SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Sunbeam, barque, from Mauritius. To-day. Thurso, barque, from Capetown. Rotorua, s.s., from Melbourne, via the South. Hawea, s.s., from Northern ports. Sailed. Yesterday. MJ Saucy Lass, schooner, for Wellington. Emperor, brig, for Auckland. Torea, schooner, for Kaipara. „ To-day. Hawea, s.s., for the South. Rotorua, s. s., for Northern ports.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. The brig Wild Wave, disabled on Kai para bar, has reached Auckland safely. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Amaranth, from Greymouth ; Elizabeth Curie, from Picton. Port Charmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Tararua, from the North. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed —Rotomahana, for the Bluff. Albany, Yesterday. Arrived—P. and 0. Company’s steam ship Khedive with the inward Suez mail, dated London, March 25th.

COMMERCIAL.

The Markets. [by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company report under date, London 26th: The wool market is unchanged. Arrivals to date, 355,000 bales of wheat ; market is firm, Adelaide being worth 50s 6d per 4961b5; N.Z. is worth 47a per 4961b5. " IWlow—Market quiet. Best mutton is worth L 36 per ton ; best beef is worth .L 33 per ton. Leather —Market quiet; best sides worth 10|d per lb.

MAIL NOTICES.

V The next mail for the United King < pom (via San Francisco) will leave on Ifcy 21. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows; — For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.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 420 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks. Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m.

Mftila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 а. m., 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. б. p.m., 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. _-- - W. St. G. Douglas, " Pro'-master.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Friday, April 29. Mr, T. Bullock, at Ashburton Forks— Stock, Implements, &c.; 11 o’clock. Saturday, April 30. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual. Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Thursday, April 28. Meeting of persons interested in forming a Sparrow Club, Waterton Library Hall. Public Meeting, re the Railway Engine Shed, Town Hall, 7.30 p.m. Amateur Dramatic Club Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 7.30 p. m. Borough Cricket Club—Meeting, at Mr Andrewes’, East street, at 730 p. m. To-morrow, Friday, April 29. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Parishioners, Sc. Stephen’s, Library Hall, V 7 p.m. , Saturday, April 30. Wakanui Sparrow Club, Somerset Hotel, 3 p.m. Monday, May 2. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, May i. Local Industries Association, Committee Meeting, Upper Room, Town Hall. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Winchester School Committee.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

TV*rwH Leave Ashburton fob Chbist : /chuboh and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashbubton for Timaru i s and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 450 p.m.—the latter pro ni > ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains -Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. ■ , Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Tuiafu and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.xn. (Express), and 8.15 p. m.

DEATHS.

Geubb. —On February 7, Sarah, wife of T. Grubb, Esq., Oxford, England (aunt of Mies Steane). Steane. —On February 25, Samuel Edmund Steane, of Milton House, Eastham, Essex (brother of Miss Steane).

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1881. To-night's Meeting.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.50 p. m. ]

To-night, at a public meeting, to be held in the Town Hall, the opinion of the burgesses in the matter of the “ Baring square intruder,” as we have previously heard the engine-shed termed, and the Government’s action regarding thereto, will be taken. Generally in matters affecting purely their own interests, persons are in a culpable degree more careless than in other instances ; but no blame in this direction, we think, is attachable to the residents in this town. Time after time have appeals been made in the matter of the removal of what is nothing more or less than an eyesore in our midst. Ministers have been button-holed, Government petitioned, and all has resulted in that one end— promises. Patiently we waited for their fulfilment, occasionally giving a gentle jog to that convenient article a Government memory, and the result is nil. As well might nothing have been done, for the fiat of an autocratic Ministry is that we are to have the beauty of our town marred by a building which might easily be re moved to a more suitable site. The tenders for the extension have been called for, and one accepted and the contract signed, and in a few days the work, if no revocation of the order occurs, will be in hand. By this piece of depotism, the Government have left only one course open, -which is a public meeting, having for its object the con demning their action ; such a meeting is convened for this evening. It is needless to point out what will be the result as affecting the square should the proposed extension proceed, for any person can surmise the same. What is needed is prompt and decisive action ; let there be a large meeting to-night, and let the action taken thereat be unanimous. This may have the desired effect.

Crowded Opt.—An interesting Sydney Letter, from our own correspondent, is crowded out of this issue. It will appear to-morrow. Masonic. —The ordinary monthly meet ing of the Somerset Lodge will take place to-morrow evening. Public Meeting. —An indignation meeting in the matter of the engine-shed is to be held this evening, in the Town Hall. Transferred. —We learn that Mr Wells, who has for the past twelve months occupied the post of station master at Tinwald, has received notice of his trans ference to Doyleston. Mr Wells will be succeeded by Mr Warren of Leeston.

Removal. —Mrs C. Truckle notifies else where that, finding the Echo Dining Rooms not sufficiently large to meet the demand for accommodation, she has re moved. to the Prince Albert Dining Rooms.

Creditors’ Trustee. -Mr F. Pavitt has been appointed creditors’ trustee in the following estates, notification of which is made in another column:—Walter and William Robins Lawry, trading as “Lawry and Son,” Seafield, and James M‘Caus land, Chertsey.

Vagrancy. —An inmate of the Old Men’s Home, who a few days ago took his discharge, was yesterday arrested on a charge of vagrancy. He was brought before his Worship the Mayor to-day, and dismissed on the understanding that he would go back to the Home.

Compensation Court. —From tho Press we learn that the heating of the case of R. Wilkin v. the for Public Works, which was a claim pigier the Public Works Act for aUeged adlihage done to claimant’s land by the of the Ashburton railway bridgei&owas resumed on Tuesday last, Hia Honor Mr Justice Johnston presided, with Messrs C. N. Bell and Mcllraith as assessors. As there are about forty witnesses to examine, the probability is that the case will continue for some time. Mr George Harper ap pears for the claimant, and Mr Joynt for the Minister. Smart Arrest. Constable Neill ef fected a very smart arrest last evening. During the day information reached the police to the effect that a man named Wood had been circulating forged and valueless cheques, one of which had been cashed by Messrs Hodder and Co. A description of the “ wanted ” was placed in Constable Neill’s hands, and during the evening he recognised his man stand ing outside the Somerset Hotel. On going up to Wood and addressing him by that name he was answered that he “ was making some mistake,” but feeling satis fied that this was his man he arrested him. On being placed among a number oi other persons for the purposes of iden tification the shopman who served Wood with the goods in payment for which the cheque was tendered immediately recog nised him, and Wood then admitted his guilt. He is a contracting carpenter by trade, and has only recently come from Christchurch. The name forged to the cheque was that of Mr Hepbern of this town. He was brought before the Mayor to-day and remanded till to-morrow.

A Portrait of Beaconsfield.— A very good portrait of Disraeli, as a young man has been given by Willis, an Ameri can author. It was some 50 years ago, at a dinner at Lady Blessington’s. “ Disraeli,” he says, “ had arrived before me, and sat in the deep window looking out on Hyde Park, with the last rays of daylight reflected from the gorgeous gold flowers of a splendidly embroidered waist coat. Patent leather pumps, a white stick with a black cord and tassel, and a quantity of chains about his neck and pockets, served to make him, even in the dim light, rather a conspicuous object.” Later on, when examining him by the “ blaze of lamps,” the same author says— “ Disraeli has one of the most remarkable faces I ever saw. He is lividly pale, and but for the energy of his action and the strength of his lungs, would seem a victim to consumption. His eye is black as Erebus, and has the most mocking and lying-in-wait sort of expression conceiv able. His mouth is alive with a kind of working and impatient nervousness, and when he has burst forth, as he does con stantly, with a particularly successful cataract of expression, it assumes a curl of triumphant scorn that would be worthy of a Mephistopheles. His hair is as extra ordinary as his taste in waistcoats. A thick, heavy mass of jet black ringlets falls over his left cheek, almost to his collarless stock, while on the right temple it is parted and put away with the smooth carefulness of a girl’s, and shines most unctuously ‘ with thine incomparable oil. Macassar.’ ”

Ashburton Mills. —A notification ap pears elsewhere regarding charges to owners of grists at the above mills. Welcomed. —Biship Moran, of Dun edin, was welcomed by the Catholic clergy at Auckland, when transhipping for Europe, on Tuesday. A Foolish Jump. —A man named Suther land jumped off the Southern goods train at Oamaru yesterday while it was in motion, and dislocated his shoulder.

To the Ladies. —Miss Yerrall’s an nouncement regarding display of winter stock, appearing in another column, will probably prove of interest to our lady readers.

Lockjaw. —David Olphert, ayoung man aged eighteen, died suddenly of lockjaw at Auckland. He ran a nail in his foot a fortnight ago, but paid no attention to it, and went to business as usual. A Profitable Show. —Cole’s circus is stated to have netted L 40,000 by its Australian and New Zealand tour. Mr Cole took back beside his managerie many more animals, including twelve kangaroos, twelve emus, SCO parrots, and a number of other Australian birds.

Novelty Consultation. —We publish elsewhere Mr Fleming’s notification of a grand novelty consultation on the Grand National. Under this system of drawing each ticket holder has three chances of drawing horses, and one ticket may, therefore, possibly draw more than one prize.

Accident. —A slight mishap occurred at the Rakaia Junction on yesterday morning. By an oversight, the points of one of the sidings on the Methven branch lino were left open, and when the train started, that part below the points entered the siding. Fortunately, the driver was able to stop the engine in time to prevent anything serious happening.

A Cheerful Publication. —There is a journal in New York city which might be a welcome visitor in families afflicted with a superfluity of cheerfulness —if there are any such. It is called the Shroud, and is devoted to the interest of undertakers. On the right hand side of the head is an engraving of Father Time, with his ever busy sickle ready for the stroke. On the left hand side is a representation of a hearse just entering a cemetery, followed by the mourners, and above are the words “ The Hour Cometh.” The general get up of the paper and its contents would chill the soul of a Yorick.

The Coming Sheep. —The London Agri cultural Gazette, has discovered the “com ing sheep.” The Ootswold (it says) is going out, the Southdown ceases to be a rival for popularity with larger and more profitable, if less shapely breeds, the Shropshire have had their day, and the Oxford Downs, al though their rise has been rapid, have an unfortunate predisposition to foot-lame ness. The “coming sheep ” are Hamp shire, which although they have not been pushed or taken up by the great(whoever they may be),have a brilliant future before them. There is no race in England,or the world, says our contemporary, which can vie with them i n the production of large-sized lambs of from six to eight months old. At this age it is not uncommon for them to realize as much as sixty or even sixty five shillings per head. Their enthusiastic chronicler is confident that, if instead of selling lambs at the autumn fairs, breeders keep them till ten or thirteen months old, they would make prices which no other race of sheep would touch. Blackballing. Something like an epidemic of blackballing (says the Home News) has come over some of the most coveted and exclusive of London clubs. Three weeks ago Lord Durham, proposed by Lord Granville and seconded by Lord Harington, was rejected at Brooks’; a little later Lord Roseberry was “ pilled ”at the Travellers’ ; and now the same malignant destiny at the same establishment has overtaken Lord Lytton. Thackeray said that a man must be very obscure or pos sessed of almost supernatural influence to get into any club after the age of thirty. There is much truth in the remark. If a club candidate is known favorably to most of the electors of a club, there are sure to be some who will embrace with alacrity the opportunity of doing him a bad turn. There is something pleasant to mosl people in the exercise of power, and the consciousness of dropping a black bean into the ballot-box at a club election grati fies this feeling. In all clubs, too, there is a certain number of gentlemen who re sent the idea of having any fresh mem bers. There may also be some who think it desirable to administer to the most highly-placed of candidates ta reminder that they are mortal.

Rakaia Road Board. —Tho annual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday last. Present —Mr R. Westenra (in the chair), Messrs J. Dillo way, and T. Brownlie. The surveyor's report was read and considered. The fol lowing correspondence was read :—From the Public Works Office, Wellington, en closing a form to be filled up showing the receipts and expenditure of the Board for the year ended 31st March. The required statement having been prepared by the clerk, was ordered to be forwarded. From Dr Richards, calling the attention of the Board to the great inconvenience caused to the public by the two gates -on the West Boundary road fronting Mr Cordy’s homestead paddocks, and requesting the Board to order their removal. After some discussion it was resolved—“ That as the gates complained of appear to be a public nuisance, Mr Cordy should be re quested to remove them without delay." A petition, signed by Messrs Learmouth, Drummond, and others, was read asking for the road to be formed along the north boundary of sections 30,752, 31,422, 30,753, and 30,751. It was decided to form this road as far as Sharland’s corner. Mr J. Scanlin waited on the Board, and asked for extra payment above the con tract price for the erection of the bridge over Cordy’s creek, on the ground that he had to cart the material for the approaches a much longer distance than what he ex pected when he signed the contract. Mr Scanlin was informed that he should have ascertained where the material was to be taken from before he tendered for the work, and that the Board could not con sider his claim, as the material was being takeh from the nearest place that it could be obtained from. It was resolved— “ That Mr Cordy be allowed the use of the Board room reserve for two years, on condition that he left it sown down with approved grass seeds as agreed upon.” The surveyor reported that Mr Dobson had surveyed the new road as agreed on with Mr Cordy, who had expressed him self satisfied with the now line as now taken. It was decided that as this matter was now settled, to include the informa tion of this road in the next list of works to be tendered for. Tenders for various road works were opened, and one in each case was accepted. The surveyor was ordered to call for tenders for several works, amounting altogether to about twelve miles of formation and three miles of metalling. After passing accounts amounting to L 554 16s sd, the Board adjourned.

Milk stains on serge dresses may be removed by steeping the part in warm water.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per rbdtkr’s acienot.] War to the Knife. London, April 26. Mr. Dillon, M.P., has publicly stated that all future evictions in Ireland will meet with wholesale armed resistance on the part of tenants and their sympathisers.

Earl Beaconsfield’s Funeral- The funeral of the late Earl of Beaconsfield took place at Hughenden to-day. The wishes expressed in his will that the ceremony should be of a simple character were respected as far as possible, nevertheless a vast number of people assembled from all parts of the kingdom to do honor to his re mains. Amongst those present were their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Connaught, and Prince Leopold, and his former col leagues the Marquis of Salisbury and other leaders of the Tory party. Amongst the members of the present Government were the Marquis of Hart ington and the Hon. Sir W. Vernon Harcourt. Many other distinguished persons also witnessed the interment. The Brindisi Mail. The homeward Australian mails via Suez and Brindisi were delivered here yesterday. Bank Dividend.

The London Chartered Bank of Australia has declared a dividend of per cent, for the half year, and car ried forward L 4,000 to reserve fund. The Strife Begins. Paris, April 26. The discordant relations which have existed for some time past between the French and Tunisian Governments have now resulted in open hostilities. Tele grams from Algeria report that a French man-of-war opened a heavy bombard ment upon the Island of Tabacca, situated near the coast at the western extremity of the Tunisian territory. The town was completely destroyed, and subsequently a body of troops were landed.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reutbr’s agency.] Closed. Melbourne, April 27. The Intercolonial Meteorological Conference has closed. The Ferret Caught. Melbourne, To-day. A steamer named The India, which recently arrived here from Mauritius, has been seized by the Commissioner of Customs for sailing under a false register. The vessel is understood to be the Ferret, which mysteriously dis appeared from Glasgow at the begin ning of February last, leaving a numocr of valueless bills in payment of its debts. A Distinguished Visitor. Professor Renlaur, German Com missioner to the Melbourne Exhibition, will shortly proceed on a visit to New Zealand. Intolerance. The Melbourne Presbytery has been sitting for the past two days in connec tion with the case against the Rev. Charles Strong, in reference to his article on “ The Atonement,” in the Victor ian Review. The Presbytery has adjourned, without as yet arriving at any decision.

NEW ZEALAND.

[per press association.] Educational. Auckland, To-day. At a meeting of the Governors of the Grammar School to-day, Mr Hesketh gave notice of a series of resolutions to the effect—“ That the recent decision of the Board re notice of termination of en gagements of masters at the school, „and their entrance upon negotiations for pro curing a University graduate as head master, be revoked and annulled on various grounds, but principally because the decisions were hastily and irregularly arrived at, and because those who con stituted the majority were Sir G. M. O’Rorke, Mr Fenton, and the three nominees, whose election they secured by personally soliciting votes for them—viz., Brookfield, Tole, and Nelson. ” The re solution was couched in very bitter terms, and likely to provoke a most acrimonious discussion. Sir G. M. O’Rorke stig matised them as most offensive. Mr Clark also gave notice that he would move—“ That the Government take over the present College for the purpose of a Girls’ High School, and pay the cost to the Board for erecting another building.”

SPORTING.

SOUTH CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB MEETING. First Day—Thursday, April 28. [by TELEGRAPH.] Timaru, To-day. Stewards—J. W. White, M. Jonas, J. A. Gamack, D. Maclean, and K. Stansell ; Judge, M. Studholme; Starter, T. Hall; Clerk of the Course, A. St. G. Hamersley; Handicapper, E. Griffiths ; Clerk of the Scales, J, Meikle. The races attracted a large crowd. The weather was beautiful. One totalisa tor put in an appearance in the Grand Stand enclosure, and did a roaring trade. The sporting fraternity- was well repre sented, but business seemed dull with the bookmakers. The first event on the card was the Trial Stakes, of 50 sovs., for horses that have not won 200 sovs. in one event, or two events, each of the value of 100 sovs. or upwards, up to time of starting. Maidens at starting al lowed—For three-year-olds, 3lbs ; four years, 71bs ; five years and up wards, 101 b. Weight for age ; distance, about 1J mile. Mr H. Prince’s Sir Garnet 1 Mr Chaafe’s Nautilus ... ... ... 2 Mr G. Bates’ Hilda ... ... ... 3

Nautilus started away with the lead, and was soon overhauled by Sir Garnet. A neck and neck race ensued, Sir Garnet winning by half a length. Time—2min lojsec.

Sires’ Produce Stakes, of 80 sovs. ; distance, 6 furlongs ; colts Bst 101 b, fillies Bst 51b. Mr Studholme’s b c by Kauri—Eleanor 1 Mr Melton’s b f by Kauri—Waireka... 2 Mr Hardie’s bf by Kauri—Calabar ... 3 Time—lmin 28|sec. Timaru Cup, a handicap of 200 sovs., with a sweepstake of 5 sovs. for acceptors ; amount accruing from sweep to go to second horse ; dis tance, If mile. Hr H. Driver’s Sir Modred ... ... 1 Mr G. McLean’s Lady Emma ... 2 Mr W. Walters' Libeller ... ... 3 Time—3min 12fsec.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The following business was transacted, after we went to press yesterday, at the meeting of this Association. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with, and the following were elected : —Mr John Carter, President ; Mr E. S. Coster, Vice-President ; Committee Messrs Bullock, Passmore, J. Hunt, J. Orr, C. P. Cox, H. Friedlander, J. Leatham, Denshire, W. C, Walker, Oliver, John Grigg, J. Hawdon, M. Stitt, and R. Millar. Treasurer, Mr A. Harrison; auditors, Messrs Shury and Curtis. Some further discussion ensued in

reference to the election of some other gentlemen to act on the committee, but it was ultimately resolved not to have a large committee. THE NEXT SHOW. The Chairman said that it was necessary at that meeting to discuss any matters of importance whichmight be brought forward and which affected the interests of the Association. As would be seen by Mr Passmore’sletter, which he had read, a sug gestion was made that it was desirable to hold the Ashburton show at a date just prior to the Metropolitan show in Christ church. The matter was an important one, and should be thoroughly discussed. It was a fact that if the show was held after the Christchurch one, the stock here would be in far better condition ; and it was not doing justice to our district to show stock too early in the season, or to the breeder’s satisfaction perhaps to send stock to an inferior show first. On the other hand, it might suit many exhibitors to have their stock judged locally, before sending them to Christchurch to compete against exhibits there. In Mr Passmore’s absence, he would ask those present to give the matter their earnest considera tion.

Mr H. Friedlander thought that very little difference would be made to the stock if the show was held a few days before the Christchurch show. Mr C. W. Purnell said that he thought the show should be held here immediately prior to the Christchurch show, as it was the general feeling out side that it was a bad time to hold it as at present arranged. Those people who went to the Christchurch show did not care to come up here after they had seen that. In reference to the method of awarding first and second prizes, he was of opinion that when only one exhibit was entered in a class, no first and second prize should be given. Last year, in nearly every class for sheep, two prizes had been given, and that in many instances there was no competition. This, he thought, could not be very gratifying to owners. He thought, further, that they should endeavor to hold a flower show on the same day, and if the Ashbur ton show could be held between the dates of the Tiraaru and Christchurch shows, it would suit much better.

The Chairman said that a difficulty might possibly arise in arranging dates so as not to clash with the Christchurch show. A resolution, talcing the form of a recom mendation to the General Committee as to the date of the show, would be the best way to proceed, as they could then arrrango the proper date. Mr Cox agreed with Mr Purnell, and if it could be arranged so as the Ashburton show could be held between the Christ church and Timaru ones, they might catch the exhibits on their way between the two places. Mr Purnell then moved—“ That it be a recommendation to tho General Com mittee that the annual exhibition of stock be held, if possible, between the dates of the Timaru and Christchurch shows.” Carried.

A discussion ensued as to the awarding of a first and second prize in classes where there was no competition, Mr VV. Benni son stating that in his opinion the owner who took the trouble to get his stock in good condition was in every way entitled to the double honor. Mr Cox felt sure that the matter of awarding two prizes in any class would not be made by the judges in any class unless the stock were worthy of the honor.

NEW PRODUCE SHED. Mr Gundry said that as a sum of L 23 had been expended in hireing tents for the late show, could not some arrange ment be made with the County Council to erect a wooden building on the show ground for the exhibit of produce, etc.? He would move—“ That it be a recom mendation to the new Committee that they consider what arrangements can be made to have a shed erected on the show ground for show purposes. ” Carried. Tho Chairman thought that a building could be erected which would answer the double purpose of a grand stand and a shed also ; but as the Society’s lease of the land was only from year to year, the County Council might be communicated with on the matter. Mr Cox and Mr H. Friedlander agreed with the Chairman, and hoped the County Council would gee their way clear to erect a suitable building. PLACE OF MEETING. Mr Harrison considered that the time had come when it was necessary that the Association should have a definite place of meeting. He had been told that a member of the Association had suggested that the meetings should be held at a public-house, and that we should not hold them at any particular house, but give them all “ a turn ” in rotation. (Laughter.) He would suggest that in future a comfortable room be engaged— say the one they were now in—and that every meeting of the Association be held in it.

Mr Purnell agreed with Mr Harrison, and suggested that the books presented to the Association by Mr Passmore and others should be kept in the room.

It was resolved—‘ ‘ That it should be a recommendation to the in-coming Com mittee to secure the upper room of the Town Hall for one year. ” new members. Mr H. Friedlander said he noticed that there were liabilities amounting to L 169 16s lOd, and would like to know how members intended to liquidate them. Dr Trevor said on looking over the list of members’ names he found that there was a large number of stock owners and farmers in the county whose names were not down, and which no doubt could be obtained if asked to join. In reply to Mr Gundry, Mr Cox said that the reserve, which belonged to the Association, had been let to a tenant, but no rent had yet been received from it. AGRIC OLTURAL READINGS. Several members expressed their wish that the reading of papers on agricultural and other subjects should be continued during the winter months. The Chairman alluded to the fact that one of the papers read by the Association had been published in most of the New Zealand and in some of the Australian journals. This was a sign that the papers read were considered useful, and it was very gratifying to the Association to learn that Mr Grigg’s paper was repub lished and commented on in another colony.

VOTES OF THANKS. On the motion of Mr Hugo Friedlander, seconded by Mr Cox, a vote of thanks was accorded to Messrs Passmore and Gould for their presents of books to the Associa tion. PLOUGHING MATCH. Mr Benniaon hoped the Association would consider the advisability of of hold ing the usual ploughing match. In his opinion great assistance was rendered by these matches, in encouraging good ploughing, and many farmers were disap pointed at not having one last year, in Ashburton.

Tlie Chairman said that-, this matter had been fully considered at a meeting last year, and that the conclusion they come to was that the ploughing matches did very little good. The matter then dropped. Mr. Cox reminded members that the Association was in want of funds, and that unless every effort was made to in crease the membership, and the financial position, the Association would suffer. He hoped every member would induce another to join. Votes of thanks were accorded the Committee and officers for the past year, and the meeting ended.

ANOTHER SCENIC IN THE COMMONS.

Mr Bradlaugh Taken in Custody. (by cable.) London, April 2G. In the House of Commons to-night, Mr Bradlaugh, who was recently re elected for Northampton, appeared at the table, and applied that the oath of allegiance should be administered to him. Sir Stafford Northcote thereupon moved that the House should refuse permission to Mr Bradlaugh to swear. A debate ensued, in which several members took part. John Bright spoke warmly against the motion, and was fol lowed by Mr Gladstone, who also made a speech in favor of permission being granted to Mr Bradlaugh to take the oath. Upon the House dividing, how ever, Sir Stafford Northcote’s motion was adopted by a majority of 32 ; the Premier and Mr Bright voting with the minority. Mr Bradlaugh then reap peared in the House, and addressed it, persisting, in strong terms, in his de mand that he should be sworn. He was ordered by the Speaker to retire, but firmly refused to do so, and vio lently reiterated his right to take the oath. The Sergeant-at-Arms was then ordered by the Speaker to remove Mr Bradlaugh, bat the latter resisted, and was then taken into custody, and placed under arrest until the adjournment of the House.

THE REEFTON MURDER.

Greymouth, April 27. The adjourned inquest was resumed on Monday, and a number of other witnesses were examined. The following are the principal points of the evidence given which throw any additional light upon the mystery :—Albert Bennett said that when the warrant was taken out against Bell by M‘Gahey, the latter said he would knock Bell’s brains out with a piece of iron if he said anything to him. He said that to Bell several times, and witness stepped qetween them and pushed M‘Gahey back, telling M'Gahey he ought to know better. He was violent then. On the 15th, while on his way to Boat man’s Creek, M‘Gahey said to him—“lf anybody asks you have you seen me say you have not.” Witness told him to come no further if he did not wish to be seen. Shook hands and parted, and did not see M'Gahey since until meeting him in Court. On the morning of next day he heard the report of a gun, and after wards saw the body of Bell with a wound on the back of his head, and another under the right ear, with his eyes closed, swollen up and discolored. Searched the place for shot marks but could find none. It was after M'Gahey spoke of the summons Mrs M'Gahey had taken out against him that he asked witness not to mention his whereabout. He thought his conduct strange.—William Campbell said that when M'Gahey was telling him his trouble he said, “ Campbell, as sure as God is my judge I will shoot the pair of them.” Told M'Gahey to clear out and have nothing to do with them. Told Bell that M'Gahey would shoot him. Mentioned what M'Gahey said to other people. Did not hear him make threats at any other time.—John M'Gaffin stated that, at M'Gahey’s request, he took pos session of the latter’s place. M'Gahey said in-consequence of a quarrel with his wife he was going to leave the place. Attempted to make peace between them but failed. He apprehended violence between M'Gahey and Bell, and advised M'Gahey to leave the district, and on two or three occasions he promised to do so. Told him his wife would be a good rid dance, and that he would assist him to get work in Christchurch or Dunedin if he went. He replied, “ When Ido interfere with Bell I shall not want you or anyone else to bail me.” Witness said, “I pre sume you are going to commit murder, and after this I shall have no more to say to you. Witness also said, “I think you are out of your mind, and ought to be arrested as unfit to be at large.” The police had to keep M'Gahey from assault ing Bell when the search warrant was being executed at Bell’s. In consequence of what M'Gahey said, witness warned Bell of M'Gahey’s violence, he apparently having lost control over himself. Had to go between M'Gahey and Bell several times. M'Gahey on one or two occasions said he would rouse Bell and his wife out of that; that he would not submit to his house being burnt down, and he being a wanderer over the face of the earth whilst they were living together, and that he would have' satisfaction. Was surprised when he heard of the murder, as he thought the desire for revenge had worn out.—John Stuart said he saw M'Gahey’s bush-made ramrod picked up near Bell’s cowshed out of the mud. Witness de scribed the ramrod minutely, and had no doubt in swearing to it.—John Hart said the ramrod was found covered up with mud. It was discovered by one of the men treading on one end. — Charles Lyon deponed that in January last, when talking to M'Gahey, the latter said—“ If I could think that Bell and my wife are cohabiting 1 would blow the pair of them to if I should be hung for it.” Witness said—“ David; do you mean to say you have not seen the carrying on of these two this while back.” He said he declared to his God that he had not. He said—“l can see it all now.” He also said, when speaking of being hung, that he would smile at them if they were putting the rope round his neck. Witness, in reply to accused said —“ I said to John Bell and Mrs M'Gahey on the day of the inquiry into the fire at M'Gahey’s house, when they were both sitting on a log together, that if they thought they could stop in peace and comfort they were mistaken, and if M'Gahey came back, God help them. Said to you that you would travel on your hands and knees from the other side of the island to have revenge if you knew the way your wife and Bell were carrying on.” When M'Gahey was shoeing a horse for witness he wanted some more nails, and asked witness to gs into the house for them. Witness popped rather quickly into the kitchen, and as witness did so M'Gahey’s wife rose as it were off Bell’s knee at a seat at the fire. Told M'Gahey this on the day. Witness went to fetch the things for the police from Bell’s place.— Patrick Quin stated that after arresting M’Gahey, he told him to be cautious about making any remarks that might be used against him, and he replied that he should bo cautioned in the first instance. M’Gahey appeared a little frightened when arrested.—Alexander H. King said Mrs M’Gahey was excited on Saturday morning, when she came to Gallagher’s, and asked if he thought M’Gahey would waylay her on the road. Said she need not apprehend anything of the kind.— Alfred Silcock said that when the ramrod was picked up, Stuart took the ramrod out of his hand, and said :—“ That’s Yankee Dave’s ramrod.”—The jury, after retiring for upwards of two hours, found —“That John Bell met his death on April 16th, 1881, at Larry’s creek, having been killed by a blow on the back of the head.|and thatthe blowwas struck by David Charles M’Gahey. ” The verdict was the verdict of thirteen of the jury, G. W. Brown, R. J. Scottock, and Adam Ross not concurring in the verdict. M’Gahey was remanded till Monday next, when he will be charged with the murder of John Bell. M’Gahey leaves Greymouth for Hokitika to-morrow morning.

LISA.

CHAPTER V. Well for her she had had that whole good day, since there was trouble and grief under the mill roof that night Little Bebe was very ill.

No one knew what could ail the child, as he cried in his pain and rolled his little sick head on the coarse homespun pillow, while fretfully push ing away even Lisa’s gentle hands. Then he grew worse, ancTby poor candle’s light they /gathered round him in frightened bewilderment. The miller groaned aloud with ' every moan of the child, and rodked body to and fro, rubbing his face with one hand in the despair of af strong man, who could not help nor nurse like the weakest woman j who ibuld only be miserable. The other two children sat up awestricken in..,the big bed they shared with Mahon, their laces white as their tight little night-caps, while the old grandmother Ibewatfed their common unhappy lot," and tried at times to croon to quiet him, or else snuffed the guttering candle with, her fingers, muttering she sav death’s heads on it.

Still worse—and none of them cotild help him, only Lisa, paler ; thaiti ever, yet very calm, thought of everything, and tried all the poor remedies they possessed. ‘ Father, you must gq for the doctor, quick—quick ! ’ she cried at last, rising suddenly from her knees with the inspiration of despair. ‘ '

* But where—to the town ' ‘Evei| if I found my way through the forest, it could not be reached before moriiitig,’ answered the miller, though grasping instinctively for his stick arid'hat ‘No, no; go to Vaucourt, to the. strange young doctor who is still with our good Curd He is an Englishman, yet no doubt he has a heart, and will perhaps save the child.’ Her words and gestures were so en treating, so urgent in the terror which was fast coming over her also, that bid Armand ran out into the darkness, hut little Jean ran still faster. ' : Would the moments never pass? They seemed so long. At last, at last, after, perhaps, a .ter* rible twentg minutes more, men’s steps came into the kitchen.

The doctor was a young man, with a grave, kindly face; tall,?and fair haired like his countrymen. With one jjfance Lisa trusted him, and, springing for ward, said in a low imploring tone, that the sick child might not overhear, putting out both hands, Oh, kind sir, help us, save out dear little Bebe.’ :j ' I will do my best,’ he answered, looking at her with surprised admira tion and sudden respect. The English gentleman kept his word. When the white dawn began to break, Bebe was better. • Later on others had gone, td rest, while the children had fallen to sleep, so that only Lisa and the doctor stood consulting by the little window.* But the glad world outside was broad awake: sounds of cackling and of crowing came from the black-topped poultry in their roost-house, and the sun gave a promise of oppressive heat* he shone already with such royal strength. , .‘You did not send for me too soon,’ the young man was saying, looking-gravely in her tired meek face. 'The ehild must have swallowed something poisonous. Have you arsenic in the mill?’

‘But no! they had no such .thing,’ uttered Lisa, horrorstricken, but as sured of what she said, for their cat waged deadly war against the ratf ginpe, ever since these had once eaten her new-born kittens. 5 ‘What are these bonbons which I found under the little one’s-pillow ? ’ he went on, showing the blue-glazed paper horn of sticky yellowish sweet meats, slightly powdered with some thing white like sugar. And Lisa ex plained with a -blush how fiance had given them to Bebe, adding with a proud smile that to-moftlow was her wedding day. J ‘ The young Englishman wished her good luck, yet with a perplexed expres sion on his broad brow ; told 1 her'he purposed coming back when the boy might be awake, but took the" Greets with him, briefly observing’ they 'W]sre unwholesome for children. *, /

Most of that live-long,, djty-frjiisa watched by the child, whilst tbe ter rible sun grew so hot that its glare oppressed all living things. Her head throbbed, and she grew very vveary* ‘ You look like a ghost, and you have broad black rings below your eyes ! ’ bluntly cried Manon, entering towards evening. ‘ Why, rest a bit, dr Jacques will think he is marrying a spirit to morrow; and I have finished covering the cake all over with fine’ Sugar and almonds; we shall have a find wedding feast —but I shall be thin by then, J am melting so fast with this heat.’ ,-+

So. because Lisa had lain down awhile, the English doctor questioned little Bebe alone in the cool Of the evening—for Manon loved making much of her household cares, and was working hard now, preparing the sup per. Bebe was not frightened by this big man, who stroked his , close cropped little fair head so kindly as Jacques, for instance, never did; ‘ And so he gave you those good sweets, did he—say ? But why did you only eat one of them, as you say* my brave little man?’ the English doctor wasasking. ' ' . ' Bebe put his finger in his mouth, and his eyes grew frightened at once, though he stared down at his patch work quilt. But the doctor was fond of children, and also very patient. By-and-by, with coaxing, it alj ; c£me out; with a little fretful sob, too, for Bebe was afraid of being thought un grateful. i / * They were Jacques’; and I did not like them because he was cross with me and said I must not tell—not even imy own Lisa ! But I ate one up, for. fear Lisa would say I was naughty.’* ‘ And what was it you were not to tell?’ asked the young Englishman, with keen interest.

Bebe’s half sobs grew now into a little howl.

‘ He did say he would cut my own neck; he did say he would cutpt 1 ’ repeated he in his childish fashion. Then in broken sentences the one let the doctor gather the whole',df his fearsome adventure in the fdreist. - * And what was it you saw slicking OUt?’

That terrible secret had been burn ing on the child’s tongue. He was so longing to get rid of it, and . rarely

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1881.



Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards {just arrived). 1,000, 7s 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 80s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, 1 East street and Sarin? Square. 365 a T Hayes’ IMBER YARDS. •EIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to bU customers and others that he has made a very large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the B^hi :) at !V from Thirty Shd-unos per pi large or small quantities. AEPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a



WANTED— A BLACKbMITH; must he a good ahoer. Also, a CARPENTER. Apply, John Geigg, T.ongbeach. 632 a WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Yeerall 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 tVtAHTED KNOWN —That W 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 TO SELL —PIANOS. 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, B 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 YTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton VV REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. —L. F. Andeewes 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. Andeewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, Bast street, South. 208 a



WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the vbove Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 852 TT7ANTED THE GUARDIAN tolls VV 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 O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY.



Meerschaum Pipes, 6.8. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a*



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819



pHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



w ASTE PAPER for Sale, 2d. per lb. at the Guardian Office



Goxe to Utah.— Forty Mormons left Auckland by the mail steamer for Utah.