SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. Wanaka, b. s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Rotomahana, s.s., for Wellington and North. Grafton, s.s., for Oamaru. To-day. Weatherfield, ship, for Queenstown or Falmouth, for orders. Wanaka, s.s., for Port Chalmers, via Akaroa. The ship Waikato has been placed on the berth at London for Auckland, to bring out Messrs Grant and Foster s settlers for Te Aroha lands. The brigantine Camille sailed from New York for Auckland and Lyttelton on April Ist. Loading at New York—Barque Glen ariff, for Dunedin direct. She will pro bably clear about April 23rd, and has the privilege of Wellington as a second port. Loading at Boston —Barque Bryan Ivor, for Dunedin and Lyttelton She will probably clear on April 16th. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed Southern Cross, for Fiji; barque, East Lothian, for Newcastle; Ringarooma, for the South. New Plymouth. Yesterday. Sailed—Penguin, for Nelson and the South. ■ A , Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Wanaka, from Picton and Nelson ; Endeavor, from Oamaru ; Taia roa, from the South. Sailed —Hawea, for the North ; Austra lind, barque, for Newcastle. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Araived —Te Anau, s.s., from the East Coast ; Defence, brigantine, from Wan ganui. Sailed—Te Anau, s.s., for Melbourne, via the Bluff

COMMERCIAL.

* Ashburton Guardian Office. Friday evening. Considerable quantities of grain are still being delivered at the various stores in the town, but the bulk has now come to hand. Wheat—Prices are not so firm as they were, owing to the decline in the English maifcet. For the best samples of Tuscan, 3s 6d can be obtained, the other kinds ranging from 3s 2d to 3s 4d per bushel. For good samples of oats, prices range from is 3d to is cdperlrasheL Barley is almost unsaleable, and then at only very low rates, ranging from is to 2s pd, according to quality. Rye grass seed is in fair demand, and prices continue firm, 4s 5d being readily obtained for prime samples. It is supposed that the favorable weather thev have had in the great grain growing countries has caused prices to recede somewhat here. Aslilmrton Retail List. Butter, interior to best, per lb, pd to is; eggs, per dozen, is 6d ; cheese, prime quality, per lb, 4d to 6d ; bacon, prime smoked, per fb, is; hams, in cloth, per lb, is to is 2d; flour, in bags, per loolbs, 12s; oatmeal, per 25lbs, 4s ; lard, per lb, yd. The Christchurch Corn Exchange. The following is- the report for the week ending Friday, the 6th of May : Grain.—The market during the week has exhibited no new features. Business on the whole has been quiet, and values are unaltered, but the tone of the market is firm. The weather has been propitious. The want of rain, to which allusion was made last week, Tiac been plentifully supplied, and has been of great benefit—Wheat: Shippers are still in the market;' for good lines of sound milling quality of any description, although tuscan is still the favorite, and tops the market. The latter is readily isaleable at from 3s pd to 3s iod per bushel; velvet chaff and pearl, 3 s ?d to 3s 8d; Hunter’s white, 3s 6d to 3s pd. All these quotations are f.o.b. in Lyttelton. The quotations for Christchurch are to id under these prices, but as the great bulk of the transactions in wheat during the present season have been for shipment, the f.o.b. prices take the pre-eminence. Seconds range between is fid and 2&fid per bushel.—Oats : The increased demand which has been visible for the last few weeks is still well maintained, and the market is firm at last week’s quotations. Bright mill ing samples are readily saleable at from is pd to is iod per bushel, holders evincing a dis inclination to sell at these figures, with con sumers unwilling to advance the rates. Feed quality (good), is yd to is pd per bushel.— Barley : There is no alteration to note in the in the value of this cereal, and values may be said to be quite unaltered. Brewers and malsteis continue to show great indifference, and nothing but very prime quality meets with any attention from them. Prime malting is saleable at from 2s pd to 3s fid per bushel; second class, 2s to 2s 4-d per bushel.—Grass seed: The market remains firm at last week’s quotations —viz., 4s fid to 5s for well cleaned farmers parcels, indifferently cleaned, according to sample.—Potatoes: The decline in values which was observable last week has not yet been recovered, and prices remain as before— viz., 32s'fid-to 35s at country stations, within from seven to eight miles of Christchurch, sacks extra.—Cheese and Butter: 3d to for the former, 7d to 7%d the latter.—Hay : L2 15s per ton . delivered at Christchurch. Auctioneers’ Reports. Messrs J. T, Ford and Co. report on the live live stock market for the week ending Thurs day, sth inst., as follows :—The Addington market on Wednesday was fairly supplied with fat sheep and fat cattle. Mutton sold at from to and 2)£d per lb., and beef from 20s to 22s fid per loolb. Store sheep are still in excellent demand for grazing purposes, - as - are breeding ewes—the latter are selling from lOS fid to 12s each. Fat crossbreds bring from 14s to 16s each; fat merino wethers from 8s fid to 10s fid each; weaners from 7s to 7s fid each. Mr Ensoris crossbreds brought from 14s pd to 15s each. A line of crossbreds brought 14s each. Fat ewes on account of Mr Pannett sold at 12s and 12s 3d each. Fair conditioned wethers on account of Mr Marsden brought 7s fid each. A line of merino ewes or. account of Mr Fessey, 4s pd ; store crossbred ewes on account of the same owners at 8s fid each. Store merino ewes, on account of Mr Arres, brought 4s 4d each, and others cn account of same owner, 4s yd to each (these were below the average of store merino ewes and wethers). Fat crossbred wethers, on account of Messrs Early Bros., sold at from xis to lis fid each. On account of Mr Garforth we sold fat cattle at fromLfi 15s to L 8 15s each. Pigs, on ac count Of Mr Amyes, from Li 13s to L2. Privately, during the week, we have placed several lines of store crossbreds and merinos at prices equal to our quotations.

Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, for the week ending May Sth, 1881, as follows ;—For yesterday’s sale at Addington there was a better supply of sheep than on the previous week, though not more than sufficient for trade requirements. The rough weather of the past few days, caused sheep to present a rather weather-beaten ap pearance ; and this, together with the im proved supply, had the eflect of checking last week’s excessively high values, reducing them in most Is per head. Prime cross bred wethers ruled from 12s 6d to 15s, a few pens of extra heavy weight and grand quality selling Up to 17s; fat J merino wethers brought os to I2is; : the bulk of the entry being cleared at the above quotations. Of store sheep the entry was made up of a few small .lines of merinos and call hoggets, and with the exception of the last-named, all were sold at unaltered rates. Pat cattle were in fair supply, the quality generally being good. The tone of the market was quiet, and prices ruled 10s per head upon an average less than on the previous'fortnight’s sales. Prime steers brought L 7 10s to L 9 10s; light weights and heifers L 5 to L 7. J There were less store csl tle on offer than at any market during the past six months, prices (if any change may be quoted) being still D favor of buyers. Fat pigs for bacon-curing

are rather better worth, the trade showin a little more activity. The heaviest weights are most in demand, prices running from 3d to 4d per lb. The totals yarded for the day com prised 4840 sheep, 312 head of cattle, and 243 pigs, of which our entry included 2431 sheep, 103 head of cattle, and 118 pigs. In sheep our principal sales were—so crossbred ewes at 17s, 45 at 16s 6d, 47 at 16s 3d, ICO mixed crossbreds at 13s 6d, 78 at 14s, 40 at 12596, 67 at 12s, 200 merino wethers at 10s, 60 mixed crossbreds at 12s pd, 30 at 12s 6d, 177 wethers at 14s 3d, 175 at 13s pd, 211 at 14s, 42 at 13s pd, 248 at 125 6d. Stores—l 27 merino wethers at 5s 68 at 2s, 152 crossbred ewes at ps 3d, 63 at ps 6d, 103 at 10s 6d, 79 merino wethers at Ss. Fat Cattle—2 at Lp Ss, 2at L 8 12s 6d, 3at 18 12s 6d, 3at L 7 ss, 2 at L 7 10s, 3 at L 7 15s, sat L 6 15s, 2at L 7,2 at L 6 15s, 4at L 3 Ss. Stores —14 head of mixed cattle at L2 10s, Bat L 3 12s 6d, 4 at L2 15s. Springers and Dairy Cows—JL2 to LB. Pigs Longbeach line—B at 365, Bat 30s, 8 at 365, 12 at 21s. Other owners, 10 at 32s 6d, 14 at 255, 12 at 21s, 10 at 17s, 7 at 325, 12 at 26s fid, 2 at 53s 6d, 5 at 31s. Canterbury Horse Market.—For our last Saturday’s sale at Tattersall’s we submitted an entry of 94 horses, comprising 30 head of draught and plough stock, 20 hack and light harness horses, etc. As special entries, we offered several teams of useful farm horses. For these there was a certain amount of com petition, and most of them were sold at from Li 7 to L4O, making an average of L2B 10s each. For this class of horses, however, there is still very little enquiry, but the late rains should give ploughing operations an impetus, and if there is to be any demand this season it should soon commence. Good upstanding, well-bred hack and light harness horses are very scarce indeed, and it is but seldom the chance offers of securing one. The attendance at Saturday’s sale was about the same as usual, and between 40 and 50 horses changed hands at current rates. First-class heavy draught geldings, syrs old, may be quoted up to L 45 j ordinary ditto and plough horses, LlB to L3O; well-bred hack and light harness horses, LIS to L2B ; every-day hacks and screws, L 3 to Ll2.

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-morrow, Saturday, May 7. Mr. T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—l2 cases Oranges ; 2 o’clock. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings —Usual Weekly Sale ; 12 o’clock. Tuesday, May 10. J. T. Ford and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Sheep. ‘ Thursday, May 12. Dan Henderson and Co., on the premises, East street—The whole of the Property known as the Ashburton Hotel; 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Town and Suburban Pro perties. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. Monday, May 9. Public Meeting, at Willowby Schoolroom, to form a Sparrow Club ; 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. oroug Council —Special Meeting, at the Council Chambers, at 2 p.m. Monday, May IG. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, June County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to B.3ojvtii.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1881. That Reduction Commission.

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

From time to time we receive from various portions of the colony stories of the Seed and Batkin Commission, tending solely to the holding up of those gentlemen and their mission to ridicule. It is well known that there are certain portions of the New Zea land press who make it a rule to seize on every available opportunity to “ point ” at the failings of the present Government. Several of these “yarns” which have been going the rounds of the papers, show but too plainly that they owe their origin to this feel ing, and, as such, doubtless receive the amount of attention merited at the hands of the readers. An exception to this rule, however, from the columns of the Westport limes is as follows : Messrs Seed and Batkin, the “ Retrench ment Commissioners,” arrived in Westport by the p.s. Charles Edward on Tuesday morning, and have since inspected the Government offices in town. They visited the Cape Foul wind lighthouse on Wednesday. At first glance we thought the Times had been perpetrating a joke at the expense of the Commissioners, but these is an air of naive simplicity and truth about the statement that we can not but accept it as written in good faith. This adopted, and we have another instance of the way in which the public funds are being frittered away by a tinsel and pasteboard system in the management of the affairs of the colony. These Commissions and their reports appear very plausible when on paper, but the real character of the work effected by them and the benefit reaped by the county will not bear examination. What reasons were they that prompted the visit of the Commissioners to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse? Their business, pur et simple , is enquiring into what reductions in the salaries of the already too poorly recompensed civil servants can be affected; surely the spirit actuating their call at this lighthouse could not have been this. Ten per cent, knocked off the salary of the poor devil who holds this Government appointment has brought that sufficiently low. What then could have been their motive ? We can only regard it that curiosity, and a desire to extend the length of the labors of the Commission actuated their movements. They are loth to leave the carcass until they have removed every shred of flesh Theirs is not the blame; we are all of us unwilling to let a “good thing” out of our grasp; the Civil Service Reduction Commission are but human; the Ministry but assine.

Forgery. —The charge of this nature against the man Wood has been further remanded for eight days. Fatal Accident. —A man named, John Ford, a laborer in the employ of Mr G. F. Lovegrove, Makikihi, was killed on Wed nesday night by a dray passing over his body. A verdict of “ Accidental death ” was returned yesterday at the inquest. Deceased was a single man. Omission. —Owing to being mislaid, our reports of the football match on Wednesday, and of the meeting of the Club held subsequently, were omitted from our issue of last evening. They appear in the present issue. “Crown Lands Guide.”—We are in receipt of the third number of the above publication, which is fully equal in every respect to its predecessors. The information given is very full and com prehensive, and the admirable maps, which are appended to the pamphlet, show at a glance what land in the colony is sold, open for sale, reserved, leased, how to be sold, &c. Copies of the “ guide ” are to be obtained at the office of this paper, at a trifling cost. Library Committee. The usual monthly meeting of the Library Com mittee was held at the Library last night. Present—Messrs Douglas (in the chair), Roberts, Scott, Charlton, and St. Hill. The Treasurer’s statement showed a credit balance of LI 19s lid, with outstanding accounts to considerably more than that amount. Mr St. Hill gave notice to move at next meeting that the larger reading-room be let whenever practicable, with a view to economy in fuel and light. It was resolved to convert the Library into a reading-room during the winter months, and to close the outer room. Smoking to be prohibited in the Library. Some discussion took place re altering the committee meeting night, and as to the advisability of cutting openings in the partition which divides the two reading rooms, and it was decided to deal with these questions at next meeting.

Arrested. Constable Neill to-day arrested a well-known female character, known by the name of “ Port Wine Annie.” Committed for Trial. —James Mack, who has just undergone a sentence of two years’ imprisonment in the Dunedin Gaol, was yesterday committed for trial at Waimate on two separate charges of horse stealing. The Quarantined Mail Passengers.— Dr Philson yesterday released from quarantine all passengers except Mrs Cruidcn and her four children. These little ones were attacked by measles, but are now convalescent. Hunt Club. — A prelimiminary meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of a Hunt Club was held last evening, at the Guardian office. A. discussion on sued as to the practibility of holding a drag hunt in Ashburton this season, but it was ultimately decided to form a Hunt Club, and secure a small pack of hounds. Mr S. Saunders proposed to obtain par ticulars as to cost, &c., and submit the same at the next meeting, which will be held in a few days. The meeting then adjourned. Sporting.— Mr H. Prince purchased, at the recent yearling sales at Sydney, a brown colt by Gainsborough, out of Sea Breeze, for the sum of ninety guineas. The colt was shipped on board the s.s. Wakatipu. and may be expected at Dun edin in the course of next week. Sea Breeze is by the Barb, out of Mermaid, half-sister to Tocal. The colt Gorton, the, joint property of Mr George M'Lean and 1 Sir Hercules Robinson, arrived at Dunedin from Auckland yesterday, and joined his stable companions at Allan’s stables at the Forbury. Gorton is by the English horse Thunderbolt, out of the mare Lyra, imported by Mr Ferguson to Auckland. Gorton was previously named Tomato, and under that name was pur chased by Sir Hercules Robinson. The Takaeua Disaster. —At the usual service held at the Wesleyan Church last night, the Rev. W. Keall’s sermon had special reference to the recent shipwreck. There was a fair congregation, amongst which were visitors from other churches in Ashburton. During the rev. gentle mans discourse, he took occasion to refer to scenes on board the Tararua which cor. responded with similar ones on board the ill-fated London, which foundered in the Bay of Biscay in 1865. The sermon, which abounded in practical lessons to be derived from the sad occurrence, was listened to with much interest by those present ; and at the conclusion of his remarks Mr Keall appealed to the mem bers of his own congregation to give sub stantial proof of their sympathy with the bereaved families of the late Revs. J. B. Richardson and Armitage. An advertise ment in another column also has reference to this matter. Tenders are invited from persons widinj tounder:ake the office of careiaker to the Tinwald school. Particulars of Messrs J. T. Ford and Co.’s auction sale at Tinwald, on Tuesday next, arc published else where. It is notified elsewhere that the owner of a black and white doj, a rejste.jd collar, No. 431, and which followed one of the sheohe chi to Lonjbea h, can recover same on payment of exoeiv.es. Mr Udl'ock advertises a sale of oranges to take place to-morrow. He also announces that his next p-operty sale will be held on the 21st inst. Particulars of a petition to the Supteme Court, in re the will of W. B, Rhodes, appear in our adve.tisinj columns. The poundkeeper, South Rakaia, advertres the im pouncTng of 30 sheep on the 26th; ult. Mr Cook notifies that he is prepared to supply weekly publications containin'? a full account of the Tara ua aisaster. Particulars of lenders invited by the Mount Hutt Road Board will be foend in another columns. Mr A. Harrison advertises the lojs of a cow. Finder will be rewarded

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE-

[per reuter’s agency.] The Blow Up. London, May 3. Additional news has reached the Admiralty regarding the disaster to her Majesty’s ship Dotterel in the Straits of Magellan. It is now known that eight officers and 135 men were killed by the explosion, but nothing has yet been learned as to the cause of the same. The Guineas. The race for the Two Thousand Guineas Stakes was run to-day at New market, and was won by Peregrine, with Iroquois second, and Donfuland third. The Irish Land Bill. London, May 4. The Irish Land Bill was again under consideration in the House of Com mons this evening. In the course of the debate which took place Sir Staf ford Norlhcote made a speech forcibly condemning the measure. He further took occasion to denounce generally the policy of the Government, which he characterised as decidedly communistic in its tendencies. Foster v. Dillon. It is announced that the Irish mem bers of the House of Commons will shortly propose a vote of censure on the Hight Hon. W. E. Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland, for his action in connection with the arrest of Mr Dillon, M.P. Occupation of Territory. Athens, May 4. Three Greek army corps are being prepared to occupy the territory in Thessaly and Epirus, which is to be ceded by Turkey for the extension of the frontier.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] The Burning Question. Melbourne, To-day. In the Legislative Council last night the Reform Bill received from the Assembly was under discussion in Com mittee of the Whole. Amendments were made in the direction of assimi lating the provision of the measure to those of the Bill which originated in and was passed by the Council. Totalisator to the Front. Adelaide, May 5. The race for the Adelaide Cup was won by Totalisator.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] A Scholastic Appointment. Auckland, To-day. Mr Williams, late principal of the Swansea Normal College, who arrived here by the ship Sydneyham, has been ap pointed to the vacant mastership of the Dunedin High School. Tne Knight and the Lawyer. Mr F. A. Whitaker writes a long letter to the Waikato Times, replying to Sir G. Grey, whom he charges with procuring for the Thames expenditure on useless recla clamation and other works. Enforce It. The Resident Magistrate requested the Sergeant of police to enforce the pro visions of the Employment of Females’ Act, which has hitherto been a dead letter in Auckland. Burning of a Brewery. Beedle’s (late Suiter’s) brewery, on the North road, was totally destroyed by fire at 3 o’clock this morning. It was burned down about two years ago. The insurance is L2OOO, in various offices.

Completely Buoyed. Captain Fairchild, in the Stella, has completed the buoying of Wangarei harbor, so that vessels of any tonnage can get to Limestone Island to load coal. Safely Home. Dunedin, To-day. The Hew Zealand Shipping Company have received advices of the arrival at London of the Piako, from Port Chalmers. A Foolhardy Captain. Port Chalmers, To-day. Captain M'Callum has just received a telegram from the Heads stating that the Peruvian barque Fray Bents has anchored outside the Heads in six fathoms of water. Pilot Patton is on board, but the captain will do nothing for him. He will neither shift out nor in for safety, and the ship is in great danger. Cockswain Milne requests Captain M'Callum to communi cate with the agents. The barque is now anchored half a mile outside the Heads. She will be towed in to-night.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON.— To-Day. (Before his Worship the Mayor.) Drunk and Disorderly. —Two first offenders were discharged with a caution. Habitual Drunkard. —J. Brenan on a charge of this character was sent to prison for one month. Vagrancy. —J. Murphy, an old offender, well known in Christchurch and Timaru, was convicted of this offence, and was sentenced to three months’ imprison ment with hard labor.

THE TARARUA DISASTER.

A Sailor’s Account of the Catastrophe. An Affecting Story. [by telegraph.] [The following telegram (for which we are indebted to the Rev. J. W. Fairclough, Wesleyan minister) arrived too late for insertion in last night’s Guardian ] : Wyndham, Thursday Afternoon. Frank Denz, one of the sailors saved from the Tararua, states :—I was married in Auckland two and a-half years ago. We had one child, fifteen montns old. I persuaded my wife to visit Melbourne, as the Company allowed me to take her for half price. When she came on board, Captain Garrard came forward and said, “ I’ll give you half of the fare, and you can buy a new dress with it. ” Poor girl! she never got it. When we got to Port Chalmers, my wife and Mary Kelly went to Dunedin. I warned them carefully to come by the 3 o’clock train ; I wish to the Lord I had told them 6 o’clock. The man who had been at the wheel before, re lieved me for a few minutes, while I got some coffee. I took the coffee, and came out to drink it just as the vessel struck. She was full almost at once. My wife, Mary Kelly, and another woman clung to me naked. The back wash of the sea that broke over carried us right aft. The women all screamed at first, but were soon brave, and believed us when we said there was no danger. They were put in the smoke house and covered. I put a rug and my jacket on my wife. Mary Kelly would not go into the house, but helped with the ropes, and seemed to wish to encourage the men; but they were not afraid. They made the same noise as ever; you would have thought, to hear them swear, that they could not sink. I was not more afraid than the rest, but the wife kept clinging to me, and that made me weak. The captain was cross, and scolded me ; but I could not push my wife away at such a time. I wish to God I had taken my chum’s advice, and put her and the child in the second mate’s boat ; then I would pot have now to look for them on the beach. When the carpenter was ordered out of the boat for the mate to take charge, he said—“ Thank God, I’m safe.” The ship was the safest place then. If the wind had not come up, she would have been there yet. The men complained of one of the hands in the boat; ho was afraid of getting wet, and kept looking for the sea, and missing stroke. The captain had him hoisted out, when he said “ Praise God, I’m out of her.” I was ordered to take his place. I was crying, as I could not bear leaving the wife and child. The captain was not cross then, but he persuaded and held out his arms for the child to go to him. I gave her to him, and said, “Now, Captain, you’ll look after her, won’t you.” Ho said, “ Yes, Frank ; I’ll be sure of that. ” I tied the baby’s hood on ; this is it (holding up a little blue hood). I found it on the beach. I tied this shawl (holding it up) round the wife, and lashed it on with two manilla yarns. See how it is torn with washing off. That’s all that is left to me now. I would not take LSO for these two things. I had Ll 9 and a watch ; I gave them to my wife to make her feel safe, and so that she would have something if I was drowned. She cried out to the other women, “Don’t be afraid; Frank will save us. He’s going in the boat.” She thought, poor girl, I could do anything. I think I hear her now. Our boat was 24 feet long, but it upset end over end, and not sideways. That will show you how the sea was. We all got ashore but the boy who cleaned the brass on the ship. Just before we upset the poor chap said, “I believe it’s through me that the vessel struck, for I’m very unlucky.” I daresay those on board thought it very hard that we did not come back, but they saw the fix we were in. I would have gone back to the vessel if I had been sure of being lost. Perhaps I would not now, but all that , day I would. I never prayed so much in my life before; I prayed for help, and then ran again and again to the point to see if there was a steamer coining from the Bluff I saw, when the sea broke away the side of the smoke-house, the captain lead the women forward. He had my little girl in his arms. When the cook came ashore he told me that Mary Kelly was washed off at the same time as himself ; he did his beat to save her, but could not. Dr Campbell was setting the engineer’s leg when he was washed off. Long before dark all the women were drowned, and all the child ren, but my child. The captain was in the rigging holding her. There were about forty men in the rigging. I kept my eye on them till it grew darker. The last thing I saw was the captain holding my little girl. I’m sure he died with her in his arms, but he couldn’t save her. No ; it was not to be ; it wasn’t to be,” and playing with the little blue hood, he sobbed audibly.

The Wellington Asylum Case.

The special correspondent of the Press sends the following to that journal:— Two sureties have at length been found for Whitelaw, the late superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum. The sureties, it is said, will be Messrs "Soung and W. V. Jackson, a member of the Harbor Board, each in Ll5O. The proceedings relative to Mrs Kettle’s salary as matron, alleged to have been received by Whitelaw and not accounted for, will now drop, Mrs Kettle having to day signed a document giving a full dis charge for the same. Accordingly White law will now only stand committed for trial on a charge of cruelty to a patient, and bail being forthcoming, he will in all probability be released from gaol to morrow. There is a decided revulsion of public feeling in his favor, owing entirely to a sense of unfairness in Drs Skae and France escaping scot free, while Whitelaw is de graded and imprisoned. The other threatened Asylum prose cutions will fall through, the Crown Pro secutor having advised that there is no case for a jury. I learn, on good authority, that the Government have not yet decided on their course of action in regard to the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums. Dr Skae’s full reply to the report of the Royal Commission on Mount View Asylum has at length been received, but there has not yet been time for the Cabinet to take it into full consideration. It is believed, however, that the matter will come before the Cabinet at an early date, probably to morrow; but it is thought that the weight of feeling in the Ministry is favorable, on the whole, to Dr Skae’s retaining office.

FOOTBALL.

One of the best games yet played took place on Wednesday on the Domain ground. There was a good muster, and after a severe struggle the Captain’s side were declared the victors with two goals, knocked by Hodder and Groves to their score to their opponent’s nil. There was a decided improvement in the style of play. A meeting of the members of the Ash burton Football Club was held on Wed nesday evening, Mr A. Fooks occupying the chair, About ten members were in attendance. The colors of the Club and uniform were altered as follows—viz., to naval blue jersey and stockings, white knickerbockers, and blue and white cap. A challenge was received from the South Canterbury Football Club, and it was decided to accept the same with the pro viso that the match should take place in Ashburton. The other business was of a formal character, and the proceedings were brought to a termination with a vote of thanks to the chair.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(from our own correspondent. ) Sydney, April 23. Everything in the political world has •f late been quiet, owing to the proro gation of Parliament. So characteristic of the old saying, “after a storm comes a lull.” But there are signs that the ground, apparently so solid, under the feet of Ministers, returns occasionally a hollow sound. The bete noir of the Premier, Mr Forster, breaks cover at Gundagai soon, and as he has no political history of his own to touch up> and none of the disagreeableness at tendant upon colonial political life to cushion over, we may expect him to go fully into the history of the Ministry, and forward his ideas on the political situation. During the recess the only depart ment that appears to have been busy, is that of Education. Sir John Robertson, who is said to be devoting his admitted abilities to the proper administration of the Edu cation Act, has issued his first annual report, which is highly creditable. The events of the past few weeks have shown that prompt action is re quired in dealing with the now steady influx of Chinese, which is rapidly as suming serious proportions. There were difficulties in the way, but these should, and must, rapidly disappear before the arrival of low-class Mongolians, at the rate of 1,000 a week. This continued influx of unsavory heathen is now be yond a joke. The Chinese merchants of this city are strongly opposed to the continued excessive immigration of their countrymen. They assert they have no work to give the men, and that the immigrants now landing are starved out of China, owing to a general depres sion, hence their reason lor emigrating to more plentiful shores. A very in fluential meeting of the Trades Union was held in Hyde Park, thousands at tending, owing principally to the fact of several of our leading Chinese merchants saying that unless the immi gration was stopped, 20,000 would be out in twelve months.

Public feeling has been aroused with regard to the alleged maltreatment of a patient (a youth named Sydney Bridges) in the Sydney Infirmary. He was ad mitted into the institution having sus tained injury to his leg, through having fallen down the hold of a vessel, and being merely treated for a contusion, he was allowed to leave for his home, a distance of xoo miles, part of which the poor “ tar ” walked. There, he complained of great pain, almost becoming mad. Upon the medical attendant removing the bandage from the wound, he discovered that the leg was seriously fractured, and in all pro bability, through the neglect of those so called medical men at the Infimary, the poor boy will be a cripple for life. An investigation is to be held.

Mr David Proudfoot, a New Zealand railway contractor of some note, is at present conducting the extension of the railway line from Uralla to Glen Innes, and has plenty of work on hris hands. He is adopting the sub-letting principle chiefy, and even goes so far as to have his offices, stables, etc , put up by the piece. A great impediment to the contractor is the distance that all the plant and material has to be brought, most of his appliances having to be sent from Tamworth or Grafton.

The weather in Sydney for the past few weeks has been of an uncertain character; wet and cold days alternating with hot and sultry ones. Reports from our country districts would seem to indicate that the same kind of weather has been pretty generally ex perienced. An improvement it the matter of rainfall would le welcomed, although in some of tie districts water appears plentiful and the pasture is promising. In Buraga it is, however, complained that fluke and foot-rot have put in an appearance, and at near Maitland a few cases of Cumberland disease among the cattle and horses have appeared.

Accidents during the past week have been frequent. r in Thursday morning an aged gentleman, named Louis Mead, of Waterloo, was knocked down by a passing train at Petersham, and, although removed at once to the Infirmary, where everything possible was done to alleviate the poor fellow’s sufferings, he never rallied. Two painful accidents occurred yesterday on the tramway at Redfern. Two aged vagrants were walking on the line, when a passing motor knocked one down and killed him instantly. His companion was knocked clear of the wheels; he lives, but will be a cripple for life. Both men were in a state of intoxication at the time. The Bathurst Sentinel is in trouble- This paper has been noted in our colony for what is familiarly terined f “hitting out straight,” but at last its 1 editorial blows have been misdirected; I allude to the arrest on last Wednes evening of Mr Dan. M'Guire, proprie tor and editor of the abovementioned pape r , on a charge of wounding with intent to murder Mr T. C. Tonkins, the proprietor of Tattersall’s Hotel. The quarrel arose over a supposed libel on Mr Tonkins’ hotel. Mr Ton kins in the morning assaulted the pro prietor of the hotel, and in return Mr M'Guire waited his opportunity. Meeting Mr Tonkins in the evening, he felled him with a life-preserver. The injured man is in a very low state.

The export of frozen meat is steadily progressing. The Orient Company’s s.s. Lusitania left our port for London on Thursday morning, taking with her the whole of her meat supplies for use on her voyage in the refrigerating chambers. The total quantity placed on board was 40,0001bs weight of beef, mutton, lamb, and veal, and small goods, and 15 cwt of fish. There is every prospect of a very large trade being in augurated. The first shipments are doing good service in showing English people the good qualities of Australian meats.

The large gathering on the Rand wick racecourse this week supplies another of the many proofs of the un flagging interest Australians take in old English sports. The attendance on Easter Monday was unusually large, and on Wednesday, though it was not a holiday, the assemblage must have numbered i S,ooo. As many as possible travelled by the tramway, but large numbers went by omnibuses, cabs, or private conveyances, and notwithstand ing that the trams were run as fre quently as possible, the vehicles on the turnpike, seemed as numerous as ever. The weather being beautifully fine, there was promenading on the lawn the whole time, and the ladies present dis played some magnificent costumes. Music was provided by the Permanent Artillery Band, who were stationed in front of the grand stand. Lord Augustus Loftus, with his suite, occu pied the Vicc-regal box the whole of the afternoon. The race of the day was the Cup, and for this contest six teen came to the post, and after a few false starts they all got away on pretty equal terms. Progress started at 2 to 1. Strathearn, in the last half-mile, came up like a flash of lightning, forcing Hales to use the whip on the favorite, who won by two clear lengths. General disappointment was felt at the non-appearance of Grand Flaneur, Mr Long being obliged to scratch the crack colt on account of lameness.

Cole’s circus left Sydney on Thurs day last by the City of Sydney for California. The proprietary have netted L 24,000 during their Australian tour. Cole paid the steam agents here Lro.ooo for the transmission of his circus to America.

Mr Skuthorpe and his supposed j relics of Leichhardt have turned out to ■ be a fraud ; but the search, if possible, ' will be continued. Baron Von Mueller . is now moving in the matter, and is ; desirous that an expedition should be , fitted out to search the district where : Hume stated he found undoubted in : dications of the remains of the 1 Leichhart party. Mr Ernest Giles is • prepared to undertake the leadership. ; Provided th e search prove unsuccess : ful as far as finding the remains of f Leichhardt and relics are concerned, a : substantial addition would be made to ; the stock of geographical knowledge of . this colony. The rapid increase of the shipping ; trade of Sydney, especially in Darling Harbor, is significantly illustrated by the determination of the Newcastle Steamship Co., notwithstanding the threatened approach of railway com petition (the line to Circular Quay), to erect new and more commodious wharves in Line street, for the better accommodation of the increased traffic under their control. The wharves will be of a most extensive and complete character, possessing every improve ment, and furnishing increased facilities for expeditiously loading or unloading vessels lying alongside. The Flying Squadron, with the young Princes, left the Cape on the 9th for Melbourne, where it should arrive on the 18th May, so that it may be ex pected here about the first week in June. The squadron consists of the Inconstant (flagship), Bacchante (which carries the two sons of R.R.H. the Prince of Wales), Carysfort, Cleopatra, and Tourma’ine. The squadron’s stay here vill be of a fortnight’s duration. The Wolverine, in com mand of Commodore Wilson, will leave here in a few days on a cruise round New Zealand, returning to Sydney to meet the squadron. In muscal matters, Sydney has been somewha' fortunate of late, the de parture of Ketten having been followed by the arrival of the Austrian Band and Nadame Boema, The principal feature of the performance of the latter was che production of Kowalski’s somewhat noisy opera at the Garden Pala:e. We have now the Tuner Opera Co. at the Gaiety. Mjfl Tuner is the finest tenor we have for years, and Miss Montague a scprano. The “ Pirates of a: the Royal still draws crowded Hr Williamson as the Police, and Mrs Williamson as the practical maid of all work, simply inimitable. The splendid, scenery good ; but, the music and singing is the

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1881.



OF REMOVAL. Daniel Fitzpatrick, BOOTMAKER, Bega to return his sincere thanks to his friends, and to the general public, for their liberal support accorded to him since commencing business, and by paying every attention, and civility to his customers, he asks their continuance in future. Also that they may find him in future in East street, next Orr and Co. (late Trickett), with a well selected Stock of BOOTS and SHOES of every kind. Please note the Addresses' FAMILY BOOT & SHOE DEPOT, East street (Next Orr and Co). 711 a 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 Encourage local enter prise, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s fid ; 6,000, fis 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 Barinv Square. 365 a 0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1. 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* FORMS PRINTED “To Let” and “For Sale” —can be obtained at th« Guardian Office. v ILJs



Wanted. TV7ANTED—A middle-aged HOUSE » » KEEPER, for a farm. Apply, Matson, Cox, and Co. 734 a WANTED - A good general SER VANT. References required. Apply, “X,” Office of this Paper. 733 a A N~ T E D . TENDERS for the Office of CARE TAKER to Tinwald School. For par ticulars, apply to MR JEPHSON, Tinwald Store. WANTED KNOW N—That the “Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), Now Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. WEEKLY PAPER.—THE TARA RUA DISASTER. Alfred Cook, News Agent and Runner, can supply copies of the Weekly Canterbury Times, with the account of the Tararua disaster, and maps of the locality. They can also be had of the Times agents in town. Six pence per Copy. 746 a WANTED to PURCHASE—BONES, in any quantities. Apply, Mayo and Hunt, Beach road. 130 a WANTED— TENDERS by noon on TUESDAY next for FENCING, CLEARING, and PLOUGHING Mona square. Particulars at Borough En gineers’ Office. 1 36 a WANTED KNOWN—That Thomas Taylor’s BAKER’S CART will RUN through the WINSLOW district every Tuesday and Friday. 731 a TX7ANTED EYERBODY to know that VV HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17a 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verkall 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 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, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address: Cameron street west. 86a \\T ANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ 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 ANTED THE GUARDIAN tells your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. W. H. SPACEMAN'S Offices dre now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a Hayes’ rjp IMB B R YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! The undersigned begs to intimate to his customers and others that he has made a rery large REDUCTION in the PRICE of Firewood, and is now retailing the same at from Thirty Shillings per Cord, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a fJIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager,



Special Advertisements. -\TOTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Horne. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a 66 A LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDRESSER, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ sqneezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO :—Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES : Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., anda large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. FLOODED OUT. P.C. was floooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do ? Sue the Council for damages 1 No ! no ! Sell the damaged goods at the best prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a



Glycerine and fresh lemon juice wil both soften and whiten the hands. One or two geranium leaves, bruised) bound upon a cut or abrasion will heal at once. Holloway’s Ointment and Puls.— Glad Tidings.—Some constitutions have a tendency to rheumatism, and are throughout the year borne down by its protracted tortures. Let such sufferers bathe the afflicted parts with warm brine, and afterwards rub in this soothing Ointment. They will find it the best means of lessening their agony, and, assisted by Holloway’s Pills, the surest way of overcoming their disease. More need not be said than to request a few days’ trial of this safe and soothing treatment, >'y which the disease will ultimately be completely swept away. Pains that would make a giant shudder are assuaged without difficulty by Holloway’s easy and inexpensive remedies, which comfort by moderating the throbbing vessels and calm ng the excited nerves.—AdvO



Errata. —ln our report of Council meeting on Wednea lowing typographical error In Mr Wright’s resolution Somers Water supply, the wor lished, “at the rate of acre ” should'have read, “ at nine shillings per aae.*"