SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived, Yesterday. Vivid, barque, from Port Chalmers. Oreti, s.s, from Oamaru, and Dunedin. Hawea, s.s.,from Port Chalmers. Te Anau, s.s., from Auckland, via way ports. To-day. Rotomahana, s.s., from Melbourne, via the South. Grafton, s.s., from Wellington. Go-Ahead, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Hawea, 8.8., for Manakau, via way ports. Te Anau, s.s., for Melbourne via the South. Thames, ketch, for Pelorus Sound. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. The City of New York was delayed till ten o’clock this morning, when she sailed for Sydney. Sailed—Penguin, for the South. Arrived—Peru, from London. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived— Endeavor, from Oamaru. Sydney, Yesterday. Sailed —Last night, Watatipu, s.s., for Wellington. .

MAIL NOTICES.

The next mail for the United King pom (via San Francisco) will leave on May 2L Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows: For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10-a,m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a. m., and 4.20 p. m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longheach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.mi, 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.nu, and. 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, May 7- Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. Thursday, May 12. Dan Henderson and Co., on the premises, East street —The whole of the Property known as the Ashburton Hotel; 2p. m. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-night, Thursday, May 5. Meeting of persons interested in securing the visit of a pack of hounds to Ash burton, Office of this Paper; 8 p.m. Monday, May 9. Public Meeting, at Willowby Schoolroom, to form'-a Sparrow Club ; 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. oroug Council—Special Meeting, at the Council Chambers, at 2 p.m. Monday, May IG. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, June 1. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from6Jlotoß|3(^jiL^^__^^^^^

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton job Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Txmaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m.- (Ex press), and ASO p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a. m. (Express), A35p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

TOWN EDITIONT [lssued at 5.10 p.m.]

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1881. The Government and Dr Skae.

The fallacy of the chameleon charac ter of the disposition with which the Government have regarded the Wel lington Lunatic Asylum offenders, is already making itself apparent. The remarks made at the meeting in Wel lington on Tuesday evening show the general disapproval with which they are met, and the query Why should Whitelaw be made a scapegoat in the matter? is but what might be expected to arise ; and one the justice of which must be but too painfully apparent. We say painfully, because we regard it as distressing that ground for such a remark should have been permitted to creep into existence. The apathetic behaviour of the powers that be cannot have arisen from a non-acquaintance with the only too glaring injustice thereof, for, from the first, the colonial press has been unanimous in its advo cacy of justice being dealt impartially to the whole of those implicated; and immediately the lenient measures the Government proposed adopting towards all concerned but Whitelaw became public, the condemnation was universal. Notwithstanding this, however, all that could be done to increase the weight of culpability in respect to Whitelaw was brought into requisition, whilst a passive spirit was maintained in regard to the guilt of Dr Skae. Was it that it was hoped the glaring character of the offences charged against Whitelaw would create an illumination of such magnificence that in the public mind the two doctors’ behaviour would be lost to view? We can only regard it as such ; and it is much to the shame of those entrusted with the direction of the public affairs of this colony that cause for such suspicion has ever arisen. It Whitelaw is guilty, how much more so is Dr Skae in his con donation of his behaviour ? Therefore, why should the one be made amenable to all the pains and penalties of the criminal law, and the other escape scot free ? Have we then a law for the rich and a law for the poor, or for the unfor tunate and for the influential ? for we regard Mr Whitelaw more in the light of an unfortunate than of a deliberate offender. Possibly the cruelties prac tised by him are unparalleled in this colony, but that they owed their origin to an ungovernable temper we have proof. No such plea can be advanced by Dr Skae for his conduct; which therefore is the most deserving of punishment ? Should Dr Skae escape, through the medium of Cabinet and other influence, it will be nothing more or less than a crying disgrace.

Political. —Mr George M‘Lean will address his constituents on Saturday next, and Mr Saunders will also meet his constituents at Waikari on Wednesday next, at 7 p.m. Sparrow Club, Waterton.—A Spar row Club for the Waterton district has been recently formed. Mr Surgesson has been appointed hon. secretary, and the following gentlemen a directory com mittee—viz., Messrs White, J.; Taylor, T.; Davis ; White, T.; Shearer, and Daw son, A. The next meeting of the Club is fixed for to-night. County Council. —Yesterday, at the special meeting which took place after our representative left, the following business was transacted : The annual balance sheet, showing a credit balance of L 20,899 2s to the 31st March last was read and adopted. The following tenders were accepted : —Water supply channels— No. 1, Dick, at 2s 5d ; No. 2, W. Silcock, at Is lOd ; No. 3, L. Mangham, at Is sd; No. 4, W. Silcock, at Is Bd.

The Hunting Season.—The first meet of the season (says this morning’s Temulca Leader) was held yesterday, when several gentlemen started with the hounds from the Arowhenua homestead, Mr A. L. Barker acting as master of the hounds. They proceeded along the Opihi river bod towards the Point. They killed one hare and hunted another one down. Very good sport was obtained and there were no mishaps barring a few spills.

South Rak.ua School Committee.— This committee held its usual monthly meeting on Tuesday. Present—Messrs Hardy (chairman), Bowler, Byrne, and Gaardar. The master’s report was read •and received. It was resolved to write to the Board of Education ro the appoint ment of an assistant mistress to the school. It was resolved to apply to the Boad Board for the formation of a foot path from Cridland street to Bowen street for the convenience of the children attend - the school. It was resolved to obtain the school firing from the yards of Messrs Montgomery and Co. and Mr Mclnman alternately. The Yellow Aoont. —The following is the latest phase of Chinese immigration. The steamer Lydia, Captain Poulson, put in to Honolulu with 700 Chinese on board. They had mutinied, and threatened to murder the European crew, and the cap tain applied to the authorities for assist ance. The police endeavored to board the vessel, but after exhausting their ammunition retired, and the Chinamen then attacked the crew in the forecastle; but, as sixteen of them had served their time in the German army, they fought for their lives, and drove them back down into the hold, and closed the hatches on them till the police and soldiers arrived. The Honolulu Gazette says that eighty of the late Chinese importations are reported to be pirates by profession. They will have a clear field in that line of business, which has been left unworked up to the present by our own people. Twenty-two cases of small-pox were taken from the Lydia to the Hospital at Honolulu.

His First Appearance.—A first offender, who was brought up at the R.M. Court to-day, on a charge of drunkenness, was dismissed with a caution.

Church of England Educational Work.—The Government returns of England show that the Church of England, during the last nine years, contributed for education L 5,630,541, and that during the same period all the other religious bodies contributed L1,C23,305, the proportion being, roughly speaking, as 4 to 1.

Frozen Meat Industry. —Mr N. Y. Wales, who was deputed by the com mittee of the proposed Frozen Meat Export Company to visit Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and report on the best method for carrying on the work of the company, has just returned, and will present an exhaustive report at a meeting to be held at Dunedin on Monday next.

Industrial Exhibition Committee.— A meeting of the above was held in the upper room of the ’Town Hall last night. There was a good attendance of members, Mr Hugo Friedlander in the chair. The bon. sec., Mr Poyntz, submitted a state ment of accounts, showing a deficit. After some discussion, it was decided, with a view of liquidating the same, to hold a concert at an early date, and other means were suggested to raise funds. The fol lowing gentlemen then kindly undertook to arrange a concert :—Messrs Douglas, Harrison, and Jameson.

An Incorrigible.— On Friday last Joseph Sloan, on a charge of being intoxi cated whilst driving over the Ashburton bridge, was fined L 5 by his Worship the R. M. Last evening Sloan was arrested on a similar charge, and on being brought before the Mayor and Mr Winter, J.P., was “ sent up ” for a month’s hard labor. It was shown in evidence that but for the promptitude of the men employed in re pairing the bridge, Sloan would have driven into a hole existing in the centre of the structure, and the result would have been certain death.

Had Him There.—Modern inventions certainly have a moral tone about them. It was only the other day that a shrewd wife made use of one of them to dis cover the whereabouts of her husband. He seemed to have a great pressure of business in the evening. When ques tioned about it, he declared that com merce had revived, and that he must be off immediately after dinner. He wanted two hours of perfect quiet at the office to balance his hooks. His wife smiled and slipped a pedometer into his waistcoat pocket. When he returned, she looked at it and found that he had just walked fourteen miles, and then came to the con clusion that he was a remarkably clever man, for he could balance his hooks while walking round a billiard table.

A Sad Story.—A New York paper contains the following terrible illustration of the rake’s progress ;—W. O. Coons locked himself in his room at an hotel in Lincoln recently, and committed suicide by morphine. Some years ago Coons was a wealthy citizen of Fond Du Lac, Wis., and a man of strong intellectual power. He married a very handsome heiress, became dissipated, led a fast life, drank, squandered his own money and his wile’s, and became a penniless debauchee. An estrangement and a divorce followed. His wife was married again and came to Nebraska. Coons followed, found his former wife, pleaded with her and persecuted her, hut was driven away, and the sad history ended as above. He was given a pauper’s burial.

Sf.rious Accident at Doyleton.—A very serious accident, which has since proved fatal to one of the parties, hap pened last week. As Mr J. McVinnie was driving home to Lakeside, and when opposite the farm of Mr F. O. Boyle, his horse shied at something, throwing Mr McVinnie and his sister-in-law’s (Mrs Nelson) little boy out. The wheel of the trap passed over the child, and Mr McVinnie had his thumb and finger broken. The horse then bolted, and eventually capsized the trap. Mrs Nel son. who jumped out, broke her arm. Assistance was soon at hand, and Mrs Nelson and her child were carried into Mrs F. O. Boyle’s, where Dr Malone was soon in attendance, but the child, which was three years old, was so injured that it died on Monday. Mrs Nelson is now progressing favorably, although her loss has greatly retarded her recovery.— Press.

St Stephen’s Church. — A vestry meeting was held at the parsonage yester day afternoon. Present—Rev. A. W. Hands, incumbent (in the chair), Messrs Jameson and Gundry, churchwardens, Messrs Bullock, Hunt, Mayo, Wood, Bean, and Ferriman. The business was the consideration of the resolution of Dr Trevor, recommending the appropriation of seats in the church in lieu of the present leasing system. A discussion en sued upon this matter, and it was ulti mately resolved —“ That a aub-Oommittee, consisting of the following vestrymen, be appointed to consider the feasibility of the proposal laid before the meeting, viz., Messrs Jameson, Gundry, Wood, and Ferriman.” Votes of thanks were ac corded to Messrs John Carter, Joseph Clark, and Sealy Bros., for the requisite necessaries for fencing, etc., the church yard at Tinwald. Some minor matters were then discussed, and a resolution carried that the next meeting of the vestry be held at Mr Gundry’s office, after which the meeting adjourned.

An Unfortunate Mistake.— The Dun edin correspondent of the Cromwell Argus is responsible for the following:—“A somewhat exciting case is said to be pend ing in the law courts —or rather a series of cases. The ‘ upper ten ’ will be affected. The circumstances are of a delicate nature. Briefly this is the rumor ;—A lady surprised her husband with a domestic. Unfortunately she made a mistake as regards the identity of the female, and spread amongst a number of her acquaintances a scandal concerning an innocent woman, a nurse. The aggrieved woman is consequently bring ing actions for defamation of character against some six or seven ladies in the best Dunedin society—or rather against their husbands. The lady who spread the scandal is, of course, amongst the number, and her husband has to bear the brunt of it. This will make it pleasant for him.”

Post Sessional. —Colonel Trimble ad dressed his constituency in New Plymouth on Tuesday. He began by referring to the Native question, and said Mr Bryce had done his duty in a manly way. Ho had done more to purify the Native office than any other Native Minister, and, although he did not agree with what Mr Bryce proposed to do, yet he (Mr Bryce) had shewn his sincerity by resigning office. The Colonel referred to the Native land laws introduced last session, and spoke with regret of their not being carried. He said he would oppose any alteration of the Education Bill so far as secular education was concerned, but he thought that the expenses might be re duced by the abolition of local boards and committees, and by the educational system being conducted from a centre. He was in favor of the local Government Bills of last session. He defended Major Atkinson’s statement re the L 990,000 deficiency, but censured him respecting his remarks on “ political rest,” saying that there could be no such thing as political rest in any free country, for political rest meant political death. It was, ho urged, a false principle to teach, and any Ministry attempting to carry it out must fail. A vote of thanks and of confidence was carried.

Ashburton Fire Brigade. The ordinary monthly meeting was held on Tuesday evening, at which it was re ported by the Captain that Messrs M. Friedlauder .and R. Shearman had be come honorary members of the Brigade. Messrs George Page and William Slayer were elected members of the Brigade In the matter of the well on the Brigade's section, complaints were made regarding the uselessness thereof, and the Secretary was instructed to have the pipes drawn and the pump put in working order. The meeting then adjourned. A drill of the members of the Brigade Mas held last evening, the new hose reel being tried, and found satisfactory in every respect. At a meeting following it was decided to obtain a pick, a shovel, and a crowbar for the use of the brigade. The matter of lighting the lamp at the station during the winter months, for the guid ance of cabmen in the case of fires, was also brought up, but no action was taken therein.

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] The Census. Melbourne, May 4. The returns of the census taken on the night of the 3rd ult. show the total population of the colony of Victoria to be 860,000. Got Their Money- Private telegrams from England state that the Highland Railway Com pany received the amount of the insur ance on the steamer Ferret, alias India, which was reported at Home to have been lost. Further Prorogued. A proclamation was issued to’day further proroguing Parliament until Tuesday, June 7th. A Rumor. It is rumored that Mr Michael Fitz patrick, member for Yass Plains, and leader cf the Opposition, has resigned his seat in the Legislative Assembly.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] A False Step. Auckland, To-day. A boy named Albert Rickman, while cleaning the windows in the second fPor of Aicken’s medical establishment, in cautiously stepped upon and fell through the glass of the verandah to the pave ment beneath. He fractured his left wrist. Census Returns. The census returns show an extraordi nary increase in Auckland city and suburbs. The population within borough limits, which includes only 650 acres, is 17,730, or an increase of 3,972 in three 3’ears. The population of the suburbs rnrrounding bring up the total of the population of city and suburbs to 38,735, being an increase of 9,377 since last census. The population of the Provincial District is roughly estimated at 05,000, or an increase of 12,339 since 1878.

A VESSEL ASHORE.

• ♦ [by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The barque Fern, which arrived from London last evening, reports a vessel, either a brig or a brigantine, ashore at the Little Barrier. Her sails were loose and the fore-topmast gone, and the vessel was apparently abandoned. It is supposed to be the schooner Police man, Captain Champion, from Norfolk Island and Noumea, via Russel.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the Road Board office, Mount Somers, on Monday last. Present —Messrs A. E. Peache (Chairman), W. 0. Walker, I. E. Taylor, and J. Hood. The Surveyor’s report was read and considered. The Surveyor was instructed to inform Mr Boyle that unless his contract on Yaletta road is completed within two weeks, the full penalty will be inflicted. It was resolved that tenders be called for the formation, etc., of 50 chains of the road leading to Mr Wright’s home stead. The following correspondence was read—

From Mr John Boyle, requesting the Board to sell him an unused line of road adjoining his property, and comprising five acres of land.—The Board decided to proceed with the matter conditionally upon Mr Boyle refunding all expenses they may incur independent of the price of the land as valued by a valuer appointed by the -Board.

From Mr John Tisch, requesting the Board to metal the formed portion of the Tramway Reserve road.—The Clerk was directed to apply to Mr Tisch for an ex planation of the position of the road he refers to.

From the Secretary for Public Works, enclosing returns re expenditure, which the Clerk was requested to fill up and forward as soon as possible. From Mr C. P. Cox, re premium on insurance of house and stable.—The Clerk was directed to forward a cheque for the amount.

From Mr H. Friedlander, the Chairman of the Industrial Association, Ashburton, requesting a grant in aid of the expenses incurred.—The Clerk to reply that the Board cannot entertain the request, owing to shortness of funds.

From the Colonial Secretary, re the new Rangitata road district, and asking the Board’to name a returning officer and polling places for the Mount Somers dis trict.—The Board resolved to nominate Mr J. C. Bell, as returning officer, and to name the Road Board office and the main school, Alford Forest, as the two polling places. A petition signed by Mr J. Tisch, and thirteen others, was received; the petitioners requested the Board to metal twenty-live chains of the Sawmill road ; the matter was deferred until Mr P. Tisch’s promised contribution towards the formation of the road referred to is paid. A petition from Mr T. Simpson, and one other, re Morris road was received. The Board declined the prayer of the petition, on the ground that they con sider all the necessary work has already been done on the road.

A petition was also received from Mr P. Tisch, and six others, urging upon the Board the necessity for continuing the for mation on Cameron’s road to the river.— The Board decided to have the swampy portion done at once, the rest to be fully reported upon at the next meeting.

Mr John Stevenson interviewed the Board with reference to formation of a road in a direct line of communication be tween Mount Somers and Alford Forest. —To be reported upon. Tenders were opened, and one accepted, for each of the following works : —No. 37 —Muirhead’s read, Lewis M‘Gregor, LlB Is 7d ; No. 38—Alford Station road, &c., Alexander Harvey, L 44 13s 4d. The Clerk was instructed to apply to all persons for payment of promised contribu tions towards roads, &c. The pay-sheet amounting to L 304 4s 6d having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

An ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held this morning. Present— Messrs Friedlander (chairman), Mayo, Brown, and Winter. that LSO vom On the minutes being read, Mr Brown took exception to the confirmation of the resolution voting the sum of LSO to the Industrial Exhibition Committee. The same was illegal, and therefore he took exception thereto. Under the Road Board Ordinance the Board could not make a vote of such character. The Chairman pointed out that the minutes could be confirmed and the rescinding of the resolution considered further on. Mr Brown contended that he could move the expunging of any portion of the minutes. The Chairman ruled that such a course would be out of order. Mr Brown differed with the Chairman and protested against the same. The vote was entirely outside the business of the Board. He moved the expunging of the resolution referred to, but this fell through there being no seconder. The minutes were then confirmed, Mr Brown voting therc-against. CORRESPONDENCE was read from Mr Fitzgerald, re road near his pro perty being in a bad state. —Left in the hands of the Engineer. From Mr Walsh and others, petitioning for the repair of the flat between Cor bett’s road and McLeary Bros’, property, and for the repair of Corbett’s road.— Resolved—That the letter be ac knowledged, and that the portion of the road at Corbett’s terrace be shingled in the spring, and the flat be attended to at once. From Mr Roberts, making an applica tion for the sum of L4O as compensation for land taken for gravel pits by the Board, and also requesting the Board to fence such pits in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Act, and threatening legal proceedings for the recovery thereof should the Board not immediately comply with his request.— Mr Brown moved the payment of the sum claimed, and this was seconded and carried.—The Surveyor was authorised to fence in all gravel pits owned by the Board.

From the Ashburton Borough Council, re appointment of Inspector of Nuisances and giving amount to he paid to the Council by the Wakanui Road Board and Upper Ashburton Road Board in the de frayal of his salary—viz., first mentioned two bodies two fifths each thereof, and Upper Ashburton Road Board one fifth. Also enclosing account for the amount due by the Wakanui Road Board.—Re solved—That at the expiration of the term mentioned in the previous communi cation from this Board, the Board is will ing to contribute to the extent of two sixths of the salary of the Inspector of Nuisances.

From the Public Works Office, re. annual returns.—The Secretary reported that the necessary information had been supplied Circulars from the Manawatu County Council re local Government, and Rangi tikei County Council re subsidies to local bodies.—Ordered to be acknowledged and laid on the table. From petitioners in the Wakanui road district, praying the formation of foot paths on the Wakanui road from the Town Belt to Trevor’s road.—lnstructions for the work to be undertaken were given by the Board. BROUGHT UP AGAIN. Two letters from the District Pro vincial Auditor (Mr 011ivier)and one from Mr D. Wilson, pointing out the illegality of the vote made by the Wakanui Road Board in the matter of the Industrial Exhibition were read. It was resolved—“ That the Board having been informed by the Provincial District Auditor that the grant made to the Industrial Exhibition being illegal, and farther as the amount has not been paid yet, the resolution passed at last meeting, voting the sum of LSO towards defraying expenses of the Industrial Exhibition, be rescinded.” surveyor’s report. This report, as follows, was road : We beg to report as follows : —Wakanui Township Road.—Formation of this road has been completed; the remainder of the metalling will now be proceeded with. Corbett’s Cut ting.—ln accordance with instructions, P. Stewart’s tender for reducing this cutting has been accepted. On account of hardness of ground, the work could not be proceeded with till after the late rains. Suburban Road. — Tenders were asked for metalling this road (about 5 chains), as authorised at last meeting, and W. J. Silcock’s accepted, at is 3d per yard. Maintenance of Roads.—The contractor has been at work on roads requiring attention. Beach Road. - —This road requires a coating of metal near the township—about 200 yards would be needed. We would call attention to the bad state of the road below the Wakanui homestead, between Corbett’s cutting and the opposite cutting; about 20 chains, or there abouts, requires re-forming. Regarding same, it was resolved— “ That the Beach road be metalled, as advised in the report.” collector’s statement. The report from the Collector of Rates showed that in this respect L 73 Is 4d had been collected. SEPARATE RETURNS. Mr Brown moved, it was seconded and carried—“ That a separate account be kept of all rates collected in the suburbs, and also of all moneys expended by the Board for their benefit. ” ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of Ll6B 12s lid were passed. In re Boroughs’ claim for services of Inspector of Nuisances, amounting to L 8 8s 6d, it was resolved—“ That it be referred back to the Borough Council, the Board agreeing to pay in terms of their letter of Feb. 4th, 1881.” INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. The report from this official was as fol lows : Sir, —I have ihe honor to lender my report of the Wakanui districts as follows :1. Re Closets. All that I found that I thought re quired to be emptied and cleansed, I have had clone, and those that I have mentioned in my last report, as being so bad, are now clean and repaired, 2. Re Pig Styes.—-The gene rality of them are clean, but in some cases it is difficult to keep them so. All heaps of manure that come from them I have removed, the re sidents using it for their girdens. 3. Re Rub bish, Slops, etc. —All heaps of rubbish that I thought detrimental to health, I have had re moved, slops in most instances being used for garden purposes or given to the pigs. I also apologise for not sending in a report at the last meeting of the Board ; I did not know one would be required, but thought that I should receive a notice when the Board wished for one—but iu future I will tender a report at each monthly meeting of the Board, as re quested by Mr Fooks’ letter.—l am, &c., John Davidson. It was adopted. The Board then adjourned.

A BRITISH MAN-OF-WAR BLOWN UP.

(by cable.) London, May 4. Information has been received by the Admiralty that a terrible expiosion occurred on board the British man-of war Dotterel on April 26th, when off Sandy Point, in the Straits of Magellan, causing the total wreck cf the vessel and great loss of life. Only the cap tain and ten others survived the dis aster. ' Nothing is known as to the cause of the explosion.

THE TARARUA DISASTER.

The Official Enquiry. [by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. The official enquiry has been adjourned till Thursday next, on account of inability to serve the statutory notices on the officers. Mr Adam Gardiner, secretary of the Seamen’s Union, informs the Otago Daily Times shipping reporter that three of the crew of the Tararua who are supposed to be lost did not leave in the vessel. Dun can Corbett, a fireman, was left in gaol at Lyttelton ; J. B. Gibb, A. 8., left the ship prior to her departure from Port Chalmers ; while William Lobhan, a fire man, also left at Port Chalmers. At the meeting yesterday to devise means for the relief of the sufferers by the wreck of the Tararua, Mr Mills, the nanaging director of the Union Company, explained that while he agreed that a light should be placed on Waipapa, the accident had not occurred through the captain’s desire to make a quick passage. There was no necessity for a quick passage, the distance between the Bluff and Port Chalmers was so short that steamers could always accomplish it without difficulty. The reason for keeping so close in shore was that some distance to seaward of these reefs was a rock known as Toby Rock, and if the vessels were kept too far away from the shore they were liable to run into danger from the other side. Mr E. William Michael Downes, whose name appears among the list of passengers who left Wellington for Melbourne in the Tararua, was the person who was recently tried on a charge of violating the Stamp Act. He was accompanied by his wife, to whom he had been married only about eight months.

SPORTING.

CANTERBURY J.C. HANDICAP. The following are the weights for the above Handicap :—Le Loup, 9st 81b ; Sir Modred, 9st 51b ; Natator, Bst 131 b ; Foul Play, Bst 111 b ; Fishhook-, Bst 61b ; Grip, Bst 61b ; Betrayer, Bst 51b ; Sir George, Bst 41b ; Rand wick, Bst 21b ; Volunteer, Bst 21b ; Lure, Bst; Piscatorious, 7at 131 b ; Gorton, 6st I2lb ; Chancellor, 7st 121 b ; Libeller, 7st 111 b ; Lady Emma, 7st 101 b ; Titania, 7st 91b ; Hilarious, 7st 91b ; Badswortb, 7st 81b ; Leveller, 7st 71b ; Longlands, 7st 71b; Somnus, 7st 61b ; On Dit, 7st 61b ; Grand Duchess, 7st 31b ; Idalium, 7st 11b ; Governor, 7st; Atlantic, 7st ; Sir Garnet, 7st; Sylvanus, 6st 121 b : Peeress colt, 6st 111 b ; Norse man, 6st 101 b; Dauphin, 6st 101 b; Amulet, 6st 101 b; Moselle, 6st 101 b ; Fleur de Lys, 6st lOst; Mataku, 7st 101 b; Afghan, 6st Bst ; Nonpareil, 6st 81b ; Rosarina, 6st 71b ; Luna, 6st 71b, Mis chief, 6st 71b; Legerdemain, 6st 61b ; Envy filly, 6st 51b; Capua, 6st 51b ; Mignon, 6st 51b ; Aurora, 6st 51b ; Gitana filly, 6st 51b ; Zealandia, 6st 51b ; Slander filly, 6st 51b ; Rawdon, 6st 41b ; Louis d’ Or, 6st 31b ; La Mode, 6st 31b ; Hinemoa, 6st 31b ; Laertes, 6st; Dan, fist; Hilda, 6st; Holderness, 6st ; Prospero, 6st ; Romeo, 6st ; Castanette filly, 6at ; Gold Dust, 6st; Blue Jacket, fist ; Flapjack, 6st.

The Mysterious Steamer.

During the last few days we have pub lished several telegrams from Melbourne, referring to a steamer named the India, which recently arrived from Mauritius. The wire informed us that the vessel had been seized by the Commissioner of Cus toms for sailing under a false register. The telegram added that the vessel was understood to be the Ferret, which mysteriously disappeared from Glasgow at the beginning of February last, leaving a number of valueless bills in payment of its debts. Some interesting particulars respecting the disappearance of the Ferret are given by a contemporary, from which we make the following extracts :—About the middle of October last a gentleman giving the name of Walker called on a leading firm of ship store merchants in Glasgow, represented that he was acting as broker for a gentleman of means who was going on a long yachting cruise, and desired to favor the firm with the contract for the provisioning of the vessel. Refer ences were asked and found to be satis factory. It was stated that the vessel had been chartered from the Highland Rail way company. It was also given out, more by ambiguous allusion than by direct assertion, that the person for whom Mr Walker appeared was named Smith, and a relative of the late First Lord of the Admiralty. The goods, were, there fore, supplied, including, it is rumored, a large stock of the highest class wines from London. The name of the vessel is (or was) the Ferret. She is a screw-steamer l7o£ft long, 23ft broad, and 12|ft deep, having a gross measurement of 347 tons. Having completed their task of providing for the six months’ hungers and thirsts of the yachtsmen, the merchants presented their bill, amounting to L 2,490. To liquidate this account Mr Walker gave his accept ance at three months’ date, but the firm asked Mr Smith also to sign the bill, which was done. When the acceptance became due it was presented in regular course, but it was dishonored—Mr Walker’s balance having been lifted and the account closed after the bill was granted. Inquiries were at once set on foot as to the whereabouts of the Ferret, but these proved fruitless. When she left the Clyde she was taken round to CardiS by a crew of runners, who then left her —the only ones standing by being the captain and engineers. At this port she shipped a new crew, and having coaled, started on her cruise. The Highland Railway Company, from whom the vessel had been chartered, having got no charter money from the parties since they sailed from Glasgow, put themselves in com munication with Lloyd’s and the Board of Trade, and through Lloyd’s agents and the British Consuls enquiries were made all over the world, with the view of tracing the vessel. A number of other traders and shopkeepers in Glasgow, by the promise of cash in fourteen days, and so forth, were led into furnishing Mr Smith and Mr Walker with some silver plate and cutlery, others with napery, and others, again, with china, crystals, etc. Alto gether the accounts left unpaid in Glasgow are estimated at over L 2,000.

Terrible Scene at a Fancy Festival.

The correspondent of a Home paper writes :—“ Friday, 18th February, will be remembered by me as long as I live. I should premise by saying that it is the custom of the artists in Munich to hold annually a feste, called the 1 Kuntstler kneipe.’ On the occasion of this festival no ladies are admitted, and the artists go in every conceivable costume, from that of the Spanish grandee to that of the most hideous-looking beggar. The students belonging to the several schools give various entertainments, and as there is much drink to be Had, and' much drank, I need not say that it is a very lively affair. At about 12 p.m., just as the feste was at its height, I (who was in the American ‘Block hut') beard shouts of ‘Fire f and shrieks for help. There was a.small opening into the street from our hut, and a crowd of shrieking people came surging in. We, however, joined to gether and forced them out into the 7 great hall, where a terrible scene corP fronted us. Amid a mass of panic stricken people, rushing in all direc tions, and wildly dashing through the crowd, were five or six students com pletely enveloped in flames. One of the most terribly burnt (Herr Kriest, who has since died) came shrieking along, one mass of flame, and en deavored to get into our hut. We suc ceeded in throwing him down just at the door, and, after pouring all the water we had upon him, threw a blanket over him, and at last ex tinguished the flames. He was so ter ribly burnt as to be unrecognisable. As I assisted to get him into a sitting posture his flesh seemed to peel off in my hand. We gave him some whisky, which revived him a little, _ and he was then carried to * the hospital. Altogether 17 persons were burnt, 12 of whom most seriously injured, were at once taken to the hospital. Up to the present (Sunday, 3 p.m.) eight are dead, one is ex pected to die, and there are three whose recovery is doubtful. ' What made it still more terrible is that most of those burnt were dressed in the Esquimaux costume made of flax, and fastened to a skin-tight canvas covered with a sort of pitch, which melted with the flames and stuck the tighter to them. It was horrible to see their frantic efforts to rid themselves of their fiery robes, but, of course, without suc cess. A curious incident is that the Esquimaux had painted on their hut words to the following Will be seen to-night, such a sight as has never been seen before ! ’ and ‘ls not the devil painted on the.wall?’ The origin of the fire was in the Esquimaux hut, where three of the students were sitting together in a small cave at the back, selling herrings, One of them reached out to get\ some moneys and put his arm in the flame of a candle that was standirig on a barrel. His coat of flax was at once in-flames. The cave being so small, > bis Com panions could not escape, arid so were at once on fire also. They rushed madly, through the hall, and! in that manner communicated the flantes to the others. The greatest praise uj& due to Herr Neidhard (music condjtfttor), who, as the band were rushing M-way, ordered them to remain, and nhiy a selection from ‘ Carmen,’ whipPS-'re storing the confidence of _ stricken people, prevented a catas trophe, the extent of which is dreadful to contemplate. The hall was crowded to such an extent that it was scarcely . possible for it to have held more, and as most of the people knew but of one exit, the loss of life, had the panic con tinued, must have been great.”

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1881.



OF REMOVAL. Daniel Fitzpatrick, BOOTMAKER, Begs to return bis sincere thanks to his friends,' and to the general public, for their liberal support accorded to him since commencing business, and by paying every attention, and civility to his customers, he asks their continuance in future. Also that they may find him in future in East street, next Orr and Co. (late Trickptt), with a well selected Stock of BOOTS and SHOES of every kind. Please note the Address^?' FAMILY BOOT & SHOE DEPOT, East street (Next Orr and Co). 711 a 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 FI'KXITURE. 819 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. BAST STREET , ASHBURTON. «- ■ s 527a* John Meech,



Wanted. "VYT ANTED—A middle-aged HOUSE » » KEEPER, for a farm. Apply, Matson, Cox, and Co. 34a WANTED —A good general SER YANT. References required. Apply, “ X,” Office of this Paper. 733 a WANTED —TENDERS by noon on TUESDAY next for FENCING, CLEARING, and PLOUGHING Mona square. Particulars at Borough En gineers’ Office. 73'Ja WANTED KNOWN—That Thomas Taylor’s BAKER’S CART will RUN through the WINSLOW district every Tuesday and Friday. 731 a ■VTTANTED KVERBODY to know that VV HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a w ANTED —A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a 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 tvt 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 PIANOS WANTED TO SELL - H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £26 ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a YT7ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a



WANTED THE GUARDIAN tolls your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. 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 Encourage local enter prise, & keep the money IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards ( just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organa for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barinv Square. 365 a fjp HE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager. Hayes' rjIIMBER YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a FORMS PRINTED “To Let” and “For Sale”—can be obtained at the Guardian Office. CASH RECEIPTS Printed at “The Guardian office.



Special Advertisements OTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Hounh. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a



An Insect Pest.—One Nelson farmer says that he has lost LSOO owing to the ravages of the red spider. Holloway’s Pills. —The sudden changes, frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system. Holloway’s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matters, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bowels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkably effective, especially when aided jby friction o I the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will soon be r e-establish ed. —Adv t.



Barren Land. —An Australian ex change says:—“ There is a patch of land, about a thousand acres, lying along the Ballarat railway line, bare of all vegeta tion. A curious reason is given for this remarkable barrenness. Last season the land was attacked by myriads of the black caterpillar, which not only seems to have eaten out the very roots of the vegetation but to have poisoned the soil in some manner.”



Female Nihilists. —Upon the active aid of women in the Nihilist conspiracies in Russia, a writer says :— ‘ ‘ I have often heard men say ; ‘ The Nihilists dare so much and accomplish so much 1 ' only because they always have women by their side, encouraging and cheering them on.’ And indeed women are found everwhere, side by side with the male revolutionists —in the office of the clandestine journal,- in the secret larboratory, in- the factories among the working people* in the garb of the peasant women, and in that of the Sister of the Red Cross, in the Nihilist mines, and alas, in those of Siberia and Saghlien. In the Czar’s country the woman is refused only one thing—the gibbet! Before we saw the Nihilist woman, pistol in hand, firing at the police, or pasting the revolutionary proclamation on the walls of the crowded streets. : Now we have seen some new types—Mile Lebedeff in a watchhouse on a rail road sitting on a box filled with dynamite, chatting pleasantly with the switchmen and mending a ragged cloak; a beautiful young lady of 22. Mile Figner, nicely dressed, sitting in a handsome parlor and playing on a piano for hours and hours, trying her best; to drown the noise made by the' printing press working in the adjoining room, and giving to her horrible krujok the coun tenance of an artistic family; an Excel lency’s daughter, Mile Perovsy, day by day watching the approach of every stranger to the place where the Moscow mine was under way, and pulling the underground bell, thus warning the miners fco stop work as often as she suspected danger. All these women, well educated and highly connected, leave society in the prime of life for the gloomy mines, the dark forests, and the deep and eternal snows of Siberia; their vacant places will, be filled by new recruits. Such are the’ Nihlist women. And the men. These, too, in spite of all prosecutions, banishments, and executions, continue at their work. Their watchword is ‘Death for death, exe cution for execution, terror for terror I’ ” Funeral Notices. THE Friends of the late Mr Feed. Brooks are respectfully informed that his FUNERAL will leave the Hospital TO-MORROW (Friday), at half past 3 p.m. T. A. GAIES, 735 a Undertaker. Meetings. S RRO W S A PUBLIC MEETING will he held in Willowby Schoolroom on MONDAY, the 9th, at 7 p.m., to take steps to form a Sparrow Club. 727 a S. S. CHAPMAN. D R G HUN T. Gentlemen willing to assist in securing a visit from a pack of hounds are re quested to meet at the Guardian Office THIS (Thursday) EVENING, May sth, at 8 p.m. 716 a Found. Found, —a sum of money. Apply, Office of this Paper, or to 'Mr Cameron, Springfield. 728 a