SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Falcon, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. Saucy Kate, schooner, from Auckland. Garelock, ship, from London. Centurian, ship, from Port Chalmers. Glenrosa, ship, from Newcastle. Aurora, schooner, from Wellington. Dido, schooner, from Waitapu. Esther, brigantine, from Pelorus Sound. f *-- -- - Y ESTEEDAY. Star of thejSouth, s.s., from Westport. Oreti, s.s:, from Dunedin, via way porta,. / Gatlin, ketch, from Gatlin’s River. To-day. SUKilda, 174 torn, from Westport. , Sailed. • • Saturday. Beautiful Star, s.s., for Dunedin. Wanaka, s.s., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Saturday. Arrived —Columbia, from Lyttelton. Wellington, Saturday. Arrived —-Stella, from the North. '■ ■ • To-day. Arrived —Wakatipu, s.s., from Sydney. She left Sydney on the afternoon of the sth, and had light winds and fine weather across, arriving here at 7.30 last night. iit-; Tiaiaeu, Saturday. Arrived—Sarah and Mary, brigantine, and Marmion, schooner, from Kaipara. Port Chalmers, To-day. Arrived— s. s., from Mel homrief via the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

' Ashb'urtOn Guardian Office. Monday afternoon. Mr Alfred’ Plarrison reports for the week as follows ; ’ -‘ :ir On Wednesday last I held a sale of slock and- implements belonging to -Mr Win. Fergus*:rati Mount Somers. There was. a moderate attendance, and prices, realised were as follows-: Lows, 1-5 .t0 L 7 ; calves, Li 12s 6d;,,buii, L 2.554 3 . hacks, L 5 to Lio; draughts', Ll2 10s, Ll 3, Ll 7, and L 32; foal, L 7 .. A reaper-and binder, corn crusher, chaff CUtt&V ploughs,' ‘a'quantity of harness,_ and sundries, sold fairly 'well, considering the times. On Saturday last I held ray .weekly sale at my yards, when nearly all entries were quitted at good average priccs—l3 s horses were entered, mostly hacks, 7of which were sold'at from L 3 to Lid ; cows, L 4 to L 6 12s 6d; calf; 8s 6d, A large number of pigs were yarded, nearly every :CH)e.being sold; as follows : —7.at 9s gd,' 2at los 6d, 2 at,9s 6d, 2. at 8s d d, 2 at-, ids, 3 at 15s 6d,.2 at iys, 3 at,i-ss, 2at 12s 6d,. I at 133, 3 at I.is, to at 13s, 1 sow,, in pig, at 38s. FoWlsji’astq 2sTld per pair 4 ducks, 3s 3s to 3s 6d per ■parr';V{tecse, ys to Ss 6d per pair ; rabbits, tfo 2-; 3d; potatoes, L2 5s to L 3 10s ton {' Wheat (Chick) Is 6d per bushel ; barley, is 6d per bushel; bran, 1,2 10s to L 3 per ton; carrots, L2 per ton ; onions, )4d Iper lb; pickling onions, id- par lb - apples, 4s 6:1 per case ; cheese 4d to s }4d per lb tea, 23s per box.- Tire attendance was very large, and the sale continued until 4 p.ra. . -

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. : To-morrow, ; Tuesday, April 12. Mr.;Alfred Harrison, at his rooms—Farm and Town Properties ; 12 o’clock. 'Saturday, April 16. Dan Henderson and Co., at ; their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual- Weekly Sale ; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ac. ; - . : To-morrow, Tuesday, April 12. / Agricultural and Pastoral Association- Committee Meeting, at Quill’s’ Hotel, at 7.30 p.m. Horticultural Society, Monthly Meeting, at Jacobson and Eyton’s office, at 8 o’clock.

Parade Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, at 7 p.m.'. sharp. • -> .Wednesday, April 13. Local Industries Association —Meeting, apper room, Town Sail, at 8 p.m. Presbyterian Church Gift Auction, Town Hall. . ■ County Council, Special Meeting, at noon. Templar Hall Company Meeting of Shareholders, Templar Hall, 8 p.m. .Thursday, April 14. Mount Hntt Road District Annual Meeting, of Road Board Office, Methven, 3 p.m. Meeting of persons interested in forming a Sparrow Club, Qnill’s Hotel, 8 p.m. •' Thursday, April 21. Wakanui Road Board —Special Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street. Wednesday, May 4. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1881. The Dog Registration Act.

TOWN EDITION. > [lssued at 5.35 p.m.]

The rigid interpretation which has been put upon the Dog Registration Act by the Bench, arid which, if correct, leads to the inference that every dog owner in the colony must necessarily be fined once at least per annum, does not seem to accord with the opinion of the Dunedin Bench, which reads the Act in what we take leave to think is a more sensible way. A man being summoned before the latter for having in his possession four unregistered dogs, pleaded that the animals were the pro perty of the Hunt Club ; that the Club was getting a pack together; and as soon as it was formed the whole of the dogs of which it was composed would be registered. The plea was held sufficient justification for the omission to register for the time being, and the charge was dismissed. We regard this decision as being not only consistent with common sense but also with that axiom of our criminal law which requires proof, both that the law has been broken and that it has been broken wilfully, although the intention may doubtless be inferred from more circum stances that one. As trifling fines havq generally been imposed for breaches of the new Act, it may be contended, in some quarters, that it is not worth while making a fuss, even if persons have been wrongly fined. The sufferers, however, are not likely to take this view of the matter, neither do we. A man ought not to be wrongly con victed of an offence against the law, even if the penalty imposed is but a slight one ; and there are often col lateral expenses incurred in these pro ceedings, in the shape of loss of time and otherwise, which makes the penalty heavier than it looks. However, an irritating sense of injustice is awakened, which is extremely detrimental to that feeling of veneration for the laws which it is so desirable should pervade the community. We are sure there are numbers of persons in this district who have receetly figured in the Police Court as defendants, charged with breaches of the Act in question, who have felt deeply aggrieved at the convictions recorded against them, not that they care for the few shillings extracted from their pockets, but because they know they have not wilfully infringed the law, while in many instances they showed conclusively that they had endeavored to obey it, but had been prevented from doing so by circumstances over which they had no control

The subject under notice is, however, as a correspondent of this journal recently pointed out, involved in the larger one of police administration. Our legislators are gradually encompassing us With,; a network of petty offences, which devolves upon the police a multi

tude of functions with which they had formerly nothing whatever to do —or to speak more precisely, which enables the police to assume to themselves a multitude of functions formerly beyond their control. In olden times, the duties of the police were virtually con fined to the lowest class of society; but in New Zealand the policeman is an ominpresent being, poking his nose into people’s private affairs in a fashion which an English community would not, half a century ago, hove tolerated for an instant. This highly mischevi ous interference, it may be observed, attains its maximum in a country place where everybody knows, or fancies he knows, a good deal about everybody else’s affairs, and where the police be comecognizant ofmatters which, in large towns, they would never hear about, and which certainly, according to English ideas of police functions, in no way concern them. When, indeed, penal laws are enacted as much for the pur poses of raising revenue as for the punishment of acts injurious to the wel fare of society, it is a natural conse quence that the guardians of the law should be spurred to an unhealthy ac tivity, and that the Courts and other authorities should gradually lose sight of the importance of preserving the liberty of the subject intact. The fre quenters of the Police Courts of the colony cannot fail to notice how often the law is stretched to support a police prosecution; and how much more strictly the evidence is construed when a private individual undertakes the un pleasant task of prosecuting a supposed offender than when the police perform that office; although there is not the shadow of a reason for making any such distinction.

Returning, however, to the Dog Re gistration Act, we decidedly think that its provisions want relaxing, and that a reasonable time should be allowed every year for people to register. We think, too, that the Government should stop the prosecu tion of people for what, after all, is not a very heinous offence. An example now and then would suffice for the ends of justice ; at any rate, fair warn ing should be given before these wild onslaughts are made on the public. The Act itself is a most incongruous and ill-devised one. It is obviously objectionable to embody two distinct and conflicting principles in the same statute. We have here a revenue law and a law for the prevention of a public nuisance—which might be created were a check not placed upon the keeping of dogs— rolled into one. We shall not deny that a dog tax is a legitimate means of raising revenue. It is, indeed, open to argument whether the sum which can be raised in this way is large enough to compensate for the annoj’- ance which such a tax is likely to occasion. On principle, however, such a tax is defensible ; but then, treating it as a tax, it ought only to be regarded as a debt due to the Crown, like the Land or Property Tax, and should be recoverable in a court of law in the ordinary way. On the other hand, should the limitations on the keeping of dogs be deemed the essence of the measure, then the revenue principle should be expunged, and it should not be made the interest of the local bodies to urge the police to institute prosecu tions for casual breakers of the law. The two principles which run through the present Act, we repeat, ought never to be joined in a statute on any subject whatsoever, and so long as they are made to co-exist the public will have just cause of complaint if the Act is rigor ously enforced.

Postal. —Mails for the United King dom, etc., via Brindisi (for specially addressed correspondence only) will close at Ashburton on Wednesday, 13th inst., at 10 am. Late fee letters may be posted in the mail van up to the time of its departure. Not Even' a Drunk. —There was a clean charge sheet at the Resident Magi strate’s Court this morning. Masonic. —A lodge of instruction of the Ashburton Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter is convened for to-morrow night, by advertisement appearing elsewhere.

A. A. and P. Association. —A meeting of the General Committee of the Ash burton Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion will be held at Quill’s Hotel to morrow evening, at 7.30 o’clock. Quoits. —A meeting of the members of the local Quoit Club was held on Satur day evening, at which it was decided to play matches with the clubs of the sur rounding districts during the coming season.

To The Unemployed —Advertisements are published by us this evening notifying tho following openings, viz. ; —A man to dig potatoes, a station carpenter, and a boy to milk. Tender!, —Particulars of tenders re quired by Messrs Fooks and Son, for building ; by the South Rakaia Road Board, for road making, repairing, <fcc.; and by Messrs Roberts and Winter, for planting—are published in another column. Opening for a Local Industry.—Mr T. Bullock notifies, through the medium of our advertising columns, that he has for sale cheap a capital site for the estab lishment of a bacon factory.

Railway Holiday Arrangements.— The train arrangements for Good Friday are published in our advertising columns. On the north and south lines and branches passenger traffic will be as usual, goods traffic only being suspended.

Church Anniversary. Services in connection with the Seafield Wesleyan Church Anniversary, were conducted yesterday afternoon and evening by the Rev W. Keall, who preached on both occasions. A large congregation met at the former service, but at about three o’clock - as mentioned in another column —the proceedings abrupt!}’ terminated, the fire at Mr Lawry’s residence causing quite a stampede from the place of worship. The excitement of a fire and its associations in such a quiet little village as Seafield usually is, affected, however, the evening service, and there was but a small attendance. It is to be hoped that the tea meeting, to be hold on Friday next, will be hold under somewhat more favorable auspices. Ashburton Racing Club. —A meeting of the committee of chis Club was held at Quill’s Commercial Hotel on Saturday afternoon last. Present—Messrs Fooks (in the chair), Stitt, Carter, Digby, Jacob son, and the Secretary. It was decided to hold a steeplechase meeting on the 27th May, and to accept Mr Carter’s offer of a course for the day’s racing on Grove Farm. The meeting decided to adhere to last year’s programme, except in regard to tbe added money, which will be increased in some instances. A ground committee, consisting of the following gentlemen was appointed :—-Messrs Digby, Quill, Fooks, Jacobson, and 1 Stitt. The committee will go over the course on Saturday next at 2 p. m. Mr Crisp sent in his resignation as member of the committee, but it was decided that it be not accepted. ; This was all the business, and the meeting ad journed.

Cheetsey Literary Institute;, — A meeting of the committee of the'“above Institute was held on Saturday evening last to consider the advisability of re opening the library, it having been closed during harvest operations. It was re solved that it be at once re-opened, the subscriptions to date from Ist May. It was decide 1 that all books out bo ordered to be returned for classification. It was resolved that Mr Fowler, junior, be ap pointed caretaker at L 6 per annum. After conversation as regarding the debt re maining on the Institute, a sub-committee was formed to make the necessary arrangements for holding an entertain ment early in May in aid of the funds.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per keuter’s agency.] Monetary and Commercial- London, April 8. Consols, iooj4- The four and a half per cent New Zealand Loan has advanced to 98; the five per cent 10-40 Loan remains at and the five per cent 1889 Loan at 106. Best Australian beef tallow has risen to 34s per cwt; best mutton is unchanged at 36s 6d. Best Australian leather has advanced and to-day is quoted at To^d. The Lord of the Privy Seal. Lord Carlingford (formerly Mr Chichester Fortescue) succeeds the Duke of Argyle as Lord of the Privy Seal. Censuring the Government. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach has given notice in the House of Commons, of a motion censuring the Government for its settlement of the Transvaal diffi culty. Wheat Afloat. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,430,000 quarters. In a Critical State. A bulletin issued this evening reports that Earl Beaconsfield con tinues very weak, and is still in a critical state. The Easter Recess. Both Houses of Parliament have adjourned to-day until April 25th, for the Easter recess. Massing Troops on the Frontier. Paris, April 8.

Telegrams have been received from Algiers, announcing that 10,000 troops despatched from France in view of a difficulty in Tunis, have been landed at Bona, a seaport on the Algerian coast, near the Tunisian frontier. Affairs in Tunis. Paris, April 9. Diplomatic correspondence con tinues between the French and Italian Governments on the Tunisian question, and it transpires that the French Go vernment has, in its last communication, disavowed any intention to annex Tunis, but firmly insists that French in fluence shall predominate in the princi pality. Re-elected. London, April 9. Mr Bradlaugh has been re-elected for Northampton. That Frontier. Constantinople, April 8. The envoys of the Powers to the Porte have had under consideration the circular recently issued by the Greek Government, justifying its refusal of the offer made by Turkey for the settle ment of the frontier difficulty. In reply the Ambassadors have sent a cir cular note to the Hellenic Government peremptorily notifying as a final deci sion that it has been determined that the extended Greek frontier shall alone consist of the province of Thessally, with a strip of country in South Epirus, including the town of Prevesa, on the northern shore of the Gulf of Arta. The note adds, however, that it has been agreed that the fortress of Prevesa may be dismantled by Turkey before being surrendered.

AUSTRALIAN

[per reuter’s agency.] Improving in Health. Melbourne, To-day. The Marquis of Normanby is daily improving in health, and is making satisfactory progress towards recovery. The Hawkesbury Handicap. Sydney, To-day. The Hawkesbury Autumn Handicap was won by The Barber, with Major second, Falmouth third. Housed at Last. Marquis De Ray’s immigrants have been housed in the Agricultural Hall, in the Domain, the building having been hired for the purpose. Satisfied With the Ministry. Adelaide, April 9. The general elections, which are proceeding in this colony, have so far proved favorable to the Government. Most of the Ministers have been re elected.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Cross Country. i Wanganui, To day. -The Wanganui Steeplechase Meeting is fixed for May 24th. The programme consists of a handicap steeplechase of 225 sovs., 3 miles ; second horse to re ceive 25 sovs. out of the stake. Then comes a Maiden Steeplechase of 100 sovs., the Grand Stand Steeplechase of 75 sovs., and the Consolation Stakes of 40 sovs. Nominations for the Handicaps close on May 2nd. A Distinguished Visitor. Wellington, To-day. The Duke of Manchester was a pas senger by the s.s. Wakatipu, and was a guest of the Governor last night. The Duke visits various parts of the colony, and it is believed will proceed South to day. Likely to Lead to Fraud. The criminal session of the Supreme Court opened this morning, and the Chief Justice remarked on the lightness of the calendar. He referred to the indictment against Downes, for the alleged tampering with Law Court stamps, and said that Government, in their eagerness to in troduce a system of collecting revenue by stamps, had adopted a system which would probably lead to fraud. Charles Collins, for perjury, and Louis Miohalier, for larceny, were acquitted. James Smith, for larceny, was sentenced to 12 months. George Miller pleaded guilty to larceny, and the sentence was deferred.

Later. The Grand Jury found true bills against Downes on charges of tampering with stamps on deeds. The Judge Congratulates the Jut/. Dunedin, To-day. Judge Gillies in his charge congratu lated the jury on the lightness of the calender, both as regarded the number and character of the offences to be tried.

Criminal^,,'" The following sentences were passed, the prisoners pleading gfiilty James Mack} larceny, two years ; William Everest, borough clerk, Hampden, em bezzlement, two years. The case against Paget, the post office clerk, will occupy the whole day.

Bench and Bar- Before commencing proceedings to-day, Mr Simpson, R.M., addressing the bar, intimated his intention to commit for contempt any practitioner guilty of inter rupting or delaying the Court, as had been done lately.

Gone to Her Death. Last evening it was reported to the police that a quantity of female wearing apparel had been found at Waverley, under circumstances pointing to the suicide of the owner. The clothes have been identi fied as belonging to a woman named Emily Donaldson, aged 41, who left home on Saturday, and who is known to have gone to Waverley that morning. She has not since been heard of. The police are dragging the harbor.

CRICKET.

ASHBURTON V- GERALDINE. This match took place to-day, on the Domain ground. The visiting team, owing to the bad state of the weather, were three men short, but this was remedied in the shape of substitutes. The Ashbur ton team were the first to go to the wickets, play commencing shortly after twelve o’clock. • Hodder and A. Fooks were the first to handle the willow, to the trundling of Pierpoint and Murray, but the partnership was of short duration, A. Fooks being run out, after scoring a single. Hoskins was deputed to fill the vacancy, but was quickly disposed of by a shooter from Pierpoint. M‘Laren, who succeeded him, only added three to the total, when he was caught out by the Geraldine captain, off the bowling of Murray., Andrews joined issue with Hodder, and. a most determined stand was effected, notwithstanding the ex cellence of the bowling—Pierpoint send ing down nine succeeding maiden overs.- Following this, however, the batsmen got set, and made a stay at the wickets lasting nearly three hours before a separation was effected by one of Murray’s, which removed Hodder’s bails, the score standing at 90 ; of which number the retiring batsman had contributed 45. Barker was immediately after run out. Giffkins succeeded him, but Andrews was then disposed of by one of Murray’s, having made 35.. The tail end figured most ingloriously, the innings closing for 95.

The following are the scores : Ashburton—lst. Innings. Fooks, A., runout 1 Hoskins, b Pierpoint 0 M'Laren, c Pierpoint, b Murray 3 Hodder, b Murray 45 Andrews, G., b Murray 35 Barker, run out ... ... ... 0 Gifkins, b Pierpoint 8 Curtis, b Murray ... ... ... 0 Marsh, st. Grant, b Murray ... 1 Groves, b Pierpoint 0 Andrews, A., not out ... ... 0: Extras (wides) ... ... 7 Total ... ... ... 95 Geraldine—lst Innings. Murray, c Andrews, b Hoskins ... 1 Grant, not out ... ... ... (i Pierpoint, not out... ... ... 4 Extras ... ... ... 4 Total ... ... ... 15 MOUNT SOMERS V. EAKAIA GORGE. The following are the scores in this match, which were crowded out of our last issue : Mount Somers—lst Innings. C. J. W. Cookson, run out ... 1 J. E. Taylor, b Poacocke ... 6 A. E. Peache, b Peacocko ... 5 F. Polhill, run out ... ... 1 W. J. Lovell, b Peacooke ... 2 W. Gifkins, c Nisbett, b Bussell..., 28 W. P. Chapman, b Peacocke ... 1 F. W. Burdon, b Peacocke ... 0 D. Potts, 1 b w., b Macfarlane ... 11 W. Hood, b Peacocke ... ... 14 W. Polhill, not out ... ... 3 Extras... ... ... ... 17

Total 89 Rakaia Gorge—lst Innings. R. H. Nisbett, b Burden ... 0 W. 11. Bond, Ibw, b Burden ... 0 r. A. Phillips, c and b Burden ... 8 N. Macfarlane, b Chapman ... 1 F. F. Seale, c F. Polhill, b Chap man ... ... ... • ... 0 G. R. Peacocke, runout... ... 0 T. B. Knight, b Chapman ... 2 F. Russell, b Chapman 2 T. E. Upton, not out ... ... 1 T. B. Richards, b Burdon ... 1 L. H. Brockman, b Chapman ... 8 Extras... ... ... ... 11 Total ... ... ... 34 2nd Innings. R. H. Nisbett, b Burdon ... 0 T. E. Upton, Ibw, b Burdon... 6 W. H. Bond, bD. Potts... ... 0 T. A. Phillips, bD. Potts ... 0 N. Macfarlane, b Hood ... ... 0 L. H. Brockman, c Cookson, b Hood 1 F. Russell, b Hood 1 G. R. Peacocke, b Burdon ... 51 F. P. Seale, notout ... ... 4 T. B. Knight, not out ... ... 0 Extras 23 Total for eight wickets. 68

A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.

(By Tglegp.aph.) Auckland, To-day. Two railway employes, named Grey and Jolly, were shooting in the Waikato dis trict, when Grey, sighting some game, stood up to fire. The boat lurched, and the gun exploding discharged its contents, blowing away the back of Jolly’s head, killing him instantly. A man named Joseph Hill, residing at the Commercial Hotel, accidentally took a poisonous lotion instead of medicine. A doctor was called in, and prompt mea sures averted serious consequences. A little boy, son of Mr J. O. M'Donald, Government Insurance Agent, Hamilton, fell into the Waikato river and was drowned. Two young children, who fell from different wharves in Auckland harbor on Saturday, were rescued by bystanders jumping in.

FATAL FIGHT AT KAIKOURA.

(By Telegraph.) Blenheim, To-day. News was brought into Picton yes terday afternoon that a murder had been committed at Kaikoura. The facts to hand are that Pawiri Kepa quarrelled with his uncle, Rapoawa Peni Peni. They had two successive fights on Saturday night, and in the last fight Peni became insensible and died on Sunday afternoon at four o’clock. The police immediately pro ceeded to the spot, and arrested Pawiri at 12.30 this morning. He was found hid in a hay lo f t, and was very down cast. Jealously is said to be the cause of the fight. An inquest will be held to-day.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Rinoakooma, at the Bluer.] London, March 28.

Instructions have been given to largely increase the numbers of the Metropolitan Police Force, and in view of the arduous and dangerous nature of their duties it has been deemed advisable to arm them with more effective weapons. The harvest prospects in America are considered most satisfactory. It is anti cipated that the yield of wheat this season will be unusually large. The cotton crop is also likely to be excellent. > The Pall Mall Gazette contains a leading article advocating the federation of the Australian colonies into one dominion, after the model of Canada, pointing out that Australia would at once assume a position in the eyes of the world as a powerful and growing nation. The writer, however, admits that the difficulties in the way of union among the colonies are now too great, owing to differences in their fiscal policy and local jealousies, to permit of federation for some time to come.

The spread of Socialism in Germany is causing much alarm to the authorities. Not on’y in large towns, but in country districts, there are manifold signs of the doctrines having taken deep root, despite repressive legislation. The Chancellor proposes to resort to most severe and drastic measures in order to stamp out Socialism. April 2.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, acting under the new powers conferred upon him by the Irish Coercion Act, has pro claimed thirteen baronies in the county of Cork as disturbed; Strict measures will be taken to prevent outrage, and the enforcement of more effective measures of repression therein have been autho rised.

The weather throughout Europe has been abnormally severe. In Hungary great damage has been caused from inundations caused by the overflow of swollen rivers. In Spain, also, there have been most dis astrous floods. In Seville and the neigh borhood especially much loss has been occasioned by the overflow of the Guadal quiver, many inhabitants being rendered homeless. From the United States very bad weather is reported. The State of Missouri has suffered severely, extensive floods having been caused by the Missouri and Mississippi, both of which have over flowed their banks.

Sir W, Harcourt, the Home Secretary, repudiates the suggestion that he has been instigated by foreign states to prosecute the editor of the Socialist paper Die Frich it.

The Boers are plundering, the inhabi tants of the Transvaal who during the recent war remained loyal to the British Crown. Twelve new baronets have been created.

Mr Powell, the Conservative member for Wigan, who was elected in January last in room of Lord Lindsay, has been unseated.

Conflicts have taken place between the French and people of Tunis, adjoining the French settlement in Algiers. In the fighting which occurred a number of com batants were killed.

The French expedition formed for the purpose of carrying into operation the scheme for the railway across the Desert of Sahara has met with a serious disaster. The natives treacheonsly administered to the party.some deadly poison, from the effects of which sixty died.

SPORTING.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB AUTUMN MEETING.

FREE HANDICAP. The following weights have been de clared:— st. lb. st. lb. Lc Loup ... 910 Governor ... 7 0 Natator ... 9 5 Coldstream 7 0 Billingsgate 9 3 Poet ... . 7 0 Sir Modred 9 1 Prospero ... 7. 0 Grip ... 813 Lady Emma 610 Rand wick ... 812 Hilda ... 6 8 Fishhook ... 8 7 Norseman... ' 6 7 Hilarious ... 8 6 Sylvan us ... 6 7 Libeller ... 8 5 Frailty ... G 6 Longlands... 8 0 Harkaway... 6 0 Titania ... 8 0 Nautilus ... 6 0 Luna ... 713 Holderness 6 0 On Dit ... 712 Castanette... 5 7 Joker ... 7 7 Waikari ... 5 7 Sir Garnett 7 4 Romeo ... 5 7 Talent ... 7 3 The following general entries and ac ceptances for the Autumn meeting were received by the secretary on Saturday

evening : Champagne Stakes. —Somnus, Amulet, Nonpanel, La Mode, Yattendou—Peeress colt, Gold Dust, Hinemoa. Epsom Stakes.— Norseman, . .Frailty, Romeo, The Joker, On Dit, Sir Garnet, Nautilus. Great Autumn Handicap. —Prospero, The Joker, The Governor, Lady Emma, Randwick, Natator Grip, Luna, Hilda, Harkaway, Sir Modred, Libeller. Nursery Handicap. —Hinemoa, Dau phin, Amulet, Nonpariel, La Mode, Legerdemain, Gold Dust, Envy filly (by Cassivelaunus), Somnus, Yattendou— Peeress colt.

Selling Race. —Norseman, Frailty, Coldstream, Randwick, Fishhook, Hark away, Sir Garnet, Hilarious, Billingsgate.

FIRE AT SEAFIELD.

A most destructive fire occurred at Seafield yesterday, the dwelling-house of Mr Lavvry, of Norton Farm, with all its contents, being • completely destroyed. At the time the alarm was given the greater portion. of the resi dents of Seafield were assembled at the Wesleyan Church, at which place the Rev. W. Keall was conducting the Anniversary Services. About three o’clock the cry of “ Fire ” was heard, and it is needless to remark that the erstwhile devout worshippers were speedily dispersed, and all hastened with speed to the scene of the fire, which was within a few minutes’ walk of the church. The fire, however, had got such a strong hold of the building that all efforts were futile in the direction of saving the dwelling house of Mr La wry, but a detached store adjoining was with difficulty saved from the devouring element. Not a single article of furniture was got out of the building, and a quantity of money, amounting to over Lioo, which Mr Lawry intended to bank this morning, was lost in the fire. Mr Lawry, junior, with bis sister, were the only members of the family who were at home, Mr and Mrs Lawry at the time being on a visit to Springston. The fire is supposed to have originated in sparks issuing from the fireplace, but nothing definite is known. The house was insured in the London and Lanca shire office for L2OO, and the furniture, in the same office for Lioo. Notwith standing this, Mr Lawry will be a heavy loser, as not only the money mentioned above, but the books also, .' were destroyed. - ‘ -

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was hold, at; the office, -Mount Somers, on Monday. April 4th, 1881. Present —Messrs A. E. Peach (Chairman), W, C. Walker, j. E, Taylor, and John Hood. • .BESOTfUrjON RESCINDBD. . ; l Mr Taylor moved, Mr ,HoqcT seconded,,

and it-wair carriedt—“ That the resolution passed at the .February meeting re Mr A. tde’s water-race be rescinded, and the following resolution be adopted in lieu thereof;, ‘ That Mr Ede’s request be granted, provided he make satisfactory provision for crossing the Tramway Re serve road. ’ ’’ • surveyor's report. The Surveyor’s report was read and con sidered. It was resolved to call for tenders for the formation and metalling of about thirty chains of the Alford Forest road, near the gorse fence, and also for the formation of 60 chains' of - Mairiie«ttr ~ road. » , - - s

CORRESPONDENCE. ’ ■ ' The following From Mr O’Reilly, re 0. F. Shepp«ftPa ,: * account with the Board.—The Clerk was ' directed to replyl ' ? i :| 1 t From the Ashbiirtdn County Council/ informing the Board that if they will} fn* 1 - / nish a copy of the Valuation list for 188111- the Council will be prepared to pay,half cost of compilation of the roll—The . Clerk was requested'to forward a; oopy ; aS " soon as possible. - ■ ’ ! ’ 1 * r; From the same, re the proposed tata Road Board District, inforthjng l tbe; : ; Board that ; the committee to- ' consider as to the advisability forming this new district had decided in favor of,, the petitioners fdr theseparation. ! A letter was received frbm Mr D. Cameron, apologising for his abaenqe ; , j the meeting,, owing to r the; burning of 'a . large quantity of grain. t From Mr E. G. Wright, rpqqestipg, j fihe,,; !;( ? Board to form about 50 chains of the road/ from Anama Downs road to his home-- stead. —To be reported upon. ; From Mr R. Morgan, with reference to the South Ashburton bridge.—The Clerk ( , was directed to refer, the letter toriha County Council, and civil their ~--3; to the unfinished, state of the,bridge. 0 From Mr W. McClymoht, with refer/*-", ence to his rates.—The Clerk-wasdirected to investigate old accounts, ahd bcinfe tha matter before the Board at: their ;npxt 4 meeting. r ■ . A circular was received from the Mana watu County Council, vfithl various matters, consideration of which was deferred until next meeting. STONES, TO BE BROKEN. The Clerk was instructed to .write! tq,"... Mr John Devery, informing him/fchEt.; : ,f unless the stones on the are broken before the 19th instant, the —- work will ba done by; tjie Board at jhis expense. '- ? ' ' - '

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

An elderly man, . who was recently Committed from Timatu to the Old Men s Home, attempted suicide on Saturday by cutting his throat Fitlr ti razor. ; Hi# efforts, however, were unsucessful, he only inflicting three slight gashes ijeneath tlje chin, laying bare the jawbone He will be brought before the R.M. on a charge of attempted suicide.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1881.



Late Advertisements- longbeach' road district. J. : . TENDERS are hereby invited for the completion of a SIDE BITCH on Crow’s road. ; A specification for this work can be seen at the Road Board Office, where tenders,, accompanied by a cash deposit, will bo received, addressed to the Chair man, .up. .till ■ 4 p. m. on MONDAY, the 18th dav of April, 1881. . . V W. COTE!BERT, .. . ' -District Surveyor. Longbeach Road,.9th April, 1881. 529 e



''gfe £ *B* v. ipkggi? r. IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ASHBURTON, HOLDEN AT ASHBURTON. In thpmatter of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the Acts amending the same; and- of the bankruptcy of SAMUEL Q-UINTON and FREDERICK RICHARD QUIN TON; trading- together in co partnership- as Bottlers, under the finp r pf Quinton Brothers, Ash batthjK This is no notify that William Hicley Gunduy, of Ashburton, merchant; was this dayj 'elected Trustee of the estate of the above-named bankrupts, and his ac ceptanqe.of office has been'duly filed in this Court 7 Dated .litis Bth day of April, 1881. • VV. ‘MARTIN, ’ Olcvk of the-District Court. ■ F. I?.* O’Reilly, Solicitor for the Debtors.



MUSIC TUITION.—The second term ■f ,; ha» just commenced. -'Lessons on PianofOTte/Organ,- :; Mute, -Violin, and Singitog. ‘ J : i :■!>. an* H. J. WEEKS,. 68a •i--’* eqmui-- - Cameron street west. Local .Ophon. “The ‘‘ local option!’ advances in Canada. The County iDiglay, Nova Scotia, has voted of 955 for adoption; 42-. against.' Nearly all Nova Scotia has adopted the law. Out of seventeen glectjons,. all, hut one have been lOcar option party by HOIXOVtiW'-piNTMESt' r AND PIU.S. ThonflP^'^ clim:ite o f changmis? prevent- ill-health frequency may be much mhigatcd by’ the early adoption - of remedial mpktfil'ett.hNWttnJidarseness, cough, thick toe^gv^ f tbe Hollovc^yfi;€|fprm«#t^»o u ld(be. rubbed iupon these parts wilhout delay, and.ins Pills taken WyfatfWSHttf PM9&8&I a PffSgS! return 0 _ nouowajs lucmwuiraus, -which are suited to aU,agSs cptidl.lotM] and to every puli naiy dil«tse to w»ich humanity is liable.-3!MViri'-''> i



Wanted. Wf ANTED— A MAN to dig potatoes. VV Apply immedi; Paner. lately, Oflice of this 520 a ANTED— A Station CARPENTER, also a LAD to milk cows. Apply to W. R. Boyle, Moore street. 521 a TIT ANTED— Vf family. Paper. A BOARDER in a private Applv, Oflice of this 523 a ANTED, a YANT. Appy to ■ Mrs street. Good General SER- References required. Homkbsham, Park 492 a WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ash "barton-Winslow Lino. None but smart Boys need apply. TTTANTED SEWING, Dressmaking » » or Plain Work, by a young person of esperiencein the business. For address, apply Guardian Office. 495 a WANTED— TENDERS for PLANT ING about five (5) miles with gorse, parties to find plants. Plants to be six (6) inches apart. Tendeis to be posted by 12 noon on SATURDAY, 16th inst. Roberts and Winter. 526 a WANTED— TENDERS for BUILD ING five-roomed HOUSE in Ash burton. Labor only. Plans and specifi cations may be seen at Jephson’s store, Tinwald. Tenders to be addressed to ROBT. ENNIS, Tinwald Post Office, not later than the 14th inst. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 507 a



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 12th Aprilllext. Particulars of duties required can be obtained on ap plying to the undersigned. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. J. WARD, 347 a Chairman. 'VTT’ANTED —MRS PAULING begs to . W 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 atjlomc and in New Zealand. 528 a w ANTED —A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a XXT ANTED TO SELL —Twenty-five YV SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 ANTED KNOWN That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a



WAITED 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 ■fTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W 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 Ser-'ants 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. Asdkewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE bogs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 XY7ANTED THE GUARDIAN tells • * your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements.



r£tHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY Produce and dis pose of Thou sands of Gar ments Weekly



.r?n • • • ■ ■ ■ : WOTE THE'BRANCH address— t.{fi} ! bm; ' .oEas*' Street. . • -■-■ ■ ■ * rtii* SPARROW; - “ 369a 1 * Branch Mahhgrtv 5 '



Special Advertisements. jy-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. 330 a I7INCOURAGE LOCAL ENTER- Hi PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLAGE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barinv 365 a



0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, 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. flaircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a*



JgREAD ! BREAD ! ! BREAD !! ! A. Thiele’s BEST BREAD, First A ward of Merit, Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, 6d DELIVERED CASH £>2*l ON DELIVERY 470 a



QUILL’S CONSULTATION on the Great Autumn Handicap will be DRAWN on SATURDAY next, IGth April, at 3 p.m., at Henderson and Co.’s Auction Room Saunders’ Buildings. T. QUILL, Treasurer.



George St. Hill, B UILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. Plans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. 490 a



ZOEDONE!! A DELICIOUS, SPARKLING, PHOS PHATED IRON BEVERAGE (non-alcoholic.) ZOEDONE is now the favorite beverage of the London clubs, more especially when taken as a “ reviver.” A first consignment just received. 506 a J. M. CAMBRIDGE.



la the man who dines off pigs’ feet dueed to extremities?



Felonious Assault, r - A man was* arrested in Timaru yesterdays on a charge of feloniously assaulting his own daughter, a girl twelve years of age. The informa* tioh inthe case was laid by the wife of . theh accused. A Smash Up.— Just at the ; mpnfieat,.Qf f | going to press-an accident occurred to thW- Longbeach mail coach. In turning : the.. corner near Baldwin’s Hotel one of the -1 horses got his foreleg over the pole, and* before he could-be released had. broken the same in two. The animal received no injuries. ~ . A Legal Squabble. From Timaru comes a story of a legal sqnabplei- .tlif ultimate results of which . promise bring to light some interesting disclosures regarding the law and its advocates. ■ ' Recently a solicitor in that town defended a most extortionate bill of costa from an opposition firm, and was so far successful ; as to obtain a considerable reduction therein. Following this, the ex-plaintiff sent a somewhat strongly Worded com munication, and on the recipient .thereof , demanding an explanation, flatly declined to give one, and was imtnedlately knocked : down in his own office. A writ for damages to the extent of LSOO has been instituted.



Meetings- - / L <■ Ashburton agricultural a PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. A Meeting of the General Committee' ■will be held at Quill’s Hotel on TUES-_ DAY NEXT, 12th April, at Katf-pSi'lf 519 a Business Important. GEORGE JAMESON, Secretary, M. A.K.R.A.C. A LODGE of INSTRUCTION of the above Chapter will be held in the Masonic Hall, TUESDAY Evening, at 7.30. ' ■=• All companions requested to attend. By Order, 525 a M.B.Z. ■■



JL I NVTTATION It is expected that as many of /the- •••:• Masonic Body as can make it convenient . v will ATTEND the INSTALLATION of the W.M. and OFFICERS of the SOUTH RAKAIA LODGE, on WEDNESDAY EVENING. April 13th, 1881. By order. Local industries associa tion. ...... W.M. 527 a Somerset Lodge.



The MONTHLY: MEETING of the above will be held at the upper room of' the Town Hall on WEDNESDAY, April 13th, at 8 p.m., when important business in connection with New industries will be brought forward. All interested, and willing to become members, are invited to attend. Annual subscription only five shillings. Mount hutt road board DISTRICT. . (f The ANNUAL MEETING qC.. Rate payers will bei held in the Road -Boarili Office, Methven, on _ the 14th day of April, at 3 o’clock. JjT O T I O ' E; The MEETING of SHAREHOLEERS of Templar Hall Company is POST PONED to WEDNESDAY, the 13th inst. , at 8 p.m. S. E. po VKrai ' 7 614 a 515 a JULIAN JACKSON, Chairman:



504 a G. W. ANDREWS, - j Change 7t MEETING of the Shareholder* the Templar Hall Company will be.h( in the Teihplar Hall oh WEDNESPi' the l£th inatantat 8 ' J ' 1 ‘ !l ‘ ; ‘ ’ Business; : . _ e To confirm resolution', passed at" meeting h,eld oh March 9th,jlßi GEO. W. ANDREWS. PERSONS interested—in forming a SPARROW CLUB ate- a«f itedoto. MEET at QuiU’s Hotel, on THURSDAY, April 603 a «ux JOSEPH HUNT. lusiiA