SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON.

Arrived. Yesterday. Hero, s. s., from Hokitika. , Taiaroa, 5.8., from Oamaru and Dunr odin. Star of the South, s.s., from Westport. To-day. Penguin, a. s., from Northern ports. Ringarooma, s.s., from Melbourne, via the South. Sailed. . Yesterday. Star of the South, s.s., for Westport. Celestia, barque, for Westport. Taiaroa, s.s., for Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland. Advance, schooner, for Auckland. ; To-day. Ringarooma, 5.8., for the North. Penguin, 5.8., for Akaroa and Port Chalmers. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived Onward, from Lyttelton ; Venus, from Napier. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Hawea, from Manukau and Taranaki; Penguin, from Nelson and Picton; Oreti, from Manakau and way ports ; Wanaka, from the South , Sarah Pile, from Kaipara. Sailed—Oreti, for Manakau ; Wanaka, for Nelson. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Young Dick, from Newcastle. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Sailed —Frederick Basil, for Newcastle, taking sixty passengers, amongst them several families.

COMMERCIAL.

The English Markets-

The following is Messrs Miles Bros, and Qd’s' colonial produce report, dated London, April 8. ■ Wool—The first series of colonial wool sales for the current year, which com menced on the 15th February, closed on the 25th ult., the catalogues having comprised the following quantities Sydney and Queensland, 60,704 bales; Victoria, 130,038 bales ; South Australia, 42,570 bales ; Swan River, 268 bales ; Tasmania, 322 bales; New Zealand, 16,009 bales ; Cape of Good Hope, 27,089 bales; total, 277,161 bales. Against 188,650 bales at the correspond ing series of last year. Of this quantity about 150,000 bales were taken for ex port, and the parcels bought in and held over amount to, say 30,000 bales. Prices, with some slight variations, ruled through out the series at the decline on the open ing night of Id per lb for greasy and l£d pee lb for washed and scoured wool. Extra superior flocks were not in good demand, and showed a decline of 20 per cent, on the rates ruling at the February sales of last year. Lambs’ wool sold at about the previous low range of prices. Crossbreds. showed a considerable decline towards the middle of the series, but the demand having increased at these latter sales, prices for fine lota now show but little alteration from December rates, while the.lower grades are now about on a ' par with opening prices. Towards the ter mination of the series foreign competition became more animated, and a firmer feeling prevailed at the close. Wheat and Flour. —There has been but little alteration in our wheat market dur ing the past fortnight. Deliveries of •Rnglinb wheat continue to decrease, quotations from America have lately been and holders of parcels on the spot ask rather more money. On the other hand, there is an absence of speculation, and'buyers are merely purchasing to sup ply their immediate requirements. The cargoes on' passage amount 2,241,500 quarters, against 1,650,000 quarters in the corresponding week 1880, and the visible supply in" the United'..States' is now 21,400,000 bushels.' Stocks of Australian and,New Zealand wheat are very limited here. now. Australian, on passage, has been sold for 48s 3d, iron vessel, 8,000 quarters, January, 8.L., for orders ; and 46s 9d for a parcel, January, 8.L., iron ship, London direct. Cargoes of New Zealand for April and May shipment have been offered at;4sa 6d ; Australian terms, U.ILj but there were no buyers at that figure. In oats, lower qualities are cheaper, but heavy samples being rather scarps'have advanced Is per quarter. Bar ley ip rather dull of sale, the malting sea son being; nearly oyer. We quote, ex granary, Australian wheat, 51s to 6ls 6d per 4961b5; New Zealand long berried 48s to.'sls ; good ordinary, 46s to 60s and inferior, 42s to 455. Australian flour superfine, 33s to 35s per 2801bs ; house - hold,3lsto 355; New Zealand d0.,30s to 33s New Zealand malting barley, 30s to 38s per 441bs. New Zealand beans, 45s to 47s per 4481b5. New Zealand oats, fine, ,26s to 30s; and common feed, 22s to 25s per qr. imperial. New Zealand peas,"46s to 48s per 5041bs ; and Austra lian, 34s to 375, same weight. New Zea land oatmeal, 190 s to 210 s per ton. Tallow.—Australian tallow has been in good demand, and at sale to-day all that was offered, viz., 945 casks, sold at pre vious rates for mutton, beef bringing an advance of 6d per cwt., the former realis ing 36s to 36s 6d, and the latter 33s 6d to 84s per cwt. for good to fine. The stock in importers’ hands is now very small, . viz., 1,500 casks, but doubtless with a change of -wind there will be many arrivals

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, June 18. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco,] Continents of Europe and America, West.lndies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., per Wanaka, as follows: —Ordinary letters at 6.30 p .m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.in. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard's van, 8.30 p.m. train. Mialls close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows; For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Raugitata, 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 Am., and 4.20 p.m., daily. For- Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers,' and Ashburton Gorge, «n Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For. WakanUi, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on- Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 sum., 4.3&5.m., and 7.60 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and - 4.36 pan.daiiy. - From Dunedin and intermediate places at,6.36p.m.daily. . From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 6.35 pAfo£*nd&l6 p.m. daily. * ; From* Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks;' ; Mounfc'Sotners, 'and Ashburton Gorge ~ o»Wednesdsys atid Saturdays at 3 p.m. -■ Ashton, Waterton, and Lbng f f i! i;i 1 1 ' L '': i * ; i ' •• FrontElgin, ■ Wakanui, Seafield, New op Tuesdays, Thursdays,

DAILY MEMORANDA.

auction Sales. 'To-morrow, Friday, June 3. Matson, Cox, and Co.—Farms, Live and Dead Stock, &c.; 12 o’clock. Saturday,’ June 4. H. Matspn and Co. , at their rooms, Cashel street—- Freehold Farm ;- 2 o’clock.

Thursday, June 9. J. T. Ford and-Co., on the premises of Mr Earle, Wakanui —Valuable Farm, Live and Dead Stock, &c.; 12 o’clock. Saturday, June 11. J. T. Ford and Co., at Wakanui—Live and Dead Stock, &c.; 11 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ac : To-night, Thursday, June 2. Amateur Dramatic Club, Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 7.30 p.m. To-morrow, Friday, June 3. Lecture on “ Free Thought,” in the Kyle Schoolroom, at 8 p.m. Upper Ashburton Road Board—Meeting to elect five new members, at the Road Board Office, at 10 a.m. Monday, June 6. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Meeting to elect Committee for the Waka nui Library, in the Wakanui School room.

Tuesday, June 7. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p. m. Wednesday, June 8.

Masonic Concert, Masonic Hall, 8 p.m, Thursday , June 9.

Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet ing. Saturday, June 11.

Ashburton School Teachers’ Association, Borough School, 2 p.m. Monday, June 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, June 15. Tea Meeting and Entertainment, Fleming ton School.

Wednesday, July 6. County Council, at the County Counci, Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.in., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. 4 Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 4.50 p.m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 435p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Asheukton from Timaru and South at 10.15 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1881. Society Journals.

TOWN EDITION.

A new and undesirable element has, within a comparatively recent period, made its appeareance in colonial journalism, which, having been success fully introduced in Australia, is now, it is to be regretted, apparently making some headway in this colony. V/e allude to the so called “ Society ” journals, which, in the colonies, differ considerably from the Home periodicals so designated The latter are perhaps not all that can be desired ; far from it. They often contain a great deal of twaddle that would be better omitted, and their articles are not remarkable for good taste, but they are for the most part well written, and avoid the gross and indecent personalities so common in their would-be imitations at our end of the world. The fun—if such it can be called—of the latter is-Qf a, very poor kind, but their vulgarity, in every sense of the word, cannot be surpassed. Their columns are filled with short paragraphs, in which an attempt at smart writing is painfully apparent, and arc chiefly noticeable fbr their fead taste

and often for their downright indecency. That people can be found to read them is only less surprising than that men can be found to write them. Wherein consists their attraction ? Is it such a matter of all absorbing interest to,know that “ Crawford says he won’t hire a buggy at the stables, for if he did M’Curdy says he would make him pay for it ?” Can there be people of such a speculative turn of mind to care to be asked, “ Who were the young ladies that indulged in nap and 100 in the train on the night before Good Friday?” Another paragraph, even more offen sively caddish than either of the fore going, is “ Didn’t the Canon put on jam last Sunday because the Bishop

was there—and how impressively he read the prayers !” Miss , who is the subject of a paragraph in another of these literary treasures, will doubtless feel gratified to learn that “ her costume was one of the most striking in the Park on Wednesday,” and it- may easily he imagined how proud the “ Commission Agent in street ” felt when he had pointed out to him the announcement of his “ approaching nuptials with the young lady from together with a reference to his honeymoon trip, and is offered the con gratulations of the writer in a tone of familiarity that renders it, we should imagine, fortunate for that worthy that he is out of kicking distance. But, shameful as are these things

(selected at random from sundry “ So ciety ” publications now before us, the names of localities being alone sup pressed), they pale before the scurrilous attacks and disgraceful inuendos often contained in the pages of the journals referred to. The Society journals — the colonial articles at least —are not particularly happy in their choice of titles, which do not sufficiently indicate their character. Let us suggest some thing more appropriate. The “Washer woman,” or “The Back-biter” would, we think, be an improvement, while, if a monosyllabic title is aimed at, what could be better than “Garbage,” or

“ Scandal ?” It used to be jocularly said of a great London daily, the chronicler of fashionable b'fe in die metropolis, that it must derive its in formation relative to the inner life of the beau vwnde from John Thomas the flunkey and Mary the parlor-maid, for from no other source, it was argued, could such details emanate. But here things are different j Mary would be afraid, in a small colonial town, or even in a large one for the matter of that, to tell tales of her “ Missus ” and the young ladies, for fear they should be traced home to her, and she should lose her situation. As for John Thomas, the flunkey in livery, that magnificent individual is unknown in New Zealand. The genus is peculiar to the old coun try, if not to London ; but of flunkeys out of livery their appears to be no lack. Writers in these Society journals prove themselves to be not even pos sessed of anything more than weak and confined sentiment, trifling interests, and vulgar inclinations, and as such usurp the title of journalists. We feel that they should be addressed the same way a vulgar satirist was by a well-known journal, namely,—

O Tongue, the most accurst ! With pen proscribed the worst! Still on the gall you give, Instead of honey, live. In your delirium fierce Our .tendh'est lambs you pierce. Look on your back to bear Due stripes from twigs severe. Like them will be your fate. That, raging in their hate, Ravage our flocks around; Short is the triumph found: While yet their reign extends, Contempt their doom suspends; But to the fallow beast The date of life is least. The scurrilous writers should take care to protect themselves, or else their fate may be a similar one to that which happened to an Auckland editor. We reprint in another column a fair specimen of what may be expected by them even in such a law-abiding place as New Zealand.

Inward ’Frisco Mail. This mail arrived here to-day per express train. Postal. —Mails for Australian colonies, per Albion, close at the Bluff to-morrow, at noon. To the Unemployed. —Tenders are called for 200 chains of sod and wire fencing. Added to their Fleet. —The Union Company yesterday purchased the steam launch Waiwera, for L6OO. Mount Somers School. —A certificate** master is' wanted for the above, im mediately. The salary, like other civil servants, is subject to the 10 per cent, re duction. Found Drowned. — A cabman, named Bren man, was found drowned at Pelichet Bay yesterday. It is believed to be a case of suicide, owiiig to domestic dis agreement.

Interesting Case. To-morrow the charge against Sergeant Felton, for illegal detention of property, laid by John Gold berg, will come before the Resident Magistrate for hearing. Foolish Fellow. —Ross, the prisoner who escaped from custody in Dunedin, was sentenced to six months’ for the offence. The accused’s term was on the eve of expiring, and he would have obtained his liberty the day following. Monster • Radish. Messrs Sealy Bros, have on view in their window a giant specimen of the long radish, grown in the Rakaia Forks district. It is fourteen inches in length, thirteen inches in diameter, and turns the scale at 31bs 2oz.

Accident. -Edith Cambridge, daughter of Mr Cambridge, chemist, whilst return-

ing from school on Tuesday afternoon, tripped and fell, breaking her arm just above the wrist. Dr Ross was called in and set the bone, and she is now pro gressing favorably. Missing Child. —No clue has yet been found as to the whereabouts of the child belonging to Mr Evans, a farmer near Waterton, which has been missing for some days past. Over thiity persons have been out searching in the neighborhood, but no trace can bo found.

The Tauranga Fire. —The following are the amounts of insurance and the offices interested : New Zealand, LI,IIO ; South British, L 760 ; National, LI,000; Standard, L6flo; Colonial, L 2,950 ; United, L 325 ; Royal, H9O ; Union, L 625 ; North British and Mercan tile, L9OO ; Imperial, L2OO ; Sun, L 250 ; Norwich Union, L 250; Transatlantic, L 250; total, L 9460. Reinsurances reduce the loss of the Colonial to L 1,300. The insurances as far aa known are :—Union

—Rhodes, L 250 ; Bay of Plenty Times, L 40 0; Douglas’ cottages, and contents, LIOO ; Standard —Menzies, L3OO ; South British—A. Rhodes, L 220;0 0; New Zealand' —Bay of Plenty Times, L4OO ; Chadwick, L 30 0; Tubby’s estate, L 190.; Natipnal —Les, L25Gi; B: Ellis, L 220;0 0; Neilson, LCIO ; Vegan, L 220;0 0; consignors’ goods in R. Jordan’s store, L 100; Colonial—^

Dramatic Club. —A meeting of the members of the Amateur Dramatic Club is convened for this evening. Wakanui Road Board. —An ordinary meeting took place to-day. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere. Upper Ashburton Road Board. —The first election of five gentlemen to consti tute the above Board will teike. glace to morrow at the Road Board office, Wester field.

Mount Somers wßoad District.— -A meeting of the ratepayers in this district will take place to-morrow, at Mount Somers, for the purpose of electing five new members. Brutality. —A brute, named James Stone, has been committed for trial in Vic toria for ill-treating a cow. Amongst other cruelties he is said to have left an adze stuck in the cow.

Masonic Concert. —The tickets fot this concert are being “disposed of very fast, and only a few '.now remain in the hands of the secretary, so that those who intend to secure seats should obtain tickets at once. Rangitata Road Board. —The nomi nations of gentlemen to serve on this Board takes place at Maronan station, at noon, to morrow. If more than five gentlemen are nominated a poll will take place on Wednesday, the 15th.

Denominational Training. —The Pres bytery of Auckland have taken the first step in this direction by the passing of the following resolution : —“ That the Presby tery instructs ministers within its bounds to make suitable arrangements for reli gious instruction on week days of children belonging to their several congregations.’ Football. —A practice match between sides chosen by Messrs Mayo and Lechner took place yesterday afternoon, and re sulted in a draw, both sides obtaining two tries. There was some fine play exhibited by members of both sides during the “ spells,” there being a vast general im provement noticeable. Unclaimed Letters. —The following letters, from places beyond the colony, were received at the Ashburton Post Office during the month of April, and remained unclaimed on Ist June: Anstee, Mrs J. G.; Dalton, James; Lowry, Andrew ; Quirk, Michael ; Wheatly, Mr; Williams, W; Suilivan, Denis ; Sul'ivan, John H. Police Court. — At the Police Court’ this morning, a roan named Kelly was brought up, charged with ste'aling a rug valued at 30s, the property of Thomas Sanders. The offence was committed seven months ago, but as there was some doubt as to whether the article was stolen, as the accused said ho had found it, he was discherged with a caution. Elephant Potatoes. —We were shown this morning three very large potatoes, known as the “ Elephant Pink-eye ” kind, which were grown by Mr Steel, in Burnett street. The three weighed 7flb, and are well formed, and sound. On measuring one lengthways, it was found to be 6 inches in diameter, and weighed 2|lb, They are now to be seen at Mr Ward’s grocery in East street. The English Cricketers. The English cricketers will play matches, in New Zealand as follows ;—Auckland, November 24th, 25th, and. 26th ; Wel lington, December Ist, 2iid, and 3rd ; Christchurch, December sth, 6th, and 7th ; Tiraaru, December Bth ; Oamaru, December 9th ; Dunedin, December 10th, 12lh, and 13th ; Invercargill, December 15th and l6tli. ' - i An Unlucky Family.— The Dewars must be an unlucky family. First we have the Dunedin tragedy, and now, from Wellington, comes the following item.: — At the Hutt R.M. Court yesterday, Joseph Skerrett, alias Black, appeared on remand on a charge of stabbing a butcher named Dewar, and was committed for trial. Bail was refused until the doctor was in a position to state that the prose cutor was out of danger. fT

Australasian Census.— During the past ten years the following increase in population has taken place in the Austra lasian colonies, viz : —New South Wales, 246.000 ; New Zealand, 233,800; Victoria, 124.000 ; South Australia, 91,500 ; Tas mania, 16,300. The total population in these colonies at the present time jare New South Wales, 750,800; New Zealand, 489,500 ; Victoria, 855,600 ; South Aus tralia, 277,500; Tasmania, 115,600; grand total, 2,488,900.

Fire Brigade Practice. — A practice of the Fire Brigade, and a trial of the'’ effici ency of the sump lately put down opposite the Commercial Hotel, was held last even ing. The supply of water was found to be sufficient to feed the engine for a practice, but it is questionable if it would suffice to supply in the event of a fire. The desirability of running a line of pipes direct from the Domain to Peter street has been suggested, and will doubtless receive attention at the hands of the proper authorities.

Lost Overboard. —The captain of the steamer Wakatu, which arrived at Wel lington from Wanganui yesterday after noon, reports that a saloon passenger named Miss Amy Cochrane was lost over board the previous night. She left the bridge at 11.30 p. m., as Captain Evans thought, to go to the ladies' cabin, and when the steward went to call her yester day morning she was missing. . A tele gram received from the Inspector of Police at Wanganui states that the body of the unfortunate young lady was found floating in the river there at noon yester day.

Sharp Work. —During the voyage ol

the R.M.S.S., Poonah, which conveyed the passengers from Europe for Australia as far as Galle, an accident occurred which served to illustrate what can be done in a well-appointed vessel in the way of saving life at sea. At half past eight a. m. on the 11th ult., while the steamer was tearing along at 12-knot speed, one of the native crew fell overboard. The engines were speedily reversed, a boat manned and lowered, and the drowning man rescued. From the time the alarm “ Man over board ” was given, until the boat which puljjafter him was again swinging at the davits, only 16 minutes elapsed. Entertaining. —At the “ grand skating contest ” at the Exhibition the other

night, the gentleman who acted as starter apparently knew as much about starting skaters as he would have known about starting sky-rockets 011 a similar perform ance. He innocently proposed to place the ten competitors in a row and start them by pistol shot over the 30ft floo r . Some of the disgusted skaters suggested starting him with a pistol shot. At length he be thought himself of the plan adopted by Noah in getting animals into the ark, and sent the skaters off in pairs. A tall youth, mostly composed of legs, careered round twice and then disappeared with his mate. Two more people then 'scooped splinters up from the floor, scraped the paint from the posts, sat down and got up again in a highly excited manner. The starter said they had “ doneenough”; most people thought they had done more than that. An Oriental featured gentle man, with a pair of dangerously thin legs (who would have been a good skater had both continuations been willing to travel in the same direction), and a young man with a very blue coat and a very red nose waltzed round cautiously, and then seemed doubtful whether after all Nature had in tended them for prize skaters. So they retired. ’ Then there was a deal more of the same kind of thing, and it was am pounced that the affair w'as over, and that the prize had, been awarded. There were a lot of people present who had come with the intention of.competing, but'their' modesty debarred them irom dping so.—

The Tararua Enquiry.—Judgment in the Tararua enquiry will positively be given on Friday. It will bo very ex haustive. Laying up for a Rainy Day.—Three hundred thousand pounds lately arrived at Berlin from St. Petersburg, to be de posited in the foreign banks; Princess Dolgorouki, the Czar's second wife.

Tapanui. —There are three clergymen in Tapanui (says an exchange), and yet the body of a woman would have been in terred the other day without the usual rites had not read the Church of England burial service at the grave. This town seems getting into bad repute. Almost every newspaper has something about its cesspits, its measles and fever. Nasty Accident. —Mr Cane, architect, met with a serious accident yesterday evening as he was alighting from the train at the South Opawa platform, and being unnoticed, the train moved on before he could get clear, and letting go his hold of the carriage hand-rail, he was dragged along and would have been killed but for the shouting of the passengers, which caused the train to be stopped. One wheel passed over Mr Cane’s foot, severely bruising it, and he was otherwise injured, though not dangerously. An Unexpected Answer.—A good story in connection with one of the public departments is told by the ‘ Hawke’s Bay Herald ’ :—“ A junior official in the de partment had a complaint to make to headquarters. Letter after letter was despatched without even an acknowledg ment of their receipt being vouchsafed. The eleventh letter, however, brought an immediate answer. This called the official’s attention to the fact that he had forgotten to date his last letter, and he was therefore fined ss, in accordance with the regulations of the service."

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reutee’s agency.] A Difficulty Settled. London, May 30. A settlement of the difficulty be tween the British and the American Governments in connection with the Fortune Bay fishery dispute has been arrived at. In accordance with the terms of agreement come to, England will pay Li 5,000 as compensation. Consols and Secnrltes. Consols remain at 102 54. New Zealand securities are unchanged, the quotations being —Five per Cent. 10.40 Loan, 105; 5 per Cent. 1889 Loan, 105 ; per Cent., 1879-1904 Loan, 103. Commercial. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, con tinues at 495, and New Zealand at 455. Adelaide flour is quoted at 33s fid, ex warehouse. Australian tallow, best beef, 34s fid; best mutton, 375. The Land Bill. In the House of Commons to-day> the Irish Land Bill came up for con sideration in Committee of the whole. On the first clause being moved, a long and animated debate ensued, and still continues up to the present time. Fifteen hundred amendments to' the various clauses of the measure have been entered on the Order Paper, and notices continue ,to be, given of fresh amendments.

The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day, 8,400 bales were offered, making a total of 168,000 bales catalogued since the opening. A good-demand was experienced for the various lots offered. Murder of ; a Journalist. Paris, May 30. News has been received that a cor respondent of a French journal who was with the French army in Tunis, has been murdered at Bejar. His assassin has not been arrested.

NEW ZEALAND

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Sir William Fox. Marion, To-day. Sir William Fox addressed a large meeting of his constituents at the Tempe rance Hall last night. The Mayor oc cupied the chair. Sir William Fox spoke strongly in favor of the present Govern ment, and denounced the reckless finance of the Grey Government. A vote of thanks and confidence in him was carried, unanimously. He speaks at Bulls on Friday night. Presentation. Dunedin, To-day. A service of silver plate has been pre sented to the ex-Mayor, Mr Walter. Good News. A contract has been made by the Albion Shipping Company with the New Zealand Company to convey 5,000 frozen sheep to London from Otago in the ships of the former Company. , ' ' '

EXTENSIVE ROBBERY.

Arrest and Subsequent Escape of the Suspected Person. On Tuesday evening a most daring robbery occurred at Winchester. The particulars to hand, are, that a man named James M'Manus, abstracted a cash-box, containing money and other valuable securities, to the extent of L3OO, from the Winchester Hotel. The robbery took place about eight o’clock, and accused was arrested shortly after. Yesterday he was brought before R. Fish, Esq., J.P., at the Geraldine Resident Magistrate’s Court, and re manded till Tuesday next. He was left in one of the cells, and after tea was discovered to have effected his escape. It is presumed that whilst Constable Thoreau was having tea, some person withdrew the bolts of the cell door, thereby permitting M'Manus to escape. He had not been re-arrested up to time of receipt of the above particulars.

SPORTING.

WAIMATE STEEPLECHASES. The Waimate Steeplechases took place yesterday, on Mr Studholme’s estate, and passed off very successfully. There was a fair attendance, and the racing was good. The following are the'results Waimate Steeplechase Handicap, a sweepstake of 3 sovs, with 100 sovs added; 3 miles. —Mr P. Butler’s Agent, 12at 121 b, 1; Mr H. Schluter’s Little John, list, 2 ; Mr J. CuUing’s Naumtd, lOst, 3. Winfield, Chandler, and Ivanhoe also started. Maiden Plate, of 50 sovs.—Mr T. Poster’s Sailor \Bqy .walked Jover for stake. ‘‘ ' ' ' * ' ' •* k " > ' Codnty Steeplechase Cup, of 75 sovs; 2i milek—filaildr'l2st 71b i*l'}JWte field, list, 2 Clarence, 12st61b, 3. Agent also ran, but fell half a mile from home. ■ Consolation, of 40 50v5,:,,2 milM,-wr .Chandler. 1. Little John,' Clarence, and Ivtmhoo also started.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The. ordinaiy monthly meeting of this Board .was held to-day. Present— -Messrs Mayo, Brown, and Winter. DEPUTY-CHAIRMAN. The Secretary pointed out that the Chairman was' absent from the district, and Mr Winter was therefore appointed Deputy-Chairman, Mr Mayo receiving authority to sign chequesduring the Chair man’s absence.

CORRESPONDENCE. Communications received were read as followe: . From the Borough Council, requesting a re-consideration of the Board’s reply re salary of Inspector of Nuisances. —-It was resolved—“ That the Board's former ' resolution (May sth) be adhered to/ 1 ' • ; - From petitioners in the district, praying ' the Board to discharge the two-thirds iof the cost of road crossings of the water race incurrable by the district, being defrayed by the County Council.--* It was decided that the Board should defray one-third the cost in the matter. From H. Evans, one of the occupiers, of the Board’s cottages, applying ! fbr

timber for repairing well on ms section, and for posts and rails for fencing section. —Application granted, provided the appli cant furnish the requisite labor. From Thomas Painter, drawing the Board’s attention to the bad state of Painter’s road. Resolved—“ That the road be formed, the Surveyor to inspect, and, if necessary, -to have the road formed the whole width.” surveyor’s report. This report was read and adopted. It was as follows:

Wakanui Township Road Metalling : This work is just upon completion. On examina tion of the stack we found an undue proportion of and have made the contractor put on the proper quantity of shingle in add’tion to the clay, and have also informed him that on a recurrence the stack will be rejected. —Boundary Road : The contractor is at work finishing and metalling that portion partly metalled from the side channels.—Smith%

Road; We have had some repairs made to the foot-bridge over the Wakanui Creek, and also approaches thereto. —Chertsey and Station roads’; A pipe culvert has been put in on the road between Leadley’s road and the Wakanui creek.- Corbett’s Road: We have made ar- . r.mgement with P. Stewart, who has also the contract for reducing Corbett’s cutting; to form the bad. part of tb's road, on the Wakanui, flat, - in a good and substantial manner, with'clay ' and shingle. As this was the only manner clay could be procured, by combining the two works, it wiU be much cheaper to the Board than if let separately. The cost will be from Lia to LiS. —Fitzgerald road: Levels have been taken for cuttingaditch to drain this road. "As the cost will be small, the work has not yet been pto- -~ cecded with, in order to £et a price ;from the adjoining landowner, who, it is expected; will be able to do the necessary work at a reason ably remunerative price, as the work s benefits him.:—Suburban road (off South East Belt): The metalling of this road (about 6 chains) has been satisfactorily completed.—Wakanui School road : The drain at the side-of the road near the school haying got partly filled up, thus allowing the water ’after' tainfallsto «ac 4. cumulate and stagnate, we have had the same cleaned, the cost beings 4s.—'Wakanui road: Levels have been taken for forming footpath on each side of the road, and ‘tenders called for this and for metaUing one footpath, which will be laid before you to-day.—Beach road : Tenders have been called for the supply of 200 yards of metal near the kcU.,—Fencing. Gravel Reserves: We have procured posts and rails for this fencing, and are' now- having the same morticed, &c., ready for erection. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. ' | This officer reported as, > f

I. Re Closets: AH li closets are! at the present clean, and as soon as they require ? emptying and cleansing.l shaU see that it is done,—2. Re Pig Styes: They are clean, one exception, which I nave had some trouble with the last month in keeping it soj *nd should it be as much trouble tbis'month.l shall have to report same to the. Board.—3. Re slops and other refuse matter, I have nbthlng of any consequence to report, to the Board this month. r. ■ i: '- The report waa adopted. ; 1 - - TENDERS. - The following; tenders weyfl accepted:— Albert Betts and uo., forming footpaths Wakanui road; W. Joyce, supply of metal, Beach road. REFUND. , The Secretary reported that the Borough Council had refunded.the.sum of L 289 2>, share of Impounded Land Fond. ■ .J, ; LEAVE OF* ABSENCE, ..... Leave of absence for three months was granted to the Secretary. ACCOUNTS. Payment of accounts to the amount of . L 222 15s lOd were authorised. The’ Board then adjourned. ;

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

1 (from our own correspondent.) ; , Sydney, May 21. It is now pretty' definitely under* stood that Parliament will meet for the . despatch of business in the first week o! July, and in the meantime Ministers and members seem determined to dis- - miss political matters- altogether from : their minds. A statement has been made : in the Melbourne Parliament, corrobora ting the announcement made in my last letter, that the Government of Vic toria and New South Wales will intro duce a precisely similar measure in re gard to the Chinese question to their respective Parliaments. The popular feeling in regard to this question seems almost to have died away, as it has proved, upon inquiry, that the danger of an influx of Chinese was greatly over estimated, and our Census returns show that the number of Chinese residents in the colony is not at all alarming. An inportant step was taken by the Executive Council on Tuesday, when it was agreed to abolish the wharfage rates on coal at Newcastle and Woollongong. The abolition of these charges had been urged upon the Government time after time, on the ground that they were oppressive and unjust. It was shown that whereas vessels loading at the Go vernment whawesi had to pay these rates, the ships that loaded at private wharves were exempt. This had naturally the effect of giving an undue ■ preference to private wharves, as! against the Government property, and.,it was also found to have a detrimental effect upon the railway receipts. Taking these matters into consideration, the Government have come to the con- ■ elusion to do away with these unpolitic charges. ’ A sudden change in the weather took place yesterday, and several heavy showers tell early yesterday morning. During the afternoon and evening the weather remained threatening, and sobn . after night fall light rain commenced . and-continued for. several houiSy r The . ; reports from sevßiatVbf the county districts indicate that 1 the. fall ■of rain has ; been tolerably geneial, . and at Tenjora and > the; other, goldfiejds the supply of water is welcome. * for arson, and. bis sehtcjnocUteiSftven: ' ' years’ hard labor, have assured the public that juries <sanr'y«fibe‘found to do tfceir duty jtr qrimitwhqases.... The, prisoner, *an" acdomplishecr Frenchman, Started -business t about twp-y«araagq r .. iri d street,’; qeVlilpj tjh?; V^gf& t 'ani offices,' :,; Thc jevidencej; disclosed; tlu&io' fact |that' his;; goods: > were feithei jmrrq »; chased with, money advanced by

THE ASHBUETON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE % 1881.



Hayes’ |JI IMB E E YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. ALPHEUS HAYES. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER; &d., to hand. 608 a



George St. Hill, JJUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. plana prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. W. J±. 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



JIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. THE Supply a Single NEW ZEALAND Garment at the CLOTHING FACTORY Wholesale Price NOTE -THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* Branch Manager. THE GUARDIAN la published every evening, giving every day’a news, up to the hour of going to press. This is fetter than buying a sixpenny weekly.



Wanted. WANTED Immediately—A Certificated MASTER for the Mount Somers School. Married man preferred. Salary, Ll3O, less 10 per cent. J. E. TAYLOR, Chairman, 945 a Mount Somers School Committee. ANTED —An Elderly Person for the > > Country, to do general work ; two children in family. Widow preferred. Apply Guardian Office. 942 a WANTED— A General SERVANT, where two children are kept. Ap ply, Office of this Paper. 840 a j WANTED TENDERS for Sixty Chains of SOD FENCING. Tenders close on SATURDAY night. Apply, S. Hakdley, East street. 941 a WANTED— TENDERS for about 200 chairs Sod and Wire FENCING; also, SINKING a WELL. (Labor only.) Tenders, addressed “Fencing,” Office of this Paper, to be sent in by noon of TUESDAY, 7th instant. For particulars, apply Office of this Paper. 948 a TXT'ANTED EVERBODY to know that w HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to farm an unim-



proved freehold. For particulars apply to W. H. Gundry, or W. 8., Box No. 1, P. 0., Ashburton. 801 a ANTED 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 Cookham House. 630 a ANTED KNOWN—That W. Fbrgie’s EXPRESS runs to and from Tinwald Twice Daily. Goods con veyed at most reasonable rates. Orders loft at Jephson’s Store, Tinwald, or W. Patching’s, Ashburton, will be promptly attended to. 760 a WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), : New Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. WANTED Purchasers for Pianos, Organs, Yiolins, &c. 1 Brinsmead Piano (second-hand), 45g5.; r 1 Broadwood Pianette (do), £2B, cheap ; . 1 Smith Organ, powerful, 6 stops, £36 ; . 1 Mason and Hamlin Organ, 5 stops, £3O ; 2 Violins, Bows, and Cases, £5 5s and £O. i H. J. Weeks, Teacher of Music, Cameron Street West. # ' Dresden Model Pianos to arrive. 9Cla



WANTED KNOWN—That John Moison (late in the employ of Mr Nealas) has opened business in Fowler’s Buildings, Tancred street, where all descriptions of Boots and Shoes can be made to order. Having had large ex perience both at Home and in the colonies, J. M. feels confidence in soliciting a share of public support. 758 a TTTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton W REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a Special Advertisements. 44 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, “ squeezer©,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &0., &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., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a



QOA L ! GOAL!! COAL!!! The undersigned have just received a large supply of BEST NEWCASTLE And SPRINGFIELD COAL, Which they are Selling at lowest current MATSON, COX, & Co., 902 a West street. pHOTOGRAPHY. Wanted everybody to know that this is my LAST WEEK in Ashburton, and all who wish to have a really GOOD and CHEAP PORTRAIT not to miss this op portunity, very seldom met with. Photo’s taken in the new uranium process warranted not to fade. Any House or Farm Photographed within ten miles from Ashburton. ' PROFESSOR DE LORIE, 919 a Photographer. N OTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Hornje. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 u 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 * METHYEN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorise]! agents for the Ashburton Guardian. ■ Subscriber's will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention. 1 W. H. ZOUCH, -. ; Proprietor.



Special Advertisements. George Trickett, gOOTM A K E R, begs leave to thank his customers and friends for the support he has hitherto received in Ashburton; also, to inform them he has REMOVED to MOUNT SOMERS, where he hopes to receive a share of public patronage. All bespoke Orders made. 939 a BOYS’ AND YOUTHS CLOTHING. WE have, on account of holding too large a Stock, Reduced the Prices of our Boys’ and Youths’ Tweed Suits and Overcoats. Intending pur chasers will save money by giving us a call. EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. 822 a



Reid & gray’s new zealand- AMERICAN Grain Drill, 15, 16, and 17 Coulters, With all latest Improvements, and of best Material and Workmanship, ASHBURTON BRANCH : Camekon street. 898 a OTIOE TO FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton. Encourage local enter- PRISE, & KEEP THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just arrived). 1,000, 7s Gd; 6,000, Cs 9d per 1,000, for Cash. Pianos. Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller^ East street and Barinf' Square.



O. Carstens & Co. ? PROSPECT BUILDINGS, OBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 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* TT7ANTED, Immediately Several » » ASSISTANTS in the Dressmaking Department. Apply, Oer and Co. 953 a Dr James Murdoch, HAVING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, (Late Weston’s), AND STATIONERY. 6th June, 1881. 951 a



p HINTING, Or Every Description, NEATLY AND CHEAPLY EXECUTED, IJIHE Q.UARDIAN O PRICE.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



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