SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Rio Logo, brig, from Mauritius Yesterday. Go-a-Head, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Saturday. Vivid, barque, for Cape Town. Fanny Thornton, ketch, for Auckland. Wave of Life, schooner, for Pelorus Sound. Ocean Bird, ketch, for Collmgwood. Sunbeam, barque, for Algoa Bay, South. Africa. Yesterday. Hawea, s.a., for Wellington. Clematis, ketch, for Kaikoura. Kate McGregor, schooner, for Auck land. To-day. Glenrosa, ship, for the United Kingdom.

COMMERCIAL.

—*- Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr Alfred Harrison reports of his Saturday’s sale as follows : Several hacks were sold, but prices ranged low as usual. Bigs sold fairly well as follows :—1 at 275, 2at 31s, lat 10s 6d, 6at 3s 6d, 4at ss. Implements, especially ploughs and harrows, brought good prices. Bowls, 2s to 2s 6d per pair ; rabbits, Is 7d per pair; potatoes 30s to 55s per ton ; onions, -fd to l£d per lb; oranges, 6s 6d per case ; chick wheat, Is 3d to Is 9d per bushel; peas, Is 6d per bushel; cheese, 2d to 4d per lb. Pork, 2|d to Sjd per lb. A quantity of harness and sundries sold fairly well. The attendance was good, but not so largo as is generally the case at this season of the year. English Markets. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following, dated London, May 10th, 1881:—Wool —The sales opened on the 10th instant at an average decline fcof 51 per cent, on last sales’ closing rates. The sales comprise about 337,000 bales. 26,000 bales have been sent to the manu facturing districts direct. Thejopening catalogue contained 5,100 bales. Com petition by both Home and foreign buyers is active.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Thursday, May 19. R. Wilkin and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Horses, Farm Stock, Implements, Ac.; 12 o’cloak. Saturday, May 21. Mr. T. Bullock, at Mr Hayes’ Timber Yards —Timber ; 11 o’clock. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. Monday. May 23. E. Wilkin and Co., at The Grange, about two miles from Ashburton Farm Stock, Implements, &c.; 1L 30 o’clock. Saturday, May 28. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-night, Monday, May IC. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Monday, May 30. Upper Ashburton Road Board —Meeting to elect five new members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Monday, June G. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building andln vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Thursday, June 9. Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet ing.

AT ATT. NOTICES

ATaila dose at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Tuesday, May 17. For Northern Ports, per Penguin, at 1.40 p.m. ; .late fee letters at 2 p.m.; guard’s van, 2.30 p.m. train. For Otago and Australian Colonies (except New South Wales and Queens land), per Rotomahana, at 3 p. ni.; late fee letters, at 3.30 p.m. ; guard’s van, 4 p.m. train. For Chatham Islands, per Island Lily. Thursday, May 19. For Fiji, to connect with the Southern Cross at Auckland. Saturday, May 21. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., per Wanaka, 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 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a-m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a-m., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 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. From Temuka and Timaru 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. W. St. G. Douglas, i Postmaster.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Tn trwa Leave Ashburton fob Christ church and intermediate stations at C a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob limabu Sotth, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 450 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a. m. (Express), 435pirn.) 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. MONDAY, MAY 6, 1881. The Rangitata Traffic Bridge. .

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

Our contemporary the Timaru Herald has taken great pains in an article published on Saturday, to point out to the Geraldine County Council that it is not liable for the share of the extension of the bridge over the Rangi tata river. This is what it says : The republication of Mr Higgenson’s original reports on the Rangitata bridge, should, we think, suffice to put an end to all conten tion as to the merits of the dispute between the counties of Ashburton and Geraldine on that vexed question. The case stands thus. The County of Geraldine refuses to contribute anything towards the cost of extending the bridge on the plan adopted by the County of Ashburton, on (he ground that that design, or any other except cylinders, is worthless for such a purpose, and that it would be merely throwing away money to carry it out. To this the Ashburton County replies in effect that this ground of refusal is not tenable, because the design that has been adopted was furnished by an engineer of the highest available capacity and reputation, whose opinion on such a sub ject must be considered of greater value than fhe opinion of the Geraldine County Council lors. That seems to settle the matter; for it stands to reason that if the bridge is to be extended at all, it must be done on the recommendation of some engineer of recognised standing, such as Mr Higgenson is admitted to be. But it is just at this point that the case of the Ashburton County breaks down utterly, or, the very arguments professedly used in support of it. The implication that Mr Hig genson recommended the adoption of iron piles for the extension of the bridge is neither more nor less than a disengenuous misrepresentation of facts; and it is in the last degree unjust to I

Mr Higgcnson for the Ashburton Con. ly Council to attempt to make him responsible for that foolish piece of wasteful blundering. We have now Mr Higgenson’s own words before us, and we hold the Ashburton County Council to their own argument, namely, that the design for the extension of the bridge must be decided by an engineer of high standing and capacity. The Geraldine County could wish for nothing better.

What docs Mr Higgenson say in his long and careful report of the 28th November, 1878 ? He gives the particulars of five separate de signs employed for bridging shingle rivers, descending in the scale of merit from No 1, the cylinder design on which the present bridge is constructed, down to No. 5. a design consisting of 40ft spans on piers all of wood. He strongly recommends the adoption of No. 1 on every ground of economy, efficiency, durability, and uniformity. He say, “We have proof in all cases where used, that clyindrical iron piers are above all others best adapted for these rivers. They are easily sunk to a proper depth below scour. The exact nature of the foundations is rendered visible ; and what is of great conse quence also, they offer the least possible ob struction to the force of (he current in what ever direction it may set. They are also per manent, as, beyond a coat of paint now and then, they give no trouble.” lie then explains each of the other designs in turn, and recom mends their rejection one after another, on very sufficient grounds. Of No. 5, he simply says ; —“ As Ido not consider tit's suitablefor this river, I shall not give any further information about it." Having thus condemned No 5 in the most uncompromising manner, he strongly reiterates bis recommendation of No. 1 as the only one calculated to answer the required pur pose. He goes on, moreover, to say, “Should the Council desire to erect a more economical structure and risk the fiossibilify of driving files to the requited depth, I recommend that No. 3 be adopted,” No. 3 being a design of strong 38ft ironbark piles and ironhark gir ders, which Mr Higgenson had previously ad judged from experience to he of extremely doubtful applicability to the Kaegitata. Well, what did the Ashburton County Council do ? Did they adopt No. I ? No. Did they adopt No 3? No. Tney decided to adopt design No 5, the very one which of all others Mr Higgenson had condemned, the very one which he had warned them not to adopt, even for the purpose of a mere cheap, temporary, makeshift, the very one which he had declared so utterly unsuitable that he refused to give any information about it. The only difference was that they substituted six inch wrought iron piles (a diabolical invention of the Chairman, wc be'ieve) for the wooden piles mentioned by Mr Higgenson. They did not consult him further upon the subject; but simply in structed him to furnish them with a plan [of the design which they, of their own perverse will, bail selected dead against his most urgent advice. He furnished them with a plan, of course, just as he would have fur nished them with a plan of a bridge made of lucifer matches or barbed wire, if they had asked him for it in the way of business ; and so the matter ended for the time. But let us see what followed. When the Geraldine ratepayers saw what a flimsy folly the Ashburton County Council were putting up, or rather trying in vain to stick in among the boulders, for 50 per cent, of the piles came to pieces in driving, they repudiated the whole transaction, on the plain ground that they bargained for a bridge, and that this was no bridge. Then—mark the cunning of the thing —the Ashburton County Council threw poor Mr Higgenson at their heads, and said that this was not only a bridge, but the bridge for the Rangitala, accoi'ding to the authority of that eminent engineer. We had some recollection of Mr Higgenson’s report, how ever, and we thought we should like to refresh our memory about it before finally succumbing to the arguments of the Ashburton County Council. We have now placed it before our readers,-and we leave them to form their own conclusions from it, as to whether the Geral dine ratepayers are not perfectly right to refuse to contribute a shilling towards (he cost of the extension of the bridge on the con demned design No. 5. We say emphatically that a woise piece of chicane on the part of a public body than the conduct of the Ashburton County Council in this matter, never came under our notice, and we are con ’ vinced that if they seek new legislation, as they threaten to do, to compel the Geraldine rate payers to pay for their amateur engineering, they will not only fail, but will also incur grave censure for the utterly, unjustifiable course'the'y have pursued, We publish the article in extenso merely for the purpose of enabling our readers to perceive the manner in which facts may be so twisted as to make them present an entirely reverse appearance to that really borne by them. The writer of the argument in the Herald is evidently Geraldine to the backbone, and were his relations of the circumstances veritable, the fairness of hisremarkson theinjustice ofdemanding from the Geraldine Council the half share of the expenses incurrable in the extension would be irrefutable. This, however is not the case, possibly the cm p>essement with which he has undertaken the defence of the Council has rendered him somewhat inconsiderate of a strict adhesion to the facts as they occurred pur et simple. We will regard it as such. Fortunately we are in possession of facts which will disprove that portion of the arguement on which is based the whole of his defence. The Herald says “ The implication that Mr Higginson recommended the adoption of iron piles, &c., &c.,” and proceeds to quote from that gentleman’s sum mary on the designs submitted by him the remarks in which he says he does not consider No. 5 (the design adopted by the Ashburton Council, with altera tions) suitable for the river. On the face of it, it does appear that it was merely a case of “ flying in the face of Providence ” to adopt this, but here is where the first ommission occurs, and it is in this form : The committee ap pointed by the Council to select one of the plans, met Mr Higginson on the 2nd of January, 1879, and, it being deemed desirable to economise in the matter to as great a degree as possible, that gentleman was questioned as to the adaptability of plan No. 5, pro vided iron piles, the greater stability of which, as regarding those constructed of iron bark, is acknowledged, were substi tuted instead of those contained in the design. His reply thereto was favorable, naturally the Committee came to the conclusion that this course of procedure would be most desirable, and requested him to furnish them, with details, and in their report to the Council, which was adopted, recom mended the work being so carried out. Then, as to the remark regarding the belief that this substitution was a diabolical invention of the chairman’s, it is refreshing to find that Mr Walker was not present at the meeting, although a member of the Committee, an apology for his absence being read thereat. To turn to the action of our Geraldine neighbors, however. In February of this year, when the deputation from the Ashburton Council waited on these gentlemen, it was pointed out to them the design winch had been chosen, and particulars given ofthe breakage of three of the six piles driven by the Govern ment, yet with this information to ■hand the Council passed the following resolution ;—“ That the Council, in reply to the deputation from the Ashburton County Council, desires to acknowledge its responsibility in le ference to the Rangitata bridge ; ” and we even have it from the columns of their present advocate, that one of the members facetiously remarked that it was kind of them to acknowledge their liability, seeing that under the Act they could not get out of it.

Further, as they had not means where with to meet the liability, they decided that an appeal should be made to the Road Boards, in the form of the following resolution ; That, as this Council has accepted the respon sibility of paying half the cost of the Kangitata bridge extension, and whereas this Council has no funds in hand available for the purpose, the Geraldine and Mout Peel Road Boards, as the i epresentatives of the district most in terested, be asked to contribute i,i,000 each towards that work ; failing which, the Council wiU proceed to strike a rate of sixpence in the L for the purpose over the whole County. The Council carefully abstained from bringing the Counties Act into force until the road boards had ob tained an appropriation of the im pounded land fund, but, this done, they were willing to incorporate the Geraldine County under the same; and when they discovered their liability turned to those they had befriended for aid. This was not forthcoming, simply because the Road Board Ordi nance would not legalise such an ex penditure, and immediately it is dis covered by the Geraldine County Council that their Ashburton co-part ners have “ been and done something as they didn’t ought to,” in using iron piles for the work. Their sophistry in the endeavor to escape their liability in this direction is futile, and places that body in a most ludicrous position. As they have “ made their bed,” so they must lie thereon. T lie Heiald has merely followed an old law prece dent in its article—viz., “in the event of a bad case, abuse the other side ; ” this it has done to its heart’s content, the cloud of surmises contained therein brushed lightly away, it becomes a propos de * icn.

Presentation. —Mr J. Nugent Wood was recently the recipient of an address and purse of fifty sovereigns, presented to him by the people of the Switzers, for which district ho was so long Warden and R.M.

Longbeach School Committee. —A special meeting of the Longbeach District School Committee was held in the Main School, on Saturday last. Present— Messrs Taylor, Moore, Croy, and Dawson. Owing to the unavoidable absence of Mr Grigg, chairman, Mr Taylor was voted to the chair. Mr Isbister was appointed secretary to the Committee. A report from the master of the Main School, was read and considered very satisfactory, the average attendance having increased from 28 to 52. Application from Mr E. J. Jennings, teacher of the Main School, for an increase of salary, and an assistant teacher, was received, it being resolved to put both matters before the Board of Education. It was resolved to write to' the Board asking them to confirm Mrs Jennings’ appointment as sewing mistress, and to purchase a supply of coals and fire wood, Mr Croy and Mr Dawson kindly offering to cart the same free of expense. Accounts amounting to LIG 10s lOd were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned. Notice to Correspondents. —Several letters to the Editor are unavoidably held over till our next issue. A.K.R.A.C. —An advertisement con vening a meeting of the above Chapter is published elsewhere. Order of Discharge. —Henry Godfrey notifies his intention to apply at the next sitting of the District Court (June 5) for an order of discharge in bankruptcy.

Accepted. —Mr Olliver notifies that the tender of Skillen and Ryan for gorse cutting has been accepted. Borough Auditors. — Nominations for the above appointments are due on Wednesday, Ist June.

A Memento of the Tararua Disaster. —On Saturday we were a number of photographs of the survivors of the Tararua, and also some of those of the bodies that came ashore soon after the wreck of the ill-fated vessel. Mr W. H. Mathieson, of Invercargill, is travelling for Mr Henry, photographer, of that town, and has appointed Mr Jones, stationer, his agent here for the sale of the photos. Queen’s Birthday. —The train arrange ments in connection with the above public holiday appear in another column. Light Porter. —Mr Cook publishes an announcement that he is prepared to undertake light porter work elsewhere. Challenge. —ln ouradvertising columns will be found a notification challenging Mr Oughton to run any three distances, for not less than LlO, and not more than L 25, signed by Mr Robert M'Farlane. Arrest. —On Saturday Detective Neill, of Christchurch, arrested a man named Charles Richard Bushett (lately in the employ of Messrs Milsom and Co., of this town,) on a charge of obtaining goods under false pretences. It appears that Bushett obtained some goods from Messrs T. R. Hodder and Co., and stated that he would call and pay for them, as he was expecting a sum of money from home. Instead of calling himself and paying for the goods as promised, Bushett sent his wife, who told the shopman that her husband had mat with an accident in Christchurch, and she had to go down and see him, and that they would pay for the goods on their return to Ashburton. Suspicion being aroused through rather more luggage being booked by rail as excess by Mrs Bushett than was con sidered necessary, a telegram was sent from the police here, and. resulted in the arrest of Bushett, just as he was leaving by the Hawea. lie will be brought up to-morrow before Mr Wood 4 R. M. The Tararua Disaster.— The inquiry into the wreck of the s. s. Tararua was con tinued at Dunediu on Saturday. Nothing further of importance was elicited. Mr. Mills, the mnnager of the Union Steam ship Company, gave evidence, in the course of which he said that the total known nunmber of souls on board the vessel when she struck was 151, made up as follows : 125 men, 12 women, and 14 children. Twenty men were saved, which would make the loss by the wreck 131 lives. Prior to the rising of the Court the question was raised whether, at the close of the evidence, the lawyers should be permitted to address the Court. A doubt was expressed on the point, as thero was no charge to which they could address themselves. The Court agreed to consider whether it should, with the view to giving the lawyers the privilege asked, formulate a charge, or whether, as things now stand, the lawyers may make their speeches to urge the Court to restore the officers’ cer tificates. The inquiry was adjourned till to-morrow.

boll, during her confinement at Ash burton, was attended by Ur Ross, who up to 1880 frequently came to the respon dent's house. At the end of 1881, the respondent had a tooth drawn by Dr Ross, who said it was necessary for an operation to be performed. For this purpose, he said it was necessary for Mrs Campbell to go to Ashburton. The parties at this time were living at Christ church. Arrangements having been made by the petitioner for Mrs Camp bell to stay with a Miss Royle in Christ church, but petitioner found that Dr Ross had taken upon himself to procure a room for Mrs Campbell, a quarrel then ensued, and the petitioner forbade Dr Ross visiting his house. The petitioner had a suspicion of his wife at that time. In February, 1881, petitioner found con clusive evidence of his wife’s adultery with Dr Ross, and upon charging her with it, she admitted it. Letters, which Mr Bell said were of a most disgusting character, would show that the respondent and co respondent had engaged rooms where they used to meet daily, and there would be no difficulty in proving adultery. Letters contained indecent language, and mixed

with high-flown sentiment and prayers to Almighty God for blessings on respon dent. Celia Gosling, residing at Christ church, said that in February, 1881, a woman calling herself Mrs Graham came to her and asked to rent two rooms, a sittingroom and a bedroom. The rooms were let to her, and she came fre quently, and always at about 9 or 10 o’clock in the morning. A man, whom witness understood to he Mrs Graham’s husband, came shortly after her. They were in the bedroom together. They never stayed all night in the same room. [Witness here identified the photographs of Mrs Campbell and Dr Ross as the parties who came to her rooms.] Hannah Miller, wife of John Miller, of Christchurch, deposed that she was servant to Mrs Campbell in 1880. Remained so until February last. She knew Dr. Ross when she first went to Campbell’s. Dr Ross visited the house almost daily. Mrs Campbell had been ill, but was getting better. The Campbells removed to Christchurch in March, 1880. Dr Ross was in the habit of visiting the house, but not as frequently as before. Witness remembered taking a note from Mrs Campbell up to the railway station, it was addressed to Dr Ross. Mrs Campbell fre quently posted letters to Dr Ross. Witness recived letters from Addington Post Office addressed to Mrs Campbell. They bore the Ashburton post mark, she never heard of any quarrel between Mr and Mrs Campbell. As we go to press, a telegram informs us that a rule nisi was granted.

DIVORCE COURT.

—♦— [special to the guardian.] [by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. The Divorce Court opened this morning. Decrees absolute were granted in the cases of Gilfillan v Gilfillan (Dunedin), and M f Ghee v M'Ghee (Dunedin). A rule nisi was granted in the case of Bailey v Bailey (Dunedin). Weston v Weston (Christchurch), was adjourned until to-morrow. Their Honors are taking time to consider whether the fact that a certificate was not issued before marriage would affect the case. Campbell v. Campbell (Christchurch). Mr Bell appeared for the petitioner, and said neither respondent or co-respondent would appear. The question of damages had been abandoned to save trial by a jury. Mr 8011, in opening the case, stated that the petitioner, James Camp bell, was married to respondent _in Victoria, and removed to Christ church in 1874. In 1879, Mrs Camp-

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE-

[per keeper's agency.] The Wool Sales. London. May 12. At the wool sales to-day 9,500 bales were catalogued. Prices were firmly maintained. London, May 13. At the wool sale to-day, 7.800 bales were catalogued. The tone of the auction was quieter, but steady. Coarse crossbreds are now about id lower than last sales. The sales close on the nth of July. Wheat. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,070,000 quarters. The Land Bill First. In the House of Commons to-day, the Premier w'as questioned as to his intentions regarding a Bill he had in troduced providing that persons who are permitted to affirm in courts of law should be authorised to make an affirmation in Parliament. In reply, Mr Gladstone said he had decided that the consideration of the measure should be deferred until the Irish Land Bill had been passed by the House. Further Arrests. London, May 14. Several further arrests have been made in Ireland under the Coercion Act. Monetary and Commercial. London, May 14. Consols New Zealand securities unchanged. Five per cent. 10.40 Loan, 104 Five per cent., 18S0 Loan, ex div. Four and a half per cent, 1879-1904 Loan, 101 Adelaide and New Zealand breadstuff’s without quotable change. At the wool sales to-day, 9,900 bales were offered, making a total of 41,700 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the bidding was animated. Turko-Greek Affairs. Athens, May 13. Negotiations continue between the Greek and Turkish Governments re garding the proposed transfer of terri tory in Thessaly and Epirus to Greece. The Porte now attaches certain con ditions to the surrender, and their dis cussion delays the conclusion of the formal convention between the two Governments. Divided Against Itself. Rome, May 13. There is a division of opinion in the Ministry as to the action which should be taken by Italy in view of the French position in Tunis. Several meetings of the Cabinet have been held, but no understanding can be arrived at, and the Liberal members of the Ministry have, in consequence, tendered their resignations to the King. No Confidence in the Turk. Athens, May 14. Notwithstanding the understanding arrived at last month between Turkey and Greece on the frontier question, the Porte still continues to despatch bodies of Turkish troops to distant parts of Thessaly, which was arranged should form part of the extended Greek f.ontier. This action on the part of Turkey causes much uneasiness through out Greece, and the sincerity of the Porte’s undertaking is generally mis trusted.

Giving up Office. St. Petebsbukg, May 14. The Ministers, who have resigned in consequence, it is supposed, of the Czar’s proclamation, are General Melikoff, Minister of the Interior; Count Abaza, Minister of Finance and Secretary of State ; Baron Nicolai; and Privy Councillor Giers. The Russian Ministry. St. Petbcsbocg, May J 3. The members of the Minisuy have tendered their resignation to the Cz.k. This action is believed to be in con sequence of his Majesty’s recent proclamation as to the future Imperial policy. -

AUSTRALIAN.

[rea r.BOTGii’s agency.] Remanded. Mkldouune, May 14. Henderson (owner of the si earner India), Wright (captain), and W; lace

(the purser) were brought up at the Police Court to-day, and remanded to the 20th May, Arrived. Melbourne, To-day. Arrived —Steamship Potosi, from London. Reform Bill- The Aigus to-day states that dif ferences are existing in the Ministry regarding the Reform Bill, and that a Cabinet Council has been summoned for to-day to consider the amendments made in the measure by the Legislative Council.

NEW ZEALAND

[rr.ll PRKSS ASSOCIATION.] Fire- Auckland, To-day. A large two- storey building in Wake field street, occupied by H, Hitchens’ manufacturer of blood restorer, was totally destroyed by lire last night. A double cottage adjoining was partially des troyed. All Hitchens’ furniture and plant were consumed. He was insured for LSOO in the Royal. The house was owned by the City Council, and was in sured for LIOO in the National and LIOO in the South British. The adjoining building was the property of the Council, and was also insured for LIOO in the National and LIOO in the South British. The chimney in Hitchens’ house hod been on fire during the day, and it is believed was not wholly extinguished, or that some sparks had smouldered amongst the shingles. A Bad Cough.

George Foster, a general dealer in Wellesley street, rose in his usual health but after lighting the fire he went up to his bedroom, where he was seized with a violent fit of coughing. Froth oozed from his mouth, and ho died in a few minutes. At the inquest a verdict of death from natural causes, supposed to he congestion of the brain, from violent coughing, was returned. The Governor Regrets. Dunedin, To-day. His Excellency the Governor tele graphs, regretting his inability to be pre sent at the opening of the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition, as he cannot leave Wellington just now. The Census. The census returns for W;vkouaiti County show—males, 1158 ; females, 934 ; decrease, 80. Taieri County—males, 4,225; females, 3,252; decrease, 397, which is owing to a portion of the Wai kari riding being formed into a borough. Peninsula County—males, 1,301 ; females, 1,124; increase, 230.

THE TUNISIAN DIFFICULTY.

Excitement in Europe. (by cable.) Paris, May 13. Telegrams have been received from Tunis announcing that a settlement of the Franco-Tunisian difficulty has been brought about. On the arrival of the French troops outside the city of Tun's, the Bey despatched envoys to negotiate with the French commander, who de manded as an ultimatum that the Bey should give substantial guaranlees|that perfect order would be maintained on the frontier, and that he should agree to receive a French resident at the capital. These conditions were ulti mately accepted, and were embodied in a treaty of peace, which has since been signed, between the French commander and an envoy of the Bey. In consequence of the settlement arrived at, the French troops will not now enter the city. London, May 13. It has transpired that the treaty which was signed yesterday by the Bey of Tunis and the commander of the French forces in that country will virtually annul the autonomy of the Tuinisian States, and reduce the Bey to the position of a vassal of France By the terms of the treaty the Bey has agreed to place the complete conlro of the finances of his kingdom in the hands of a Commission appointed by the French Government, and to accept the dictation of France with regard to his foreign policy and relations. The right of despatching troops to any part of the Tunisian territory is also secured to France by the compact. London, May 14. The news of the Treaty signed be tween France and the Bey of Tunis has caused considerable astonishment throughoutt Europe. Home, May 13. The news of the surrender of the Bey, and the terms of the treaty which has been agreed to by him, has caused great excitement throughout Italy. In dignation is generally expressed at the action of France, and it is expected that diplomatic representations will at once be made to the French Govern ment with regard to the position of the Bey and the autonomy of the Tunisian people as affected by the treaty.

POLITICAL.

[by telegraph. ] Nelson, To-day. Mr Shephard addressed his constituents at Wakefield on Saturday night. He said that retrenchment had been forced on the Government, and he thought the necessity for a Property Tax might have been avoided had Government, instead of paying the cost to the sinking fund, issued debentures for instalments and interest. This would simply have delayed the liability for interest on the cost of the incomplete railways. They should also have been charged to capital, and the 20 per cent, of land fund should have been taken from local bodies. He accused Govern ment of duplicity regarding the West Coast railway, and spoke strongly against the withdrawal of subsidies in districts having no railways, which virtually sub sidised them by the facilities afforded. Ho opposed redistribution of representation on the population basis, as Nelson would be the only district which would lose members, and that would be tantamount to punishing it for not having enjoyed expenditure in an equal share of the public money as in other districts. He opposed Chinese immigration most stronglj 7 , and supported the present system of free education. A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was passed at the conclusion of the meeting.

MY QUEEN.

( Continued..) The old oak-parlor at Morion Hall had never looked so well as it did when the heir of the house was the cynosure of all eyes on his birth-night, and its dark walls were ablaze with wax tapers and garlands of fragrant flowers. The hero of the day stood in the doorway to receive his guests, who then passed on to his father and mother and were soon lost in the gay crowd. He smiled with pleasure as we advanced, and, as his eyes tell on Lily, he beckoned a young and handsome man to approach. ‘ Miss Lily, permit me to introduce you to my friend, Major Campbell, with whom you kindly promised to ' dance the first minuet,’ he said, with a smile. The young officer bowed profoundly, expressed himself as honored by her , promise, and, offering her his arm, they passed on. My father led me to a seat in the nook of a bay window, where I could see all that passed, for my lameness prevented my dancing. Soon the music struck up a minuet, which was to open the ball. The young Squire’s partner was unknown to me, till my neighbor, a good-natUreSL gossiping matron, whispered— ». : u jn ‘ That’s the young Squire’s wife tnat is to be, Miss Dormer; she is a sweet pretty creature, but she can’t compare to your sister. She has jusTcpme from France, where she has been, brought up in a convent. I can’t think why the Squire could not content 1 himself with an English wife. But there’s no ac counting for men’s tastes,’ she said, with a half sigh in which there may i

have been some bitterness, for her own son had married one of his mother’s milkmaids, and the subject was a sore one to the poor woman. When I looked at the object of my neighbor’s remarks, I could not wonder at Frank Morton’s choice. Made moiselle de la Ferroniere was a perfect type of French beauty, tall and of graceful figure, slenderly formed, her small head surrounded by a crown of jet-black hair; her oval face was lighted by a pair or magnificent black eyes that now languished softly, and anon flashed like liquid gems; her manner was full of the most bewitching minauderie , an unintentional coquettish ness —if one could call it so—and, as she handled her delicate jewelled fan in the mazes of the dance, she formed a striking and charming contrast to Lily, whose style of beauty gamed ‘ rather than lost by the piquant comparison, as a wild flower might when placed by a gorgeous exotic. She herself seemed struck by Lily’s beauty, and* with a Frenchwoman’s intuitive perception dis cerned at a glance the advantageous contrast.

Before the evening was over she had won my father’s heart with her pretty lisping English, and by the charm of her manner. He invited her to come next day to the farm to see sheep shearing, a sight unwitnessed by her hitherto. Lily meanwhile danced fre quently with her handsome partner, who was, he told her, paying a long visit to the Hall, whither he had brought his cousin, Mademoiselle de la Ferroniere, the orphan child of Mrs Morton’s, only sister, who had married a French noble, and at whose death, a year after her husband’s, the young orphaned Henriette had passed into the care of her aunt, Mrs Morton. 1 Frank Morton had long loved his beautiful cousin, but he had only lately made an avowal of his attachment; and a year was to elapse before they were to be united. What was it that sent the hot blood to my cheeks, and then, departing, left them cold as ice ? Only a look of love from a stranger into the face ot my sister Lily, whose gentle glancejdrooped beneath the searching gaze. They sat next to me at the long and bountifully-spread table wbereon supper was sewed; but the dainties heaped' on my plate were as Dead Sea apples. I sat as in a trance, overwhelmed- by this new and unlooked-for possibility. Had it never occurred to my mind that Lily would one day have another heart than mine to turn to, or that another could call a brighter smile to her lips than I could ever hope to win, and own perhaps a like allegiance to ‘my Queen ’? The jealous rankling in my heart I strove to put from me, as un worthy of a totally unselfish love, but I could not quite free myself from this new and expected feeling. It was only when the first gray streaks of dawn appeared in the east that we left Morton Hall. Major Campbell carefully wrapped Lily in her scarlet-quilted cloak, and begged my father’s permission to accompany his cousin to the farm the next day. I looked at Lily’s happy face on her homeward drive, with a feeling half of pleasure and half of pain; a bright flush was on her cheeks, and her eyes shone as if a new, strange radiance from within illuminated them ; she chatted merrily of every event of the evening, and spoke of every person there save Major Campbell, till my father laughingly asked her if she ad mired her partner in the dance, adding, with a glance of fond pride— ‘He seemed to like to dance with thee, my little lass ’ The flush on Lily’s cheeks deepened as she carefully replied— ‘ Yes, father, he danced even better than the young Squire ;’ and then she said no more. The next morning Lily was on the tiptoe of expectation, for she said Mademoiselle Henriette would come at mid-day, before the sheep-shearing was over. It was almost noon when we saw Mademoiselle de la Ferroniere standing at the wicket-gate which opened on to the terraced flower garden in front of the house, and by her side were her be trothed and his friend Leonard Camp bell. Henriette hastened to meet me, and then turned to Lily, and, saluting her on both cheeks in her pretty foreign fashion, lisped in her broken English— * Ah, Mees Lily, we are de bonne heure, and are come to see the cutting of the flocks 1’ And with a few words to my father she took his proffered arm, and they led the way to the fields where the shearing was going on. Lily followed with Mr Morton and his friend; they had promised to re turn to dinner, so I remained at home to make due preparations for our un wonted guests. They stayed all the afternoon and far into the evening, when we sat, in the

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY MAY 16, 1881.



Wanted. WANTED— A smart LAD. Apply at once to Dudson akd Co’s Chaff and Corn Store. Havelock street. 707 a ANTED A general SERVANT. Apply to Mrs F. P. O’Reilly, Wakanui road. 786 a XA7ANTED—By a competent Young » V Man, home and colonial experience, SITUATION as Working Manager or Overseer on a farm. Good testimonials. Apply, J.T., care of Mr M'Coll, Cracroft, Ealing. 771 a VIOLINS. Wanted to Sell, two superior French Violins, Bows and Cases, £5 5s and £6 each ; also, one second-hand Violin and Bow, £2. H. J. Weeks, Teacher Music, Cameron street. WANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to farm an im proved freehold. For particulars apply to W. H. Gundry, or W. 8., Box No. 1, P. 0., Ashburton. 801 a WANTED at once—TENDERS for 60 chains (more or less) of WIRE FENCING (stakes and wire). Labor only. Apply, Office of this Paper, where the specifications may be seen. 780 a ANTED to PURCHASE—BONES” in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a ■TTTANTED EVERBODY to know that W HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a \TTANTED KNOWN—That Miss VV Vekrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery Ac. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN—That W, Fergxe’s EXPRESS runs to and from Tinwald Twice Daily. Goods con veyed at most reasonable rates. Orders left at Jephson’s Store, Tinwald, or W. Patching’s, Ashburton, will be promptly attended to. 760 a WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), New| Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. WANTED KNOWN—That John Moison (late in the employ of Mr Nealas) has opened business in Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, where all descriptions of Boots and Shoes can be made to order. Having had large ex perience both at Home and in the colonies, J. M. feels confidence in soliciting a share of public support. 758 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. 528 a TTT ANTED KNOWN Tha* W HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a 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. TTTANTED THE GUARDIAN tells VV your Wants for Is., cash. 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 Gd ; 6,000, 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 Baring Square. 365 a rp HE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 2/Sga.* Branch Manager.



Special Advertisements- Hayes’ rjlIM BE 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 her Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a 6 4 A LL work and no play makes Jack _/jl a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, H AIRDRES SEE, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, Ac., Ac. CIGARS and CIGARETTES : Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, Ac., Ac., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. FLOODED OUT. F.C. was floooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do ? Sue the Council for damages ? No ! no ! Sell the damaged goods at the best prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a jyj-R W. 11. SPACKMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a IyOTICE OF REMOVAL. Daniel Fitzpatrick, BOOT MAKE R, Begs to return his sincere thanks to his friends, and to the general public, for their liberal support accorded to him since commencing business, and by paying every attention, and civility to his customers, ho asks their continuance in future. Also that they may find him in future in East street, next Orr and Co. (late Trickett), with a well selected Stock of BOOTS and SHOES of every kind. Please note the Address FAMILY BOOT A SHOE DEPOT, East street (Next Orr and Co). 711 a -\TOTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Horne. P. CUNNINGHAM A CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a 0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1. 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* John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, Ao., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819



Holloway’s Pills'. Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot be long so seriously disordered without the de rangement being perceptible on the counten ance. These pills prevent both unpleasant consequences ; they improve the appetite and with the increase of desire for food, they augment the powers of digestion and assimila tion in the stomach. Holloways Pills deal most satisfactorily with deranged or diseased conditions of the many organs engaged in ex tracting nourishment for our bodies from our various diets—as the liver, stomach, and bowels, over all of which they exercise the most salutary control. By resorting at an early stage of this malady to these purifiying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored o health and strength, and his sallowness tadually vanishes.—[Advt.]