SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Elizabeth Conway, achooner, from Wel lington. Sailed. Saturday. Wanaka, a. a, for Wellington. Hand Graham, achooner, for New Plymouth. _ SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Saturday Arrived—Albion, from Sydney. She left on the 9th, and experienced a succes fion of S.E. gales through the whole naaaage. The captain reports no sickness $n board. The steamer has been ordered to remain at the station to the end of the term, and the Arawata proceeds to Sydney Instead of the Albion. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Wanaka, from the South. Sailed Taiaroa, for Auckland, via Taranaki, with the outward San Francisco mail. Bluff, Yesterday. The Rotorua left Melbourne at 1.20 txa. o# July 12th, passed the Solanders at a.m., arriring at 9 a.m. Experienced fine weather, with northerly winds during the passage.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr Alfred Harrison reports for week ending July 18, as follows On Wednes day, July 13th, I had a sale of fruit and ferast trees; they were in splendid condi tion, and sold well, the whole lot being cleared satisfactorily. On Saturday last I hold my weekly sale at my yards; 16 draughts and hacks were entered, and all, with the exception of two, were sold atfais prices. Cows —L 65s and L 5 7s 6d. The entries in pigs were not numerous, but prices were good. Implements sold well, especially one dray and one Reid and Gray plough. A large number of entries in fowla found ready buyers at 2s 3d to os per pair. Turkeys, 10s to 13s 6d per pair. Produce— Potatoes, L2los to L 3 per ton. Oats, 2s bushel; chick wheat, Is 6d to 2s; barley, lsto2s per bushel; carrots, 60s per ton ; pork, per lb. ; bacon, s£d to bd per lb ; cheese, 4d per lb ; flour, 18s per 200 lbs. A quantity of harness, furmtme, and sundries sold at fairly good price. The attendance was good, and selling continued until late in the afternoon. Mr Joseph I\ ess reports having held his first weekly sale at his yards and mart on Saturday last. There was a large attend ance, and the entries were of a varied cha racter. Fowls realised from Is 6d to 4s per pair; ducks, 3s lOd; geese, 9s 6d; thick wheat, 4s per bag; pigs (suckers), 6a, 6s, 7s 6d, 11s; barley (damaged), 5s tdi per bag. Horses—eleven entries. The Sale was dull, but two were sold. A Choice selection of fruit and forest trees aold at remarkably good prices. Cheese averaged 4d; ham, 7id; bacon, 6d; tea, 19s per box; onions, fd per lb. Harrows, per set, L 4 10s. In consequence of the large number of goods catalogued, and the short day. the bulk of the entries had to be held over for another day.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows: —a*<n-o>tri«uA.»T „i, ~Mni.ih. at 6.30 a.m, 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. Tor Chertseyßakaia, &a, at 10.30 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 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 am., and 4.30 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 6.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 4.40 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. 5.36 p.m., and 8.16 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, How land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, tod Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-Night, Monday, July 18, Amateur Dramatic Club and Georgia Minstrels, Town Hall, at 8 p.ra. Parish of Athburton—Meeting of Parish ioners, Library Hall, 7.30 p.m. To-morrow, Tuesday, Judy 19. Phrenological Entertainment, by Profes sor Simon, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 20. Public meeting, Elgin Schoolhouse, 7 p.m. Hnnt Club—Meet at 1 p.m., at Fairfield. Monday, July 25. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, August 2. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 3. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Monday, August 8, Rangitata Road Board —Monthly Meet ing. Wednesday, August 10. Local Industries Association Annual meeting, upper room, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Thursday, August 11. Library Committee—Monthly meeting. Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet ing.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JULY 18, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [.lssued at 4.10 p.n*. j

Held Over. arriving too late, correspondence and other matter are unavoidably held over.

“Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”— This favorite piece was again played on Saturday even ing, at the Town Hall, by the combined forces of the Dramatic Club and the Georgia Minstrels, and the performance went more smoothly than ever. There was a first-rate house, and the piece was re ceived with enthusiastic applause. At the close of the performance Mr Jacobson came forward on the stage and stated that in consequence of the great success of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” it would be re peated on Monday (this evening). As this will positively be the last night of the season, those who have not yet witnessed it should not lose the present opportunity. Police Court. This morning one drunkard was brought before the Court, and fined the usual ss, with the usual al ternative. His Worship the Mayor was on the Bench. Phrenology. —lt will be seen from a notice in another column that Professor Simon, the well-known phrenologist, is staying for a short time in Ashburton, and will give phrenological entertainments at the Town Hall, experimenting on the craniums of those who present themselves on the platform to-morrow and on Wed nesday evenings. These entertainments are spoken of as being quite as amusing as they are instructive. xne has already distinguished himself by his ability in reading the characters of persons whom he has approached only when blind folded, and it is assurod he never makes a mistake in his delineations. The South Canterbury and Dunedin papers spoke in the highest manner of his powers, and we have reason to believe, from circumstan ces which have come under our own notice, that he is a thorough master of his profession, to which ho has devoted about twenty years’ study. This morning his time was fully occupied by persons de sirous of obtaining written charts of their respective characters; those who have not yet done so, and yet wish to see him for that purpose, should do so at once, as his stay heie is very short. We should strongly recommend our readers to be present at the entertainments. Mr Simon can be seen every day ac the commercial room upstairs at Quill’s hotel. Parish Meeting.— A meeting of the parishioners of this district will take place this evening at the Library Hall. As matters of considerable importance are to be discussed, we anticipate a large number of parish members. Lecture. —On Wednesday evening the Rev. S. Slocombe will deliver his popular lecture entitled “ Crooked sticks ” at the Presbyterian Church. The lecturer has received very flattering notices of his abilities as a lecturer elsewhere, and as the object of the lecturer is to raise funds for the erection of a new church, we hope there will be a large attendance.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. [per keuter’s agency.] The Irish Land Bill. London, July 14.

In the House of Commons to-day the Irish Land Bill was again under consideration in committee. Clauses 25 and 26 were passed before the House rose, but the latter, providing for grants for emigration, met with fur ther obstruction, and was only carried after the sitting had been protracted to an unusual length. In the course of the debate on the latter clause, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone censured the obstructionists in strong terms for their conduct, and stigmatised the tactics of the Parnellite party as calcu lated to degrade the proceedings of the House. July 15. In the House of Commons to-day further progress was made in committee with the Irish Land Bill. Clauses 27 to 34 were, after discussion, postponed, but clauses 35 to 42 were duly passed without amendment. Monetary and Commercial Consols have advanced and are quoted to-day at New Zealand 5 per cent. 10.40 loan remains at New Zealand 5 per cent. 1889 loan, 105 ; New Zealand 4per cent. 1879- 1904 loan, 103. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, has fallen is, and is quoted to-day at 48s j New Zealand wheat, ex ship, remains at 48s; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, at 345. The total quan tity of wheat afloat for Great Britain at this date is 1,720,000 {quarters. Aus tralian tallow has declined is per cwl.; best beef is now quoted at 34s 6d, best mutton at 365. The Transvaal Settlement. A debate took place in the Honse of Lords to-day regarding the Transvaal settlement. In the course of the dis cussion Earl Kimberley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, announced that a certain force of British troops would remain in the Transvaal for the ment of the decisions which may ba

Pa ms, July 16.

Later news has just been received that the French have been successful over .the insurgent tribes at Sfax. Under cover of a heavy bombardment by the ships a strong storming party, effected a landing this morning. The Arabs offered a firm defence, but after heavy fighting, were at length driven back, and the French forces are now in full possession of Tunis.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

A man named Shrimpton attempted to commit suicide tbis.morning by cutting his arm with a penknife. He had been employed at Quill’s Hotel as book keeper for a short time back, and was found at McKenzie’s Hotel with a severe gash in his arm and a large pool of blood round him. Dr Murdoch was quickly in'attendance, and bound up the arm. The man is in a very weak state but is expected to recover. We understand that the temporary aberra tion of the unfortunate man was due to disappointment at not obtaining work over-exciting his brain. We learn that he was lately in business in Dunedin, where his wife and family reside.

GREAT FLOOD.

£20.000 Damage Done

Storekeepers Ruined.

[nr TE I.TvOR APH. ] Thames, Yesterday

The severest and most destructive flood ever experienced here occurred last night. The rain was incessant for forty-eight hours, and all the creeks were so flooded as to carry away bridges, and bring down a thousand tons of debris. Two men were washed away, and one body has been recovered. About fifty million feet of bulk timber were washed to the booms at the Shortland mills, and millions were washed to sea. The damage to the town was very great, and is estimated at LIO.OOO. The borough corporation put on fifty men to repair damages, and it is estimated that they will require L 5,000 to make good the injury to the culverts, streets, etc. A meeting of the Council to consider ways and means will be held in the morning. rp he domestic water supply race, and some of the county races have been destroyed, and the water is cut off. The body recovered is that of Daniel Boyle, of -’Shortland ; the other was a Maori. Many small dwellings were washed away, and much damage done to the batteries. The captain of the Rotomahana states that he saw a waterspout break over the town as ho approached it from Auckland. Thames, To-day.

The estimated damage done by the flood is L 20,000 to the local works, county water race. Borough reservoir, culverts, creeks, bridges, etc.; some of the store keepers are completely ruined. The opinion is now confirmed that it is the result of a waterspout, for the localities on each side of the Borough ars com paratively little injured. The County and Borough anthoritics have telegraphed to the Government for assistance.

FIJI NEWS.

(Per Southern Cross, at Auckland.) (bt telegraph.) The schooner Windward Ho reports the shooting of one of her boat’s-crew at Pentecost Island. Satisfaction is expressed at the presence of iKo United States frigate in these waters, as the natives who murdered the May Queen crew are believed to be the same as those who murdered Johnson, an American trader, and the American war ship is expected to demand reparation. A deputation waited on the Governor to represent the scarcity of labor. The Go vernor said that owing to the miscalcula tion by the Agent - General regarding immigration, and the difficulty of obtain ing suitable vessels, labor would be scarce this year. Another lot of 150 Coolies have been placed on the estate of the Sugar Refining Company. Measles are still prevalent in some parts of the group.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE PLOUGHING MATCH DINNER.

To the Editor. Sir, —ln your issue of Saturday last, a letter appears signed by Thomas Quill, io ferring to the Ploughing Match Dinner, which is to be held at Shearman’s Somer set Hotel. The following resolution which was unanimously passed at a meet ing of the Ploughing Match Committee, held on the 28th Juno last, will, perhaf>s, satisfy Mr Quill that the “ matter was not left in the hands of the Secretary for him to give to whoever suited his purpose best”:—Copy of resolution—“ That the Secretary bo requested to arrange with Mr Shearman for a dinner to bo held after the ploughing match.’’—l am, Ac., Geo. Jameson, Secretary Ploughing Match. Ashburton, 18th July, 1881.

A COMPLAINT.

To the Editor. Sir, —I bog to thank you on behalf of myself and others, for your kindness in presenting us inmates of the Old Men’s Homo with a copy of your valuable paper, and would respectfully inform you that sometimes it does not reach the inmates at all, and at other times arrives in a mutilated form, paragraphs having been cut out. —I am, &c., Very Old Man. Old Men’s Home, July 16th 1881. [We are pleased at the appreciation ex pressed by our correspondent, but cannot account for the irregularity of delivery, or the unsatisfactory condition of the papers which do get to their destination. We have shown our correspondent’s letter to the publisher, and he asserts that the papers are addressed and regularly des patched, and we are confident the mutila tion does not take place in this office.— Ed. t?.] To the Editor. Sir, —In your issue of the IGth, I noticed a letter “ Ploughing Arrangements,” signed Thomas Quill. As one, who for many years has taken a deep interest in all agricultural matters (and especially in ploughing matches), I thoroughly endorse Mr Quill’s remarks, as regards the holding of the dinner. During all my experience in connection with ploughing matches, I cannot remem ber an instance in which tenders for the dinner wete not advertised for, thereby wiving every hotelkeeper an opportunity af gaining any pecuniary benefits that mi»ht accrue from a public gathering hold in the district. It is well known that all the publicans in Ashburton subscribe liberally to the Agricutural Association, and, as a body, they object to the Secro tary of the Agricultural Association taking upon himself the responsibility of select ing the publican who is to carter for the dinner. The ploughing match is a public meeting—supported and got up by public subscriptions—and therefore such a thing as favoritism or patronage ought to bo ex cluded. In justice to the publicans of the district I would suggest (if not too late) that tenders for the ploughing match dinner should bo called for at once. Apologising for taking up so much of your valuable space, I am, Ac., Samuel Brown. ' Ashburton, July XBth 1881. :

arrived at by the Royal Commission now sitting. His Lordship further stated that if necessary a sub-commis sion would be appointed to adjudicate on claims for compensation which may be put forward by those who remained loyal during the war, and that in the consideration of such claims natives would not be overlooked. Anniversary of the French Republic. Paris, July 14.

The anniversary of the French Re public was celebrated to-day as a public holiday throughout'.the country. Fes tivities were organised in all parts of this city, and passed off with great eclat.

Arrests at Tripoli. Telegrams are to hand to-day from Tripoli announcing that certain emis saries dispatched by the French Go vernment to the Governor-General of Tripoli have been placed under arrest on their arrival at the capital.

Disturbances in Afghanistan. Calcutta, July 14.

News has been received to day from Afghanistan reporting that Ayoub Khan is now at Ferrah, a city about 130 miles south of Herat, supported by a large body of troops. The Ameer’s forces are still at Girishk, and it is expected that hostilities between the two armies will shortly commence. The President’s Health. . Washington, July 16. This morning’s bulletin reports that President Garfield progresses favorably, and he is rapidly gaining strength, and his complete recovery seems now assured. Arrival of the Mails. San Francisco, July 15. The Pacific mail steamship City of New York, which left Auckland on June 21 st, with the homeward Australian and New Zealand mails, arrived here yester day. AUSTRALIAN^ [per rbutbr’s agency.] Scarcity of Sugar. Adelaide, July 16. A vessel has arrived here from Mau ritius, and reports that when she left that island no sugar was obtainable. Mutiny. It is expected that the Government will prosecute the crew of the barque Sarah Bell for mutiny.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Bank of New South Wales. New Plymouth, Saturday.

The Bank of New South Wales has pur chased the vacant corner section in Devon street, below the Taranaki Herald office, at Ll 7 10a per foot. The Bank intends erecting a handsome building on it at once. Smuggling Cigars. Wellington, Yesterday. A Chinaman was arrested last night for smuggling ashore cigars from the steamer Bowen. Four hundred and seventy-five cigars'were found concealed about his person. Intercolonial Weather. Intercolonial Weather Exchange Sydney, Saturday : —A depression, with moderate winds passed south of Adelaide yesterday, and was off Hobart this morn ing, the barometer being 29.7. The gale of Wednesday last is now clear of the Australian coast, where the weather is settled with light S. W. wind and rising pressure, the barometer in Brisbane being 30.15. The storm centre is now passing north of New Zealand, bringing easterly gales. The one now approaching will pass south, and bring westerly winds. The Boiler Explosion. Wellington, To-day. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, John Simpson, the keeper of the hulk on which the boiler exploded, was committed for trial on the charge that he did knowingly and wilfully fasten down the safety-valve of the boiler. Bail was allowed, himself in LIOO and two sureties of LSO each.

Dangerous Accident. Timaru, Saturday.

A farmer, named Sains, was brought into town last night in an almost hopeless condition, having fallen off a dray, the wheels of which passed over his loins, crushing them badly. Sains is one of the oldest and most respected residents in the district.

The Water Supply. Oamaru, Yesterday,

The water supply was used to-day for the first time on a. large scale as a motive power. The trial was highly successful, the whole of the machinery in Messrs Anderson’s new flour mill being driven by a small engine. It is estimated that suf ficient is available to drive six similar mills. The event was celebrated by a luncheon, to which Messrs Anderson in vited the Borough Council and other lead ing citizens. . A Volunteer Presentation. Major Sumpter was last night presented with a handsome sword as a souvenir from his old company. The Waitaki Jockey Club. The Waitaki Jockey Club last night de termined to wind up. The Mails. The s.s. Australia, with the London mails of the IGth ult., left San Francisco for Auckland on Sunday, 3rd inst., one day later than time-table date. The s.s. City of New York, with June colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco on 14th. inst., time-table date. Dismissed- Dunedin, To-day. The charge against Forrester was dis missed, the money having been paid to prosecutor. The Eliza M‘Phee Ashore. Wyndham, Yesterday. The ketch Eliza M'Phee, Captain Campbell, bound from Dunedin to Inver cargill, dragged her anchors in Waikawa harbor on Friday night at ten o’clock and went ashore on the beach. No lives were lost. The cook, a German, was nashed into the breakers, and had a very narrow escape. The captain and crew saved his life in the boat at great risk. The vessel is believed to be the property of the cap tain, and is not insured. The cargo con sists of iron and lead, so that there is little hope of its being saved. Valueless Cheques- Invercargill, To-day.

At the Folico Court to-day, Hugh Bar lin, alias Baldwin, was convicted on five charges of obtaining goods by issuing valueless cheques, and received cumula tive sentences amounting to 18 months. The Magistrate commented severely on the readiness with which storekeepers took cheques from unknown parties.

THE WAR IN TUNIS.

The French in Possession. [by cable.] Paris, July 16. Telegrams to hand from Tunis this morning reports that the bombardment of Sfax continues, but the French have, so far, been unable to dislodge the Arabs. The latter still offer a firm resistance to the attempts, on the part of the French vessels, to land a storm ing party.

THE ARSON CASE.

After the adjournment on Saturday afternoon, the following additional evi dence for the defence was taken : William Smith, clerk to Mr Gundry (in surance agent), exaimined by Mr O’Reilly, deposed ; Buxton effected an insurance in the Standard Company in November last. I examined the goods in his pos session. I should say that the goods he showed me were worth over L 1,200. I was with an auctioneer here before 1 was with Mr Gundry, and had an opportunity of knowing the value of goods. I had a proposal of Miss Buckman’s in February | last fo*- Ll5O. That was for the stock in 1 Peter street. I inspected the stock at the the time. It was then in the work-room (front room) and bedroom. When I wont to see Ruxton’s property, I saw tins of Miss Buckman’s at the same time. When I went to see Buxton's property last November, I did not see Miss Buckman’s. She was not here. When I went to see Miss Buckman’s stock on the 2nd February, I had not seen it before. I could not estimate it. I was perfectly satisfied, as it was such a small amount she wanted as compared with the value of the stock. There was no* objec tion raised by the company. When I sent the proposal to Christchurch, I re ceived an answer that as the goods were under the same roof as Ruxton’s, an ad ditional rate would be charged. [Letter read.] When I received that letter, I did not see either Mr Raxton or Miss Buck man- In answer to the letter, I sent a letter I explaining that Miss Buckman was Mrs | Ruxton’s sister, and that she was carrying on her own business under her brother-in law’s roof. A reply came back that the goods could be insured at the usual rate. Buxton afterwards called at Mr Gundry’s office. Miss Buckman’a insurance was transferred on 29th April to Aitken street. I went to Aitken street to see ■ the goods before the transfer was effected. Miss Buckman had already moved. I went to see that the goods had been transferred to Aitken street. Mrs Ruxton came to the door, and I asked to see Miss Buck man. I saw Miss Buckman, and she showed me the goods transferred from Peter street. I saw property of Ruxton’s also—a quantity of linen, tweeds, shirts, blankets, satins, silks, etc.; altogether six cases. I saw what was contained in the cases. They ; were of a different class of goods from those in Peter street. I noticed that the goods of both Ruxton and Miss Buckman were of a very superior quality ; too good, in fact, for Ashburton. I saw Raxton respecting a sale of goods. I knew Ruxton was about to sell part of the goods. I said to him at the time, ‘ ‘ I take no notice of the altera tion ; I suppose you keep up the stock.” 1 was in Aitken street afterwards, and saw goods bought of Ruxton by Miss Buck man. They .were goods I had seen at Mr Ruxton’s in Peter street. There might have been Ll5O worth, or there might have been L2OO worth. I knew from them that Miss Buckman was going to Timaru. I was at Ruxton’s on the even ing of the day when Mrs Ruxton and Miss Buckman wont to Timaru. Mr Ruxton was there. Mrs Ruxton and Miss Buckman came in. Mr Ruxton knew they had gone to Timaru to look for a shop, and did not expect them back for two or three days. I was there on business in connection with Miss Buck man’s affairs. I was last in Ruxton’s place a week before the tire. I saw the stock, but could not see any alteration at all in it.

By the Police : I recollect being at the house in Aitken street one Sunday when Miss Buckman was out. I saw a lot of tweeds in the bedroom. I did not tell either Sergeant Felton or you that there were no goods kept there. I might have seen things there that I had not noticed before. 1 don’t believe I have seen the picture' produced before anywhere. 1 knew something about Miss Buckman’s removing to Timaru. I did not tell it to you. Why should I ? I did not tell Mr Gundry anything about it. It was not necessary. I have been tolerably inti mate .with Miss Buckman. I had not been courting her. When I insured the things at Miss Buckman’s in Aitken street, I saw some things that had been before underMr Ruxton’s roof. The mat produced was not the mat in Ruxton’s house at the time of the fire. I could not swear that there were any goods like those produced in Court in Ruxton’s possession. By Mr O’Reilly : I do not know that after the transfer of the insurance to Aitken street, Miss Buckman had a large addition to her stock. That addition would have been worth from Ll5O to L2OO.

James Mac Lean Dunn, examined by Mr Branson, deposed ; lam a journalist, re siding in Ashburton. On the Wednesday before the fire I was in the Peter street shop. It was between 12 and 2 o’clock. Mr Ruxton owed the Lyttelton Timex Company some money, and I went to col lect it. I went into the shop door, and remained at the place two or three minutes. I took notice of what was in the shop, because there was no one there. The shelves seemed to be well stocked, and pretty well loaded with rolls of tweed. There were six of these shelves. There were some small things in the win dow. There was a show case in the shop, containing ties, Ac. There was no painting on the window, but frosting about half way up. There had been some frosting as far back as April. I was at the fire. Prom the number of pieces of burnt tweed remaining, I had every reason to believe that the tweeds I had seen were burnt. By the Police : I could not see that there were pieces of tweed remaining. They were charred remains of rolls. I saw three of them. lam sure about one roll, because I spread it out before several people. Sergeant Felton was with me. We had some conversation about the mat ter. I did not find any heap of rolls. I also found the remains of some remnants.

I did not expect to find a larger quantity of remains than that which I found, be cause the whole heat of the shop was con centrated about that part of it.

Henry Burford, deposed : I am in the employment of Mr Chapman, painter. I have seen the picture produced previously. Saw it on the Thursday morning before the fire. Have not seen it since. Saw

it at Mr Chapman’s. It was being glazed. 1 took it up to Ruxton’s shop on Thurs day morning, about half-past nine. No one was there. I put it down at the kitchen door with its face against the door leaning inwards. I went down then to another house, and saw Mrs Ruxton, and another lady (Miss Buckman), and told them where I had put the picture. John Richard Chapman deposed : I am a painter and glazier, living in Ashburton. I recollect the night of the fire. The pic ture produced is one I had twice in my shop. On the Thursday before the fire I had it in my shop to put another pane of glass in. On the night of the same day (Friday), I sent for it. The glass was broken. It remained in my possession the second time for about a week. The first time Mrs Ruxton brought the pic ture. The glass was pretty nearly all out then. It was completely smashed. Mrs Ruxton called on the Friday after noon and told mo the glass had been broken again by some dogs when she was opening the door. I offered to take a square of glass to the house and put it in. Mrs Ruxton said sho would probably not be at the shop, and it would bo better for me to take it down to my own place to put the glass in. The glass was pretty well smashed on each occasion, in pretty much the same way. There was very little glass left on either occasion. As a matter of fact the picture was broken twice without much injury being done. The dog may have broken the glass and then the pic ture fallen out.

William Leggett deposed : I am work-

ing for my father, Joseph Leggett. Mr' Ruxton bought a horse. I have driven that horse. When I first borrowed the horse from Ruxton it was about a fortnight before the fire. I also borrowed a trap and harness. The harness produced is that borrowed. The trap was a sort of spring cart. The horse was very fresh, and Mr Ruxton could not drive it. I was breaking it in. I borrowed the harness a week before the fire. I brought back the trap and harness after the fire. The harness was in my possession a fort tight before the fire, and returned a week after the fire.

By the Police : I proposed that I should take the cart and harness. That was one Sunday when going over the bridge across the Hinds river. When I brought back the horse and harness I asked Ruxton to let me keep them for another week. This was on the Sunday before the fire. I did take them back. I used them in going backwards and forwards near home. On the Wednesday I brought the horse and harness, and as Mr Ruxton was not at home I took them back.

By Mr Branson: 1 did not borrow them previously, for Mr Buxton had bought them only two or three days before. Joseph Leggett deposed: I am living in Ashburton, next door to Mr Buxton’s. I frosted Mr Buxton’s window ; two panes and part of another. Mr Buxton did the balance. That was four months ago. I removed a bedstead from the front bed room into the back room, and removed the counter to the show room, altered the desk and shelves and the window board. Mr Buxton showed me some red flannel. It was faded from the sun. I was present when Counstable Neill was searching in debris. He picked up what seemed to me to be a gold stud. If it had been a brass button I should have known it. He held it up by the seem, rubbed it with his handkerchief, and put it in his pocket. I was seven or eight feet from him. This was between 12 and 2 o’clock. The top was larger than the bottom part. It was like the one produced [worn by Mr Buxton], but smaller. I think he put it into his waistcoat pocket. I believe his eye caught mine ; I am quite sure I was not mistaken. I believe I have seen the harness produced before, both in Mr Buxton’s possession and my son’s. By the Police : I don’t say that I saw Constable Neill steal this stud. Mr Quill was there, but his back was towards him. Since the last Court day I did not try to persuade Mr Quill that he did see him. Mr Quill spoke to me coming down the street. That was on the first day when the case was on. He said, “ What about this diamond ring?” I said, “ What dia mond ring?” He said, “ They say you saw the constable pick up a diamond ring. ” I said “No, I did not see him pick up a diamond ring, but what appeared to be a gold stud.” That was all that passed. I did not ask Mr Quill if he saw Constable Neill pick this up. I did not mention it to any one until after Buxton was arrested. I thought he would of course report it to the head-quarters of the police. I men tioned it to more than one person. I believe I mentioned it to Mr Buxton first. I intended to be present when Neill gave his evidence, but mistook the hour for the Court opening. Constable Smart was present when the stud was picked up. It was broad daylight. There were some boys there. I saw Neill stoop down. Smart was moving about. I was about four yards off. I would not swear that it was not a button. I don’t believe it was. I did not see Smart throw anything to Neill. If witnesses swear that they saw him do so I will not swear that they did not see him do so. Mr Branson went round to me. I did not call on him. Inspector Pender said that this was a disgraceful way of conducting a defence. Mr Branson retorted with much warmth, and said that the disgraceful, bloodhound manner in which the police had conducted their case was most discreditable. He had done nothing that he would not do again. Mr Branson said he had subpoened Mr Beath of Christchurch, but he had not attended. Mr O’Beilly said he was aware that Mr Beath was prevented by a domestic afflic tion from being present. Mr Branson produced the account for

some tweeds bought by Ruxton from Beath and Co., but Inspector Pender ob jected that that was not evidence, as there was no one to prove the invoice. Mr Branson addressed the Court very briefly for the defence, stating that there had been not the slightest proof of arson or concealment of goods. The Magistrate said he was here acting not judicially but magisterially. The only question for him to decide upon was as to whether there was a case to go before a grand jury, not whether there was enough to convict. The accused were then committed to take their trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supremo Court, to be held in Christchurch ; bail was allowed in two sureties for Ll6O each, together with Buxton's own surety for L3OO for himself and his wife. The Court then adjourned.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The postponed meeting of this Com mittee was held last Friday night. Pre sent—Messrs St. Hill (Chairman), Robin son, Andrews, Hodder, and Orr. An apology for non-attendance was re ceived from Mr Felton. THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT. A letter was received from the Board of Education, stating the Inspector’s Report would be forwarded as soon as possible. COAL-SHED. In answer to an application from the Committee, the Board wrote, stating that no funds were available for a coal-shed. The Chairman said that by his instruc tion the Secretary had written, saying that if they would promise the funds, the Committee would get the shed done, and in reply, the Board wrote, slating that L 3 10a would be allowed. This amount, the Chairman said, was useless, and the only place to put the coal was in the lava tory. They could not afford to have the coal stolen. Mr Hodder suggested that a big box with a padlock would hold the coal. Mr Orr concurred, but the Chairman thought the coal would be stolen, and suggested that tney should make a lean to, which would cost five or six pounds. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Hodder, to write to the Board, saying that L 3 10s was insufficient, and that for about eight pounds a permanent shed might be obtained. MISCELLANEOUS. A letter from the Board, forwarding additional regulations for pupil teachers, adopted by the Board, was read. A letter from the Board, stating that consideration of the Inspector’s report ha i been postponed until July 21st, was read. A letter, resigning" his appointment as pupil teacher, in consequence of ill he&lth, was read from Mr Bertie Stewart. A medical certificate on the was sent.—lt was resolved that the resigna tion be accepted, subject to the sanction of the Board. Applications were read for the vacancy. It was resolved to post pone the consideration of applications until the Inspector’s report was received.

A letter from Miss Stewart was read, resigning her position as mistress of the infant school, as she wished to prosecute her studies in one of the normal schools, and asked to be relieved of her duties by September.—The Chairman said that in any case they would require an infant school mistress, and they should apprise the Board of the resignation.—The Secre tary said he had inlormation that the future salary would be about LI 02.—Mr

Hod dor moved—“ That the resignation of Miss Stewart be accepted with regret.

and that a letter to that effect be written to her.”—Mr Robinson seconded the resolution. —The various members of the Committee testified warmly to Miss Stewart’s efficiency, and spoke of the loss the school would sustain by her re signation.—lt was resolved that the Secretary write to the Board as to the salary of the next teacher, and that on receipt of an answer he should advertise for an assistant teacher. The Board returned a demand for rates for the master’s house, stating that school buildings (in which the houses were in cluded) were exempt by the Act. master’s report.

The report of the head master was read as follows The returns for the quarter, ending 30th June, 1881, waa duly filled up, and show that the working average attendance was somewhat higher than for the previous quarter (300.05). To-day’s attendance ;—Boys, 158 ; girls, 156. Total, 314. In consequence of ill health, Mr B. Stewart has resigned his position as pupil teacher. There are two candidates for the office —Master E. Tasker and Miss Emma Bean. I have, in former reports, noticed the slate of the schoolhouse (the house occupied by me in Burnett street). The sparrows have filled up the spouting in several places ; and during the last gale the front rooms were completely flooded. The fence round the boys’ playground is in great need of re pair. It is reported that parts have been taken down wilfully in order that cows may have free access to the grounds. The boys often complain of the state in which their playground is left by the cattle. —With respect to the fences, the Chairman stated that he had information that the railing had been broken down to enable the cattle to go over. With respect to the house, he did not think they should pay for that out of inciden tals, especially as the grant had been reduced. —The matter relating to_ the house was left to the Visiting Committee. —As to the fencing, Mr Robinson said ho had seen the rails frequently removed, and he thought the attention of the Visiting Committee should be strongly directed to it. The playground was spoiled through the cattle. —It was re solved that a letter be written to the Board, stating that the fencing of both playgrounds was out of repair ; also, that a letter be written to the poundkeeper with respect to the trespassing cattle. THE COMPULSORY CLAUSES OF THE ACT. The Chairman said he was strongly in i favor of the clauses being brought into force. There would be a reduction in the numbers, in consequence of the changes ’ of teachers, if they did not look after the i children. i, Mr Andrews thought they were in duty [ bound to do something, as there were ) many children not attending school. : The Chairman moved —“ That the com pulsory clauses of the Education Act be > put in force in the Ashburton District on • August Ist.” [ Mr Andrews seconded the motion, i Mr Robinson moved, as an amendmen t i —“ That the discussion be postponed i until there is a full meeting of the Com -3 mittee.”

Mr Hodder was arerse to bring these clauses into force hastily, as he objected to coercion of any kind. Mr Orr seconded the amendment, as he thought they should consider the matter farther. The Chairman said they could bring the clauses into force, but it would be for the Committee to consider whether they would take steps to prosecute anyone when occasion arose. Mr Hodder thought it would not be creditable to bring coercion to bear. Mr Andrews said the Government had provided education, and it was the Com mittee’s duty to see that children availed thamsolvos of it. The Chairman agreed with the last speaker. It was the ignorance of certain parents that these clauses were directed against. The Secretary read an extract from the minutes of March 14th, 1878, shewing that the Committee had resolved unani mously, at that date, to bring the clauses into force. The Secretary said that that resolution had never been rescinded. The Chairman’s resolution and Mr Robinson’s amendment were then withdrawn, and it was resolved to publish a notice to parents to the effect that the compulsory clauses were in force in the district. Several members expressed the opinion that an example should be made in the case of some of the worst cases in which children were kept from school. A report from Sergeant Felton as to certain children who were not attending school was laid before the Committee. The Committee then adjourned.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Albion at Auckland.] London, July 5,

: Mr Parnell, has on behalf of himself and the Irish party, sent a telegraphic despatch to Washington, expressing his { horror at the attempt made on the life of ' President Garfield, and hoping that the patient’s life will be spared. Government have announced their in tention to abandon for the present session the Bill for the more effectual prevention and punishment of corrupt practices at elections, also the Oaths Bill, which was introduced to bridge over the Bradlaugh difficulty. They also intimated that in all probability an opportunity will be afforded before the close of the session of considering the Bankruptcy Bill. In the House of Commons, in answer to a ques tion by Mr W. C. Borlase, one of the members for Cornwall East, Sir Charles Dilke stated that the Government had no intention of asking the Government of China to restrict the emigration of Chinese to New South Wales. A cablegram from Constantinople says it is now rumored that Houri Dahomed, one of the Pasha’s sentenced to death for having been concerned in the murder of the late Sultan Abdul Aziz, has confessed that the motive for committing the murder was purely a mercenary one. The leading conspirators seized an enormous quantity of treasure. London, July 6. The Tunisian trouble is assuming an alarming aspoct, and it is feared will give rise to a European eruption. France is mobilising 100,000 troops, and it is an nounced that the French Government will send an army to occupy Tunis for at least three months, for the purpose- of main taining order in Africa. The European Cabinets have been officially advised of the steps about to be taken. London, July 7. July 4th and sth were fearfully hot in America, and numerous cases of fatal sun stroke were reported from New York. In reply to representations made, it is stated from official sources in France that for the safety and good government of the French possessions in Algiers, the opposi tion in Tunis must be met by force of arms, and an army will occupy the country until perfect peace is restored. The situation looks serious as between France, Italy, and Turkey. The death is announced of the Rev. John Cumming, D.D., Minister of the Scotch Church, Crown Court, Covent Garden. He was the author of several devotional and controversial works, and was sixty-nine years of age. The High Court of Stamboul rejected the appeal from condemnation of the Pachas who were implicated in the murder of the late Sultan, and their banishment to Mecca will be immediately enforced.

London, July 8. Mr Bradlaugh has announced his deter mination to again claim his right to sit in the House as member for Northampton,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JUDY 18, 1881.



"T^TURSE. —Mrs Pauling begs to in 1V timate that she has opened a Private Nursing Establishment and Hospital for Ladies and Gentlemen, and is prepared to receive Ladies to Nurse who require tnedical attention. Address Moore treet, near Presbyterian Manse. 104 c EW AND LARGE DISCOUNTS, 4s. in the £ RETURNED to all Customers purchasing Hens* or Boys’ Clothing, For this Month only, EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. Two Shillings in the Pound returned to all customers purchasing in Mercery, Dresses, Manchester, Millinery, and Fancy Departments. SAVE 2s in the £ or 10 per cent, on purchases, 4s in the £ or 20 per cent.



Wanted. WANTED —APPRENTICES to Dressmaking and Millinery. Apply to Miss Bookman, Aitken street (house formerly occupied by Mr G. D. Branson). 280 c WANTED— A Certificated MASTER for the Mount Somers School; wife to teach sewing. Salary, £l3O, less 10 per cent. Sowing Mistress, £l2 per year. Six-roemed house. 260 c w ’ANTED—2O,OOO Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mato 201 c and Hunt. WANTED KNOWN—That the Under signed is prepared to put and keep in ORDER GARDENS, by the day or year, at very low rates. Apply, J. Lin«, Mayo’s Block. 185 c WANTED immediately—CHlCOßY DIGGERS. Apply at Works Moore street. E. B. Pearce. 180 c WANTED EVERBODY to know that HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED KNOWN—That A. Farqu hab has leased BUTLER’S BIL LIARD SALOON, and requests a visit. Pool every evening at 9 o’clock. 93c WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 81c WANTED KNOWN. —Young Ladies’ Journal, Is 7d ; Bow Bells, Is 7d; Family Reader (Monthly), Is 2d ; (Quarterly)do., 2s 2d; Family Herald, Is ; London Journal, Is 4d ; &c., &c. A large assortment of School Books and Stationery of every description. Hymn and Prayer Books, &c., &c. Subscribers wanted for every Newspaper and Periodical published. Books, Piece Music, &c. , not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices. L. F. Andrbwes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 95Sa WANTED KNOWN —That Miss Yerrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. I’. 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 persona with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrbwes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. 102 e WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), New Zealand Gazette, Parliamentarj Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. W ANTED THE GUARDIAN telle your Wonts for Is., cash. WANTED KNOWN— Promissorj Note Forms on Sale, at the Guardian Office, Special Advertisements.



The best value for ready MONEY is the MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured by THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW. 75c Manager.



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. 257a*



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c. , BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819 44 A LL -work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDRESSER, Has iust 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 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. 0., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO Nail Rod, Vanity Pair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c,, and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomww’s Buildings. 730 ft



Special Advertisements- Pianos. Pianos. lANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be required. (Anyone hiring an instrument and subsequently wishing to Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase of same. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 305 a



Dr James Murdoch, HAYING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, 6th June, 1881. 951 a



Hayes' (jl IMB E R YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will he SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. < ALPHEUS HAYES. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, &c., to hand. 608 a