SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. Tararua, s. s., from Melbourne, via the South. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Rotorua, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Sailed—Norfolk, s.s., for Sydney. Greymouth, Yesterday. “Arrived—St. Hilda, from Wanganui; Eliaabeth Conway, from Napier ; Ellerton, from Wairba'; Eliza Firth, from Dunedin ; Clematis and Examiner, from Lyttelton ; Mary Bannatyne, from Wellington ; Croy don Lass, from Nelson. . Sailed—Zephyr, for Dunedin. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Awaroa and Circe, from Lyt telton. Poet Chalmers, Yesterday. ‘ Dhu, brigantine, from' Wahgaroa ; Oamaru, brigantine, from Newcastle. To-day. Arrived—Penguin, s.s., from Lyttelton. Sydney, Yesterday. Arrived—Wakatipu, from Wellington. "Bailed—Botomahana, for Auckland. n, ! . Adelaide, Yesterday. ■Arrived —Orient Company’s steamship Lusitania, from Plymouth.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashhiurton Retail List / ’ Butter, inferior to best, qd to is. -Eggs*# dozen, is 3d. ! ;Cheese,prime quality, lt>, 4d to fid. Bacon, ptime smoked, lb, is. .dams, in cloth, $ lb, is to is 2d. ; Flour, in bags, $ loolb, 13s. Oatmeal, t? 251 b, 4s. Lard, ff IV ?d. ■ iThe Christchurch. Com Exchange. cl -i '■■■■■ ... 1 '" irit The following is the report for the week endipgvFriday., the. Ist of April: — The; tenor of The 1 grain market during the past week varies in a slight degree from its predecessors,- inasmuch as it has a slightly timer Tone- .The want of freight is still felt by intending exporters, and is very decidedly retarding-sales being effected. Re centl English' telegrams reporting an upward tendency, coupled with the good quality of the grain, and the sound condition in which it has bebh garnered, has had its effect. If the be fore-mentioned want (viz., tonnage); were sup plied, it is probable that the market would assume a yet firmer tone. The long continued spell of dry - weather-, although advantageous to the farmer in many respects, notably raising the values ot feeding grains- and root crops, and enabling threshing operations to be pro ceeded with, is not an ’ unnitxed good. The country is suffering severely from want of rain, anduus ibay yet aSsmine a serious complexion. Wheat—Large lines of really good Tuscan will command 3s 8d to 3s g'/iA per bushel; ■ velvet chaff and other hard wheats, 3s yd j Hunter’s white,' 3s fid per bushel, f.0.b.; samples where the quality is slightly inferior to th£ foregoing, 2d; to per bushel under these .quotations ; chick wheat varies from is gd to 2s piper bushel,. according to quality. Oats—The enquiry continues, active and holdqra, seetii disinclined to part for the money joffeifrig? '"A few transactions have taken place liuring the week for good milling at from is 8d To is qd per bushel; feed samples, is 6d to is yd per Bushel, delivered in, Christchurch. Sarlfey—A good many parcels are coming forward, the majority of which are of inferior quality. Breyvers and malsters will not look at this'class, onlyfhe better qualities meeting with any attention. Really good malting to medium samples may lie quoted from 2s fid to 33 fid per bushel exceptionally good malting in very larg¥-lineS, 3d ! to 4di above the highest quota tions ; feed barley, Is fid to is lod per bushel; barley of a quality better than feed, but not a mailing sample, is extremely difficult to place, quotations nominal. Grass seed —The demand for this article of produce,has in no-way. abated. . Well cleaned farmefs*,paicels meet with ready sale at from 3s fid to 4-s per bushel, indifferently cleaned according to sample. ' ' _ Potatoes are-beginning to be inquired for. A few insignificant sales have taken place during the past week . at-frpln 33s to 35s per ton at country/ .stations, wifliin a radius of seven to eight .miles from Christchurch, sacks, extra. Accounts from, neatly all the potato growers report-crops short., ; BeanVand Peas—-The former are worth 3s per bushel, the latter 3s to 3s fid, according to the Ports'., ‘ r • Cheese and Butler—There is no change to report ,m thestate of the market for this article of produce, 3d to for the former, to yd for! the lattetv Hay, I>2 ios pet ton. Auctioneers’ Reports.

Messrs H. Matson, and Go. report on the live stack market, for the week ending March 31st, 1881, as follows ; At the Addington saleyards on Wednesday last, therqwas again a large supply of. fat and «tore sheep, a fair entry of beef, with but very few store cattle on offer. Mutton represented a more .than usually large proportion of the entry and .opening sales were marked by an of‘competition, several small lines being'passed in unsold. Later on, how ever, the.attendance- increased, and biddings became! a little ' more' animated, most of the lines being clearedbut,’ taking the sale of fat sheep throughout, a : 'spirit of indifference was shownihylhe trade generally, and prices must be quoted slightly i iriore in favor of buyers. We sold—;Ffd crossbreds, from 10s to 14s ; merino jfs'.3d; . Store sheep are being brought to'hahd in somewhat less numbers, 2, 4, or (7-tooth lines being to a great extent, con spicuous by their absence. For such there is a strong inquiry^'and,where offered, late rates are mimbiirteip. Aged, broken mouth sheep, eithermerihosprcrossbreds, are at a discount, and saiesnierPliave great difficulty in effecting even: af a-reduction of 20 per cent, in prices. The same remarks apply to store cattle,.Which at the. present time are : almost unsaleable. In beef we. submitted a draft of prime cattle, and prices ranged from L 6 2s 6d to Lg„or anasferage of a trifle over L 8 per head. ..Beef of this quality is now getting scarce, without much, dif ficulty Irraffor 'the light weight and inferior cattle which make up the bulk of the sale there is little-desire to purchase, and values are very low aiM unsatisfactory! . Judging by present appearances there is every prospect of a scarcity; p( fit,Stock through the coming winter, as the count/y is very bare of pasture and the turnip crop far below the average. The totals yarded for the day. comprised 7,633 sheep, 280 head of, catffo, and 135 pigs, of which our entry indudeil sheep, Ix 7 head of cattle and 80 pigs, ..In,(qtsheep our principal sales were 30 crossbreds at iis gd, 56 at Us gd, 56 at ns Jd, Jfkrtfxcd at lbs 6d,.6r merinos at 7s, 30 crossbreeds at ns, 45 at ns, 21 at ips 6d, 300 ids 6d, 107 at 10s 6d, 40 at I2s gd, 40 at 12s 6d, 62 at.ns, 85.31 10s 6d. Stores—39?jfull mouth crossbred ewes at Bs, 3go cull iperfno dp,. at 3s, 106 mixed ewes at 6s, j6g grtpoth crossbreds at 8s lod, 250 merino eiyics-at 3s, 117 ciossbreds at 8s 3d. Fat cattle—3_at LSIOS, 4 at 1£ ss, 2 at L 8 15s, 2 at L&.* at L 8 12s 6d, 3 at LBs, 2 at L 7 15s, 4at }3~2s 6d, 2 at Lj 10s, 3 at L 5, &c. Stores nordinal. 'Dairy cows are a dull trade, and wortfrfrom ti' to Lt 10s per head less than a month since; • In pigs we sold 10 at 335, 7 345, fai 34s bd, 7at 34s 6d, 2at 545, 7 37s 6d, 7 at3ss: 6d, 7-at 355, 13 at 14s, sat 20s, 4at 5[3S- 6d, 4-at 33s- 6d, '4- at 32s 6d. Lambs from 17s and.a.few rams at from 15s to 2gs.pach. ... Countrysides—On Tuesday, at the Ashbur ton sale Xsrds, we .held our usual fortightly sale for the district. There was of farmers and others, but lame cwps an d wethers), sml veryluiHe farmers evi dently Mfe Od account of the scarcity* wle«h 13 W i scfldSSo'merino ewes 55s 4d, i&m# Weflfefe Jgs 6d, ’t.poo do. . 53s 4d, 6co croisbttd fau»b#at;6d6d, &c., &c. In fat cattle thmnarket .was ’ hvelyy ' and 'ite Cleared 1 25 head at fully 22s fid per iob:' In steers hardly a bid could/hes obtained., : -The same re mark apples ,to r flpfi?es.. Jiiffilgs we sold 49 at ’ fair ma^Mtlvalues. _ Messfs.J. T. Ford and Co. report on. the live thh JWeek edding Thurs-, litof j hoog i<j A. ' : .. ■ LiYli

day, the 31st inst., as follows At the Ad dington Yards on Wednesday, sheep, 280 head of cattle, #d 135 pigs, were sent forward for (fie week’s sppply. A very large proportion of the sheep were stores, conse quently good quality crossbred and merino mutton commanded much attention, and an advance from Is to is6d per head on previous week’s prices was the result of the. day’s auction. The continued dry weather is telling its tale on our pastures and turnip crops, and store sheep are scarcely in such active demand as they have been. Merino ewes are sti'l at from 4s 6d to 5s 6d each—that is for good healthy sheep, with sound mouths and early shorn. Good half-bred ewes are much en quired for, and are selling for breeding pur poses from 9s to 9s 6d and 10s each. Store merino wethers are bringing from 4s qcl to Ss jd and 6s each, according to age, quality, con dition, and when shorn ; wcaners arc selling at from 6s to 7s 6d each, and fat lambs from 7s fid and 8s 6d, and extra quality up to 93 fid each. Good beef is commanding more atten tion, and 20s per loolb can be obtained for anything like quality. Old cows, of course, are difficult to quit, and at the best of times sell at a discount. Store cattle are difficult to quit at anything like fair prices, consequent on the scarcity of feed, but those who have good straw and can carry over to the next spring, cannot do better than .invest in good lines at present prices, as they are bound to turn out very good. We sold crossbreds on account of diffeient clients at from 10s 6d to 12s 6d each, and a line of store crossbreds privately at 8s qd each. Also a line of weaners, half-breds, 1,200, at 6s 30 each, and 500 cross bred ewes at 9s each. On Tuesday, at the Ashburton, we sold l,oob merino ewes from the Valeria Station, at 6s 3d each. Also 1,000 from the Buccleuch Station at Ss 3d each. Also a line of cross dred ewes at 7s 3d each, and long-wooled rams at Lz 2s each,

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows; For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a. m., and sp. 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.m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7-50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Fr»m Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. m. 5.3 5 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 Asbton, 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. The next mail for the United King dom (via San Francisco) will leave on April 23rd. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Saturday, Aphil 2. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —One Floor Carpet. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Crockeryware. Wednesday, April G. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at Mount Somers — Implements and Stock ; 12 o’clock. Tuesday, April 12. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his rooms—Farm and Town Properties ; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. Monday, April 4. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, April G. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. .

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for 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), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [.lssued at 5.30 p. m. ]

Appeal Court. —The next sitting of this Court has been fixed by a Gazette notice for March 9, 1882. Great Autumn Handicap. —Accep tances for this event are due at the Com mercial Hotel, Christchurch, at 8 o’clock this evening. Vital Statistics. —During the month terminated yesterday, 26 births and 18 deaths occurred in the Ashburton regis tration district. There were no marriages during the same period. Public Library. —The annual general meeting of the subscribers to the Public Library took place last evening. A full report of the proceedings will be found in another column.

Committed for Trial. —Maurice Fitz patrick was this morning committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court, Christchurch, on a charge of larceny of a L2O note. The particulars of the case are contained in our police report. Arrest. —James Scott, who has been out on bail, and now awaits his trial at the Supreme Court on charges of embezzle ment and forgery, was re-arrested on the station platform this morning, his sureties fearing he was about to abscond.

Assessment Court. -—The ami ual Borough Assessment Court was held this morning, at the Court-house. A number of objec tions were heard. A considerable reduc tion wasf made in several cases—a com plete list of which will be found in another column. Flexible Harrow. —The flexible har row exhibited here by Messrs Haxton and Beattie, patentees, won golden opinions at a public trial before the farmers of the Riccarton district held yesterday.

Alford Forest. —The harvest in this district is not so satisfactory as was ex pected. Consequent on the heavy rains and accompanying strong winds, the grain has been shaken out in many cases to an alarming extent. Harvest operations are also considerably delayed.

Mount Somers Presbyterian Church. —The annual festival for the combined districts of the Alford Forest and Mount Somers comes off at the former place on the 14th inst. Should the weather prove favorable, there will probably be a large gathering. Several ladies have kindly volunteered their assistance.

Reid and Gray’s Double-Furrow Ploughs.— lt is gratifying to learn that, consequent on the award of a first prize to Messrs Reid and Gray for their double furrow ploughs, business has accrued to this enterprising firm both from Victoria and New South Wales. No further com ment is necessary.

Well Merited. —ln recognition of the efforts of the Brigade in saving their offices, at the fire in Christchurch yester day, Messrs P. Cunningham and Co. dur ing the day forwarded a cheque for 25 guineas, with a letter of hearty thanks to the Superintendent of the Brigade.

Fall in the Price of Bread. —lt will be seen by our advertising columns that breadstuffs have a downward tendency locally. Messrs Taylor and A. O. Aitken are selling 41b loaves of bread at Gd, whilst Mr Theile announces his ability to supply the same article for cash at W per loaf cheaper. The Shooting Season. —The shooting season opened to-day and extends to July 31st. During that period native game consisting of wild duck of any species, bittern, pied stilt, plover, wild geese, dotterell, native pigeon, teal, black stilt, plover, curlew, and quail, may be taken or killed within the Counties of Amuri, Kaikoura, Cheviot, Ashley, Akaroa, Selwyn, and Ashburton.

The Wanderers in Dunedin.—Yester day, the cricket match, Dunedin v. Christchurch Wanderers, was commenced at Dunedin, the visitors going first to the wickets, and making 263 before the fall of their last wicket. The Dunedinites had lopt one wicket for 18 runs when time was called. Longden made top score for the Wanderers with 56 runs, and six others of the team got twenty or over. A telegram received this afternoon, states that to-day, the Dunedin men have scored 191 for the loss of eight wickets, Pararaor being not out, with 98.

New Morning Paper in Welling ton. —A public meeting, called by Mr Ivess, was held in Wellington last night, to consider the question of the formation of a company for the publication of a new morning paper. About 50 were present, and it was resolred to form a company with a capital of LSOOO, in L 5 shares. Mr Ivess stated that already L 2600 had been subscribed, and another gentleman guaranteed LSOO more. An influential Committee was appointed to raise the balance and organise a company. It was stated that the plant would arrive from England in a few days.

Thrown Off the Line. —An accident occurred on the railway line to the second train from Christchurch to this town last evening, when a few miles this side of Chertsey. Some bags of grass seed fell out of one of the waggons on to the rails, and as a consequence three of the trucks were thrown off the line. Fortunately no damage was done, and these were re placed in about three-quarters of an hour, the train arriving here nearly an hour late. No delay in connection with the arrival of the express occurred here, as it was notified to the guard to come on direct by telegraph.

Good Templakism at Alford Forest. —The soiree in connection with the Bushman’s Pride Lodge, 1.0.G.T., was held in the Main School, Alford Forest, on Friday evening last, and was an un qualified success. About sixty persons sat down to an excellent spread that had been provided ; some splendid fruit which had been presented by Bro. Biraber proving perfectly irresistible. The decorations of the room were formed of toi-toi grass, evergreens, &c., and re flected every credit on the designers. Full justice having been done to the viands, regalia was assumed by the brethern and officers of the lodge, and the entertainment opened by a congratu latory adddress by the Lodge Deputy, Bro Knight; this being followed by two readings, one of these in the Yorskshire dialect of a very amusing character. “The Hill of the Heather” by Bro P. McNeil was vociferously encored ; and in response, “ The World is but a Bubble” was rendered. The Main Schoolchildren then sang “ Open the Door for the Children,” in excellent time and voice, the'result being a well merited and deafen ing applause. * ‘ The Habit Song” received a like tribute of approval, and was followed by a comic reading “The Old Bachelors” by Sister Knight. “The Collier’s Song ” and ‘‘ Little Sweetheart” were given by Bro. Ivy, Two readings by the W.O.T. and Bro. Qhlson, and a reci tation by Bro. Knight, with a variety of vocal and recitative selections followed, a most enjoyable evening being spent. About L2 was added to the regalia funds of the lodge.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuter's Agency .) Arrested- London, March 29. The editor of the German Socialist brgan, Die Freiheit, who is to be pro secuted for eulogising the murder of the Czar, has been arrested on a warrant issued under the prosecution. Monetary and Commercial. March 30. Consols are unchanged at par; Five Per Cent. New Zealand 10-40 Loan, 102 Yz ; Four Per Cent. 1889 Loan, 106, ex dividend. Australian tallow has advanced 6d per cwt., and is quoted to day at —best beef, 33s 6d ; best mutton, 36s 6d. Australian and New Zealand breadstuffs are without quot able change. A Relapse. A bulletin issued this evening re garding the health of Earl Beacons field, reports that he has suffered a relapse, and is now in a critical state. Much anxiety is felt throughout the country with regard to his Lordship’s illness.

London, March 31. A bulletin, issued this morning, states that Earl Beaconsfield passed a quieter night, and is no worse since the relapse set in. Hopes are still entertained of his Lordship’s recovery. Bank Dividend- The Bank of South Australia has declared a dividend of 5 per cent, for the half-year ended 31st December last, and carries forward L 4,000 to the re serve fund. Mr. Bradlaugh’s Appeal. The Court has dismissed Mr Brad laugh’s appeal against the disallowance of his demurrer in the action, Clarke versus Bradlaugh, to recover penalties from the latter for sittting and voting in the House of Commons without first taking the oath. That Frontier. It is generally expected in European political circles that Greece will ac quiesce in the proposal made by Turkey, and approved by the Great Powers, for the settlement of the frontier question. Up in Arms. Calcutta, March 31. Intelligence has been received from Afghanistan that a large body of Heratees and Candaharees have risen in rebellion against Ayoub Khan at Herat and are besieging the city. The Greek Press on the Frontier Question. Athens, March 30. The Greek Press to day, in dis cussing the proposals made by the Porte for the settlement of the frontier question, bitterly repudiate any obli gation on the part of Greece to accept the terms offered by Turkey, and urge the firm refusal of the same.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Beider’s Agency.) Good Watches. Melbourne, March 31. The jury for the fine arts section of the International Exhibition have awarded the American Waltham Watch Company the first order of merit for engraving and enamelling. The Com pany thus takes the highest award for watches. Can’t Swallow It. Melbourne, To-day, The Argus to-day states that it under stands the Legislative Council will not proceed with the Reform Bill, but will invite the Assembly to hold a Joint- Committee of the two Houses to agree, if possible, to a compromise. Naval Review. Sydney, March 31. It is announced that Commodore Wilson, commanding the Australian Squadron, has made arrangements for a naval review and sham fight on a scale of great magnificence, and that the manoeuvres are to be carried out on Tuesday, April 12. Revenue Returns. Sydney, To-day. The revenues of New South Wales for the past quarter amounted to Lr,393,00°, being an increase of Lqfiq.ooo when compared with the returns for March quarter of last year. An Australian “ Hop Bitters.” In view of the return of Laycock, Messrs Mason Bros, offer L3OO for a prize sculling race, to be open to all comers. The offer is made in connec tion with Walker’s whisky, for which Messrs Mason Bros, are agents.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Customs Returns. Napier, To-day. The Customs returns for the March quarter are L 9,439 17s. 9d., being an in crease of LISBO over those of the corres ponding quarter of last year. The Game of Life. The vital statistics for the month of March are : —Births, 38 ; marriage, 1 : deaths, 11. The Stamp Tampering Case. Wellington, To-day. William Donnes, late managing clerk for Brandon and Son, solicitors, was com mitted for trial on the first charge of ' tampering with land registration stamps, four other charges being heard against him. He reserved his defence. Only a Temporary Attack. Henry Anderson, on remand, charged with being of unsound mind, was dis charged, Dr Johnston certifying that he had quite returned to reason. Property Tax. The following is the total Properly Tax paid to close of financial year:—Canter bury, L 58.081; Otago, L 55,303; Welling ton, L 38,527 ; Auckland, L 33,474 ; Hawke’s Bay, L 14,251; Waitaki, L 12,106; Nelson, L 10,960; Southland, L 8,063. Total, L 220,765. The Slack List. Dunedin, To-day. The criminal calendar contains 10 cases, all of an ordinary natute. An Ounce to the Ton. The Cromwell Company’s months crushing yielded 419 ounces from 430 tons. Vital Statistics. Invercargill, To-day. Thirty-three births, twelve deaths, and six marriages were registered here during March.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. —To-Day. (Before J. N. Wood, Esq., R.M.) Larceny of a L2O Note. —Maurice Fitzpatrick was charged with larceny, on the 28th March last, of one L2O note, the property of Edwin Thomas. —Sergeant Felton conducted the prosecution, the following being the evidence taken

Edwin Thomas: I; 6tn a farmer residing at Wakanui. I was in Ashburton on Monday, the 28th March, and visited the Central Hotel that evening. I had in my possession a L2O note. It was in a pocket book—the one produced, which my property, and which I had in the breast pocket of my coat. The note was an oldish one. During the evening, I had occasion to take off my coat outside the hotel. This was between 6 and 7 o’clock. The following morning I missed my pocket-book, the note, and my bank book. I looked for them, and in the evening found the bank-book and pocket book lying outside on a post. The note was gone. I received the note from Mr Rickards on Monday morning. I saw a L2O note in the possession of Mr Henderson, clerk of the railway station, on Tuesday. Prisoner was in my company on Monday evening. I did not see him after about 7 o’clock. He went away after I had taken my coat off. —By accused : There were several other persons there besides your self. Possibly there were more than a dozen. I don’t know if you tried to prevent the quarrel I had with Hudson. I don’t remember your getting the horse and going away. Frederick J ohn Rickards : 1 am a farmer, residing at Wakanui. I know last witness. On Monday last I paid him L2O, in a single note, on the Union Bank of Australia. It was an oldish looking note. I don’t know the number.—David Smart : I am a police constable, stationed at Ashburton. From information received I, on the 28th March, arrested the prisoner and charged him with stealing a L2O note from Edwin Thomas. He said, “ What day is this ?” I told him it was Tuesday. He then said, t( On this day week I got a L2O note and half-a-sovereign from Mr Moffatt, for being at the threshing machine. ” The note produced was received from. Mr Henderson, clerk of the railway station. Accused was in the railway refreshment rooms when I arrested him. —By prisoner: After you got to the police station, you told me you came into Ashburton with Mr Moffatt on last Wednesday week, and that you were drinking together. That you asked him for some money* and he gave you half-a-sovereign and a L2O note. The following day you repeated this statement.—Henry Moffatt : I am a miller, and reside at the Wakanui mill. I know accused. I never paid him a L2O note. On last Sunday fortnight (13th March), I paid him 30s when he came down from the threshing mill. I paid him in the kitchen. I was never in his company drinking. The money I gave was on account of wages for threshing. I did not pay him any more. He has not been working for me since I paid him the 30s on last Sunday fortnight. Ido not recollect having seen the note produced before.—By accused : I recollect coming info town with you on Wednesday fort night. We had some beer together. I sat looking at the men playing billiards, and then lay down. You asked me for money, but 1 never gave you any.—David Henderson : I am clerk at the Ashburton railway station. I know Mr Morley. On Monday evening last, at his request, I changed for him a L2Q note. On the following morning I gave it to Con stable Smart. The one produced is it. It was about 8 o’clock when I changed the note. —William Morley : I am manager of the re freshment rooms at the Railway Station. On Monday evening last, at about eight o’clock, I saw accused there. He owed me some money, and tendered me in pay ment a L2O note. I deducted the amount he owed me, and gave him the change. I had to get the note cashed by Mr Hen derson. He stayed there some little time.' The next morning he came there at about seven o’clock, and was arrested by Con stable Smart.—By accused : It was after the Christchurch train came in that you came to me to cash the note.—Edward Oughton : I am a barman at the Somerset Hotel. I saw accused on Monday last, when he had two drinks and some dinner. He was asked to pay for them, ,but did not, saying he’d pay when Mr Moffatt came in, as Mr Moffatt owed him some money. He said he had no money. I saw prisoner at eight o’clock the same evening, when he asked me if I had change of a L2O note. I did not think he had one, and asked him to show it to me. He did so. I did not change it for him. He asked for more drink, but being refused, went away.—Samuel Brown.: I am land lord of the Central Hotel. On Monday last I saw accused at my house. This was in the afternoon, and he asked me for a drink of beer, and told me he had been at the Road Board. 1 gave him the beer, and he gave me sixpence in payment for it. He was perfectly sober. After going away for a while, he returned. Prose cutor, accused, and another man were together outside the hotel. Cannot say if Thomas had his coat off. Prisoner left about half-past six, and returned about four hours later. When he came back he asked for a drink, and I declined to serve him until he paid. He gave me a pound note. I refused to serve him, because, in the morning, he asked me to give him a drink on credit, saying he had no money ; this I declined to do.—By accused : It was not on Tuesday you asked me for the drink.—Accused, having been duly cau tioned, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial at the Supreme Court sittings, to be held in Christchurch next week. Bail, on the application of accused, was fixed—accused in LIOO, and two sureties of LSO each.

ASSESSMENT COURT.

(Before Nugent Wood, Esq., Judge.)

His Worship the Mayor, the Town Clerk, and the Engineer attended the Court to support the valuators— The following alterations aud reduc tions were made in the roll :—L. F. Andrews, altered to Thomas Bullock ; W. Adams, altered to Ashburton Road Board ; G. J. Anstee, altered to Thomas Bullock ; Branson and Purnell, altered to Thomas Bullock ; J. F. Bullen, altered G. H. Stephens ; O. Carstens, altered to Standard Insurance Co. \ W. CoHi’ns, altered to Miss Cambridge ; L. Caro, altered to Owner ; W. Connelly, altered to J. Peirce ; E. G. Crisp, altered to A. Pixley; Thomas Dudson, altered to J. Norman ; Thomas Dudson, altered to T. Bullock ; F. Duncan, altered to James Ashton ; M. Friedlander, altered to Bank of New Zealand ; Thomas Gabs, altered to S. Saunders ; Thomas Gibson, altered to G. Kidd; W. Gavin, altered to R. Bird ; James Gardiner, altered to Bank of New Zealand; Hassall (executors of), altered to J. W. Oram ; Hassall (executors of), altered to W. Standish ; Hassall (executors of), altered to W. Lake ; C. Homersbatn, altered to Owner; James Hay, altered to Owner; J. Hewitt, altered to Owner ; Thomas Hunt, altered to C. W, Purnell ; J. Lublow, altered to J. R. Steel ; W. Lake, altered to Owner ; Seager, altered to Thomas Bullock ; H. Muir, altered to L. Bosenberg. The following reductions were made : W, S, Boyle, Ll 5, reduced to Ll2 ; James Bradley, Ll5O, L 10 0; J. F. Butler, L 399, L 30 0; H. Britten, L7O, L4O ; Ed. Cuthbert, LlB, Ll 4; E. Cook soon, LSO, L4O ; do., Ll5O, L 125 ; A. Stott, L4O, L 25 ; W. Gavin, L3O, L 8 ; H. B. Johston, Ll2, LlO ; do., L 25, Ll 5; do., LIB, LlO ; do., Ll 4, LlO ; do., LIQ, L 8 ; do., Ll 4, L 8 ; do., L3B, L3O ; do., Ll2, LlO ; do., L2O, Ll 6 ; do., L50,L32; Geo. Jameson, L9O, L6O ; W. Lake, L3O, LI6 ; Matson, Cox and. Co.; L 320, L3OO ; do. Ll2O, LSO ; do., Ll2, LlO ; d0.,L10, L 8; R.Minnis, Ll 5, L 8 ; B. H. Rhodes, L 219, Ll3l 5s ; M. Mayo, LSO, L4O; Geo. J. Martin, L 65, LSO; Geo. Parking L 25, L2B ; do, Ll 6, LlO ; do, LSO, L3O • do, L 35, L 26 ; T. Quill, L 495, L 320 ; W. G. Wray, L 56, L4O ; Geo. Worner, L 65, LSO ; Templar Hall Co., LIOO, L7S.

ASHBURTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.

* : m- . Annual General Meeting. ; The annual general meeting of the] members of the Ashburton Public library 1 took place last evening, there being pre sent only eight gentlemen. The Chair was occupied by Mr Ward, President. Mr Purnell moved the adjournment of the meeting on the* ground that the attendance was of too small a character to warrant the proceeding with the business. This, however, fell through, there being no seconder.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr St Pill moved—“ That a vote of thanks be accorded to the gentlemen who altered the general rules." This was seconded by Mr Martin, and carried. The Secretary read the annual report, which was as follows :—“The Committee: of the Ashburton Public Library have to report that there has been a little more interest shewn in the Institute than during the previous year. In spite of there having been no aid whatever from Government, twenty pounds worth of new books have been circulated. Ten pounds of the sum have been raised by winter readings, the remainder , being the gift of Mr G. D. Branson. Certain alterations in the rules were thought advisable, and these have been made and confirmed at a general meeting of sub scribers held on January 6th. The. question of using the large room as a temporary museum, has been raised, and many members of the Committee are in favor of such a course, but think it advis able it should be confirmed by the sub scribers. In response to the opinion expressed by many concerned, the. time of closing the reading room has been extended from 9 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Though far more interest has been shewn in the institute than in the previous year, your Committee regret that it is still a difficult matter to make it self supporting. They sincerely hope that if a part of the Institute is devoted to museum purposes, it may become more attractive to the general public and be a greater means of spending knowledge than it is at present. H. C. Jacobson, Hon. Sec. ”

The Treasurer read the balance sheet, which showed that the credit balance at the Bank to the Committee’s account, was 17s 9d, and that accounts remaining tu be paid amounted to over L 4. The Chairman moved the adoption of the Report and Balance sheet, and in do ing so remarked >that it was satisfactory to see an increase of interest. The Committee appointed at the last meeting had entered on their • duties’ with eelat, but their en thusiasm soon cooled, and a rapid decline in the attendance at Committee; meetings followed. Happily,.during the-past.year, four members had' regularly attended, whereas, during the previous year,' only two members had formed the Committee. (A member “100 per cent, advance”— laughter.) He thought if they could im prove the condition of the Institute, from an educational point of view, the public would take a greater interest therein. One change he thought was necessary, and that was regarding, the payment of sub scriptions, and he .proposed later on bring ing before the meeting the advisability of constituting the quarter day for the pay ment of subscriptions,) the first days in January, April, July, October, Regard ing the application for a room for the specimens that had been promised for the formation of the nucleus of a museum,' he thought this a step in the right direction! and deserving, of cooperation on their part. It should, he thought,, prove-an additional attraction to the public to be come subscribers.

Mr Purnell seconded the resolution, but considered the project of a museum in advance of their - capabilities. These in stitutions demanded a : large amount of time at the hands of persons possessed of; scientific knowledge, and also required monetary support to no, little extent, in the direction of the purchase of specimens l . He could not regard the idea as a feasible one, considering the size of the place. He should be greatly pleased to see such an institution inaugurated, but doubted thy possibility thereof. It would not, he thought, tend to increase the number of subscribers, for a day’s inspection whpld exhaust the resources of collections they might obtain. What they needed, was funds, and if they obtained the sinews of war, and purchased new books, the public would quickly come forward. Some further discussion followed, and adoption of the Report and Balance sheet was carried.

Mr Jacobson then moved —“ That room be found in the Library for the articles kindly given by various gentlemen to the nucleus of a museum, it being distinctly understood that before any one room be appropriated, the subscribers be con sulted.” He pointed out that the Com mittee did not propose taking any respon sibility in the matter of a museum, what they merely recommended was that room should be found for the temporary storage, if he might so term it, of the articles con tributed. Mr Purnell had remarked on the necessity of funds for the purchase of specimens, but let them look at the large number of specimens being presented every week to the Christchurch Museum, he had little doubt if they inaugurated the scheme on however small a scale, they would quickly receive support from all parts of the district. Mr Bullock seconded the resolution, which was carried.

Mr Bullock then moved and Mr Douglas seconded —“ That quarterly payments be made payable on the first day in January, April, July, and October. This was car ried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the retiring officers was carried on the motion of Mr Bullock.

Mr Ward was re-elected President, and in reply thereto thanked those present for the honor conferred on him. He would, however, have preferred that one younger and more energetic than he had been ap pointed. (Cries of “No, no.”) The Treasurer and Hon. Secretary were re-elected.

The following gentlemen were elected a Committee : Messrs Purnell, Douglas, St Hill, Scott, and Charlton. It was decided that the election of a Librarian be left in the hands of the Com mittee.

A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the proceedings.

FIRES.

Another in Christchurch. —The bakehouse and stables belonging to Mr Williams’ establishment in Tuam street west were burned down shortly after three o’clock this morning (says the Lyttelton Times). There were three horses in the stables, two of which were got out, but the other refusing to move was burned to death. The fire was confined to the one building, and the brigade, had little more to do than play on the embers. The Extinguisher was stationed at the river, the Deluge not being used. The buildings were uninsured ; loss not known. jfoRE Stack Burning. —Another stack fire occurred at Oamaru yesterday morn ing, on the farm of Messrs Jessop and Elder. The stack was uninsured. A threshing machine was also burnt, which, was insured for L2OO. At Neison. — A fire broke out in a four roomed cottage at Washington Valley, Nelson, on Wednesday night. The occupier, Mr Fall, was alone in the house, with one child, and experienced some difficulty in escaping. The furniture was insured in the Norwich Union for LIOO, but Fall estimates his loss at L3O beyond that amount.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER.

(From our own Correspondent.) Sydney, March 19. . The Government Railway Policy was declared qn Wednesday evening last, and if the'whole of the items are agreed to, the colony will be committed to an expenditure of over eight and half millions. The scheme has met with a great deal of approval, as it includes the most of late. The heaviest item is £2,755,000 for the construction Of the' Connecting link between the -Gtetf Northern line, theprescnt termioos of which is at Newcastle. -The junction — points will b$ Homebush and The line will be a double one, in order to accommodate the coal lraffic which if expected to be very large. Then the ' Kiaraaand Wallangong railway—rgiity,. eight miles, has been scheduled, whilst another line of one hundred and thirty miles, starling at Goulburn, .thq ... southern line will pierce the maghificent Monaro district The first extension of the Western Railway towards Wil cannia is proposed,.with a line of one hundred and eight miles to connect the Southern and Western lines, at distance varying from one hundred and seventy two to two hundred and thirty miles in land. The bridge over the Murray* at ■ Albury, to join the Victoria railway, is another item upon this liberal pro gramme, besides several small branches. The policy will be discussed early next - week.

Very few events in a private family ■ • could cause such a sensation in Sydney; h“ as was produced by the circumstances attending the marriage of ) Dinah Levey, fourth daughter ; of; tyt Mon tague Levey- The . ; Synagogue longf before the brides arrival was crowded to excess. Wreaths ; of •’ flowers • bfemg ' ■ suspended from pillar to pilar. When the bridal party arrived, the eight bridesmaids took theft 1 plhces t bride) The brides mficent blending of white satin, ostrich . .■ 'feather, point de Venise, and clouds of tulle. Afterftl|e .qejremon|-|vas flPipr, guests numbering about 146“ sat down to a banquet—before ascending ,15 the T feast, a surprise awaited the company I. Mr Henry Retfen, - ’ •; showing an interest in < his neice, wel comed the bride, 1 Mrs Loula -Haert, 1 by playing the “ Wedding March,” on a grand piano. When the : -dPighted plaudits had subsided, the bride and bridegroom, with three of the bridfiS maids and groomsmen, according to an old Hebrew custom, danced a quadrille, ■ and this over, the sumptuous dejeuner began. The crowd in Wynyard Square. \vas universal, and the day will long be*' remembered by all who took part in the festivities. ; Sir Henry Parkes is about to .take A trip to England for. the benefit of his health! and < i ticipated that Sir John Robertson will

rein the Government; , . . .y. : : -i The balloon ascent which took' place v - J on Wednesday, night had an upjqeky termination. At the commencement the gas was of; a very inferior quality, and would mot .lift - -the Aeronaut, <: >. L Estrange," pluckily determined ;®ol to) disappoint the crowd, and started away in a sling, he rose with a wiod that wWigl taking him out to' sea, so, sVcing'the danger, he immediately cbmtoefriced'to lower. The balloon. came down on a house in and aeronaut landed with a fjew bruises. . Everything would have been welt' had ’ not a person in a house adjoining opened, his windows, although warned not to do so, and the light in bis room ignited the. gas, , which . blazed | upL | making a grand’ but ’awful spectaclfer ’ The man was severely scorched, mid ! the house gutted. v , TJhe streets, after . the fire, were thronged .by.,bYer 20,000 people. L’Estrange is 1 " ’alt' right, but has suffered a by the dOstriSS- ’• tion of his, balloon. .»»&.. ■ be brought before PaJliameuf,. with A view of putting a stop to similaf fdoi-' hardy undertakings. Early yesterday morning Lieut B. Haynes, one of the most capable and . trusted members of the permarie&lt ’ artillery, committed suicide at the Victoria Barracks by cutting his throat with a razor. Mr. Haynes was fat several months suffering from ia. traUSti fusion of blood to the brain, and in all / probability this was the cause of the rash act. The deceased gentleman was a brother of Mr John Haynes, sub editor of the Bulletin.

; Alphonse Bechet was, after a care ful investigation into thfe burning down, of his warehouse, committed to take his trial at the next sessions. Bail was allowed..

Shipping Companies beware ! Some. few months ago the Queensland National Bank shipped from Brisbane, by one of the A.S.N. Company’s steamers, a quantity of gold valued at L7OO. The gold, through some un foreseen circumstances, never reached the City Bank here. The result was that the Bank sued the A.S.N. Com pany, and the jury gave a verdict for the plaintiffs to the rvalue of the gold| ■ ? dust lost in transit. This seems hard, , as no sufficient proof has yet been atd- ‘ duced that the gold dust ever went on board the steamer. ■ i < ; :

An acquatic event of great interest 1 came off a few days ago between Rush and Pierce, of Rockey Mouth. The race was for the Championship i of ■’ Avxstralia and a trophy of Ltoo. Rusk : took a lead from the start, winning a hard rowed race by one length. Pierce' T was favorite at the start. Rush, it is reported, elated: by hia ll*te sitcpess# | has decided on rowing Laycqck on his v return for LSOO aside. In reference to the Town Hall work ? further disclosures of.k nature have been made within the pawj? 7 ;.{ few days. It appears fpom: Architect’s report that the total amOUßti' -n of masonry supplied and paid for up; to date consisted of 7,700 cubic h but that 100,000 had been charged in the books. Mr Mcßeath, the City Council, offers to" y the Council to the .extent of in connection with the, of the Town Hall, and tries Ma«S*>W»H|W. -y himself. It is generally. y : action will be taken at agpflii Mr Mcßeath. ’ ‘ A public brealrfast^as;^ Town Hall, on 3,-!,, Mr William Forster, return to the colony from ,-&gtand. Between 70 and 80. pre<* b sent, and the proceedingSipß| veiy enthusiastic. Mr. Fotster' -

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, ABRIL 1, 1881.



JgREAD ! BREAD ! ! BREAD !! ! BEST BREAD, First Award of Merit, Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, 6d DELIVERED QUILL’S CONSULTATION, GREAT AUTUMN HANDICAP, To be run in Christchurch in April, 1881. 1,000 Members at 10s. each. First Prize £l4O Second Prize ... ... 90 Third Prize ... ... 50 Starters and Nonstarters, divided ... .... 220 Early application is necessary to secure tickets. A. Thiele’s CASH sld ON DELIVERY 470 a No. 2, On



T. QUILL, Treasurer. Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. ~ WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards. 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, Cs 9d per 1,000, for Cash. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 365 a O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY, Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* THE GUARDIAN is on every Tea : Table in Ashburton.



Wanted. — WANTED -^Immediately, a NURSE GIRL. References required. Apply, Office of this Paper, WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. WANTED— TENDERS from suitable persons for the office of SEXTON to the Cemetery Board. All applications to be forwarded to the Chairman on or before twelve o’clock at noon on TUES DAY, the 12 th April next. Particulars of duties required can bo obtained on ap plying to the undersigned. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. J. WARD, 347 a Chairman. TT T ANTED—A Family’s WASHING. YY Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a j WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. KNOWN That the YY undersigned will sell BREAD, during the month of April, at fid. per 41b. Loaf. THOS. TAYLOR, Ashburton Bakery. WANTED KNOWN—That O’Connor’s four-wheeled covered WAG GONNETTE runs between Ashburton railway station and Scott’s Tinwald Hotel at intervals every day. 441 a ANTED TO SELL PIANOS. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £4sßord, £25; Broad wood, £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. Address: Cameron street west. 86a



WANTED KNOWN—The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlery is to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Tinwald. Good strong Cart Collars from 135.; Cart Winkers, Bs. 6d.; Plough Back-bands, 6s. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. 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. ANTED KNOWN—That W. E. HAY has appointed local AGENTS for his grand seventh ART UNION —400 prizes ; beautiful paintings, and other pictures ; tickets 2s 6d. Early application necessary to prevent disap pointment. Visitors to Christchurch are respectfully requested to come and inspect the prizes, now on view at corner of Vic toria street, opposite Victoria bridge. See favorable notices in the Christchurch press. Tickets are obtainable at all the book-sellers and tobacconists, etc., in Ashburton, 440 a



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE bogs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852



Special Advertisements rpHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager. jyj-R W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a OTIOE TO SUBSCRIBERS Subscribers to this Journal are requested to communicate with the Proprietor when any delays or omissions in the Delivery of this Paper occur. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor,