SHIPPING.

J»ORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. YeS'EKDAY. Julius Vogel, schooner, from Fox ton. Lucy James, ketch, from Wellington. _ Tui, s.s , from Wellington, via Eaikoura. _ , Ocean Bird, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. , Onward, schooner, from Pelorus Sound. Spec, schooner, from Picton. Emperor, brig, from Newcastle. Spray, schooner, from Picton. ElizabethCurle, schooner, fropi Kaiapoi. Clematis, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. Mary Ellen, schooner, from Wellington. . To-day. Hawea, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Y BSTERDAY. Courier, ketch, for Motunau. Tui, 8.5., forKaikoura, Wellington, and Foxton.

The New Zealand Times says that Captain Malcolm has resigned the com mand of the Penguin, and retired from the service of the Union Company. He still, however, retains his connection With the Company, in which he was one of the largest shareholders.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS

Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Ringarooma, from South ; Hawea, from North ; Grafton, from Nelson and West Coast. Sailed —Ringarooma, for Auckland, via East Coast.

COMMERCIAL.

Thb Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon. Messrs Poyntz and Co. report having sold during the week T.S. 1093 ; two acres in Walsh’s paddock, being part of R.S. 10092 ; and also R.S. 28836, con taining 183 acres, unimproved ; all at owners’ reserves.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, December,3. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., as as follows :—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows : . For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hmds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Tetnuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 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, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flamington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Wakanni, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m.

HTnila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— Pmin Chriflfokiir<ft iuid Rafoda.-atJiL25 «. m: i.4(i p.m., anaTToO p.m. "Prom Ohertsey, &c. at 10.25 a. m. and 440 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. 6.36 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p. m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G, Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, November 29. J. T. Ford and Co., at their Rooms, Cashel street, Christchurch —Wool. Saturday, December 3. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, December 6. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Tarda—Stock. Saturday, December 10. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Suburban Properties; 2.30 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-night, Saturday, November 26. Mr O’Reilly —Address to Wakanui Elect ors, Rakaia Town Hall, 8 p.m. Lecture by Madame Lottie Wilmot, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Monday, November 28. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, December 6. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, December 7. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock. Thursday, December 8. Meeting of Ratepayers, Road Board Office, Methven, 3 p.m. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street L.O.L.—MonthlyMeeting, Templar Hall. Friday, December 16. United Masonic Ball, Masonic Hall, 8.30 p.m. Monday, December 26. Caledonian Society’s Annual Gathering. Monday, January, 2. Winslow Annual Races.

TOWN EDITION. [ lssued at 4.30 p.m. ] The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas, Et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1881. Proposed Abolition of Trial by Jury.

A trial for murder lately heard at Rockhampton, in Queensland, has served as a text for some of the legal profession, and a few press writers who servilely follow their lead, to urge again the desirableness of abolishing trial by jury. The facts of the case were very startling. A nurse girl, named Alice Wormald, who was in charge of three young children, took them out for a walk, and when they were some littte distance from home dropped the youngest child, whether accidentally or purposely does not clearly appear, into a water-hole. In order to conceal her negligence or guilt, she proceeded to dispose of the two other children in the same way, lest they should be able to fell what she had done. One of them was deliberately murdered by drowning, but the other contrived to escape, and was the principal witness on the trial. The girl, after her arrest, confessed her guilt, and completely confirmed the story of the surviving child. In the face of these obvious facts, the jury gave a verdict of “ Not Guilty,” and when it was naturally suggested to them by the presiding judge that they probably considered the prisoner to be laboring under temporary insanity, replied in the negative. The strange verdict was recorded, and Alice Wor mald has been set at large, free at a future time to commit similarly guiltless murder, perhaps with similar impunity. ‘ Of course the old cry has been raised by the lawyers, that this is the result of trial by jury, and that it is far better in criminal cases to leave the matter in the hands of an able and upright judge. These gentle men forget, however, that all law and its administration rest, not on principles of immutable right, but on the wisest adaptation that can be devised of certain means to certain ends. The only question is not what method is perfect, but which works best in the largest number of cases. Now, if any impartial person listens to the evidence and decisions in a large number of criminal trials, he will almost certainly arrive at the conclusion that in nineteen cases out of twenty the jury gave in a just and wise verdict. Sub stantial justice in fact is arrived at in so large a tnajority of cases, that until some obviously better method than that of trial by jury is suggested, it would to the last degree foolish to abolish it. The practice also of all the most free nations in the world is so much in favor of this method, and the practice of all the most despotic so much the reverse, that we should not do well to take a leap in the dark, ex cept for some very strong reason. , And if| it be true, and it certainly is, that juries are sometimes in the wrong, are judgep infallible?,. We have every

day proofs that they are not, and at every holding of a Circuit Court the clearest demonstration that they blunder quite as often as the jurymen. Which, we should like to know, are most in ac cordance with the eternal principles of justice—the decisions of our jurymen as to the fact of a prisoner being guilty or otherwise, or the sentences awarded by the judges for various offences deemed to have been committed ? It is well known that different judges are entirely at variance with one another as to the comparative enormity of various offences, and consequently as to the penalty to be awarded for a breach of the law. One judge perhaps, who at some time of his life has been a squatter, will be very severe on every culprit found guilty of horse, sheep, or cattle stealing ; a second will deal heavily with assault and injury to the body ; a third, in his natural disgust at cases of indecent assault, will incline towards the heaviest punishment the law allows for that class of offenders. So that while one judge may sentence a crimi nal to three months’ imprisonment for an offence, another may extend the sentence to three years for precisely the same crime. It must always be borne in mind also that where a de cision rests with one man, even if he be the wisest and most upright judge, a sudden bodily ailment may cloud the most brilliant intellect. Such a dis turbing cause is to the last degree un likely to affect twelve men at the same time.

The fact is that, while vastly more conversant than laymen as to what is the law as it stands, lawyers are vastly more apt to lose sight of what the law was intended for —namely, the ad ministration of justice. On one occasion, when the ablest District Court Judge in Victoria had decided on a case before him, the counsel of the person against whom the decision was given, started up and said, “ But, pardon me, your Honor, there is no justice in that to my client.” “Justice ! Justice! Mr So and So,” said his Honor, “This is not a Court of Justice ; it is a Law Court. We haven’t the article you speak of in stock.” And so it is. Our Law Courts are by no meatis always Courts of Justice. As a general rule, the legal profession wants them to be the former; as a general rule, also, the public wants them to be the latter.

The Wakandi Cup.—A foreshadowing of the chances of the various competit ors for this event will be found our first page to-day. Electoral. —Mr Wason addresses the Wakanui electors at Flemington on Wed nesday, Nov. 30. He will deliver an ad dress at Hindhope en Dec. 1. “Going, Going, Gone !’’-—Attention is called to Mr T. Bullock’s announce ment on another page. Mount Somers and Alford Forest Presbyterian Church. —A very impor tant meeting in connection with the above church was held last Wednesday evening, in the Side-School, Alford Forest, pre sided over by the Rev. J. B. Westbrooke. The following districts were well and ably represented;—Rangitata, Hinds, Mount Somers, Alford Forest, and Methven. The object of the meeting was to take into consideration the advisability of forming a new parish and separate charge. The Rangitata, Hinds, Mount Somers, and Alford Forest were proposed as forming a good district, and L3OO per year was pro mised from the above-named localities as a stipend, etc., for a minister. Much dis cussion ensued on the subject, and Meth ven was proposed as part of the new charge, but it was ultimately carried una nimously “ That a new parish be formed, but that the boundaries be left to the meeting of the Presbytery at Christchurch to determine.” It was also resolved — “ That a deputation be appointed from each of the above-named districts to wait upon the Presbytery for the purpose of bringing about a final settlement of the whole subject.” A vote of thanks to the rev. chairman terminated the pro ceedings. Madame Lotti Wilmot. Madame Lotti Wilmot will deliver one of her most popular lectures at the Town Hall this evening. This will be “ Christchurch by day and Christchurch by night, and Ash burton by Moonlight.” The latter part of the lecture will possess, we understand, much local interest. “ The coming struggle ; or how will it end 1” and the Gaming and Lotteries Bill will also be discussed. To-morrow night, Madame Wilmot will lecture on “ Forbidden Fruit. ” The doors will not be open until 8 o’clock, and the lecture will not com mence until 8.30. Thus it will be seen that the proceedings will not commence until after evening church service has concluded. It is, in fact, Madame Wilmot’s invariable custom not to lecture anywhere on Sunday until church is over

The Case oe W. W. Chapteus. —At the R.M. Court yesterday, before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M., W. W. Charters, who has been committed for trial on several charges of embezzlement, was brought up in custody, charged with the forgery and uJering of a bill of exchange for L 147 12s. Mr Duncan, Crown Pro secutor, conducted the prosecution ; Mr Joyce appeared for the prisoner. Evi dence having been taken, the prisoner, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court to be held in Christ church. Mr Joyce applied for bail. He had refrained from doing so in the pre sent hearing. He said there were persons in Christchurch prepared to offer sub stantial security, the amount to be pro vided being a secondary consideration. His worship said in the face of the fact of prisoner having once left the colony clandestinely, and the large amount in volved, he did not see how he could allow it. Mr Duncan strenuously opposed the application. In further reply to Mr Joyce, Mr Mellish agreed to hold the matter over until Monday next, but lie did not think any representations Mr Joyce could make would alter his present intention.

Beer, Boys, Beer, —The firm of Wood and Co , the well-known brewers, have dissolved partnership, and have disposed of the business to Mr Manning, of Rangiora. Mr George Wood, for whom a commodious new brick brewery is going up, promises his.former patrons and the public a glass of beer that shall give perfect satisfaction.

Our. Former R.M. on the War Path. —At Greymouth last evening, Mr Frank Guinness, formerly Resident Magis trate at Ashburton and now a candidate for the Grey, addressed a large number of electors ; the Mayor in the chair. He was well received and closely questioned. He favored secular education purely, but at a lower standard. The present was an over elaborate and expensive system. Ho strongly opposed the gold duty, and ad vocated a Land tax instead of the Pro perty tax. lie would not bind himself to any party. Ho approved of the native policy of the Government. A resolution was carried that he was a fit and proper person to represent the constituency. L.O.L.—The District Lodge, No. 8, will hold their quarterly meeting in the upper room. Town Hall, on Friday evening, Dec. 2, at 8 o’clock.

It.M. Court.— There was no business at the R.M. Court to-day. Pickles and Jams. —The Pickle and Jam Manufacturing Company at Dunedin has been formed. The shares are limited to fifteen, at L4OO each, thirteen of which have been taken up.

To Be Tested. —From Auckland we learn that the liability of Government for cattle killed on unfenced sections of railway will be tested shortly in the law Courts.

The N.Z. Shipping Co.—This Com pany has now opened a branch in Liver pool, and several of their vessels have already left the Mersey bound for this colony.

Primitive Methodist Chcjreh.— r lhe Rev. John Nixon will preach to-morrow evening in the Temperance Hall, at 6.30 In Harness Once More.—We were pleased to see Mr Alfred Harrison had sufficiently recovered from the effects of his recent accident to be able to occupy his usual place in the rostrum at his rooms to-day, Dunedin Races —Our readers are re ferred to an announcement in .another column re alteration in the of trains to Dunedin for the races. The first race day has been altered from the 30th to 29th inst.

A Bio Lemon. —Dr Lemon, Superin tendent of the N.Z. Post and Telegraph Department, passed through Ashburton by the express train this morning.

Waimate Races. —This annual meeting is fixed for Jan. 1.

Mount Somers Stone. - There are now to be seen on the reserve of Messrs Matson, Cox and Co, opposite the Guardian office, three blocks of building stone from the Anama quarries, the pro perty of the Hon. W. S. Perter, near Mount Somers. Two of the blocks are white, and (on the dressed sides) as smooth as polished marble. The third block is of a pinkish or salmon color, and presents a very nice appearance. The stone is soft enough to work up readily, but hardens considerably after exposure to the air, thus fulfilling the most valu able conditions for building purposes. It should meet with a large demand when the completion of the Mount Somers Railway will enable it to be placed on the market at a price which will admit of its competing on favorable terms with either wood or brick consider ing its durability. Wo understand that Mr Peter intends opening these quarries as soon as circumstances permit, and in the meantime Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. will be happy to afford further informa tion to those desirous of obtaining stone of this quality. A Gymnast’s Fortune.—The natural son of Leotard, the celebrated gymnast, has recently, through the death of his father, come into the possession of an in come of L 4.000. The father of Leotard has thus fulfilled the dying wish of his son, who could not, according to the law of France, bequeath his fortune to the boy, owing to the ban under which he was born. The young man has already at the age of nineteen taken unto himself a wife, and lives in magnificent style in a chateau at Toulouse. A Tunnel Under the Liver Severn. —After seven years labor the tunnel con necting the West of England with Wales has been practically completed, the work men from the opposite sides having met in the middle of the passage. There now remains nothing to be done but to enlarge the passage, wall it in, and lay the lines of rails. When this engineering feat is ac-

compli'hed, Glamorganshire and Mon mouthshire will no longer look across the Bristol Channel at a shore which can only be reached by means of an uncomfortable sea passage or by a detour of eighty miles or more.

Corpses as Articles of Furniture. — The London Lancet, in a recent number, discusses the embalming processes at pre sent in vogue, and informing its readers that “ the Italians now practice a method of embalming, by which corpses become so hard that they can be submitted to the sculptor’s chisel, and preserved as articles of furniture and vertu.” What possibil ties does not this paragraph open up ? Why should we not, in future, instead of consigning our mother-in-law and our grandfather to the silent tomb, have them embalmed and stuck up in the hall as hat and umbrella stands, or rig them up as dumb-waiters at table? Then, again, what a capital show, a collection of these hardened, chisel-proof corpses would make—why they would, to use a vulgar phrase, “take the shine out of” the best lot of waxworks figures ever modelled !

CRICKET

TIMARU HIGH SCHOOL V. ASH BURTON HIGH SCHOOL.

A capital match was. played on the Ash burton Domain ground to-day, between teams selected from lads of the above school under fifteen years of age. The Timaru “ boys,” accompanied by the masters of the High School, arrived in Ashburton by the 10.50 train; and shortly afterwards the match was commenced. The Timaru team were captained by Jones, and Reg. Hodder similarly acted for the local team. Ashburton winning the toss, elected to take the wickets, and were not disposed of until 05 had been put together, the batting of Fred Fish and Reg. Hodder being noticeable—especially in regards to the latter—for powerful hit ting and marked skill. The Timaru learn then handled the willow, and at the out set it appeared as if they were going to to make a poor stand, Hodder’s bowling being very destructive. However, the plucky play of Campbell gave a different aspect to affairs, and when the last wicket fell the respectable total appended appeared to Timaru’s credit. For the visiting team Jones’ trundling was very good. The ground was in fair order through the shower which fell this morning, in ad dition to which, the Ashburton boys had well rolled the pitch. After the first innings the lads were driven to Shearman’s Hotel, where a capi tal spread was partaken of, after which Mr Dawson, the head-master of the Timaru High School thanked the local team for their kind hospitrlity and for the recep tion which had been accorded to the Timaru representatives. Mr Hogg, for the Ashburtonians, briefly responded, and acknowledged that the local school were only returning a compliment which had been paid to them when visiting Timaru to contest football honors. Mr M'Rao then drove the bo3'3 back to the ground, where play was continued up to 4.30. Ap pended are the scores up to the time of our reporter leaving the ground : Ashburton —Ist Innings. F. Fish, b Campbell 8 Chapman, b Campbell ... ... ••• 1 Clark, b Jones ... ... ••• 2 Reg Hodder, 1 b w, b Campbell ... 10 J. Fish, run out ••• & Felton, not out 8 A. Orr, run out... ••• ••• 8 Ivess, b Jones ... ••• ••• 0 Pavitt, b Jones ••• 1 Friedlander, b Jones ... ... ... 1 Tasker, run out 2 Extras ... ... 23 Total 05 2nd Innings. F. Fish, c Cole b Jones 4 C. Chapman, c Campbell b Barclay ... 0 Reg. Hodder, c Campbell ... ... 15 Clark, c Borrie b Campbell ... ... 0 Fish, b Jones £ Felton, b Jones... ••• ••• * Ivess, b Campbell ... ... ••• 1 Pavitt, b Wilson ... ... ••• 2 Friedlander, b Jones ... ... ... 0 .

Tasker, not out... ... ••• ••• £ Extras ... ... ••• ° 41 Timaru—lst Innings. O. Hassell, b Hodder ••• 0 W. Tate, run out ... ... ... 0 H. Barclay, b Hodder ... ... ... 0 G. Jones, b Hodder ... ... ... 0 G. Golo, b Hodder ... ... ... 6 J. Campbell, not out ... ... ... 35 F. Wilson, b Hodder ... ... ... 3 P. Cook, b Hodder ... ... ... 0 J. Borrie, b Hodder ... ... ... 2 J. Chisholm, run out ... ... ... 0 F. Poster, b Hodder ... ... ... 1 Extras 9 Total ... 56

CABLE NEWS

LAThST FROM EUROPE

[per reuter’s agency.] The Staff of Life. London, Nov. 23. Australian and New Zealand bread stuffs and are without quotable change.

AUSTRALIAN

('per rbuter's agency.] What a Disappointment. Melbourne, Yesterday. It is now stated definitely that Mr W. M. K. Vale, who was a member of the last Berry Ministry, does not in tend, as was previously reported, to proceed to New Zealand to practise at the bar in that colony. A Volcanic Outbreak. A report has reached Melbourne day that a volcanic outbreak has occurred in the vicinity of the Snug river, twenty miles from Hobart, and that there has been a tremendous land slip, with various openings, over an area of two miles. Telegrams from Hobart report that there is great ex citement there owing to the report, which, however, requires confirmation. The Markets. Adelaide, Yesterday. Wheat, per bushel, ss. The new season’s crop is now quoted for delivery in December at 4s 6d. Town flour has declined 2s 6d per ton during the past week, and is now quoted at Lll 17s 6d. Country brands have fallen to Lro 17s 6d. There is no change in the freight market.

TELEGRAMS.

[PBH PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Drowned in the Harbor. Auckland, To-day. A man named Bartlett was drowned in Fitzroy Harbor, Great Barrier Island. A Lunatic’s Fate. On Thursday a lunatic, being conveyed from Mercury Bay to the Auckland Luna tic Asylum, jumped over-board and was drowned. Shabby Treatment of Volunteers. Thames, To-day. Captains Weldman and Schofield, the deputation to the Attorney-General re the pay to Volunteers, have returned, and this morning reported on parade that Government had made a final offer of one month’s pay in full, the second month half pay, and a present of the kit supplied to tin- men. The contingent have resolved to accept the terms under protest. A petition will be presented to Parliament for the balance of pay due. Mr Bryce on Native Affairs. Haweka, To-day.

This morning the Chairman of the Town Board, with a number of settlers, waited on Mr Bryce and presented him with an address congratulating him and the Government upon the native policy adopted and the success that had attended it, and expressing confidence that the Government would settle all difficulty in the immediate future. Mr Bryce said he would forward a formal reply, but in the meantime he thanked them for their address, which was more valuable because the people presenting it knew the magni tude of the native difficulty that Govern ment had to deal with. He declared that law and order should be established on the coast and throughout the colony. Several speeches were made, in replying to which Mr .Bryce said there was one great misapprehension regarding Major Atkinson re a charge of treachery to him. He had resigned because he felt a peculiar personal responsibility. Had Major Atkinson been a Native Minister no doubt he would have taken the same action as he (Mr Bryce) did, and had Mr Bryce been a Colonial Treasurer instead of a Native Minister it was very probable he would not have felt the necessity of resig nation.

Suicide of a Druggist. Wellington, To-day.

Information has been received here that a young man named E. J. Bailey, formerly employed by Kempthorne, Prosser and Co., as druggist and oc casional traveller, but recently discharged for intemperance, jumped overboard from the barque Malay on her voyage from here to Newcastle, for which port he was a passenger. The boat was promptly lowered, but life was extinct when the body was picked up. Bailey had been drinking heavily. Druidical. Authority has been received here to open a Royal Arch Chapter of Druids for the North Island. Struck a Patch- The manager of the Albion Claim, Teranhiti, reports having, in a twenty five feet cross drive, struck a reef about three feet thick showing rich gold. A Third Candidate. Kum.uia, To-day. Edwin Blake is a third candidate for Rumara Electoral Dis-rict. A Lucky Escape. Dunedin, To-day. At the Police Court to-day the charge against Alfred Palmer, of stabbing a boatswain named Richard Grande, was dismissed, the Bench being of opinion that it was not willfully inflicted.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

London, Nov 17. There is terrible sickness among the French troops at Tunis. Typhoid fever and dysentry are the principal ail ments, and the soldiers are suffering fearfully. There is great discontent in the army. The soldiers complain loudly of the neglect of the authorities to provide them with meoicine, medi cal attendance and other necessaiies.

Fenianism is proved to have been very active about Bradford for some time but the arrest of Lobin has fallen like a rocket into the camp, and a stampede of supposed leaders have fol lowed. Unless they make another movement, the police seem disposed to take no further notice of them. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy lias been married to Miss Louise Hall, of Che shire. The marriage was solemnised at Paris.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Hero via Auckland.]

Commodore Wilson, referring to the recent release, under the Habeas Corpus Act, of Bates, the deserter, says that the decision strikes at the root of all discipline, and will effect the move ment of the Queen’s ships as regards Australia.

A report on the geology and water bearing formations of the Albert and Darling Rivers district, presented to Parliament on November i6th, states that an abundant underground supply of water is obtainable on the artesian principle. Dr Van Heckeren, recently acquitted through disagreement of the jury on charge ot procuring abortion, has again been arrested on a similar charge. The ease was adjourned in consequence of the illness ot accused. Private Allan, of Victoria, scored seven bull’s-eyes successively at 500 yards, winning first prize in the match between Intercolonial riflemen. Mr Quick has introduced a Bill in the Victorian Assembly, forbidding the advertising or circulating of any an nouncements for betting, sweeps, ot gambling; also, making illegal the negociation of any cheque or bill for gambling debts. Mr Lucky, Commissioner of New South Wales Railways, meets Mr Bent, the Victorian Commissioner, on Nov. 24, to confer relative to the railway bridge over the Murray. A wooden building at Malsbury, near Kyneton, was discovered to be on fire. The police, on entering, found a man named Hegarty cutting his throat, with a child beside him in bed. The police removed the child and took Hegarty to the Hospital He had been drinking heavily of late. The house was burnt to the ground. A dispute has arisen in the Presby terian Assembly between the. Revs. Webster and M'Vean. The latter told Mr Webster that a congregation was available at Minin die, whereas they only found one Presbyterian within fifty miles. Mutual recrirainrtions ; were exchanged. Mr M’Vean refused to sit in the Assembly till an apology was given. , . ; The trial of Thomas King, for pois oning Kennedy at Helensville, termi nated on Nov. 17, by a verdict of “Not guilty.” There was a severe storm On the night of Nov. 16. A cabman, who fell into a street gutter, was carried off ,by the stream and nearly drowned. Finally, by the efforts of two men and a New foundland dog, he was rescued with 1 difficulty. George Holt, a clerk in the Victoria Life Insurance Company, charged L with forging scrip for a hundred shares, . was committed for trial, bail being j allowed. Mr Spurgeon and Messrs Moody and Sankey have declined the invitations of the Young Men’s Christian Association j to visit Australia. ; A special Board is now hearing evi l dence in Mrs Jones’s claims for com t pensation for the destruction of Glen * rowan Hotel. The Crown witnesses’ 1 evidence showed that Mrs Jones was L in sympathy with the Kellys. One swore that she boasted having kissed ; Ned Kelly.

AN ELECTRICAL VOTE-RECORDER.

It is possible that before very long we shall have the old system of “ divi sions ” done away with, and the votes of the Assembly accurately taken with out any member having to leave his seat, and without the slightest noise. This can be effected by means of elec tricity, as amply demonstrated by the vote-recorder of Signor Roncelli, now being exhibited at the Na tional Industrial Exhibition in Milan. The Signor is a member of the Italian Parliament, where-ap paratus has been successfully tried for some lime past; and his plan enables every member to record his vote quite privately; while sitting at his desk in the House. Each person has before him a brass plate bearing his name, and furnished with three press-buttons, such as are employed to ring electric bells. These buttons are marked respectively —“ Aye,” “ No,” and “ Abstain.” They are connected electrically by wires with a voltaic battery, and a central printing apparatus which prints all the “ ayes ” in one vertical column, and the “ noes” in another, and all the “ abstains ” in a third. Each vote is recorded level with the name of the voter, and a fourth column shows the absentees. Moreover, at the moment of recording each vote, a number representing the sum total of the votes thus far is ex hibited, and the House can see at a glance how the issue goes. The arrangement of seats in the House of Commons and the House of Lords is not the same as in the Italian and French Chambers, where each member occupies his own desk ; and, therefore, the British Houses do not lend them selves so readily to the introduction of this new system ; but, nevertheless, it might possibly be adapted to the exist ing benches.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1881.



Jolm Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Moil Office. .Easy Chairs, Couches, English and American Chairs, Single and Double Iron and Wood. Bedsteads. All kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and Oilcloth. A large assortment of Repps and Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of Furniture from Ll 3 and upwards. _ All kinds of furniture recovered and repaired at the very lowest prices. All work guaranteed and completed at the shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, and highest prices given for second-hand Jfarniture.v Note the address—Cheapest House m Ashburton, opposite Mail Office, Burnett attest. -i.. $I6o



Wanted. WANTED— General SERVANT. Ap ply for address. Office of this paper. WANTED— A good General SER 7ANT for a small private family. Apply, Office of this Paper. 185 d WANTED —Everybody to see Ready Money Richard’s advertisement. ‘ 119 d WANTED to SELL for £lO, cost £3O—A large American COOK ING RANGE, 4ft. Gin. by 3ft., suitable for a boardinghouse or station. Apply to James BaSer, Havelock street. 154 c A NTED--TENDERS for the sup ply of One Hundred Tons of FLOUR. Best, guaranteed for cash on delivery and proof of quality. Tenders to close on the Ist December, 1881. R. Lancaster, Ashburton. 76d WANTED to Rent—Twenty Acres of English grass with water, near the township of Ashburton. Apply, Offioe of this Paper. 69d ANTED KNOWN. —SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS YERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery. Co lombo street (opposite Gookhato House.) -827 c WANTED KNOWN Christmas Presents and New Year’s Gifts, Christmas Cards, Dolls, Humming Tops, Church Services Suitable for Presents, Revised New Testament, Albums ; Young Ladies Journal Is 4d ; Family Reader, division 42, Is 9d. F. Clare’s, Mont gomery’s Buildings. 16 Id ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. WANTED KNOWN.—Just received a consignment of “ Novelties,” togither with new, rare and generally esteemed varieties of Flower Seeds, annual and perennial, in addition to those cata logued. Those of my customers who have not had their orders for Garibaldi Bulbs, Carnations, &c., will oblige by calling for he same. A very fine stock of bedding out Plants will be ready in September and October. W. Gimblett, Colombo street, Christchurch. 580 c



WANTED— THE GUARDIAN tells your Wants for Is- - cash. Special Advertisements. NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PA NY (LIMITED). AN AGENCY has this day been OPENED at Ashburton, with Mr Walter B. Moss in charge. TEMPORARY OFFICE — CORNER OF WEST AND HAVE LOCK STREETS. JOHN COOKE, Manager. Christchurch, October 1, 1881. 782 c O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Orjans, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, . Shavina and Shamnoointr. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. Ashburton registry office, For Male and Female Servants. All orders for Servants by letter or otherwise receive prompt attention. L. F. ANDREWES, Labor Agent, East Street, 765 c Ashburton. TO TOWN SUBSCRIBERS. Mr Charles Boctrk is authorised to COLLECT Subscription Accounts due to Guardian, and his receipt will be a suffi cient discharge. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S CARDS. A beautiful assortment to hand in time for the mail, which arrives Home before Christmas.— L. F. Andrbwes, Bookseller and Stationer, East street, Ashburton. 672c* Lion Brewery. a WOOD (late Wood and Co.) begs . to inform his friends and cus tomers that he has dissolved partnership with M. O. Digby, and the late firm having sold their interest in the Ashburton Brewery to Mr John Manning, of Rangiora, the undersigned will at an early date be enabled to supply the public with a Brewing of his well-known ALB and STOUT from Ihe new brick premises in Dobson street and Cass street, Ashburton, GEORGE WOOD, 184,d Brewer, &c.



5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT, r For 14 Days, prior to moving into NEW BRICK PREMISES, TANCRED STREET. Pianos {^ to } Pianos Harmoniums, Organs, Violins, Guitars, Concertinas, Accordions, Tambourines, Pitch-Pipes, &a. , subject to Discount, to save expense of moving. 20s Worth of SHEET MUSIC For 15s, Net Cash. H J. WEEKS, MUSIC SELLER, &c., Tancrbd Street, Opposite Chapman’s. 693 c c-va << ctfS S^a £ r S fS Q 2 son i PT 0. o£> fv CD ® id p. pj a® o H ■J* JJ CD > 2 a h C e



Special Advertisements. STIONERY, .ROOKS.—MEMORAN DUM and' ACCOUNT BOOKS, TOYS, FANCY GOODS, MUSIC, &o. JUST RECEIVED— Iarge ftsaorttrtent of CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR Cards. LETTS’ AUSTRALIAN DIARIES FOR 1882. a M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 365 a gPECIAL ANF OUNCEMENT. Christmas Story. As a special attraction for Christmas, the Proprietor of the Ashburton Guardian offers a Prize of Three Guineas for the best original Christmas Story, to be written by an author resident in the Asnburton County, and published in the columns of the Guardian. The story will bo published in the columns of this journal, and the Pro prietor reserves to himself all right and privileges connected with its publication. A Committee of gentlemen will adjudge the M.S.S. and make the award, and due notice of their decision will ap pear in these columns. CONDITIONS. All competitors for the Prize will be required to comply with the following conditions : (1) The story must be written by a bona fide, resident of the Ashburton County. (2) The number of words employed must not exceed 400 lines. (3) Competitors will be required to write on white paper only ; on one side of the paper only, and in a plain legible hand. No member of the staff of this journal will be allowed to compete. (4) All the MSS. must be addressed to the Editor, and may be signed with a non de plume, but the writer’s real name and address must be enclosed, not necessarily for publication. (5) No award will be made unless more than three stories are submitted. (6) Rejected MSS. cannot be re turned. N.B.—All MSS. must be sent in on or before December 20. Any manuscript Coming to hand after date will be ineli THE undersigned will be prepared, during the coming season, to supply the following articles at the lowest rates; — REAPERS and BINDERS EXTRAS for DO. BINDING WIRE CORN SACKS TURNIP and RAPE SEEDS PLOUGH SHARES And all kinds of Agricultural Imple ments. FREDK. PAVITT, Corn Merchant, &c., Ashburton. Agent for John Anderson, Canterbury Foundry, Christchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, Importers of Agricultural Imple ments, Christchurch; and Agent for the United Insurance Company. 150 d



rjIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, noted throughout the Colony for the best fitting and Genuine Well-made CLOTHING Of Every Description, are the LARGEST PRIZE-TAKERS At the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition, having been awarded FIRST ORDER OF MERIT, AND ALSO HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THE INTELLIGENT JURORS. One trial will prove the Superior Quality of all Products. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Branches at all the principal Towns. HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, BLANKETS, RUGS, TWEEDS, At Wholesale Prices. NEW SEASON’S GOODS NOW SHOWING. Branch : East Street. W. SPARROW, 692 c Branch Manager. H. MESSENGER OF HIS LORDSHIP’S LARDER, In thanking his numerous country patrons, and the public generally, for past favors, begs to intimate that, having com pleted extensive alterations and improve ments, he is now in a position to offer them unequalled accommodation. The increased accommodation for Ladies is a special feature in the improve ments. W. H. M. also begs to add that in addi tion to the above he has made provision, from the First day of November next, to supply a want long felt in Christchurch, viz.:— A GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK, A t any hour of the day, which will be ac companied with a Glass of Bass’s cele brated Bottled Ale. FOR ONE SHILLING. Dinners, Banquets, Ball Suppers, Wedding Breakfasts, and Picnics pro vided for, in the very best possible style. W. H. MESSENGER, 987 c Purveyor. A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. NOW ON SALE AT THE GUARDIAN. OFFICE, Some hundreds of BEA U T I F U L OLEG GRAPHS, About 18 by 12 inches, comprising some exceedingly pretty things well worth framing, and suitable for parlor or bed room decoration, or for show or presenta tion cards for business men. Exquisitely done, artistically colored. Price, neatly mounted on wooden rollers, and with purchasers’ name printed (if desired) at the foot in colors, only 30s per dozen. Everyone is pleased with them who sees them. They are already selling well, and only require to be seen to command a ready sale. Come and inspect them at this office, and give your orders as early as possible to prevent dir'i.ppoiutmenc.' Liberal terms to the trade and wholesale people,.!; ... ■ <



Special Advertisements. rjpHE ACID CURE. F. COUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc May be obtained from Mack ay Bros, Manchester street, South, Christ church, Wholesale and Retail, or from Mr Thomas Collins, Main South Road, Timaru. AN AGENT WANTED FOR ASH BURTON. 734 c William Revell (Late of Ashburton Forks), JJAS started in Business at Winskw as SHOEING and GENERAL SMITH All Work done at Reasonable Rates. 359 a WANTED KNOWN Promissory Note Forms on Sale, at the Guardian Office. fpHE GENERAL ELECTION. JJST ARRIVED. CORRUPT PRACTICES PRE VENTION, xBBt, AND REGULATION OF ELECTIONS ACTS, 1881, NOW ON SALE AT THE GUARDIAN OFFICE, WEST STREET. THE following ACTS, passed last Session, can be obtained at Pub lished Prices at Office of this Paper : Corrupt Practices Prevention Fencing Regulation of Elections Representation Canterbury Rivers Amendment Public Reserves Property Tax Gaming and Lotteries Volunteer Property Assessment Act Amendment Licensing. ■Vr O T 1 G E . The SHOWROOM is NOW OPEN at Everett Bros.’, Havelock street, Ashbur ton, in which Mrs Everett will be pleased to execute all orders entrusted to her care with despatch and style. All the Millinery, Flowers, Feathers, etc., QUITE NEW. NOVELTIES IN NEW SUMMER DRAPERY EVERETT BROS., HAVELOCK STREET. 20 NOTICE. In future all disclaimers sent in for publication in this Journal will be charged for as advertisements. 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.



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Late Advertisements. yy AKANUI ELECTION. Mr C. W. Purnell Requests the Electors to Meet him at the SOGOOLHOUSE, FELMINGTON, ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, At 7.30 p.m. 201 d mHE GUARDIAN is on every Tea A- Table in Ashburton. TT EDUCATION Act, 1877, Debtors JPj and Creditors Act, and Amend ment Acts, Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1871, to be had at the Guardian Office, next Matson, Cox and Co.’s, West street.