COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Retail List- Butter, inferior to best, per lb, qd to is ; eggs, per dozen, is fid ; cheese, prime quality, per lb, 4-d to 6d ; bacon, prime smoked, per lb, is; hams, in cl*th. per lb, is to is 2d ; flour, in bags, per loolbs, I2s; oatmeal, per 25lbs, 4s; laid, per lb, yd.

The Christchurch Com Exchange- The following is the report for the week ending Friday, the 29th of April : The state of the grain market during the past week is precisely the same as its predeces sor, and no cirumstance has arisen which calls for any special remark. Tonnage is nice accessible, but rates are unaltered. The weather continues dry, and on the whole favor able, but rain would be acceptable. Wheat. —Tuscan wheat of good quality, in good ship ping lines, is free of sale at from 3 s 8d to 3s lod, f.o.b. in Lyllelton. Pearl and velvet chaff, in similar suitable lines, 3s yd to 3s Sd per bushel, f.o.b. Hunter’s white, 3s 6d to 3s yd per bushel, f.o.b. in Lyttelton; seconds range from is qd to 2s 6d per bushel. Oats. —Bright milling samples are free of sale at from is qd to is lod per bushel; feed quality, is yd to is Sd; inferior feed samples 2d per bushel under these quotations. The tone of the market is firm, with the demand rather in excess of the supply. Barley.—The samples coming to hand are, as a rule, very inferior, and for this class (be market is heavy and sales difficult to effect. The price ranges from 2s to 2S 4d per bushel. First-class malting is in demand, and saleable at from 2s 6d to 3s 6d per bushel, and some parcels of extra fine quality new offering are seeking buyers at 3d at 3d per bushel over the highest quotation. Grass Seed. The demand has certainly abated, but prices are in no way affected ; holders are firm in the'r demands, and it is anticipated that prices will rule yet higher. Well cleaned farmers’ parcels are saleable at from 4s 6d to 5s per bushul; indifferently cleaned vary so much (hat each parcel has Is distinctive value. Potatoes.—The market during the week has been decidedly weake r , and sales have taken place at quite 2s fid under the previous week. Prices may be quoted at 32s fid to 35s per ton at country stations within a radius of from seven to eight miles of Christchurch, 36s to 37s fid per ton, delivered in Christchurch. Cheese and Butter. —The tone of the market has not altered during the week, and the quotations are the same, 3d to 2 1 /s for the former, yd to for the latter. Hay.—L2 15s per ton, delivered in Christ church,

Auctioneers’ Report. Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, for the week ending April zSth, 1881, as follows : For yesterday’s sale a smaller supply of sheep were penned than at any previous market during the past twelve months. The few on offer were mostly butchers’ sheep, and, as might be expected, realised fictitiously high prices—in fact, is per head more was paid upon an average throughout the sale than at any market this season. We sold a splendid line of wethers at 16s 6d, mixed crossbreds at 15s 3d, and the bulk of the balance of our entry in crossbreds at from 13s 6d to 14s 6d. A few lines oflight weights changed owners at from 12s to 13s, the Longbeach merinos 9s 6d, and other lines at prouortionate rates. Of store sheep there were very few to hand, the chief sales made being in lambs, which sold np to 8s 6d. Young crossbred stores are remark ably scarce, and it is by mere chance that any thing like a decent line can be procured. The fat cattle market on Wednesday pre sented a larger supply than for several weeks past, including lines of specially prime quality. For the latter there was a fair demand at slightly easier rates, the [same remarks as to prices applying more strongly to the lighter weights and inferior quality. The best steers sold at from Ly to L 8 103; inferior and second rate, L 5 10s to L 6 10s. In store cattle there was a small entry, and the presence of a few outside buyers gave a little more briskness to biddings than has been noticed of late. The totals yarded for the day comprised 3,064 sheep, 389 head of cattle, and 245 pigs. Of these our entry included 1,870 sheep, 307 head of cattle, and 74 pigs. In sheep the principal Sales were—l3o cossbred wethers, at 16s 6d; 64 mixed, at 14s 3d; 46 at 13s, 50 at 13s, 120 at 13s, 35 at r 3 s 9<* 53° at 123 6d, 60 at 12s 3d; 100 merino wethers at 93 6d, 358 do. at 9s 6d, 73 crossbreds at 14s 6d, 32 at 13s 6d, 76 at 14s, 40 at 15s 3d, 25 at 15s. Stores— 40 cull crossbreds at Bs, 93 old merino ewes at 2s yd, 185 lambs at 8s 96, 30 at 5s gd, 40 at 7s 3d, 125 merino ewes at Ss gd, 55 do. at 2s iod. Fat Cattle— 3 at L 7 10s, 3 at L 6 15s, 4at L 7 2s 6d, 5 at L 6 17s 6d, 3 at L 5 10s, 3 at L 7,2 at L 6 Ss, 2 at Ly 17s 6d, 3 at Ls 10s, 3 at L 7, 2 at L 6 tjs, 2 at L 6 17s 6d, 4 at £4 15s, 4at Ls 10s, 4at LS 7s 6d, 4at L 7, 4 at L 6 17s 6d. Stores—46 head mixed ages and sexes at L2 15s, 15 yearlings at Li ids, 12 at L2 17s 6d, 3 at L 3, 11 at Li 4s- In pigs there was a large entry, and, as curing operations are now com mencing, prices for the heavier weights were a little better. Amongst others we sold 11 stores at 14s 6d, 6 at 18s, 7 at 32, 9 at 20s, n porkers at 30s, 8 bacon pigs at 455, 8 at 40s, 5 at 34s 6d, &c. Country Sales.—At the Ashburton Saleyards we held our usual fortnightly sale of live stock, &c., for the district. There was a large attendance of farmers and others, and we quitted every line we had to offer, with the ex ception of seven head of cattle and one horse, at satisfactory values to the vendors. In sheep we sold 130 at ns gd, 126 at 12s, 100 at 10s I id, 184 at 3s yd, 80 at 13s 3d, 69 at lis 6d ; 674 merino wethers at 4s gd; 850 merino ewes at 4s 6d; 850 merino ewes at ss, &c. In cattle we sold 12 at L 8 ss, 7 at Ly, 3 at L 3 ns, &c. In pigs we cleared 50 at prices from 16s 6d to 45s each.

MAIL NOTICES.

The next mail for the United King pom (via San Francisco) will leave on May 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 Chertsey 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 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a. m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-moeeow, Satdedat, Apeil 30. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings Usual Weekly Sals; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Feiday, Apeil 29. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Parishioners, St. Stephen’s, Library Hall, 7 p.m. Satxjeday, Apeil 30. Wakanui Sparrow Club, Somerset Hotel, 3 p.m. Monday, May 2. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, Mat 4. Locnj Industries Association, Committee Meeting, Upper Boom, Town Hall. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Winchester School Committee.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.30 p.m.]

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1881.

Impounded Sheep. —The poundkeeper at Methven has nine mixed sheep in his charge, which will be sold if not claimed before Monday next. More Work. —Mr C. H. Dowding, the manager of the Coldstream estate, invites tenders for the erection of a sheep-dip and wool scouring apparatus, in concrete and brickwork, at the Coldstream home stead.

Dramatic Cute. —At a meeting of the Ashburton Amateur Dramatic Club, held last evening, it was decided to put in rehearsal “ Afloat and Ashore,” and pro duce the same during coming holidays. Lost Overboard. —During the voyage of the Sarah Bell from London to Adelaide, the second officer, Marshall, was lost overboard in heavy weather. Burglary, —Two men, named respect ively Young and Dalas, were on Wed nesday charged at the Resident Magis trate’s Court, Oamaru, with burglary, and remanded for further evidence. A Centenarian Vagrant. —A woman, aged 104, was arrested in Sydney for vagransy. She was found wandering in the bush, and taken care of by the police. Rush v. Laycock. —A challenge will be probably issued by Rush in a few days to scull Laycock, for L2OO a side on the Paramatta river.

Fatal Accident. —At Rylestone, N.S.W., two sisters and their brother, engaged in clearing laud, set fire to a tree which fell while they were at meals, kill ing the eldest girl, aged 17, and injuring the others.

Attempted Scicide. A married woman, named Mrs Ward, a mother of six children, a resident of Foxton, jumped off the wharf, at Wellington, Hear midnight on Wednesday. She was rescued by the nightwatchman. She will give no cause for the rash act.

How Came it There I —A valuable mare, owned by Mr Archibald M'Lean, died on Sunday under extraordinary cir cumstances says a Napier telegram. She was opened, and the upper part of a sheep’s skull, four and a half inches by four, was found in her stomach.

More Trouble for the “Free Lance. —Mr Rees is filing affidavits in the Supreme Court, charging Wickham with contempt of Court in referring to a matter the property of the Court—viz., the libel action Rees _v. Wickham. Another information is being laid against Wickham for an article in the Free Lance in November last.

Funeral. —The remains of the late Mr William Stalker were interred in the Church of England cemetery on Wednes day afternoon last; the Rev. A. W. Hands officiating at the grave. In show ing the respect in which the late Mr W. Stalker was held a very large concourse of his friends in carriages, on horseback, and on foot, formed the funeral cortege.

Fire in Christchurch. A fire broke out last evening in unoccupied premises next the Congregational Church, Manches ter street. The alarm was given at about six o’clock, but the fire had then obtained a firm hold of the building, which was of wood, and very old, and a large crowd was soon attracted to the scene of destruction by the bright light in the neighbourhood of the burning pile. The Fire Brigade was prompt, but so quickly had the fire taken hold of the wooden structure, that nothing but the skeleton remained when the water was brought to bear upon it. It was, though short, one of the fiercest fires wit nessed in the city for a considerable time past, the second storey of the building being totally enveloped in flames, which leapt high into the air, and suffused the entire neighbourhood with a bright clear li<dit, by which the topmost stones of the Cathedral tower where plainly visible. It is unnecessary to say that the house was completely destroyed. It had been for some time unoccupied. The latest tenant was aMr Davidson. It was the property of the Bank of Now Zealand, and was in sured in the United Company.— Press. Borough Cricket Club.— A general meeting of the members of this Club was held last evening, in Mr L. F. Andrewes’ room, East street. Present—Messrs L. F. Andrewes, captain (in the chair), Hosking, Hardley, Johnson, Davis, McDonald, Purchase, and Dee. A letter from the Ashburton Cricket Club having been read, asking what the Club would be prepared to pay towards the maintenance of the cricket ground, or whether it would contribute towards the support of a roller, it was resolved —“ That the letter be held over till the commencement of next season.” It was decided to ask the Ashburton Cricket Club whether they would lend the Borough Club the use of their pavilion, and, if so, on what terms. It was resolved—“ That the custodians, Messrs McDonald and Davis, have per mission to get the material in good order.” U was decided —“ That the Club should contribute to the cost of keeping the ground in good order, and also pay for the use of the roller, if the Club starts next season.” It was resolved “ That the treasurer collect all fees and hand over the same to the custodians. After a hearty vote of thanks to the officers, which was suitably acknowledged, and the usual compliment to the chairman, the meeting terminated.

Held Over. —We are compelled to hold over the concluding portion of “Lisa.”

Minister op Justice. —A Dunedin message states that the Hon. Mr Dick has undertaken the duties accompanying the above portfolio. Blown Up. — A plumber in Wellington, yesterday, tried to find an escape of gas in Mersrs Bonnor and Liddell’s store, by the aid of a candle. He found the leak, and as the result he was hurled to the other side of the building, a quantity of boards following him. He was more scared than injured, and the damage to the building was slight.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Mr Bradlaugh. London, April 27. On the House of Commons meeting to-day, Mr Bradlaugh again appeared at the table to demand his right to take the oath. A motion was thereupon introduced that he should withdraw, and another and animated debate took place on the question. Mr Bradlaugh, however, finally retired upon Mr Labouchere announcing that he would introduce a Bill to permit him to take the oath.

It has been announced that the Go vernment will facilitate the passage of Mr. Labouchere’s Bill to permit Mr Bradlaugh to take the oath. Monetary and Commercial. Consols have advanced to New Zealand securities remain at last quotations. Adelaide wheat, ex ware house, has declined to 49s per 4961b5, Adelaide fllour, [ex warehouse, is un changed at 345. New Zealand wheat, ex ship, has declined to 455, The Wool Sales. The arrivals of wool to date for the next auctions amount to 360,000 bales. The total probable quantity to be offered, including that held over from last sales, 460,000. The quantity of new arrivals to be included in the series has been restricted by the Im porters’ Commijtee to 363,000 bales.

The Tunisian Trouble. Paris, April 27. Further telegrams have been received from Algeria, reporting that the French troops are rapidly advancing in Tunis. A severe fight has occurred with the Tunisians at Kromiss. The latest news is to the effect that the French troops are continuing their advance, and have now occupied the town of Alkeff without opposition.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] The .Census. Melbourne, April 28. The Victorian census return, taken on the night of the 3rd inst., gives the population of Melbourne and its en virons as 252,000, Sandhurst 35,000, Ballarat 43,000, and Geelong 13,000. A Mild Rebuke. It has transpired that at a meeting of the Melbourne Presbytery a motion by the Rev. Mr Ballantine was adopted, expressing regret at the character of the Rev. C. Strong’s article in the “ Victorian Review,” and recommend ing a closer adhesion to the standards of Presbyterianism on the part of that genlhman. ; The Ferrei-Further Particulars. , v Melbourne, To-day.

Thc captain and owner of the steamer India, alias Ferret, which was seized by the Customs for sailing under false register, is missing, and the crew have abandoned the vessel. They assert that they were threatened and forced to silence by the captain, and that they wera engaged at Cardiff for three years, and went to Brazil for a cargo of coffee, which was sold at the Cape for Li 5,000. The name of the vessel was twice changed. From the Cape she proceeded to the Mauritius, and from there to this port, where the captain endeavored to sell the vessel. It is proved that her papers have been forged. Cattle Breeding. Sydney, April 28.

A number of capitalists in this city and Melbourne are making arrange ments for stocking an extensive tract of unoccupied country in the Northern territory. It is stated that 50,000 head of cattle will be placed upon the land as soon as the negotiations are com pleted. It is believed that this enter prise will inaugurate extensive occupa tion of Northern Australia for cattle breeding. Anti-Chinese Meeting. Sydney, To-day.

A crowded and influential meeting was held last night to discuss the present influx of Chinese. It was re solved to send a deputation to the Go vernment to urge the necessity for repressive measures against Chinese immigration.

NEW ZEALAND.

[per press association.] Indisposed. Auckland, To-day. The Roman Catholic Archbishop Steins is so ill that he intends going to Sydney for a change of climate, and possibly to Europe, from whence he may not return. Appointment. Mr Edward Williams, of the Bay of Is lands, who is on the retired pension list, has been appointed a Judge of the Native Lands Court. Fashionable Visitors. Opunaee, To-day. The Duke of Manchester, accompanied by Colonels Reader and Pearce, arrived last night, and started for Pungarehu this morning. It is thought that they will visit Parihaka. Fire. Wellington, To-day. Robinson’s sawmill, at Carterton, along with the machinery, has been totally destroyed by fire. The insurance will not cover the loss. Local Industry. He the 100 tons of Portland cement to be manufactured in the colony, the Minister for Public Works has accepted the offer of Messrs Hibbard and Dick, of Dunedin, and D. Atkinson, of New Plymouth, for the supply of 100 tons each, for sums of L 4 Gs 3d and L 4 7s 5d per ton respectively. Gold Return. Dunedin, To-day.

The Cromwell Company’s crushing for the month yielded 4510zs of gold from 435 tons of stone. Another IBlaze. A fire at Cornwell's stables this morn ing was promptly extinguished. It is insured in the Transatlantic Co. for LIOO. Retrenchment. The City Council adopted in globo the recommendations of the Retrenchment Committee, because one Councillor showed such obstructive tendencies. The saving effected amounted to L 5,600 yearly.

ASSAULT ON A GIRL.

A Man Stabs his Sweetheart. (by telegraph.) Auckland, To-day. A tailor at Riverhead stabbed a young girl aged about 19 years, of prepossessing appearance, who had been on a visit to that place. Two railway porters and a stoker started off in pursuit oil the would be murderer. They found him at a house giving the girl (whom he had a few hours befere tried to deprive of life) some some milk with a spoon. Upon being in formed of the mission of the visitors, he immediately yielded himself up. On one of them remarking that he had no hand cuffs nor anything to bind him, he said, “ Oh, I will go quietly with you ; there need be no apprehension on that account. ” He kept his word, and was brought to the station, and after being searched was allowed his liberty. He walked up and down the platform several hours, ap parently quite unconcerned. While being searched by Waughton, a pen-knife was found. Upon observing it the accused said, “ That’s not the knife I did it with. Bradley lias it.” When arrested, he con fessed to having committed the deed, saying, “ 1 stabbed the girl through love. Ross caused me to do it. ” The reasonable inference from these words is that he and Ross were rival suitors, and possibly thinhing Ross more favored, and prompted by jealousy, madly wreaked his vengeance on the object of liis affections, which was no sooner done than repented for. He was found quite mild and submissive, and feeding her like a baby. He further re marked, ‘ ‘ I know I shall bo hanged if the girl dies.” The young woman is stabbed m two places, and the sufferer’s condition is considered very serious.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(from our own correspondent.) Sydney, April IG. The Easter holidays commenced yester day. Our city and its environs assumed their usual holiday appearance for the commemoration of Good Friday. It was the brightest of days, and numerous were the yachting parties, also excursionists on the steamers, who enjoyed the day on our lovely harbor. Only one public picnic of any moment w T as held, and that in connection with the Seamen’s Union at Chowder Bay. Of private picnics, there were no end, and every nook and trysting spot along the undulated shores of Port Jackson seemed to be utilised for the occasion, and every fishing ground was occupied by bait and line enthusiasts. Most of the churches were opened for morning service, and there was an entire cessation of business, and an unusual absence of drunkenness. In the evening, a grand sacred concert was held at the Theatre Royal, given by the members of the Williamson Opera Company, and a performance, also of a sacred nature, took place at the Queen’s Theatre. _ Each was numerously attended. No accidents occurred on the harbor to mar the pro ceedings. So Good Friday of 1881 has passed peacefully away. A monster naval sham fight took place in the harbor on last Tuesday afternoon, and, contrary to expectation, was a great success. The weather was very propi tious. H.M.S. Wolverine, Emerald, Miranda, and Cormorant, formed the attacking, and the gunboats, Alert, Beagle, Conflict, Reward, and Sandfly, together with the divisions from the men-of-war, and the whole of our Naval Brigade, the defending force. The ships of-war, after steaming to the Heads, returned in line under half steam, were supposed to have survived the fire of the 18-ton-guns, at the outer batteries, and engaged to force the position of the defenders at the Macquarie Battery. The display was grand. The Commodore of the fleet, I am sure, retired to his couch on Tuesday evening with the com fortable reflection that he had been the means of affording to 70,000 persons an afternoon’s diversion of a novel kind. What they saw was a nearer approach to the reality of war than any volunteer review that has been held in Australia, or that will be for many years to come. No less than ten of Her Majesty’s warships are anchored under the Govern ment House, with 50 guns and 1230 men. The provision already made for the defence of the colony is fairly respectable. About L 500,000 sterling has been spent on fortifications which are based on modern ideas, and, if well manned, should be strong enough to beat off any vessels likely to be sent to these waters in the event of hostilities. A permanent force has been created, numbering 331 officers and men, at an annual cost of L 35,000. The volunteers muster 1,788 men, at a cost of L 38,000, and the naval brigade number 328, at a cost of LG,OOO. Here is a total of 2,447 officers and men, avail able for the defence of the colony, and when all are efficient, they will be quite numerous enough in the event of actual ■war.

Mrs Wilkie, charged with the murder of Mr Norton, police magistrate, at Dubbo, was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to imprisonment for three years and a half. Mr Norton, who is a brother of Mr Norton of the firm of Norton and Smith, solieitors, here, leaves a widow and large family unprovided for. It appears for some time past, there has been an intimacy between Mrs Wilkie (who is highly connected) and the late Mr Norton. Being jealous of him, she fol lowed him into one of the hotels in Dubbo, and on asking him a question, he answering in the affiiirnitive, she drew a revolver, and shot him through the head. The Marquis de Ray’s colonists were brought up the harbor this week. The Premier has appointed Mr Wise, Immi gration officer, and Mr Marsh as a Board to ascertain the present condition of the colonists, also their future plans. The inquiry is to be conducted through an interpreter, and the whole case will be submitted to the Governor. The Board are at present making arrangements for the boarding and feeding of the people. There are about 195 persons altogether, almost all Italians, and without the know ledge of a word of English. Cole's circus has been doing an immense business since their arrival here about fourteen days ago; the trained horses being the principal feature in the perform ance. Taking the show on a whole, it is not generally thought to be, by sight seers here, equal to Charini’s. Next week, Cole takes his show on to San Francisco by the s.s. City of Sydney, which has been detained in Sydney Harbor, by the agents, for that purpose. Day by day the necessity of widening our streets is seen. On Thursday morn ing another collision took place on the tramway line at Oxford street, the motor catching an omnibus wheel. The conduc tor of the vehicle was thrown on to the curb-stones with considerable violence, and picked up insensible. A lady pas senger was so severely hurt that she had to be taken to the infirmary. This acci dent is attributable to the carelessness of the omnibus drivers—so the tramway people say. Kindness generally begets kindness, but occasionally, as in the case I now men tion, there is an exception to the general rule. On Wednesday last the nephew of a nursery gardener named Rembolt at tempted to murder him near Sydney, The would-be murderer fired at his uncle from inside the house and then rushed out with a tomahawk and inflicted several wounds upon his head and shoulders. The uncle has always been most indulgent to the lad, and the cause of the attack is unaccountable, as no disputes had ever taken place. The sufferer was taken to the infirmary, and upon examination it

was found that Rembolt had two gunshot wounds in his shoulder, also three scalp wounds, besides other injuries ; none are expected to prove fatal. New Zealand is not blessed with any kangaroos, and perhaps a very desirable thing, too, judging from the following incident, which I consider worth mention ing :—Last week, at Gundagai, Miss E. Webster, daughter of Mr Webster, of Wontabadgery, met with a very serious accident. While out kangaroo hunting with her brother she came in contact with an old man kangaroo, which attacked her and fought desperately. Her brother, quite a lad, becoming frightened, rode off for assistance, instead of helping his sister from her perilous position. For tunately, her father came on the scene and shot the animal, but not before his daughter had received serious injuries. One of her ears was pulled clean off, and her leg fractured. Civil servants, at the best of times, are generally unhappy subjects. They are placed in positions which require a great deal of keeping up, and are not propor tionately paid. Therefore it is pleasing to note that Mr R. B. Mitchell, many years Clerk of Petty Sessions at Forbes, and for the past fourteen years Police Magistrate at Balranald, has become the happy possessor of a handsome fortune— representing some L 160,000. He has sent in his resignation (not asking for any compensation), and will leave in a short time for Scotland, where he will enter into possession of the magnificent estate of Polmood, in Peebleshire. Mr Mitchell has been twenty-one years in the Govern ment service of New South Wales.

Mr William Mason, whose resignation as Engineer for existing railways and tramways, I mentioned in one of my pre vious letters, owing to a disagrement with the Minister for Railways, was the re cipient last night, at the Masonic Hall, of a very handsome tea and coffee service, presented him by the employees of the railway department. The Commissioner for Railways (Mr Goodchap), made the presentation, which was accompanied by an address, and followed by a presenta tion of a set of jewels, for Mrs^Mason. Mr Mason’s connection with the Govern ment has extended over a period of twenty-five years—during which time he had seen the railway lines extended from 25 to nearly 1,000 miles. The much talked of prosecution of Mr William Archer, Mayor of Burwood, for some alleged illegality in the matter of the recent municipal election, ended, as expected, in smoke. The trial came on before Judge Wilkinson, and after the evidence was taken, the jury intimated that no case had been made out, and forthwith the proceedings terminated. General satisfaction was expressed at Bur wood, at the result, and Mr Archer has since met with numerous congratulations from influential friends. On Wednesday evening last, an enthusiastic meeting as sembled in that suburb to sypmathise with the Mayor. The question of preventing the influx of Chinese into New South Wales is begin ning to be the frequent topic of conversa tion ; wherever you go—into hotels or cafd—you hear various opinions expressed on the subject, pro and con ; and no won der the subject is so debated, as ere this letter reaches you, the Kenmuir Castle will have arrived from Hong Kong, bring ing 700 more Celestials for this port.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. —To-Day. (Before J. N. Wood, Esq., R.M.) Inebriacy Whilst in Charge of Horses. —George Sloan admitted being drunk on Ashburton bridge whilst in charge of horses. Ris Worship infleted a fine of L 3, and expenses 30s, in the charge of having no control over the horses, and for drunkenness he inflicted a further fine of L2 and costs ss. He reproved defendant for his behaviour, and recommended him to join the Good Templars. Alleged Dog Larceny.— Robert Smith was charged with the larceny of a grey hound slut, the property of Robert Patton, ofMethven, and of the value L 5. Sergt. Felton conducted? the prosecution, Mr Purnell representing the accused. The following evidence was taken :—Robert Patton, a farmer and hotel keeper residing at Methven, said he remembered the 15th April. The defendant was at his hotel that day about 9 or 10 a.ro. Accused had Mr Pearson with him. They had a light cart with them. The dog produced is registered, and belongs to witness. Had never lent or sold the dog to anyone, but a man named Burrows had it in training Never authorised Smith to take it. Valued the animal at L 4 or L 5. —By Mr. Purnell: He became possessed of the dog through Mr James Ireland. Never bought it from him. It was left there. He did not give it to witness. Witness registered it.— Knew a man named Johnson, living at Methven. He does not claim the dogs. It has been running at large. Mr Ireland did not leave the dog in any one’s charge. He got a letter from the defendant on Tuesday last, in which he said he was sorry at what had happened, but he had taken the dog away under the belief that it was Johnson’s property. [Witness’s letter in reply thereto was read, in which it was stated Johnson denied defendant’s right to take his dogj. Witness would have withdrawn the case after he got de fendants letter.—Sergeant Felton : On Sunday last the defendant came to the police station, having the dog produced in charge. He said ho had heard prosecu tor complained of its having been stolen. He wished to explain how he became pos sessed of the animal. He had been up at Johnson’s on Good Friday, and had asked him for the loan of it for a few days for coursing purposes. He offered to give up the dog, but at witness’s request, retained charge thereof, for a few days, pending enquiries.—George Johnson, a black smith, residing at Methven, deponed : I saw defendant on the 15th April. The dog produced is Mr Patten’s, and did not lend it to Smith, or was he ever asked to do so. Defendant asked me for the loan of witness’s dog, which is similar to the one produced. By Mr Purnell : Did not tell Smith that he got this dog from Jim Ireland. He told defendant to call it “Pickle.” Witness was sober, and remembered quite clearly what occurred.—James Sandy, a stableman at the Methven Hotel, said he saw the defendant and Pearson up there on the 15th inst. When Smith was going away in the evening, saw him leading a dog which witness recognised as IVfr Patten’s. Asked him what he was doing with Patten’s dog, and he sa}d it was not Patten’s, but one he had brought from Ashburton. He remarked that it had a ringworm on its side like that of Mr Patten’s dog. They went away with the dog tied behind the cart.—To Mr Purnell: There was no attempt at concealment of the dog. —A. W. Pearson said he was in company with Smith on Good Friday. Saw Johnson that day. He had a dog in his possession. Heard Smith ask John for the loan of his dog, and Johnson said he would lend it for a week or two if he would take great care of it. Johnson’s dog is exactly like the one produced, and witness believed that the one in court is the same one Johnson had with him that day. Johnson said that he did not think the dog would follow Smith, but if he rubbed a piece of meat on his skin the animal would do so.—By Mr Purnell : When the conversation took place we were all together in a buggy, The dog was following. —This was the case for the prosecution. —For the defence, Mr Purnell called the defendant, who deponed to having borrowed the dog from John ston, who informed him at the time that the dog belonged to Ireland. After hear

ing the evidence his Worship dismissed the case.

Breach of Licensing Act. —Robert Little, hotelkeeper, Hinds, was charged with having, on the 10th inst., supplied one Robert Cole with intoxicating liquors, the said Robert Cole being then in a state of drunkenness.—Mr Purnell defended Mr Little. The evidence taken was as follows :—Robert Cole deposed that oti the 10th inst., he was in defendant’s house. Ho was in an intoxicated state. He had over Ll2 in his possession when he came to the hotel. On coining to his senses on Sunday evening, he did not recollect having any money whatever, or getting any from anyone then. All he recollected was having his supper and six drinks. His swag was lying at the Rail way Station. When he recovered, he found he had no boots on him. Mr Little told him that they had been bought from him by a John Bull. Mr Little returned the boots on Monday. Had no money or clothes now. Had not had any intoxicating liquors excepting two pan nikins of beer, for eleven weeks previous to going to Mr Little’s.—To Mr Purnell —Did recollect that a man named Mick the Fenian, a swagger, slept in the hotel, witness paying for his bed. Did not recollect giving him L 3. He had no money from Sunday night till Tuesday morning, yet slept at the hotel. Sold his things on Tuesday morning to Mrs Little and others, to enable him to get to town. —John Bull recollected seeing the last witness at McColJs station on the 16th inst. Saw him later on in the hotel, and he shouted four or five times for all hands. There were a good many there. He had a roll of notes in his hand, chuck ing them about and showing them to everybody. Witness bought a pair of boots from him for 6s. He gave him the money. He borrowed them back after witness purchased them. On Monday, when witness again saw him, he asked him to shout for him, saying that Mr Little would not serve him. When he was throwing his money about he was only jolly. He had full use of his senses, and was, in witness’s opinion, perfectly sober, although not so sober as witness’s interrogator (Sergeant Felton). When witness left in the evening of Saturday, Cole was “just merry.” Heard Little refuse Cole drinks on one or two occa sions. —By Mr Purnell Bought the boots from Cole, because he said he could not wear them.—Harry Burnett Chichester, schoolmaster at the Hinds, visited the hotel on the date in question. Cole was there, and although not in toxicated, had evidently been drinking. He had several drinks during the time witness was there, from 8 o’clock to noon. Cole was shouting promiscuouly. He had boots on when witness left the hotel. , Mr Little was behind the bar during the , morning. He and Mrs Little were the only persons who served behind the bar during the time witness was present.— , This was the case for the prosecution.— For the defence, Robert Little stated that : he served Colo with two drinks on Saturday morning. He was sober then. During the afternoon, whilst drunk, Cole ■ asked for drinks, but witness refused . him. Cole paid for the board of “ Mick the Fenian,” giving in payment thereof i and of his own board 12s.—Charles i Brogden, cook at the hotel, stated that Cole was “ jolly ” on Saturday morning. Heard both Mr and Mrs Little refuse him liquor.—The same defendant was further charged with the commission of a breach of the licensing laws on the 16th inst., by permitting gambling to be carried on in the Hindhope Hotel, and with further breaches on the 19th inst., bv taking pledges for certain liquors supplied , (two charges).—After hearing evidence. r his Worship dismissed the charges of ' taking pledges, and gave judgment on the others .as follows :As regards the | charge of gambling, I shall reserve de cision till this day fortnight. In the first case there can be no doubt. The evidence i of Chichester shows that he was in the hotel at 10 a.m., and that Cole was not [ drunk then ; that Mr Little served him with drink, and when he left at 12 o’clock [ he was drunk. In the last instance Mr Little did not supply him witn liquor, but Mrs Little did. Then there is the ' evidence of Mr John Bull, who states that at 2 o’clock Mrs Little supplied him , with drink. Taking it that he was drunk at 12 o’clock, and that this was only some little time afterwards, we must re gard it that he was drunk. We have evidence that he was throwing his money about, and Mr Bull calls him “jolly.” There can be no doubt in the minds of the Bench that the case is proven to its satisfaction. It is one of the most dis graceful cases of what is called in slang language “ lambing down” that has ever come under my notice, and is a case which ought to be brought before the notice of the Licensing Bench. I shall fine defendant L 5 and costs. It is no excuse that because a man will make a blackguard of himself, you should aid and abet him. It is a disgrace the expense the country has been put to in this man’s case, for doctor’s expenses in attending him for the last week. I can only say that if the doctor had been pro duced, I should have added the sum of his expenses to the costs. Forgery and Utteking. The charge of this character against John Wood was proceeded with, and evidence having been taken, the case was remanded for eight days.

Vagrancy. —The man Cole, who figured in the charges against the proprietor of Hindhope Hotel, was charged on remand as above and dismissed.

Breach of Borough Bylaws.— Edward Barlett was fined 4s and costs, 2s. [Left sitting.]

SPORTING.

SOUTH CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB MEETING. First Day — Thursday, April 28. 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. Flying Handicap, of 50 sovs. ; distance, f mile. Mr Butler’s Luna 1 Mr Bates’Hilda... ... ... ... 2 Mr Vallance’s Randwick ... ... 3 Time—lmin 16|-seo. A Selling Hack Race—won by Mr Fedden’s Seven Bells concluded the first day’s racing.

Second Day—Friday, April 29. [by telegraph.] Timaru, To-day. The weather is wet and miserable, ami the attendance only half as large as yesterday. There is very little betting. S.C. Jockey Club Handicap of 100 sovs, with a sweepstake of 5 sovs for acceptors ; amount accruing from the sweepstake to go to second horse ; distance, 11 miles. The winner of the Timaru Cup to carry 71bs penalty. Luna 1 Lady Emma 2 Joker ... ... ... ... 3 Handicap Hurdle Race of 80 soys; distance, abont 2]t miles, over 8 flights of hurdles; ’second horse to receive LlO out of the stakes. Winfield ... ... ... 1 Sailor Boy ... ... ... 2 Agent ... ... 3

Parish Meeting.— The annual parish meeting of St. Stephen'? and the parochial districts of Longbeach and Mount Somers, will be held this evening, when the election of the churchwardens and vestry* men will take place.

WRECK OF THE S.S. TARARUA.

[by telegraph.] Invercargill, To-day. Hews has just reached town that the s.s. Tararua has struck on the Otaoro or Waipapa reef, near Toi Toi All lives are safe at present. The vessel is close in shore.

PUBLIC MEETING

A public meeting was held last evening in the Town Hall, in compliance with the resolution passed at the meeting .nl the Borough Council on the IBth subject under consideration being, the proposed extension of the railway «ngine shed. About seventy persons.* were present, and the chair was occupied by his Worship the Mayor, who was .sup ported on the platform by Messrs Bullock, Harrison, Ivess, and Dr Stewart. i'i

His Worship briefly stated to those present that the object of the meeting was to consider the action of the GOVterii ment in regard to the memorial which was forwarded from this town on the matter of the engine shed extension, and which pointed out the inconveniences the burgesses would suffer if such proposed extension were carried out. Possibly many of those present were wdU acquainted with the contents of that memorial, having placed their signatures thereto. The engine shed, in their opinion, was an unsightly object, and it was its removal from its present site that was sought for by the petitioners at the hands of the Government. Since the memorial was forwarded, the Govern ment had accepted a tender for the exten sion of the shed, and had taken nb notice of the petition, not even as in courtesy might have been expected, replying thereto. He was in favor of its removal outside the Town Belt. 1 Mr Ivess said the resolution he had to propose did not possess a very large amount of interest; it was merely one of remonstrance regarding the Government’s action in the matter of the engine shed. 1 hat that shed was a nuisance which it was most desirable to get rid of, all were of opinion, but it must be borne in mind that in its removal the interests of others must be considered. They must not get it removed to a place where it would only be a nuisance to others, and the fixing on a place suitable to all would be a task of no little difficulty. It was a peculiar fact that the Government had paid no atten tion to the petition forwarded to them-on this matter. It was an act of great dis courtesy, but he did not think this was intentional on the part of the Minister of Public Works, but arose from careless ness in some direction. At the time' the engine shed was erected, the town was one of no importance, and it was clear the man who selected the site for the building little dreamt that it .would ever be the centre of the town, therefore no consideration was mad«( in such direction. The time, had arrived for its removal, for the ides of such a building occupying a position in the principal thorough! are of the borough was out of all reason, and if this were represented to the proper authorities, no doubt they would take steps, to remedy it. By a roundabout way they had. learnt that the petition they had sent reached Wellington too late to permit of the alteration of the Government plans as affecting the matter. It was time for the burgesses to be up and doing, and to ask" for the removal of the shed before, addi tions were made thereto, rendering the building a permanency. Bearing in memory the old adage of “A stitch in time saving nine,” it would be well to point out to the Government the incon- 1 venience the burgesses would suffer if the " proposed additions were effected. If private individuals created a nuisance'' they were promptly indicted, therefore why should the Government be permitted greater license. It should be shown to them that this extension was being pro ceeded with in direct opposition to the wishes of the townspeople, and he . felt sure the wishes of the public would" meet with compliance. He could riot for a moment conceive that the Government would force a nuisance on the town ; and of the fact of the shed being a nuisance, no doubt could be entertained. It shut but | the view, and by its smoky and dirty' appearance, detracted to the beauty of the borough. It was an eyesore. No doubt some of those present would be unwilling to vote in the matter until the site to which it was to be removed were stated, but he did not consider this a sub ject within their province to discuss. It would, no doubt, be desirable to remove it beyond the precincts of the borough, for it was clear that by transferring it _ from one place to another along the line; either north or south, they would not be remedying the evil. He would move— “ That the meeting regrets that the Minister of Public Works should not have . seen fit to comply with the reasonable wish expressed in the memorial sent to ' him by the inhabitants of the town of Ashburton and its suburbs, protesting against the contemplated enlargement of the present railway engine shed, and ask ing that the shed should be removed to a , more convenient site, and with the other t remonstrances addressed to him on the same subject.” He hoped they would back up the resolution, and would also like to see the resolution passed at this meeting, forwarded to the Minister of ; , Public Works in a little different style to the sterotyped custom of enclosing the same in an envelope, and there letting the matter rest. He thought there were plenty of Members in Wellington at the present moment, whose hearty co-opera tion in the matter could be secured, and possibly this could be effected by Mr Wright, the member for the district. . Mr Bullock said he experienced much pleasure in seconding the resolution pro posed by the last speaker. He thought one great reason in favor of the removal urged was the difficulty the railway authorities would experience in working the railway station did the shed remain where it now stood. At the time, or shortly after, the goods shed was erected, the railway authorities found that it was - impossible to work the station with it in its then position, and, therefore, they had to remove it, and he was quite bare if they enlarged the engine shed they would have to remove that. Many were of > opinion that the engine shed should be removed outside the Belt beyond the gas works, but the question of a site was, be thought, a matter of consideration for an engineer. For his part he should like to see it removed there. He thought the Government were treating the town un fairly considering the large amount of revenue accruing from the goods traffic pf the place. They were entitled to a better station, and he thought they should ask the member for the district to see what he could do at the next session of Parlia ment in the matter of a new‘railway station (applause). He had been told by an engineer that it was practically an impossibility for them to have larger station accommodation without the re moval of the engine shed. Another matter deserving of consideration was the fencing of the railway _ throughout the town. That this was desirable they were all of opinion, but as thp meeting had been convened for the purpose of considering the engine shed difficulty solely, and he, y therefore, would confine his remarks thereto. The money voted, they were told, was insufficient to allow of further improvements than the extension ef the shed, but why should they not get Go- . vernment to delay the work until next session and see if they could net -get a larger grant for the work. He would

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1881.



CASH RECEIPTS Printed at “The Guardian office. TELE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving every day’s news, up to the hour of going to press. This is hatter than baying a sixpenny weekly.



Wanted. Waited —board and lodging. Apply by letter to ‘‘ Z.Y.,” Office of this Paper. 671 a ANTED—A BLACKSMITH; must be a good shoer. Also, a OAEPENTER, Apply, John Gkxgg, Longbeach. 632 a WANTED —A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookhatn House. 630 a ANTED 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 ANTED TO SELL PIANOS. for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broad wood, £26; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £46 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has



-w-jr-r ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F, Andrbwes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a TXT ANTED THE GUARDIAN tolls » V your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. jyrß W. M. 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 PASTRY, Buns, Meat Pies, Sponges, Cakes, &c., at AITKEN’S, the best shop in t )wn for Bread, Biscuits and Con fectionery. Axtken, Baker, &c., Saunders’ Buildings. 672 a O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, AND STATIONERY.



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



J 1 H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH, THE Supply a Single NEW ZEALAND Garment at the CLOTHING FACTORY Wholesale Price THE Y ou can Purchase NEW ZEALAND every and any CLOTHING FACTORY article of wear ing apparel



THE Their productions NEW ZEALAND give universal CLOTHING FACTORY satisfaction to wearers THE ~Display in Cloth- NEW ZEALAND ing is the Largest CLOTHING FACTORY in the Southern Hemisphere THE New Season s NEW ZEALAND Goods for Au- CLOTHING FACTORY tumn and Winter ~ THE Hats, Caps, Shirts NEW ZEALAND and Hosiery, at CLOTHING FACTORY Wholesale Prices



THE Every article in NEW ZEALAND Mercery, &c., at CLOTHING FACTORY Wholesale Prices NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager. WASTE PAPER for Sale, 2d. per lb. at the Guaesiak Office



Special Advertisements. INCOURAGE ( PRISE, & PRISE, & KEEP THI IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7a 6d ; 6,000, 6s 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Barms' Square. IMBER YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a very largo REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. 365 a Hayes’ ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a



Oranges !!! SATURDAY, 30th APRIL. Twelve o’clock. Alfred harrison win sen by Public Auction, at his rooms— -25 CASES ORANGES 25 A splendid sample of new season Fruit. ALFRED HARRISON, Auctioneer.