SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. Wanaka, s.s., from the North, with the San Francisco mail. Go-Ahead, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Thomas and Henry, brig, for Dunedin. Albion, 5.8., for Auckland and Way Ports. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS * ‘ Auckland, Yesterday. . ignilpd Energy, for Noumea; Tararua, for Sydney.; Rotomahana,,for the South. New Plymouth, Yesterday. Arrived—Ship. Adamant, from London, with wOTts plant.;. , . * * J ' AVellisgton, Yesterday. Arrived —Go-Ahead, from Napier and Castlepoiut; Wanaka, from the North. Sailed—Penguin, for the North. ¥^te«iay. Amved—SaJaTi Pile, brigantine, from Kaipara. Sailed—Firefly, brigantine, for New castle ; Rotorua, s. s., for Melbourne, via BTuE' " ;

COMMERCIAL.

A ghihnrton Retail List. Butter, inferior to lb, qd to is; eggs, V dozen, is 3d ; cheese, prime quality, 0 !b, ad to 6d ; baccsv . prime smoked, I? lb, is ; hams, in. cloth, 0 lb, is ,to is 2d ; flour, in b|sL’ 0 -rpplb, 12s ; oatmeal, 251 b, 4s; The Uhristchhrch Com Exchange. -r.I ■■■ The following is the report for the week ending:Friday, the Sth of April:— . jßusiness in the grain trade during the past week, has been rather sluggish. This is to be accounted fprtuainly by the dearth of tonnage. Lfltge quantities of grain are now lying in Lyt telton awaiting shipment, .and so .large have the arrivals, been, that the authorities are com rieWM to stack’the grain in ihe open, 6f course tik’ihg the pberaiition tb have it well covered. Country stations aie all crowded, and unable ta Wke more in.’ Under these circumstances it is not surprising that a check has been given to intending buyers. The long continued drought, to which was drawn in last week’s report* has been dispelled by -a season able? and: .copious • rain, which was general throughout -the country, and has been pro ductive of much good..— Wheit: —Long beipcied ,parcels, in large lines and good quality wSIP 'bbmmand ‘3s 'qd to 3s lod per bushel, f.o.b. ; velvet chaff and pearl, 3s yd to 3s 8d ; HuntcrV white, 3s 6d; parcels of a quality not quitesogoodas the foregoing, 2d per bushel less; chick wheat, from is qd to 2s qd per bushel.— Oats ate:still'in:good demand, with the supply rather sbare.' Holders are still unwilling to take the money offered, while consumers will not give the advance asked. Good bright milling samples arc worth from Is 8d to is lod per bushel; feed quality, is 6d to yd per bushel,- No samples offering at the Com Ex change.—Barley : —The market is extremely dull," dittie or no business is being done, brewers and malsters are all fully supplied, and nonebut the primest samples will meet with any attention from them. Medium to really good may be: quoted at from 2s 6d to 3 s 6d per bushel V in' two instances, where the quality was exceptionally fine, 3d and. 6d per bushel over the highest .quotations was obtained. — Grass seed The demand continues active, with but two parcels offering. Well cleaned farmer’s parcels are worth from 3s 6d to 4s per bushel * indifferently- cleaned, according to sample.—Potatoes ;r-The market has not yet been fairly opendd, only a few small lots having changed hands (excepting those sales which take place for forward delivery). The few small sales which have been made have been from 33s to 35s per ton at country stations within from seven to eight miles of Christchurch. The tone .of the tharket is firm.—Beans and Peas ; —iThe forme! are being enquired- for at from 3s 10 3s id ; ‘the latter, 3s to 3s 6d, according to sort —Cheese and butter ;—The former is extremely dull of sale, “atjd to Sj-id per lb; to yd per lb. —Hay :—L2 10s per Jon;

Auctioneers’ Reports. Messrs H. ; Matson and Co.. report on the live stock market; for the week ending April 7th, 1881, as follows'; — At the Addington Yards on Wednesday last ‘‘there was a marked falling off in the supply of all classes of stock. Fat sheep represented about two-thirds of an average entry, whilst stores were in somewhat the same proportion. fff the -auction, one, or. two smilllimesofsecorid rate mutton were passed unsold, but immedrately after an improvement was-TJtrted," and every pen of anything like decent (quality fae sheep was taken up at prices showing an advance of from 6d to is 6d. per head over last week’s rates. Although all the merino mpttoniwas sold, the enquiry was not-sp.. strong nor.values so well maintained as in The' trade in aged store sheep is very much quielet, and the declining values previously ridted have in ho way been checked. Aged broken-mouth merinos (ewes or wethers) in low «)fe&ition are very difficult to quit, in fact, for-this class of sheep during the past month there has-been quite a reaction in trade. Young crossbred ewes’ for breeding purposes are stillO&tirth as much.as they have been at any tinje.tbis ’season, and from their general • scarcity are likely to continue high in price;. We quote two, or fopr-tooth ewes of this class at to pics 6d; merino ewes of the •ame' age, 6s 1 to 7s 6d ; prime crossbred wethers »ild oh Wednesday up to 15s; mixed lots) lis to-ljs 6d ;; merino wethers, 7s to Bs. In beef there was a bare market, and as the bulk) of the> entry ?was sold privately, prior to the the . few remaining lots com manded a fair amount of competition, and were quittfil at an advance of ios, per head over iafe rilling rates. The price of beef will of course fluctuate weds by week, according to supply, but, .that prices, will be very much more. satlsfhtftory during the winter months we’, thifak ihere can be but little doubt, the same applying in a- less extent to fat sheep. ThfeSprice of Store cattle, speaking generally, is unaltered, but with one or two outside buyers ih yesterday’s- market, most of the lines were cleared at firmer rates. The total yarded (hr the .day comprised .6,266 sheep, 286 head 1 off cattje, and, 183 pigs, of which our entryp,included 2,148 sheep; 173 head of cattle, and Jt pigs. In fat crossbred sheep we sold 59,wethers at 14s pd, 130 mixed sexes at lis 34, -30 at 12s 3d, 117 at lis, 160 at los pd, 40-at I is, 40 at’ los pd, 52 at ps, 68 at ps 3Cto merino wethers at 7s pd, 50 at Bs, 46 at 7S t pd, roo at Ss, po at Bs, 46 at 7s pd, 138 aged crossbred store ewes at 6s Bd, 600 cull merino ewes at ; 2s 3d, &c. Fat cattle, from SISS to>£B ; stores, 6at £4 15s, 5 at £1 at £2, 15 at- yz 7s,- ip at £2, and a number of cows, &a,- at current rates. In pigs tKbre is.a drop, in price, l especially for light weight porkers. Bacon hogs, .heavy epougb for.,curing, are little’ riiore in request, ~l

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

ru'Xitrs LEiVB Ashburton for Christ- CHTORcH aTid intermediate stations at 6 £%?, 10;30'Eitri.> and (Express) 5.48 p;'in. : •■ :,r • Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru at 7 a ra. # 10.30! a. m. (Ex-’ and* 4.50 p.m.—the latter pro oaMfiiigHOo JaEMtfir than Timaru. Trains Aebivb; : at,- Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p. m, AT.j .FROM: 'ffintH at 10.15 a.m.. 5,34’

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under Saturday, April 9.. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha. Wednesday, April 13. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi (for specially addressed con-espondencs Only), Continent of Europe, Point de Galle, India, the East, China, Japan, Aden, Mauritius, Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Suez, the Mediterranean Ports, and Australian Colonies, &c., per express train (to connect with s.s. Rotomahana at Bluff), as follows Ordinary letters, at 7 a.m. ; books and newspapers at 6 a.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. on Tuesday I2th ; money orders at Ip.m. on Tuesday 12th. Late lee letters may be posted in the travelling Post-office van attached to the express train on Wednesday, April 13th. ; The next mail for the United Kinif pom (via San Francisco) will leave on pril 23rd. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.ra. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 420 p.m. h daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a. m. Mails arrive at the 'Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.im, 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a. m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.‘35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. m, 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge oh Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, Now land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturda}’3, at 4 p. m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-mobrow, Saturday, April 9. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings Usual Weekly Sale ; 12 o’clock. Tuesday, Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his rooms —Farm and Town Properties ; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. Tuesday, April 12. Parade Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, at 7 p.m. sharp. Wednesday, April 13. Presbyterian Church Gift Auction, Town Hall. County Council, Special Meeting, at noon. Templar Hall Company —; Meeting of Shareliolders, Templar Hall, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14. Meeting of persons interested in forming a Sparrow Club, Quill’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. FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1881. Our Licensing Laws.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.35 p.m.] ,

A most distressing scene came before our notice a few days since in Timaru. A boy of some eight or ten years of age staggered through the main thoroughfare in a state of drunken imbecility, his actions forming food for the amusement of the •crowd of passers

by, instead of arousing a feeling of com miseration and shame in their breasts We do not draw this matter into the notice of the public for the purpose of throwing discredit on the morals of our sister township—far from it; but we do so because we consider it points directly to an existing discrepancy in the Statutes of this colony. It also directs attention to the increasing depravity of the juvenile public tastes. And why is this ? The answer is simple in the ex treme. The unbounded license allowed the youths in this colony is working out its result, and much does that result tend to the deterioration of the social status of the rising and future generations. What is needed is the enforcing active and stringent measures affecting the granting and general conditions of public licenses. Those of an apathetic turn may, and possibly will, urge that on the conviction of a publican for serving children with intoxicating liquors, the Licensing Bench may for feit his license, but we contend that more than this saving clause (Heaven save the mark !) is needed. Not alone in regard to the dispensing of liquors, but the general conduct of licensed Houses. What do we see on entering nine out of every ten billiard saloons in this colony ? A crowd of youths sitting around the room, or participating in the amusement. No sooner are our boys freed from the thraldom of the schoolroom than they are to be found lounging in bar- parlors, or in fancy attaining the art of billiard playing—in fact, training as adepts in all the devices which keep body and soul together in the gambler. Can we wonder at their wan visages, or that they in after life tend to the disreputable? We answer, No. Let this be prevented by direct and prohibitory legislation ; our licen sing laws at present only condone the existing state of affairs. A publican by giving intoxicating liquor to a drunken man runs a risk of the forfeiture of his license; why, then should he be exempt on a more vital point ? If we do not desire that the rising generation should grow into a class of persons similar to those who inhabit that hell upon earth—San Francisco —or incur a repetition here of the dreaded outrages on life and properly by the larrikin element, now so common in Victoria, let some im mediate and decided action be taken for its prevention. The case we have related may be, and we sincerely hope it is, one in a thousand. But the after facts relating to gambling dens, drink ing saloons, billiard rooms, &c., are a daily increasing evil, and can be witnessed nightly by those who are in any way sceptical. All these tend in but one direction—the prisoner’s dock, either in the mild form of the habitual drunkard, or the accompanying vices, extending even to murder. If we have no desire that the generations of the future should grow up into a community of drunkards and criminals, some immediate action is, as we have already pointed out, necessary. Parlia ment does not assemble until June next; we should suggest that in the meantime some of our legislators might devote a portion of the interval to the preparation of an Amendment Act on the present Licensing Statutes, embracing prohibitory measures in the matters referred to.

The San Francisco Mail. —The San Francisco mail left Chri&tchui'ch, per special train, at 2.40 p.m., and will arrive in Ashburton before five o’clock.

Football. —The opening of the football season is postponed from to-morrow until further notice, in consequence of the unusually hot weather now being ex perienced. Orangeism. The ordinary monthly meeting of the local Loyal Orange Lodge was held last evening, in the Templar Hall, there being a good attendance of brethren. The business was of a purely formal character. Telegraphic. —The extra fee of six pence at present levied on telegraphic messages to and from the undermentioned taxed stations has been abolished, and ordinary rates only will be collected in future: —Hampden, Herbert, Kekeraugi, Longford, Lyell, Manuherikia, Miranda, Ohaeawai, Owake, Richmond, Tarapera, Taphouse, Upper Hutt, Urctara, Wainui, Waipu, Waitotara. Scholastic. —We are glad to learn that the following pupil teachers from this dis trict have successfully passed their exa minations, and are entitled to certificates: —Miss Christina Henderson and Miss Dynes, the D certificate; Mr Wake, the D certificate. All three are from the Ashburton school, Mr Wake and Miss Henderson having had the main portion of their training at the above school, and Miss Dynes at the Sydenham school, though now one of the mistresses at the Ashburton school. South Rakaia School Committee.— The usual monthly meeting of the Com mittee was held on Tuesday last. Present —Messrs Hardy (Chairman), Davies 1 Bowler, Byrne, and Gaarder. The chair - man stated that no application had been received for the appointment of assistant mistress. After some consideration it was resolved that the chairman interview the Secretary of the Board of Education on the subject. Several letters were read from the Board of Education. The master’s report was read and received, and the meeting adjourned. He Wouldn’t Reform. —This morning a man named Brennan, who figured in the R. M.’s Court yesterday, on a charge of drunkenness, and to whom the leniency of the Bench was extended, on the strength of a promise of reform, was again brought before the Resident Magistrate on a similar charge. The accused was fined 10s. On a second charge of being illegally on certain premises he was “sent up” for three days’ hard labor. Strange to say, when arrested on Wednesday, he had in his possession Is. 2d., and the same sum was found on his person when searched last night. Query—Whence came the wherewithal to get drunk I Possibly some of our correspondents can suggest some elucidation of the mystery. Fires. —A four-roomed cottage belong ing to Mr Alfred Hewitt, situated in Ollivier's road, Christchurch, about,half a mile down the Ferry Road, was totally destroyed by fire last night. It seems that Mrs Hewitt had gone out about half an hour previously, leaving a kerosene lamp burning on the mantelpiece in the kitchen, which is supposed to have been the cause of the fire. It was insured in the Standard office for L2OO, and the furniture in the South British. The alarm was not conveyed to town until the house was completely destroyed, and so the engines did not turn put.—Early yes terday morning, says the Lyttelton Times, Mr G. F. Smith, of Little Raima, near SouthbridgOj discovered that four of his stacks of wheat were on fire. Mr Smith at once got assistance, and every endeavor was made to save them, but without success. They were insured in: the New Zealand office for Ll5O. A fire occurred at Wanganui yesterday morning, which de stroyed a dwelling-house and its contents, belonging to Mr W. Dempster, of. Nukumara. It was insured in the North British company for L 460. It is estimated that the loss:will amount to. LI,OOO.

Struck of the Rolls. — A t the Sup-, cemo Court, Wellington, yesterday, in re Henry Adams, Solicitor, formerly Crown prosecutor at Nelson, defendant not appearing to show cause, the rule was made absolute to strike him off the rolls. Immorality in Industrial Homes.—- Michael Breen, a former inmate of the Auckland Industrial .Home, was arrested at Mahurangi yesterday, on a charge of indecent assault in connection with the recent disclosures of immoralities among the children at the Home. He lately served a term of six months’ imprison ment for indecent assault on a girl at Mount Albert.

A New “Pick-me-up.’’ —Mr J. M. Cambridge, of the Medical Hall, East street, notifies in another column that he has just received a consignment of a new alcoholic “ pick -me - up,” called “Zocdone.” This beverage is designated by the British Medical Journal as a brain and nerve tonic and nutriticnt tonic beverage, and is recommended by that journal as of use in cases of general malaise connected with phthesis in its last stages. Zocdone is also in general favor in the London clubs.

Gold or no Gold I —The Waimate Times of Saturday says:—“Notwith standing the fact that the recently reported discovery of a quartz-reef near Pudding Hill turned out to be incorrect, there is a very general belief that there is good pay able gold within a short distance of Wai mate, and that the belief is well founded we hope to be able to give some indication in onr next issue. Meanwhile, a number of onr business men are interesting them selves in a proposal to offer a reward for the discovery of payable gold in the district. Already L 325 is guaranteed, and a meeting is to be held early next week to take further steps in the matter.” Supreme Court, Auckland. —At this court yesterday Purcell, for forgery in connection with his bankruptcy, was sentenced to two years. E. H. Jaggar was sentenced to two years’ hard labor on three charges of forgery. Warner was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for larceny as a bailee. Sutherland, for breaking and entering, to two years’ im prisonment. In the case of Bell, of Ohaupo, charged with embezzlement, the counsel for the defence pleaded that the man had been drinking. Prisoner was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Novel Swindle. —A remarkably clever and novel piece of swindling (says the special correspondent of the Lyttelton Times ) has been perpetrated in the Wel lington district. A leading legal firm, in conjunction with a local auctioneer, sold to a person a run carrying some 2,000 sheep, taking a small sura in cash, and apparently good paper for the balance. The purchaser took possession, sheared the sheep, and sold the wool, and subse quently the sheep for cash, and has levanted with proceeds, the paper being worthless. I send you confidently the names of the parties concerned, which for obvious reasons it would be unwise to publish. Rather complicated legal pro ceedings are likely to arise. Lottie Wilmott Turned out of Court.

—The Auckland correspondent of the Lyt telton Times wired the following on Wed nesday :—“ An incident quite unexampled in any of our local temples of justice, took place this morning in the Supremo Court, in connection with the hearing of a charge of rape. The indictment had hoeh read over, and the usual order was given for women and children to leave, and to re main out of hearing. Some took the hint and departed, but twi Indies remained upon the bench, immediately behind the press box. One of them was a Maori, and the other a European lady, well be jewelled, and wearing a heavy veil, who subsequently turned out to be Madame Wilmot. Attention having been directed to their continued presence, the Court crier requested them to withdraw, and they did so rather reluctantly. Immedi ately afterwards the Crown Prosecutor received a message from Madame Wilmot, asking if she might be allowed to re-enter and remain in Court as a special reporter, but he took no further notice of the un-

usual request, and the case then pro ceeded. A lengthy examination of the first witness had all but.finished, when it it was stated that a woman was sitting at the end of the gallery upstairs, partly con cealed behind one of the arched buttresses of the building. All eyes were turned in the indicated direction, and the intruder stood revealed ; it was the irrepressible lectureas. The presiding Justice re marked that this was a case for the adop tion of the course pursued on a similar occasion by Baron Creaswell ; that learned judge once directed that all respectable women should leave _ the Court, and that all others who remained should; be expelled. The power of expul sion would have to be resorted to as the lady still maintained her seat. The crier was ordered to remove her and lock the

door of the gallery. The officer left on his errand and a hush of expectation ensued. In a moment or two he made his appearance in the gallery, and crossed over to the half-concealed and veiled figure, held a whispered conversation with the lady, who at length rose slowly, and after an ineffectual effort to engage the the crier in conversation, left the gallery when the door was shut and bolted after her. The hearing of the evidence was then continued.

A meeting of shareholders in the Templar Hall Com pany is convened for Wednesday next, at 8 p.m. All claims against the estate of James Fletcher must bt sent in to the trustee, Mr F, Pavitt, on or before the 15th inst. Tenders are required for building a five-roomed house in Ashburton, labor only. Tenders to be sent in to Robert Ennis, Tinwald Post Office by the 14th inst.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per beuter’s agency.] Consols- London, April 6. Consols have advanced to New Zealand securities are unchanged. Wheat. Adelaide wheat has advanced is per quarter, and to-day is quoted at 51s, ex warehouse. New Zealand wheat re mains at 46s ex ship, and Adelaide flour at 34s ex warehouse. Terrible Earthquake-

News has been received that an earthquake of a terrible character has been experienced in the island of Ohio, in the /Egean Sea, off the coast of Smyrna, Asia Minor. The results have been most disastrous to life and pro perty, the accounts to hand estimating that fully 500 persons have met with their death. The Difficulty with France.

It now transpires that the conflicts on the Tunisian-Algerian frontier have not, as previously reported, occurred over a former difficulty between England and France as to the disputed right of an English subject to an estate at Enfidd, but have arisen in conse quence of the action on the part of France towards the acquisiton of Tunis. The steps which had been taken by the French Government caused much ex citement throughout Italy, as tbdy were thought to be directly opposed to Italian interests. The matter has formed the subject of diplomatic cor respondence between the French and Italian Governments, and in reply to the latter’s, remonstrance the French Government have " given friendly as

durances as to its intentions with regard to Tunis. A Flying Squadron. London, April 6. A detached squadron, consisting of Her Majesty’s ships Inconstant, Bacchante (with which are Princes Albei t Victor and George of Wales), Tourmaline, Carysfort, and Cleopatra, under command of Admiral Earl Clanwilliam, which was ordered from its cruise to proceed to Natal for the purpose of landing the brigade for service in the Transvaal, has now re ceived orders to proceed from the Cape to Melbourne. It has not transpired whether the other ports will be visited by the squadron* Affairs in Tunis. Rome, April 6. Signor Cairoli, President of the Council of Ministers, made a statement to-day in the Chamber of Deputies in regard to the state cf affairs in Tunis. In the course of his speech he stated that the French and Italian Govern ments had arrived at a complete agree ment as to the course they would pursue in regard to the Tunisrian question.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter's agency.] The Reform Bill. Melbourne, April 7. In the Legislative Assembly last night a message was received from the Council asking that a committee should be appointed to consider the Reform Bill. Mr Berry stated that he agreed to the suggestion, and proposed him self, Messrs Longmore, Mirams, Pear son, Tucker, Vale, and Grant, and the leader of the Opposition, as members of the Committee. Sir John O’Shan assy energetically protested against the selection; but upon a ballot being taken, it was confirmed. Mr Berry, in the course of the debate, stated that he could only make a small concession to the Council. The latter’s committee will consist of Sir Charles Sladen and Messrs Cuthberts, Hearne, Reid, Fitz gerald, Balfour, and Mcßain. The joint committee are not expected to succeed in bringing about an under standing on the Reform question. The first sitting of the conference of the committees was held to-day. Sir Charles Sladen, M.L.C., discussed the measure at length. Mr Berry replied, and conversation of a desultory charac ter followed, The conference has ad journed till Monday next.

Prorogation* . It is expected that the prorogation of Parliament will take place on Thursday, the 14th inst.

NEW ZEALAND

[per PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Horse, Owner, and Jockey Disqualified. Aucklanp, To-day. The Auckland Jockey Club held a meeting re the “ stiffening ” of Golden Crown in the Panmurc Handicap. The Club, after hearing the evidence, decided to disqualify the horse, its owner (Mr Byres), and his son (the jockey) from running on any course under the Jockey Club rules for ever. A Good Three Months’ Work. Dunedin, To-day. The Morrison claim, Blue Spur, washed up lOOOozs for three months’ work. On his Trial. The charge against Paget, ex-postal clerk, is proceeding at the Police Court. Off to the Diggings. The Frederick Basil took nearly 100 passengers for the Mount Brown diggings to-day. Another Little Blaze. Invercargill, To-day. W. H. Mathison’s blacksmith’s shop, at Wyndham, was burned down yesterday morning. A large portion of the con tents were insured, but the amounts are unknown. Our Brave Defenders. The Southland men attending the Oamaru review are as follows :—Artillery, 60 ; Rifles, 30 ; Hussars, 50. This con tingent will he joined by GO men from the Lakes district, and will leave here on Thursday night, to arrive at Oamaru on Friday morning.

AFFAIRS IN IRELAND

The Police Fire on the People. A Girl Shot Dead. (by cable.) London, April C. A serious disturbance occurred at Ballinamore, Ireland, to day, between the police and people. The latter were fired upon by the police, and a girl who was in the crowd was shot dead.

EARL BEACONSFIELD IN A CRITICAL STATE.

(by cable.) London, April 7-

A bulletin issued this morning re ports that Earl Beaconsfteld has suf fered a serious relapse during the night, and is now again in a very critical state. Sir William Jenner, one of the physi cians in ordinary to the Queen, has consequently been summoned to con fer with the other medical attendants of his Lordship.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE NEAR AUCKLAND.

[by telegraph.] Acckland, To-day.

Messrs Ireland Bros. ’ Panmure Tannery —tfie largest and most extensive in New Zealand was totally destroyed by fire this morning. When discovered the flames had obtained a firm hold of the buildings, and nothing could be done to save them, or the goods which they con tained. Nothing is at present known regarding the origin of the fire. The total loss is estimated at L 2,000. The insur ances are very heavy, chiefly in the New Zealand offices. The New Zealand Com pany had a policy of L7,C00 on the tannery, but moat of it ia re-insured. The following are the approximate losses of the various companies involved : —New Zealand, L 3,500 ; Union, LSOO ; Stan dard. L 350 ; Transatlantic, LBOO ; Victoria, L 320 ; North British, L7OO.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(from our own correspondent.) Sydney, March 26.

Those among us who looked for a storm in the political world when Mr William Foster, the late A gent- General, returned to confront his ancient enemy, Sir Henry Parkes, have been disappointed, for the new member for Guhnedah has been in the House a fortnight and has not opened his lips. He has voted once or twice, but always with the Government. Despite all this, there are tokens.that Mr Foster is only watching and waiting. There are many who believe that when Parliament meets again in June, Mr Foster will bo found at the head of a compact Opposition. Already Mr. ■ Fitz patrick has resigned his position as leader of the Ministerial: opponents, and 1 Mr.’ Foster has declined the post. However, the able statesman who lifts just returned to ua has made his presence felt in other respects. A£, the welcome breakfast he hinted that he. did not like all the members of the. Ministry, and a few days later there appeared a most sarcastic letter in the public press, in which he told the leader of the Government pretty, plainly that, upon his own admission, die did not know how to express his ideas in the English language. Even in the latter days of the session—for Parliament is about to prorogue—-the want of a recog nised leader of the. Opposition shows itself in the unnecessary obstruction which tho business is meeting, and the pro tracted sittings till the eaily hours of the morning. Notwithstanding the fact that the session has been almost barren of legislation, the Government have suc ceeded'in,getting the largest railway pro posals through Committee that have ever been assented to in Australia, and perhaps by any state in the world. They pro posed to construct 585 miles of rail way, at a cost of 1,8,700,000, and the pruning knife has been only used in respect to the Southern and Northern junction line, which was only voted as a single instead of a double Hue. Even the junction line between the western and southern lines, 200 miles in land, received the assent of the Com mittee. The most remarkable feature in connection with these railways is the unanimity tho House displayed in accept ing them. One division was actually carried by 77 votes to 2. The Govern ment owe a good deal of their success to the fact that our eastern lines almost pay the interest upon construction, and every new venture but adds to the chances of an immense revenue in the near future. The tramway system which has been adopted in Sydney is no excep tion to this rule. Last Sunday ten thousand citizens travelled upon the new extension to Congee Bay, the trip ; being accomplished in twelve minutes, and at a cost of Bcl there and back. As Congee is a pretty ocean beach, the llandvvick ex tension is bound to be a great source of attraction to pleasure seekers, and of over heated citizens.

To-day saw the greatest event that has perhaps occurred in the maritime history of the colony—viz., the berthing the s.s Orient alongside the Circular Quay. The mammoth ship was brought alongside with wonderful ease, and a few minutes afterwards a number of our leading citi zens, in 'response to an invitation from Captain Hewson, sat down to a luncheon, the viands of which had been brought all the way from England, in the freezing chamber. The speeches were most felicitous, and were brimful of happy auguries for the future. The Orient Co. have accepted a contract from the Orange Meat Co.— a very wealthy corporation— to carry 150 tons of meat to England every fortnight, at three thousand guineas per trip. The first shipment will he made immediately. So extensive are the new: works of the company at Dubbo, that they can send 7,800 tons of meat Home every year, and in order to show their faith in the trade, they have offered a similar contract to the P. and O. Company, in order that the service may be weekly. There is no doubt that we are on the eve of an immense trade with the Old Country in meat. The Intercolonial Eight-oared Race will come off in a few days, and both crews have taken up their quarters on the Paramatta river in order to proceed actively with their training. The New South Wales crew are very heavy men, there being none in the boat less than 11 stone. Mr J. P. Clark, the veteran: puller, is coaching the crew, and from their performances this afternoon it is plain that a good exhibition of skill will be shown on the day of the race. The Victorians have sent over their most formidable pullers, and it is said they will take a great deal of beating. The salvage case arising out of the rescue by the tug Commodore, of the A.S.N. Company’s s.s. Wotonga, when she lost her screw on the Bth June last, occupied the attention of the Admiralty Court for two days last week. The con tention of the A.S.N. Company was that the Wotonga, having lost all the blades of her screw, in a heavy breeze off the land was well able to take care of herself, and when brought into harbor next morning was simply towed in, for which service LIOO was paid into Court, Mr Justice Windeyer based his judgement upon the fact that the Wotonga could not have sailed into port without.considerable risk, and therefore the owners of the Commo dore were entitled to the sum of L3OO.

The Royal Commission appointed in deference to the resolutions adopted at the late Intercolonial Conference has commenced its sittings. Nearly all the military authorities of the colonies are represented in the persons of Colonels Scratchley, Roberts, Richardson, and Downes. A review of’ all the forces— permanent, volunteer, and naval—was held this afternoon. There was an immense attendance of the public, and the Park was quite animated. Of amusements we have ample share. The success of Mdme. Boema, in con junction with the Austrian Band, at the Garden Palace has beer unparalleled. On Tuesday night there were 300 persons seated, whilst nearly as many more were on the promenade. The Williamsons, with Signor Verdi, Mr Armes Beaumont, and Miss Florence Deakin (a rising young primma donna), are performing Gilbert and Sullivan’s “ Pirates of Penzance,” at the Theatre Royal. Apart from the fact that such a celebrated piece has been produced in Sydney for the first time in Australia, there is not much to notice! There are a good many people who believe Sullivan to be a “ one idea ” musician, and certainly the dialogue is not so taking as that of ,i Pinafore.” The Gaiety is occupied by a troupe of Minstrels, and Messrs Greville, Copping, and Hennings are running drama at the Queen’s. The Opera House is still un fortunate. Indeed it appears as if this place of amusement had hot yet passed through the trying probation which always precedes success in this city.

SOUTH RAKAIA PUBLIC LIBRARY.

The annual meeting of subscribers to the South Rakaia Public Library was held on the 31st, ult, at which there was a fair attendance of members. The Secretary read the annual report, as follows : The Committee, hr. submitting this report, have much pleasure in congratulating you on your sound financial position, but at the same time regret that subscribers are not. increasing, though equal in number to last year. In con sequence of the stoppage of the Government grant, your Committee had to make provision for getting money from another source, arid they let two sections of the reserve for the sum of JL4O per annum. This, with the subscrip tions, will, with economy, keep up a good library and a fair supply of papers, Iminedi ately on receipt of news , that the Government

SHpßes had ceased, your Committee applied to-(he CJjftnty Council for a grant, but were un|&cessful.. You will see by the improve* meft|s of the building that we have not been regardless of your comfort, and the Treasurer’s statement of Accounts will show that the work has been done-most economically. The Com mittee has purchased 100 new books, which brings the library up to nearly 700 volumes, and have ordered some fresh newspapers and periodicals, which will be laid on the tables in due course. In consequence of the improve ments to the library, your Committee thought it advisable to increase the insurance, which is now Lzjo on building and contents. The Treasurer’s accounts show that the reccwt**-for-' the past year, including the balance ofX2l S* id, to be L63’ 15s ; . expenditorfe, • U 44 iss id ; liabilities, Li? 7s Sd; 'assets, L 36 14s I id, leaving abalftne^iftltiwt^^ The.roporfe, aftd-bahmo? idjM&ftßf! adopted. On the motion of seconded by Mr Bowler, iMr Lyttelton was Selected Iprosidbut members were elected a OojmmittoofpT tiro ensuing year •;■ -r-rj Mesagft.; Bruce, Ellis, Bowler, Clark, Hardy, and Whitta. Pngthe motion pf ,Mr Mr Ellis was reflected- /Ji(WM resolved, on the motion of Mr Bruce, that Mr Hardy be elected, treasurer. It was also, resolved that. Mr Bruce - bp, ehwtod librarian. After a vote of thanks to the Chair, the meeting then doled..

A TIGER LILY: A GOLDEN ROD.

CHAPTER lll—Redeemed^With a Price. —[continued.] The St. Bbville’s post was one of its eccentricities. It came ; in betimes in the evening;: but though the letters were sorted then, they were not de livered, for the convenience of the letter carrier, till daylight and, rooming ; sunshine. , People who would not have borne an hour’s unnecessary delay with?: out an outcry and a fight for it at home, submitted meekly ‘to* twelve hours’ delay from home at Stßoville’S. Mr HopkinsV hearing something of* Lauderdale’sexcitemeiit about<the post,,, offered, with his* obliging temper— which was part of the man’s graciously, dangerously pliant nature—to go,out of the way to his lodging, call for. the; St. Boville’s House dettets, and ; birin-g; them back with him, before he went' into quarters for the pight 5 ‘ As iittlte can- do,’ - argued. Gregory to. himself, cheerfully;. ‘ when*, he is smoking and lounging about in dusk, for he won’t go into his lodgings,, and take a book in . his hand, so long as he can help it.'. He, had, better,make himself useful by humoring a sick woman’s fancy. She would, do more for him any day.’ At once, Lauderdale knocked ,-the proposal on the head. ' Fred Mopkibs heard her do it when he was waiting, in the drawing-room, more forlorn than ever, now that there was not even the clever, kind caricature of :a woman to welcome a man, while Gregory was speaking of it to his sister; as he made his brief sojourn with her, sitting on ' the front of the bed. Fred heard Lauderdale :say, in the middle .of her J fits of coughing,’ ‘ Grfeg, f IP im l hiucn 1 - obliged to you and him, but l’d rather |- not. Don’t ytf® remember:,the post-| office is next to one of the hotels ? It is not right to throw a man into tempta tion, and it is very hard to pull up full-grown ; weeds by the ifoptsl ‘ He 0 waed to a -w/laE that . -hfel' could never pass . such, a places, with money in his pockef particularly, with out turning in to have one game at billiards, and a couple'*of glasses of wine. AH right; we would not stint a t I man in his pleasures, but it would not ! ! be a dozen games of ’ billiards or a [ bottle of wine Fred Hopkins might rise under, for he mast drown care. He I was late of coming this morning. : He : could not eat any breakfast with you ; and he said very politely he was afraid he was feeling. seedy, and was sorry to have fo send out' for sbHa waterl 1 was lying listening to 'it alj; so be •, you sure and thank him, but say he, - need not trouble, the letters caff wait” J Fred Hopkins went -directly home that night and covered his face with his hands, and took them away wet, after Uayihg prefer WTriS soul, * God be merciful t6)me r a sinner. God, what make? that woman~care so " much for me, who have only been a grievance to her?’ Lauderdale’s letter, carae at last, and : was seized upon by . her, though she was as unwell as ever. But all at once she announced-: that -the: paia.Jn • her chest was gone; and though she» coughed still, the cough no longer dis» tressed her. She got up and r wrote i. little, notwithstanding that she was un- r . r accountably weak—certainly, She was ‘ not accustomed to be an invalid—and then she came and lay contentedly Oft ' the hard drawing-room sofa on which Fred Hopkins used to groan. When Gregory and Mr Hopkinssaw Lauderdale there, they started, looked . at each other, aghast with concerned, ' frightened gravity, while they spoke to 1 her with forced gaiety,' and took the first opportunity to snatch a word with each other apart. ‘ A doctor ?’ whispered Hopkins.' * Slap bang,’. consented poor Gregory, unconsciously speaking slang, with parched Ups. ‘ Any of the tribes If one is not at home go for another. Fetch a couple if you think fit.’ . , < A doctor came, to Lauderdale’s surprise, and a little to her vexation. The busy woman had never had a doctor to attend her in her life, and shft - was conscious of looking very grotesque ,? in her nightcap; but She Has so weary and sleepy she could not feel so indig nant as she ought to have felt . The doctor found the case too serious to be one of triumph in the dignity of physics being acknowledged * at last, though he persisted in regard-1 ing it as un instance, of retribution, fit was a case of inflammation- in- \ne lungs, aggravated, neglected,- and ! allowed to run on to its last ' hopeless stage. :■ Nothing could be done for Miss * : Wainwright, strong woman as she. had " 4 been till a fortnight ago ; no power on". . earth, not all the riches of all','itjr kingdoms, could save her, or pay. the forfeit. She might suffer no more, except from oppression: of breathing; but twelve hours would -pfoHabfjf' end the struggle—no mbre time lluta -ihd \ had waited for the post’s bringing the . * golden fruit of the toil ir». which she had sacrificed her life, ? [, r No.one had toldher. padjpCHip: > back to bed, and slept in ignorance, since the doctor’s :Visit - She • Wa* startled when she hwoke aW * saw ' Gregory standing beside- Wet,-'ld|e, and*, looking old" add* grim,' Slid' Fred Hopking. through ( a halfopety floor, idle too,' look ing, yquqg with a wasted youthfulqess, lb©:!infinite sadness of the fabled dryads and fauns

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1881.



li'ijryy" Til R IMS'tJITGN GUARDIAN ,H> J‘ EVERY EVENING. * DYERTISBRS are reminded that. WA?UBUR-rON GUARDIAN 'uiroula;- TIOEr intfee Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for are very



HE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, .. 369a* ’ r Branch Manager.



W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a NdOURAGE LOCAL ENTER PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase,. ,100,000, Envelopes and upwards (just arrived).- 1,000, 7a 6d ; 6,000, 6s. ,9dperl,ooo, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on. deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. ; spoa



Ranted. WANTED, a Good'General SER VANT. References required. Appy to Mrs Homf.rsham, Park street. 492 a WANTED— A General SERVANT. Apply, Office of this Paper. 485 a TTJ" ANTED —A strong active GIRL V\ as general Servant. Apply to Mr Cambktugk, Chemist. 480 a WANTED— An Active LAD, to sell The Ashburton Guardian on the Ashs burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. ANTED SEWING, Dressmaking or Plain Work, by a young person of experience in the business. For address, apply Guardian Office. 495 a ANTED—TENDERS for BUILD ING five-roomed HOUSE in Ash burton. Labor only,. Plans and specifi cations may be seen at Jephson’s stored 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 bo forwarded to the Chairman on or before twelve o’clock at noon on TUES DAY, the 12th April next. 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. WANTED— 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 WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 ttt ANTED KNOWN That VV 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



WANTED KNOWN—That O’Connor’s four-wheeled covered WAG GONNETTE runs between Ashburton railway station and Scott’s Tinwald Hotel at intervals every day. 441 a "TXT" ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.— L. F. Andbewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andbewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE begs 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. Special Advertisements.



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



MUSIC TUITION. —The second term has just commenced. Lessons on Pianoforte, Organ, Flute, Violin, and Singing. H. J. WEEKS, 86a Cameron street west. 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. O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, mOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, |. AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Saircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. ■' 627a* JgREAD ! BREAD!! BREAD!!! A. Thiele’s BEST BREAD, First Award of Merit, Ashburton Industrial Exhibition, 6d DELIVERED CASH ON DELIVERY 470 a mHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN g may be obtained at the Railway Station every aftenioon on arrival of the 1.3 p.m. train from Christchurch. It is requested that all advertisements he sent in not later than 3 p.m. The Ashburton Guardian is the only daily paper in the district, ami is delivered in Town and Country for ONE PENNY. TV. H. ZOUCH. Proprietor,



Holloway's Ointment and Piles.— Autumnal Remedies.—Towards the fall of the year countless causes are at work to lower the tone of the nervous system, which will- be fol lowed by ill-health unless proper means bp employed to avert that evil. Holloway’s far famed preparations supply a faultless remedy for both external and internal complaints connected with changes of season. All affections of the skin, roughness, blotches, pimples, superficial and deep-seated inflamma tions, erysipelas, rheumatic pains, and gouty pangs alike succumb to the exalted virtues of Holloway’s Ointment'and Pills ; which will effect a happy revolution in the patient’s con dition, though, the symptoms of his disorder areilegion, and have obstinately withstood the, best efforts of science to subdue them.—Advt.