Total ... ... ... 58 Rakaia.—lst Innings. H.issey, b Eagle 22 A. B. Dickens, b Eagle 8 Littleton, b Eagle 22 Oxley, b Ede 23 Weelan, c Scott, b Ede 13 Mackay, b Simpson ... 2 Hill, run out 1 Simpson, not out 9 Primmer, b Simpson ... ... ... 1 Main, b Simpson 1 Price, run out 3 Extras 5 Total 11l

GREAT FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] Auckland, To-day. At 3 o’clock this morning, a dis astrous fire broke out in Queen street, the scene of the conflagration being the block occupied by Mrs Coster (milliner), Mr Whitehead (tobacconist), Mr Cole (basket maker), Messrs Mason Bros, (hair-dressers), Mr T. Harris (tobacconist), and Paterson’s store and siabels. Constable Dews, who was on duty on the wharf, saw the fire suddenly burst out, as if an explosion had occurred, and immediately the whole of the shed near Whitehead’s bowling saloon was in flames. As the seat of (he fire could not be reached from Queen street, the constable could do lit tie more than raise the alarm. The Fire Brigade were quickly out, and played on (he premises, but before it had got well to work, Messrs Harris and Mason’s shops, in Queen street, were in flames. The Auckland Savings’ Bank, adjoining, was in great danger. Every effort was made to keep the fire back from it, and after a great struggle, (he fire in Messrs Mason and Harris’ shops was got under. The bank was then safe, but in the meantime the fire had spread in the other direction, catching in turn Mr Whitehead’s and Mrs Coster’s shops, Mr Patterson’s stable, and Payne’s (watchmaker) shop. I'he efforts of the brigade were now directed to put the fire out in Payne’s shop, which had been cleared of goods by the salvage corps. The brigade succeeded by chopping down a partition and the aid of a copious supply of water. 'l’he buildings between the bank and Payne’s shop were all old wooden structures. A small hosiery establishment ignited from the sparks, but it was put out before any damage was done. Fortunately no horses were in the stable. Little or nothing was saved from any of the shops, except Payne’s. The fire burned brightly for two hours. The insurances are as follows: — South British, Li,ooo (Payne’s stock, all saved) ; Colonial, LBoo ; United, Lioo ; (Northern, Lioo ; Norwich, Lioo; Union, LSOO. Four shops, owned by Messrs Barstow, R.M., and Costelli are believed to be insured.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT EPSOM.

(by telegraph.) Auckland, To-day. The residence of Mr Hancocks, of the United Service Hotel, at Epsom, has been totally destroyed by fire, caused by the upsetting of a kerosene lamp. Mr Hancocks was absent at the time, and Mrs Hancocks had got up to attend to one of the children, when she accidentally overturned the lamp. The flames spread rapidly to the bed curtains and furniture, and Mrs Hancocks barely escaped in her night-dress. Every thing was lost. The house and furniture were insured in the New Zealand office for L 1,400, but it is estimated that sum will not cover half the cost.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Tabard a, at Russell.]

London, April 12.

Lords Cairns and Salisbury are rival candidates for tire leadership of the Opposition. It is rumored that Lord Salisbury’s chances have been en dangered by secret pledges given to M. Waddington, the French Minister »for Foreign Affairs, with regard to the Tunis difficulty, which it is thought might possibly compromise England.

The Fall Mall Gazette, commenting on the determination of Mr Patterson, the Victorian Minister for Railways, to surrender all patronage in his depart ment, expresses the opinion that such an action is perfectly consonant with the Democratic institutions of the colony, and that party control of a de partment is calculated to endanger popular rule in Australia. The spiritist medium, Fletcher, has been sentenced to a year’s imprison ment for imposition. The election for the St. Ives seat, which became vacant through the death of Sir Charles Reed (Liberal), has resulted in the return of a Tory candi date.

Mr Dillon, the member for Tip perary, delivered a speech strongly con demning the Irish Land Bill of the Government. He counsels the Irish members to oppose its passing.

SPORTING.

THE SYDNEY CUP. (by cable.) Sydney, April 20.

The race for the Sydney Cup was run to-day, with the following result: — Sydney Cup, and 800 50 vs, with a sweep stakes of 20 sovs ; for three-year-olds and upwards ; distance, 2 miles. Mr W. Branch’s br c Progress, 3yrs,

Bst 21b 1 Mr J. Ashworth’s hr h Strathearn, 6yrs, 7st 21b 2 Mr W. A. Long’s br h Wandering Jew, 4yrs, Cst 4lb 3 Sixteen horses started. A good start was effected. Rich mond, Orient, and Hesperian got well away to the front, but were soon joined by Canary, who waited closely upon them. Hesperian led round the turn and past the grand stand for the first time, followed by Black Swan, Orient, Major, Templar, The Pontiff, Gunild, The Barber, Richmond Strathearn, and Cynic last. They ran round in the same order until nearing the trainers’ stand, where Progress improved his position and came away through the crowd, winning easily, four lengths in front of Strathearn, who also made his way rapidly through the horses at the finish. Wandering Jew made a good third, half a length behind Strathearn, but only beating Richmond at the winning post by a head. Wellington followed closely, and finished a good fifth at The Jew’s girth, with Braidwood, The Pontiff, Gunild, Hesperian, Major, and Templar close behind. Time— 3min 36 8-iosec.

Buried Alive for Four Days.

A very strange circumstance occur ring in the vicinity of Snicarte, Mason County, 111, has attracted the attention of a great many, and is, at the least, a most miraculous affair. On February 17 a woman, by the name of Mrs Banks, to all appearances died. About four weeks previous to this she had given birth to a child, and was apparently well, with the exception of the nursing sore mouth, from the effect of which she had grown quite weak, so much so that her husband thought it was neces sary to call in a physician, but she ob jected, insisting upon waiting a few days longer, thinking that she could manage the affliction without the aid of a physician. She soon afterwards, and very suddenly, sank away, and to all appearances gave up the ghost. The body was kept till the next day about two o’clock p.m., when it was inclosed in a coffin and taken to the grave-yard, followed by a great many mournful friends. In laying her out her arms were tied together above her elbows with a strip of cloth, so that her hands would retain a position across her breast. At the grave some of her friends wished to view her remains, and the coffin was opened so that they might do so. On removing the lid over the glass they could not see through the glass for the moisture on it, and it was then seen that one of her hands was torn loose from the band and was lying by her side, and her arms were as limber as one alive. The circumstances bore upon the minds of several present, but still they could not entertain any notion but that she was dead. Her hands were again placed in position across her breast and re-tied with the same strip of cloth, and she was buried. After returning to their homes several of the parties who had noticed the singular appearance at the grave commenced to talk the matter over, and they soon raised a doubt in their minds that she was not dead; about five o’clock that same evening several went to the grave and took the body up. On opening the coffin they found fresh moisture on the glass of the coffin-lid, and her hands were again broken from the strip of cloth that bound them, and they were both lying by her side, and instead of her limbs being in the least rigid, they and her fingers were flexible. Notwithstanding all this, they could not convince them selves but that she was dead, and she was again reburied. The matter was generally discussed in the neighbor hood, and by the following Sunday the excitement had grown so strong that it was decided to re-exhume her the following day. The next day, Monday, after she had slept beneath the sod for four days and nights, she was again resurrected and taken to her home, where she has been slowly but gradually mending. Her friends en tertain the strongest hopes of her recovery, which, if she does, will be a remarkable occurrence, long to be remembered by the people of Snicarte. The way in which the affair was managed was, to say the least, very singular.

THE REEFTON MURDER.

Greymodth, Yesterday.

Further particulars of the murder case at Larry’s Greek are to hand. Deceased’s skull was so battered in as to expose the brain, and the splinters from the stock of the gun show the force of the blow. Considering the strength of the two men —McGahey being five feet eleven—and the desperate struggle which must have taken place between them, and of which there was abundant evidence, it is thought that McGahey missed Bell when he fired on him while he was sitting on a pail in the barn beginning to milk, of which there was a cupful in the bucket. McGahey had been married about fourteen years without having cause to doubt his wife’s fidelity. About two years ago it was rumored that - Mrs McGahey attempted to poison him, it being said that he had been sick, but nothing came of the reports. They had an adopted child, a girl, and soon after the poisoning affair, Mrs McGahey accused her husband of violating the girl, but a medical examination obtained by the police showed that there was no truth in the allegation. Mrs McGahey soon after that began complaining of the hard ship of her married life, and the cruelty she was enduring. Then her sympa thisers procured for her a situation, but she did not remain in it, and gave a very unsatisfactory reason for not doing so, and went back to her own house at Larry’s, but the next night it was burned down. Then her statements as to the cause of the fire were again considered unsatisfactory, though the jury brought in an open verdict. Subsequently, some friends got for her a respectable and suit able engagement with a private family, but she would not accept it, and placed herself under the protection of the deceased, a single man. Then people began to revive the poisoning rumor, the charge of violation, and the burning down of the house, and attributed it to a desire that McGahey should not come back to his farm, which was mortgaged for more that its value. McGahey laid an information against Bell, when his wife sought Bell’s protection, for stealing his property, but the charge was not up held. The inquest was adjourned with out taking evidence.

MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD.

A meeting of the above Board was held in the office, Methven, on Thursday last. Present—Messrs Julian Jackson (in the chair), M'Millan, arid Chapman. The Overseer was instructed not to em ploy any more day hands, unless for very small jobs, but to let all work by contract.

Mr W. H. Barnes, bridge contractor, made an offer to the Board to put and keep in order, the large cutting leading to the gorge ferry. Mr Barnes’ offer was ac cepted. A letter was read from Mr Fereday, solici tor, re transfer of one acre of land purchased from Mr Henderson. —The Clerk was in structed to forward Mr Fereday a cheque for the land.

The County Council wrote requesting that a notice be put up in the office, cautioning persons from interfering with the water race.—Notice ordered to be put up. Messrs Mason and Struthers wrote, in reply to the Clerk’s letter, asking for in formation as to the size of sheet iron re quired for stable, as the length had not been given.—The Clerk was instructed to write for the information. A circular was received from the Mana watu County Council, re land fund.—The chairman was intructed to reply. The Broom Park drainage was left to the Chairman and Overseer to deal with. The Overseer was instructed to call for tenders for forming a portion of the road leading from the back track to the main road. Tenders to bo in by the next meet ing- ... Tenders were opened for the following works :—Shingling 07 chains of the Mount Hutt and Alford Forest roads, J. Devery accepted, at lid per yard ; formation of about 12 chains of the Station road, V. Soland, at 15s per chain. After passing accounts to the amount of L 203 13s, the Board adjourned. A meeting of ratepayers was then held to inspect the balance-sheet for the pre vious year. Everything was found to be satisfactory. After this, another meeting of; rate payers was held for the purpose of closing several roads in the district. As there was no opposition, it was unanimously agreed to close the said roads; they being of no public benefit. 1

A Grateful Country.

Close to Nelson’s magnificent.monu ment in Trafalgar square, there stands, says a London paper, a statue to Sir Henry Havelock, and on its base are carved a few words taken from one of his speeches, in which he assured his soldiers that their labors, their suffer ings, and their valor would not be for gotten by a grateful country. We read this at Charing Cross. Westminster is only across the road. Entering the Westminster Police Court, wg hear another talk of the grateful country,” when on Tuesday, an old non-commis sioned officer of the nth Hussars ap plied for assistance from the poor-box. He had served in the Crimea, and was one of the “Six Hundred” at Balac lava. Wounded in the charge in five places, he fell into the hands of the Russians, and was for over twelve months a prisoner. He left the army, and, in consequence of the delicate state of health of his wife and family, he sought employment at the Gape, and served in the police as a sergeant. Consumption, however, carried off the whole family, and changes of adminis tration in the colony considerably re ducing his salary, he came back to England. He got a berth at a club j but in consequence of the reduction of servants, he was again thrown out of a situation. Mr Partridge, having ascer tained that his story was true, granted him some assistance, and the applicant thanked him and retired. So much for the “ grateful country.”

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1881.



Gazette in Bank, aptcy. E, —The Ashburton Guardian Is a Gazette for all notices under the Debtors and Creditors Ar*» ASHBURTON GUARDIAN ■ PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING. J. 3? Jb.-I OB ONE PENNY. A DYERTISBRS are reminded that Aj : the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices' for advertisements are very eaaonable. '4*U3a)»



Wanted- WANTED, a General SERVANT. Apply Mrs Ireland, North East Belt. 575 a Ashburton borough council. WANTED TO PURCHASE—Two good DRAUGHT HORSES, two Tip CARTS, one SCOOP, rnd one PLOUGH. For particulars, apply to CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, 20th April, 1881. 281 a WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Gtuxrdian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. W' ANTED —TENDERS for 400 Acres, more or less, of Turnips, at Methven, to be fed off by the 25th July. Tenders to be sent into Pocock Brothers, Methven, not later than the 25th of this month, April. 566 a



WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED— MRS PAULING begs to notify that she has taken that Commodious House in Moore street, nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will be glad to ACCOMMO DATE PATIENTS requiring surgical or medical aid. Mrs Pauling has had very considerable experience as Ladies’ Nurse, both at Home and in New Zealand. 52Sa W~ ANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a ttt ANTED KNOWN That VV HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 0 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. Axdrewes 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. Andhewes, Labor Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE bogs to inform the , public that he has taken the \bove Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 XTTANTED THE GUARDIAN tells VV your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. JIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



THE New Season s



NEW ZEALAND Goods for Au- CLOTHING FACTORY tumn and Winter THE Hats,Caps, Shirts NEW ZEALAND and Hosiery, at CLOTHING FACTORY Wholesale Prices THE Every article in NEW ZEALAND Mercery, &c., at CLOTHING FACTORY Wholesale Prices NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager. W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a Hayes’ IJI 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. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton.



Special Advertisements 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 ; 0,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barinf Square. 3G5a



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. Saircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a*



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly- All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompamed by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Blanager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



Txte Barnacles. —lf rumor speaks truly, says an exchange, the United States have suffered more than England from the pensions abuse. It is said that there are 250,000 pensioners, drawing L 5,000,000 a year from the public Treasury, and that the country loses about L 1,000,000 a year by payment of fraudulent pensions. If this is correct barnacles, would seem quite as ready to gather on the hull of the good ship Republic as on that of the old Great Britain.



Two-and-a-half Miles Short. —An Australian publican was recently fined for serving a man on a Sunday who had tra velled in all the heat and dust of a warm summer day seven miles-and-a-half in stead of the ten indicated by the statute. Piling up the Agony. —A London publishing firm are about to publish the secrets of the “agony column” of the Times A lady who has studied the column for the first seventy years of'this century, and has found a key to most of the ciphers, has written out her dis coveries in full, and they will : bo published shortly under the title of “ The Agony Column from 1800 to 1880. ” Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— Though it is impossible, in this' climate of changing temperature, to prevent ill-health altogether, yet its form and frequency may be much mitigated by the early adoption of remedial measures. When hoarseness, cough, thick breathing, and the attending slight fever indicate irritation of the throat and chest, Holloway’s Ointment should be_ rubbed .upon these parts without delay, and his Pills taken in appropriate doses, to promote its curative action. No catarrhs or sore throats can resist these remedies. Printed directions envelope every package of Holloways medicaments, which are suited to all ages and conditions, and to every ordinary disease to which humanity is liable.—Advt.