SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Thames, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. To-day. Penguin, s. s., from Wellington Albion, s.s., from Melbourne,-via-the South. Sailed. Yesterday. Martha Reid, schooner, for Oamaru. Emerald, ketch, for Foxton. To-day. Penguin, s.s., for Akaroa and Dunedin. Albion, s.s., for the North. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Stag,barque, from Newcastle. New Plymouth, Yesterday. Sailed—Hawea, for Nelson and Southern Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Tui, from Kaikoura and Lyt telton ; Wanaka, from the South ; Graf ton, from Nelson and West Coast ; Hero, cutter, from Lyttelton. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Ringarooma, from Lyttelton. Melbourne, Yesterday. Arrived—Te Anau, s.s., from the Bluff. Sailed —Tararua, s.s., for the Bluff. Albany, Yesterday. The P. and O. Company’s steamship Brindisi, with the inward Suez mail, arrived at King George’s Sound to-day, tn route, for Adelaide.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-night, Thursday, February-17; Degree Temple, Extraordinary Meeting, Templar Hall, at 8 p.ra. Thistle Lodge, Monthly Meeting, at the T Masonic Hall. Monday, February 21. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. {lssued at 5 p.m.]

Mail Notices. —Mails for Australian Colonies, per Ringarooma, will close at the Bluff to-morrow (Friday), at 11.30 a.m. Elgin Farm. —ln our advertising columns, the nice little estate of Elgin is advertised for sale by Mr. W. J. G. Bluett, who will sell it by auction on March 12. Elgin Farm is the property of Mr. J. Stanley Bruce, who, wo under stand is about to take a trip Home, and is relinquishing his property with that view. The auctioneer! we think, has not over drawn the picture in the least, in the de scription given of the property, and those who have seen the grounds will bear out our remarks. The Railway Tariff . —The circulars of the County Council sent to the various Bead Boards, asking concurrence in the County Council’s action in the railway tariff question, have received affirmative replies from the following Boards—who also consented to co-operate :—Mount Somers, Mount Peel, Mount Cook, Gust, Temuka, Riccarton, Rangiora and Mande ville, Wakanui, Upper Ashburton, Tem pleton, and Lincoln. The following are the only other Boards who have deigned a reply at all, and these have reserved their opinion:—Akaroa and Wainui, Eyreton, Pigeon Bay, and Port Levy. The* Australians at Napier.— lt ap pears that though Napier was deluged with rain yesterday forenoon no rain fell at Hastings, where the cricket ground is, and when the teams reached the theatre of operations the ground was perfectly dry. The Australians pronounced the ground the best in the colony. The Napier men took the bat first, and were all got put half-an-hour before “time” for 79. Then Spofforth and Palmer went to W6ric r but before time was called Spofforth was bowled for 20, Murdoch took' his place, and when the day’s v ork was finished the Australians had made 10 in all, with one wicket down. Up to going to press, the following is all we had got .about, to-day’s play The Ahs- j tralians commenced at 12.30,. with one wicket down for ten runs. Murdoch and Palmer went in, to the bowling of laddie and Edwards; At 1.30 Murdoch * bad 21 not out, and Palmer 12 not out. Total-,.3ff for one -wicket. The weather - Was fine, and the attendance good. ‘

Property Assessment. —The Board of Reviewers under the Property Assessment Act commence their sittings in the Court house to-morrow morning, at ten o’clock. Tinwald Yards. Mr. Joseph Clark has just al out completed some extensive alterations on the Tinwald cattle-yards, by which means a ccommodation has been provided for another 4000 or so sheep, and some uu h-wanted repairs have also been made upon the enclosures for cattle. It is a healthy sign for the district that the extensive additions were required, and that they were so every visitor to the yards on a sale day can amply testify.

The Bird Show. —Las- night a meeting of the Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Asso ciation’s Committee was held in Messrs. S. Saunders’ office—Mr. S. Saunders pre siding. It was decided to make the show an open one, and the Committee made a classification of exhibits, and arranged a prize schedule. The secretary reported that Mr. E. G. Wright did not see his way to take the position of president of the Society, but had promised to subscribe to its funds, and would aid it in every other wav he possibly could. On the motion of the secretary, it was decided to ask the Mayor to accept the president’s position.

Obscenity. —For some time past some blackguard or other has grati fied his vile taste by writing obscene sentences on the passage walls of certain buildings which the public have access to, and which have to be passed and re-passed many times in the day by young females. For such a man’s back the cat-o’-nine-tails is a fitting appliance. It is astonishing sometimes how smartly a detective will run a fellow with proclivities of the kind wo refer to, to earth, and the police have the matter in hand. The blackguard may fancy himself very safe from detection. We shall sec. When he is run mwe can guarantee Mr. Nugent. Wood giving him the full benefit of such punishment as the law allows.

Mile Race. —Last night the mile race came off that had been arranged for be tween two of our local pedestrians— Messrs. John Groves and W. Bayliss. The race was run in the Domain at seven o’clock, and the stakes were L 5 a-side, Bayliss getting 65 yards start. The judges were Messrs. Stephens and Pur chase, and as promptly as possible at the hour the men were got away pretty well together. We have seen Groves in better condition, and we liked Bayliss’ form much. In the first lap, Groves visibly decreased the odds he had given, and gradually pulled it down till within 50 yards from home, when he came level with Bayliss. Then a neck-and-neck rush came on, and both men breasted the tape together—a dead heat. It was evident Groves was running a waiting race and that Bayliss was saving himself for the finish. The latter somewhat surprised even his friends by the amount of running he showed was left in him, which proved that Groves held his man too cheap. The time shows that neither of the two made any special effort, as the mile was run in 5 minutes 25 seconds, a,s near as could be reckoned. It was arranged, to decide the struggle, that the race should be run over again on Wednesday next, at half-past six, on the same course. There was a pretty good attendance ol the public.

Sheep Workting. Complaints are numerous just now against the many use less dogs in the county that have a weak ness for worrying sheep. The new Dog Registration Act is very stringent. It permits a magistrate to order a dog of whose bad character he has been convinced to be destroyed ; and any dog known to be dangerous, and found at large without a muzzle, may forthwith be seized and killed by a constable. Should any dog rush at, attack, or startle any person, horse, cattle, or other animal, whereby the life or limbs of any person may be endangered, or any property be injured or endangered, such dog may be immedi ately killed, -and on conviction the owner or keeper of the dog may be fined, in addition to making good any damage that may have been caused; any person who may see a dog bite' or attack any person, horse, sheep, or cattle, or who may him self be so attacked or bitten, may kill the dog, and not be answerable for any damage; the owner, or agent of the owner [servant or employe], of any cattle or sheep may destroy any dog running at large amongst such cattle or sheep; and the owner of every dog shall he liable in damages for injury done by his dog, and it shall not be necessary for the party seeking damages to show a previous mis chievous propensity in such dog, or the owner’s knowledge of such propensity, or even that the injury was attributable to neglect on the part of the owner of the dog.

School Treat axTixwald.— ln a recent issue we gave some short details of the arrangements made by the Tinwald School Committee for a treat to the scholars. The treat came off yesterday in grand style, and it is intended to make it an annual affair- 120, or thereabout, of the Children assembled at the school at two o'clock, and the usual sports indulged in on such occasions were* held in a paddock adjoining the school, the offer of Mr. Carter’s paddock not being taken advan tage of, owing to harvest operations going on. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the various contests, and many of the Tinwald residents did much to help on the enjoyment of the day. Prominent with their active aid in this direction were several of the ladies residing in the town ship, to whom the thanks of all are due, and Mr. Allsop, the schoolmaster, was unwearied in his efforts to keep the plea sure of the young ones keen. Tea was served at five o’clock, Mr. Jephsou contri buting half a hundred weight or so of cake, and Mr, Mark Scott supplying quite a fountain of “pop.” Other friends con tributed largely-to the eatables fund, and the happiness of the children must have been to them a great reward. After tea the children assembled in the schoolroom, where Mr. J. Clark, the most patriotic gentleman in the county, distributed the prizes. Mr. Clark is Chairman of the Committee, and as he distributed the prizes, he gave a word of commendation or encouragement to each recipient. A burst of cheering from the children fol lowed each little speech by the distribu tor of the prizes. Mr. Clark offered a prize to be competed for next year, and the boy or girl who most successfully traces the materials that made up the tea to the countries whence they came,, des cribes these countries, and gives their locality and distance from New Zealand will obtain the prise. After “Home, Sweet Home,” had been sung and the National Anthem, the meeting dispersed. The following is the prize list :—Standard V.—Eliza Houston, 1; Annie Gairncross, 2. Standard IV.—Oliver Allsop, 1; Gertrude Littlecott, 2. Standard 111 (Boys).—Alexander Burns, 1 ; James Allsop, 2 ; Isaac Lewis, 3. Standard 111 (Girls). —Harriet Ward, 1 ; Isabella Stalker, 2 ; Mary Lewis, 3. Standard 11. —Amy Hickman, 1 ; William G reen v 2. Standard I (Boys). —Arthur Williams, 1 ; A. Innes, 2. Standard I (Girls). —Esther Burns, 1; Annie Stephens, 2. Under Standard I.—John Burns, 1; Charles Baxter, 2 ; Susan Hickman 3. Advanced Infants.—Mary McLauchlin, 1 ; William Mullaney, 2. Sewing. —Harriet Ward, 1; Hannah Lewis, 2 ; Margaret Stalker, 3. Special prize, by recommendation of Mr. Carter. —Isabella Stalker, 1. Drawing (3rd Class) —J. T. Allsop, 1. (4th Class) —G. Littlecott, 1. Best Attendance (Girls). —Mary Lewis, 1. (Boys)—Robert Innes, 1. (Infants) —Elizabeth McLaugh lau, 1. Singing (Boys).—-James Allsop, 1. (Girls)— Agnes Williams, 1. Good Behaviour (Boys).—Alexander McLauch larr) 1. (Girls)—Harriet Ward, 1. (In fants)—Elizabeth Griffiths, 1.

New School -Districts. —The boun daries of the new school districks of Lis more and Methven are' published in our advertising columns. Quill’s Consultation. —On Monday next, at 2p. m., Mr. T. Quill’s Cons Sta tion on the Dunedin Cup will be drawn at his rooms, Saunders’ Buildings.

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Sporting. Melbourne, Feb. Pi. There ore ton acceptance:- for r .he Australian Cup, and thirty-two fc the Handicap. Exhibition Awards. The following further Exhil-o.ion awards have been announced :—Si ond order of merit, IV. Savage of Christ church, for pen and ink drawing ; H. C. W. Rigg, Wellington, for pen and ink drawing; R. T. Holmes, Wei'ing ton, for steel plate, with proofs ; Sur veyor-General of New Zealand, for specimens of photo-lithography; Dr. James Hector, for maps ; W. v , J. Spreat, Wellington, for map of O igo, Third order of merit —Robeit Lar bie, Napier for design for timber fra ned churches; John Buchanan, Wellir. mn, for illustrations of grasses, etc. ; Cer vard Mueller, Hokitika, for mn ; of Westland. Fourth order of meri: —F. W. Burwell, Invercargill, for arc! cec tural drawings. Fifth order of me :t — Leonard Stowe, Wellington, for model of calculating machine.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) A Dispute. Auckland, To-d--y. A difference has arisen between Mr. Pittman, the agent for the Australian cricketers, and the Auckland M mag< Mient Committee, through Mr. Pittman object ing to the terms accepted by Mr. Halifax in Dunedin on behalf of the crick-. ;er.°, that Auckland shall receive a quarter of the takings and a lump sum of LSO. The dispute will not interfere with the match. New Zealand University. Wellington, To-d.-.y. The session of the Senate of the Uni versity of New Zealand met yesterday. The business was only formal. The Senate met again this morning, when a motion was carried that the Chancellor write to the Government, urging on them that in the event of a redistribution of seats in the House of Representatives, the University will be given a member. Drowned, Dunedin, To day.

James Cowie, 28 years of age, un married, was drowned while bathing in Lovell’s Creek. He had been ten years in the colony.

OPENING OF THE WOOL SALES.

■ — ♦ A Decline in Prices. (By Cable.) London, Feb. 15. The February-March series of wool sales opened to-day. Prices generally show a decline of per cent, com pared with the closing rates of last auction.

SPORTING.

THE APPROACHING DUNEDIN MEETING. [By Telegraph.] Training Notes. Dunedin, To-day. In the absence of the northern contin gent, little interest is taken in the doings a t Forbury, although a good deal of strong work has lately been done by the locally owned horses. Goodman was the first to put in an appearance this morning with his string of five, and opened the pro ceedings by sending Titania and Sylvauus a mile and a half at about half speed, both looking and moving well. Playboy did a gallop once round. Le Loup, who is looking very fit, did only walk ing exercise. Native Cat, who seems much improved since he has been in Mr. Goodman’s hands, trotted a mile and half in grand style. Kano stripped Lady Ennna and Ledgerdeinain, sending them half a mile at a good pace. Both show plenty of quality, but the former is rather light looking. George Dodson’s team did some useful work, looking very well. Cotton commenced by sending Carrigeen twice round, the candidate for jumping honors finishing in fine style. The colts Moaßird and Mameluke had a regular breather five times round the tan, with sweaters on. Sir William and Maude fol lowed, going twice round at a good pace, and Jasper did a serviceable gallop by himself. Trainers complain that the course is very rough and lumpy, and allege that in its present condition fast work cannot be done with safety. The Betting Market. Sir Modred is a firm favorite for the Cup, and Titania is also backed pretty freely, but definite quotations can hardly bo given. “ Pegasus’ ” Opinion. Regarding the chances of the candidates for the Cup, “ Pegasus,” writing in the Star', goes for Sir Modred, Le Loup, On Dit, Virginia Water, and Titania, in the order named, but expects to find his views modified as the day draws near.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER.

(From a New South Wales Correspondent.) Sydney, Feb. 4.

Nothing of any great importance has transpired lately in Parliamentary circles. The time of the country has been taken up by a few of our old members making attacks upon officers in the public service for abusing the privileges apper taining to their various departments. Mr. Goodchap, Commissioner of Railways, had a very severe lecture road him by that well-known but bully-ragging politi cian, Mr. M‘Elhone, on the subject of granting too many free railway passes. In the Legislative Council on Wednesday the Temporary Supply Bill for January was passed through all its stages, and will be returned to the Legislature on Tuesday next. It will then require the consent of his Excellency the Governor, and as s< >on as that is given the salaries of the civil servants for the past month can be paid. The Council now stands adjourned until Wednesday next. The public mind has for some time past been exercised as to the method to be finally adopted for the supply of water to the city and suburbs. The excitement engendered by the recent water famine has drifted, as it were, into the question whether the Government proposal to bring the water from the Nepean river at a cost cf two millions shall be carried out, or the Kenny Hill scheme of Mr. Gipps, which, it is alleged, will furnish an adequate supply of water by gravitation, and, consequently, high pressure. An in fluential committee, formed by the citizens in favor of the Kenny E ill scheme, has been the means of induci ig the Government to stay certain portions

of the Nepean scheme which were about to be carried out, and which would have interfered with Mr. Gipps’ proposals. Mr. Moriarty, the Engineer-in-Chief, has now reported fully on Mr. Gipps’ pro posals, condemning them, and alleging at the same time that, owing to the fact that the wafer will have to be brought in pipes, the cost ' ill exceed that of the Nepean scheme ; although the latter con tains ten miles of tunnelling. Mr. Moriarty’s last report has been severely criticised and commented upon. Pro fessional men have shewn glaring incon sistencies in it, and notwithstanding'the fact that the Goi eminent seem inclined to adhere to the Nepean scheme, every effort is being made to show that our Engineer-in-Chiof has not only acted in a domineering spirit towards Mr. Gipps, but at the same time that the very argu ments lie adduces against Mr. Gipps’ scheme prove him to be incompetent to hold the important position he now does. Another point of difference is in the height of a certain reservoir at Waverley, fixed upon by the late Mr. Clark, the eminent engineer. Mr - Gipps and his numerous friends aver that in order to damage their scheme, Mr. Moriarty has deliberately raised the height of the reservoir above alluded to some 40 feet. The question is now before Parliament, and the discussions that have already taken place show that it is likely to be a very sore one. The ceremony of opening the great Southern Railway from Gerogery to

Albury was surrounded by all the eclat and enthusiasm befitting an event of such national importance as the connection of the capital of Sydney with Albury on the southern frontier, and the establishment of through communication by rail from Sydney to Melbourne. The'formal open ing of the railway took place after the arrival of the Victorian team (about 2 p.m.) The platform was occupied by a number of gentlemen, prominent among whom were Sir Henry Parkes, Mr. John Lackey, Mr. Berry (Premier of Victoria), and Mr. Patterson (Victorian Minister of Railways). The banquet was attended by a large assemblage. Mr. Edmonson, Mayor of Albury, occupied the chair, with Sir Henry Parkes on his right, and Mr. Berry on his left. Near also were other distinguished visitors, including a number of members of Parliament .and others. As a wind-up to the festivities of the day a ball was held in the new Goods Shed, about 700 couples being present. Dancing was kept up till the “ ama’” hours. Albury and Wodogona were both en fete, and great satisfaction was ex pressed at the fact that all passed off ■without a hitch. • The screw-steamer Gollaroy still remains a wreck on Manly Beach. As the tide did not float her yesterday, no efforts were made to get her off, and the contractors have suspended operations until, next high tides. A heavy sea broke over tlie'Steamers yesterday, but apparently did no injury. She lies deep in a bed of sand, and, for the time being, has every appearance of being safe. The proprietors of the Bulletin have been served with a writ, at the instance of Mr. Robertson, solicitor, of this city, for libel. Damages are laid at LIO,OQO. The nature of the libel is in reference to his private life in the early days of the colon j. The Emerald left Sydney on the Bth of December last, on a cruise to the South Seas, to endeavor to punish the natives for the numerous massacres of Europeans

that have taken place in different parts of the Solomon group.. She has now re turned, bringing one prisoner and two witnesses from Brooker Island. Her arrival in this port caused for the time great excitement, but us soon as it became publicly known that all that, had been done to avenge the death of the crew of H.M. gunboat Sandfly and other mas sacres, was that a few villages had been burnt to the ground and tw6 natives killed, general dissatisfaction was ex pressed. The natives of the fSouth Sea Islands treat our squadron with contempt, saying that—“ Big ship come, make a great deal of noise, and then leave.” A Naval depot is now being advocated by all our leading journals, and the late South Sea massacres will, on the meeting of Parliament, form a very important ques tion.

A rather strange relic in the shape of a skull was picked up while excavating for the addition to our General Post Office, George street. It is evidently that of an aboriginal, and there is reason to believe of one who met with a violent death. There is a perforation in the skull, as though it had been pierced by a spear, and the relic is probably part of some old brave who fell fighting for his rights against the British. The skull was found embedded 15ft. from the present sdrface, and in the bed of an j-old stream. When our principal street (George street) was a forest rivulet, the skull was probably washed down from a higher position, where the' remainder of the old warrior may be lying. The differences which existed, between the members of the Austrian- Band ,and the entrepreneurs who brought .them to the colonics, were amicably arranged,‘and the public were treated last night to s6me fine orchestral music in the Exhibition Building, in Prince Alfred Park. Last night’s performance was conducted by Herr Braun, in the presence of an ap preciative audience of 2,700 persons. ■ Mr. Garner, of the Theatre Royal, in tends disbanding the London Comedy Company, who have had such a successful run, and has engaged Mr. J. C. William son to produce for the first time in this city, Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan’s “ Pirates of Penzance.”

It is currently rumored that Sir Archi bald Michic, after an absence of twenty five years, intends making Sydney once more his home. Victoria can to lose such a distinguished man. The intense heat still prevails, with no apparent chance of a change. To-day the thermometer showed 87dcgs. in the shade. : During the day several eases of sunstroke were reported at the infirmary. None proved fatal. A company has been lately formed here with a view of establishing a Telephone Exchange. The principal business men of the city are strongly in favor of its for mation. y, That eminent artist, Miss Christian, has paid Sydney a visit, accompained by Mr. Turner and Miss Annie Montague. She gives a series of concerts in the old Exhibition Bindings. By the arrival of the barque Kosciusko, from London, yesterday, a valuable ad dition to the thoroughbred horse stock of this colony was made. They consist of five thoroughbred horses, shipped by the well-known William Blenkiron, of Kent, England—and arc the property of Mr. E. King Cox, of Penrith. The prospectus of the Sydney and Country Bank appears this morning. The reasons given for the launching of a new Bank in Sydney are such as to arrest at tention and merit considei’ation.

The Most Venomous of Snakes.

[Daily Telegraph .] A. recent arrival at the Zoological Society’s Gardens in Regent’s Park deserves special notice, apart from the fact that it is the first of its species known to have been brought to Eng land. It is a snake, called the eehis carinata, about a foot and a half long, and of a dingy grey. Yet, although in appearance neither interesting nor for midable, it is the deadliest of created things. This detestable little worm, which, looking at it, the spectator might make bold to say he could imitate very passably in cork and putty, is, never theless, one of the miracles and master pieces of nature, for it is death itself, and carries in its tiny head the secret of destroying lite with the sudden rapidity of lightning and the concen trated agony of all poisons. The echis comes to us from India, where it is tolerably common, being found in

nearly every part of the peninsula, and feared wherever found as the incarna tion of instant and terrible destruction. Fortunately, however, for man, it is not, like the cobra and the korait, a house-frequenting snake; for its tiny size would give it a terrible advantage over human beings who live crowded together, as the natives of India do, in small darkened rooms, while its aggres sive habits would make it infinitely more fatal to life than its dreaded relatives. For this king of the asps, this modern basilisk, is not only veno mous beyond conception, but it is actively offensive. It does not turn to escape from man, as the cobra will, or flash into concealment like the korait,

but, conscious perhaps of its deadli ness, deliberately keeps the path against its human assailant, and, putting its own eighteen inches of length against his bulk, challenges and provokes the conflict. A stroke with a whip will cut it in two, or a clod of earth disable it; but such is its malignity that it will invite attack by every device at its command, staking its own life on the mere chance of its adversary coming within the little circle of its power. At most, the radius of this circle is 12 inches, but within it, at any point, lies certain death, and, on the bare hope of hand or foot trespass ing within its reach, the echls throws its body into a figure-of-eight coil, and, attracting attention by rubbing its loops together, from which the roughness of the scales —hence the epithet carinata —makes a rustling, hissing sound, erects its head in the centre, and awaits attack. No one having once encoun tered this terrible worm can ever forget its truculent aspect when thus aroused, its eagerly aggressive air, its restless coils, which in constant motion one over the other, and rustling ominously all the while, stealthily but surely bring it nearer and hearer to the object of its fury ; the eye, malignant even beyond those of other vipers, and then the inconceivable rapidity of its stroke. For the echis does not wait to strike until it is within striking distance, but vents its malice in repeatedly darting at nothing, hoping, perhaps, to aggra vate its antagonist into closer quarters, or, more probably, as a mere expres sion of its own uncontrollable vicious ness.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE ASHBURTON CEMETERY.

To the Editor. Sir, —Not only is it high time that every misconception respecting the character and purpose of the County Hos pital, was removed from the mind of the the public—and for calling attention to which you are worthy of thanks—but another important matter needs ventila tion—viz,, that of the Public Cemetery. The way in which that place and its busi ness is managed is simply disgraceful to the inhabitants —not that any person is to blame, so far as I know, but the thing is on an unworkable basis, so that only annoyance is given to those who have any thing to do with it. If there are trustees or managers of the Cemetery, can they not be known, and rightly discharge the duty that belongs to them ? If there are regulations or rules, can they not be adhered to and enforced ? If the secre tary receives application for a grave space, should he not be shielded from the difficulty of letting the ground be opened before the fees are paid in full. If the gravedigger is required he ought not to be expected to carry his tools backward and forward each time, and wait the convenience'of under takers and others until he is paid for his labor. Cannot something like the follow ing measures be adopted ?—Let a code of regulations bo printed in pamphlet form and sold for say 6d. each. Let them be also printed in full on stout calico or canvas and posted up in the Cemetery. Let there be a proper form to be filled up by anybody applying for a grave, with say the following particulars : —(1) The name and age of deceased ; (2) the occupation ; (3) the late residence ; (4) when and where ■death occurred ; (5) day and hour of in tended interment ; (7) length and breadth of coffin ; (8) number of block and section selected ; (9) depth of same ; (10) names of minister to offici ate. On payment of charges, a duplicate of this could be given by the Secretary to the applicant, which he could take to the sexton, who, on receiving such authority from the secretary would pre pare the grave, and, as soon after the interment as he chose, he could take the paper back to the secretary and receive his pay. The secretary should have no power to remit charges or allow them to stand over ; but, on good evidence, the trustees should, if necessary, remit them. The selection of the grave space should bo subject to the .approval of the sexton, who, as well as the secretary, should have a plan of the Cemetery. The present charges arc fearfully high, unless it is intended to erect a small tool-house and a building in which to hold the funeral services. At the present rates, there ought to be a good income for the benefit of the Ceme tery ; but, if some never pay fees, why should any ! Twenty Shillings for a grave space, when the coffin is over five feet long, and 10s. when it is under five feet, is plenty. Ten shillings is good pay for a sexton for each grave opened, if he always gets his money as soon as his work is done. If thfe grave is required to bo more than six febt deep,- 2s. (id. per extra foot could be charged. These charges, with 2s. Gd. to the Registrar, are ample. The managers of the Cemetery should frequently meet (say, once a month) and see that every thing is kept in order. The Board, or whatever it is called, should be elected by the people—not. nominated by the Govern ment and then left for ever. —I am, Ac., Wm. Keall.

THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

JERRY’S GRANDMOTHER. [continued. I That was a very heavy coffin Miss Nancy and I carried down the bank in the black night, considering the size of it and the weight of most old women. But I said nothing, only to Peggy Herrick. The boat sunk almost to the water’s level when I got in. A black boat, a black cloth over the coffin, and Miss Nancy had given me a coat of black shag. Tire lake was smooth, but the clouds hid the stars, and there was no moon. I was to steer for Buffalo light. I knew the way, and it was no new thing for me to be out on the water in the dark. My orders were to steer for Buffalo light until I was a half mile or more fiom port. Then I was to put in to a light that I would see in a high building to the north about a half mile —between a poplar tree and a church steeple. The light would be in the third story, and Jerry or some body else at the dock. My oars were muffled—l knew that at the first stroke —and silent as death my boat pushed out, Buffalo light gleaming faintly over the dark waters.

“ Now Peggy, cut for home,” I said aloud, when I was well out from the point, and looking over my shoulder for the necessary bearings. I knew every tree-top dimly outlined in the distance against the sky. In two hours at most I would be at home for the current would help me. Should they follow me we would have a race with our oars, that was all. But how could they see my course in the darkness ? The clouds were breaking; but it would take better eyes than mine even to see such a black shape as my boat and its cargo pushed through the dark. I was perhaps a mile from home. A strange joy had given place to my fears. I was thinking how surprised father would be, and how many dollars the poor old grandmother would be worth, when my right oar creaked horribly under my excited pull. Another stroke, and I broke the oarlock Good heavens! and I was not dreaming ! It was not all a nightmare ! My oar was broken ! I had no other ! I had no other ! My boat was gliding into the main current of the river, the Niagara river, and the falls not fifteen miles below !. What did Ido ? What could I do but sit frozen in terror, helpless and numb? On, on, on, 1 was steadily floating. The night shutting me in ; nobody to hear, nobody to help; the distance between me and the bank of Grand Island growing wider and wider; the black, cruef current, the very gulf of death. No, I did not pray, unless the wild shrill cry I gave when I saw the roof of our house against the sky was a prayer. I had thrown off my wrappings to make the desperate plunge that would bring death the sooner, and save me from the hurrying dash through the rapids ahead, when I gave a loud despairing cry —a shriek so terrible I could not have repeated it but for the quick answer it brought. And Pont answered me ! Out from the darkness and across the dreadful river came his loud wolf like bay—a furious cry for help. Yes, it was more than that—it promised to save me; it told me to be brave. I answered; called him by name. Louder and louder did he bark and howl as he threw himself against the door and tore at it with his paws. If the door of Heaven ever opens to me the light will be like what I saw when father’s candle flickered over old Font’s head. He caught ray cry; my boat had passed the house, and waiting for nothing he ran down the bank. I could hear the clanking of the anchor chain, and Pont struggling to get into the boat.

“Row for shore, Peggy!” Father was 'at last fairly awake, as he said afterward. “ For God’s sake why don’t you row ?” Never a word he spoke when I shouted why I did not. He said he tried to speak—tried to say, “ Don’t be afraid, Peggy. I can save you ; ” but it was like shouting at a nightmare. He knew Pont was swimming after him, and he drove him back with his oar, wondering after he did. so how he dared take the second’s time. Then he says he remembers nothing more dis tinctly until we were nearly ashore, my boat in tow of his, and I in a dead faint upon my cargo. “ Peggy ! Peggy ! ” he was calling when I came to on the beach; and Pont could not be made to understand by blows why I was not to be torn and tossed and kissed and barked over. “ Peggy ! What tempted you to go body-liftin’ ? What graveyard did ye take it from ? ”

That made me laugh, if you can be lieve it, even then, in spile of every thing. I kissed father and the dear old dog, and pulled at the grass as I sat there on the bank to make sure I was on dry ground again. Father was dreadfully bewildered, and kept talking about having forgotten to feed Pont and to call him in that night, just as if that was anything to be sorry for; for if the dog had been comfortable in his bed, and not shivering hungry out of doors, he would never have heard my cry, and then ?—I suppose God sends suffering to us all sometimes to make us help somebody else. “ But, father,” said I when my chat tering teeth and Pont would let me speak, “ you must break into Parson Doty’s barn as soon as ever you can and take his best horse and ride over to Captain Bedell’s for me. No, no, get the horse and I’ll go myself.” “ Are you crazy, Peggy ? Is it body liftin’ and horse stealin’ both at once ?” “ It’s smuggled brandy, father—that’s what’s in that coffin—enough to make our fortune. Don’t wait for talk now ; be quick as you ever was in your life. I’ll hide the boat in the flags while you get the horse. They may be after me —the smugglers —you know. I was galloping across the island at a breakneck pace in no time, for the captain lived on the eastern shore. Father had taken no notice of my costume, but Captain Bedell did at once, or rather he was slow to discover Peggy Herrick in the rough-looking man rapping with a whip-handle on his bed room window just before daybreak. The Captain didn’t need many direc tions when he was on the trail of smug gled brandy. He sent Vine Smith., back with me to guard the booty—each of us carried a revolver —and he started for the poplar tree and the church

steeple. Before night he had the whole gang in Buffalo jail—Miss Nancy, Father O’Leary, and departed grand mother and Jerry Clark, for as soon as I had pushed off with the coffin the three started out to follow at a safe dis tance with a cask of brandy in their boat, and the Captain, who had Jerry before their arrival, had little trouble in catching them. The Captain was a good friend of mine and he saw that I had not only the handsome reward, but perhaps more praise than I deserved. He interested himself in selling our place and in get ting me into a good boarding-school in Batavia. Colonel Allen, who owns nearly all the island, gave father a good situation on his dairy farm, and a mem ber of the Falconwood Club presented Pont with a silver-plated collar, with Latin on it, which was all well enough, for Pont can read Latin just as well as he can F.nglish, and I think he would rather not have everybody know what he has done in the world.

Did I ever see Miss Nancy again ? Yes, and that’s a part of my story. Guy Newton his real name was, and a right handsome fellow he was, too, not yet twenty when he was convicted ; and his mother was at his trial, crying as if her heart would break. He did not serve out his term in prison. He was pardoned after a few months. Only last summer I was sitting on the river bank by the old house, with some of the young folks staying at Captain Bedell’s hotel, when two English-look ing gentlemen drew near to us. One had sandy side-whiskers and wore eye glasses and carried an ebony cane. He was saying something to his com panion about a lubber-head of a boy, deaf as a post, which naturally woke me up at once. He lifted his hat politely, and asked if we could tell him any thing of a Peggy Herrick who once lived in that locality. Before I could hush anybody, for I knew who he was, little Beth Haskell cried out, “ Why this is Peggy Herrick. Everybody knows Peggy.” “ Indeed !” he said, extending his band, and I looked straight into those frank brown eyes as I gave him my hand. “ Our acquaintance does not begin here, and I trust this may be a renewal of it. Present my card, please, to Mr. Spaulding, of Falconwood. He will recommend me to your pardon.” I had said nothing, just nothing at all, and he was quite out of sight before I got my breath, and then the young folks were all laughing at me. No, I have never seen him since. We heard that he was a wealthy ranch man in Colorado, and highly respected. He is married, and has a lovely wife. The romance of my life is over. I have had my share, 1 suppose ; a little more than most folks, and about all I care for. There, that is all there is to it. It is not just as the newspapers had it, you see. My hair did not turn white out on the river, and I have not worn men’s clothes ever since. The truth is, I am tired of telling this story over and over, and I thought when Captain Bedell’s visitors ask me after this to come up on the piazza and tell “ that smuggling story,” while they watch the Niagara river gliding along under the moon light, I would just give it to them in print—that is, if I can find anybody to print it for me. —New York Post.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1881.



Special Advertisements. Commercial and fancy STATIONERY. The Undersigned has opened up a NEW ASSORTMENT of the above. Cream, Bine, and Hand - made Notepapers ; Ruled, Plain, Fancy, and Repp ditto. Good Business Envelopes, No. 7, Court, Albert, Queen, Tinted, Repp, and others. Pens G Ilott’s, Mitchell s, Brandauer and, Co.’s Inks —Stephen’s .Blue Black, Walkden’s Black and Colored, Antonin,e, Copying, &c. Workboxes, Albums. Books, &c. H. M. JONES, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT, East Street and Baring Square. AHOTHER YEAR OF SUCCESS^".- The best value FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Yerv Best Yalue for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 751* Manager. CX Garstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes T- : Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc.



Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 520* f£|o THE BOOT TRADE. WANTED—A first-class Hand. Apply to T. Chambees, East street, Ashburton. 131 a WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a



Holloway's Pills. —These Pills are more efficacious in strengthening a debilitated con stitution than any other medicine in the world.' Persons of a nervous habit of body, and all who are suffering from weak digestive organs, or whose health has .become deranged by bilious affection, disordered stomach, or liver complaints, should lose no time in giving these admirable Pills a fair trial. Coughs, colds, asthma, or shortness of breath are also within the range of the sanative powers of this very remarkable medicine. The cures effected by these Pills are not superficial or temporary, but complete any permanent. They are as mild as they are efficacious, and may be given with confidence to delicate females and young chil dren. Their action on the liver, stomach, and bowels is'immediate, beneficial, and lasting, restoring order and health in every case.— Auvr



. Ckicket. —A meeting of the Match Com mittee of the r Ashburton Cricket Club, to considers a challenge 1 by the Geraldine Club, will be held this evening. The rain of last night will be of great service to the cricket ground, as the grass looked ns sere and dry as possible, and the Club were about to arrange for having it watered.



Wanted. WANTED— MARRIED COUPLE, for Maronan, without incumber ances. Man, odd jobs ; woman to cook for men. John Carter, Grove House, Tinwald. 82a TTTANTED to take charge of, one or yV two CHILDREN. To anyone with children wishing to take a situation this would afford an opportunity for doing so. A comfortable home with moderate terms. Apply, by letter, to “A. 8.,” Office of this Paper. 129 a A N T E TENDERS for CARTING about D. 70 Cubic Yards (more or less) of Sand and Shingle, for New Bank, Rakaia. NELSON AND COUTTS, 113 a Ashburton.



WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS, Wakanui Road, Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 898 WANTED KNOWN,—That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are Open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p. m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a WANTED MUSIC KNOWN. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has room for a few more Pupils for the Pianoforte, Harmonium, Violin, Flute, or Singing. Terms on application. Second hand instruments bought or sold on com mission. Address—Cameron street west. 86a WANTED KNOWN—The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlery is to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Tinwald. Good strong Cart Collars from 135.; Cart Winkers, Bs. 6d.; Plough Back-bands, 6s. cash ; Cart Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. TTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton VV REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. —L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Ser'-ants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 527



WANTED KNOWN—That a Church of England minister’s wife writes that she saves Ten Shillings a Fortnight by using Harper Twelvetrees’ Yilla Washer, Wringer, and Mangier, com bined; and, . although she permits _no rubbing, the clothes are beautifully white, and much cleaner than when done by hand, while the saving in mending has been astonishing. Sold by J. HERN, Range Maker and Importer, of Manchester and Tuam streets, Christ church ; Price —£9 10s. 700 WANTED KNOWN, SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the ibove Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 ITIHE GUARDIAN is on every Tea J- Table in Ashburton.



Meetings. I O.G.T.—Unity DEGREE TEMPLE. ' Special Meeting of Third Degree Members on THURSDAY, 17th inst., at 8 o’clock, at the Templar Hall, for ex traordinary business. All Third Degree members invited. — Thomas Williams, D.T. 106 a iL Thistle lodge, 627, 5.0., ASHBURTON. ; • The Regular Monthly. MEETING of the above Lodge will be held THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING,the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, at 7.30 p.m. Visiting Brethren invited. By order of the R. W.M. G. GAUKRODGER. 118 a Hon. Sea a SHBURTON RACING -CLUB. The COMMITTEE will MEET- at Quill’s Hotel, on THURSDAY, 17th inst., at 4 p. in., to elect a Secretary, and for other business. S. SAUNDERS, 112 a For Secretary. Amusements- I. F., M. U. LOYAL ASHBURTON LODGE, No. 6003. GRAND ANNIVERSARY Concert



Of Vocal and Instrumental 'Music, Dances, and Comic Sketches, in the, TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, ON ' MONDAY EVENING, FEB. 28. The Loyal Ashburton Lodge, No. 6003, purpose celebrating their Anniversary with a Concert on the above date; when. an ex cellent programme will be presented. ’ A BaLL will take place immediately after the Concert. Doors open at half-past seven ; concert at eight prompt.. JOSHUA TUCKER, N.G. 76a R. MINNIS, Secretary. Impounding Notice. IMPOUNDED, at South Rakaia, Feb. 7th, frcm near the Pound; nn old Black Light Draught HORSE, bnlnded [upside down] on near shoulder, shed all round, heels on hind shoes. If not released by 21st February, it'will be sold at noon. 117 a GEO. SHELLOCK, Pouiidßeeper. : ; To Let. [BO LET, with a purchasing JL acres of TUSSOCK LAND"(broken up ready for croas ploughing) on stream run, about seven miles Irom t )tne Hinds Station. Apply to Robert GntiNQ, at Mr. H. Smith’s. Steam, Turning, Carving, and Chair Worksj tuam street, opposite Montgomery’s, Christchurch. ' 1 -127 a T O F T. A comfortable Four-Roomed T COT TAGE—bay window and] ycrand^fe-in Peter street. Rent low. Apply, J. Oisbn, on the premises. 116 a



For Sale. J>LAINS WATER S^ET^pViT. A FARM of 300 Acres, about 5 miles from Chertsey, FOR SALE, on, cast terms; J ! - -■ Apply, 126 a FRIEDLANDER BROS. OR SALE. A PEERING TWINE BINDER, almost new ; bas only' cut a few acria, and can be seen working. J ‘" Apply to • - i . ; 7a FRIEDLANDER BBOR^T



Poyntz & Go* HAVE FOR SALE, on advantageous and easy terms of payment, the following A HIGHLY-IMPROVED Farm of 600 Acres, rfi Within easy distance of Ashburton, Large Dwelling-house, Stable, and 'all necessary Outbuildings. 1 ' Running Creek through the | MONEY: for investment, on .approved security, in sums of £SO and at current rates



Public Notice- ({fl'f The education board, of.the DISTRICT OR NORTH BURY. ' SCHOOL DISTRICT OF METHVEN. The Education Board of the District of North Canterbury hereby'pubiicly" notifies, in accordance with the provisions of. Section 37 of the Education' that the School District of Methven has been duly formed, and that the following are the boundaries of the district: — Commencing at the north-western corner of section 30345, : follotrittg t the>Wß!? north of said section to its junction with the road north-eaal of 17229, thence south-easterly along the latter road to the westexynost corner of section 17924, and by the north-west jrn boundaries of sections! 17924 and 17925 to .the. north-eaSrtr corner of section' 17925, thence along the north-eastern bbnadaries of sections 17925,19462, apd 1943)0 to the road running throughtlw latter section, thence soUth-Westerly by said road to its junction with the road north-east of section 18022 r ' thence south-easterly ? following the latterroadto the easternmost corner of section 26906, thence < sduth4 westerly following the road southll east of said section: to'its junction with the road south-west of section 27637, thence north-westerly fcjpMe latter road and by section 15297 to the south-east corner of scfirtiojti 23724, following;, boundaries of sectioosn: smß4i i* 15301, and 20539 to the road forming the south-eastemhoundgy of section 1 24825, '■ tbuoel-seEtL westerly along said road tO|the ipafiK west of section ' 31690, thence |r northerly and north-westerly .Ipf-'j lowing the latter , to the commencing point. 1 ! J. V. GOIiBORNH YJBBEpIi Secretary. Christchurch, Feb. 14,1881. 121 a