SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Omaha, brigantine, from Chatham Is ands. To-day. Star of the South, s.s., from West Coast Ports. Penguin, s.s.,from Wellington. Sailed. Y ESTEKDAY. Saxon, schooner, for Tauranga. brig, for Newcastle. Circe, brigantine, for Timaru. . , An n i o*Mc! h u ish, barque, for Brisbane. -- -, • Penguin, s.g-j for Akcvroji anu Port Chalmers. Ladv Jocelyn, ship, for London. i = SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. ,'Amvied-ATarama, s.si, from the Bluff; Te'Anau,’s.s. ,■from'th3 ! No^th.' :;, .. . Timaru; Yesterday.’ Armed-Young Dick, from Newcastle ; Owake, from-Dunedin. 1 , : '.Melbourne, Yesterday. Arrived—Albion, s.s., from the Bluff. ■ Albany, Yesterday. Arrived— P. and 0. Co.’s Hydaspes, with ilie inward Suez mail.

COMMERCIAL.

The English Markets

Messrs Miles Bros! and Co. report, under date London, Feb. Ist Wool!— Tho lirst series of sales for the prfetent year has been fixed to commence on the 16th insfc, and as the-quantity was limited to 300,000 bales, and the arrivals nofw amount to 310,350 bales, the lisi will be’Closed at four o’clock to-day. The woollen trade has lately been rather de pressed, dnd ip France business shows no consequently it is expected that prices for some wools will show a decline wheri the Sales open ; but we hear that stocks'are everywhere’ low, and good wools are likely to maintain their value. The public' sales at Antwerp closed on the 27th ultimo, ahd of the 668 bales of Aus tralian wpol offered there 387 bales were sold, atabout AI per lb below last London rates.’ The new arrivals to date are : —New booth .Wales and Queensland, 6.8,930 bales ; Victoria, 142,753 bales; South. Australia, 46,5-42 bales ; Western Aus tralia, 246 bales ; Tasmania, 127 bales ; New Zealand, 11,117 bales ; Cape, 40,630 bales ; total, 310,350 bales ; and about 15,000 bales old stock. , WinsAT 'isD Flour, yJ-Thd wheat mar ket has been very inactive during the past fortnight, and supplies from abroad ha.ve beeti fhrge, with considerable deliveries from* ourEn’glish farmers. The supply of New Zealfrtid .'is now limited, but the demand is Very Weak at a decline of per- qiiiiifler. "In Australian, a cargo off coast was 1 sold on the 7th hist, for Diinkirk/for 47s Cd, and ;as a Couti nental demand has-Sprung up'lately, coast cargpeff afe’brihgnxg rather better prices. *» dadoes'for'distant arrival yciy little .is doing” ; ’ The’ 1 Surplus in America is still very heavy, and millers here continue to operator verji ctiutiOrisly. We quote to-day, ex granary*; Australian wheat, 49s 6d 50s to Cd -per 4961bs ; - New Zealand (long berried), 49s to 50s ; ordinary, 44s to 475; and inferior, 40s to 435. Australian flour, superfine, 33s to 3os per 280ibs ; house-: holds, 30s to 32s ; and New Zealand flour, 30s jtps2s. ( jNe.w Zealand barley, fine malt ing 42ij--pep 4481bs ; inferior, 25s to 2Ss. NeW Zealand beans, 45s to 47a per 4481bs ; New Zealand oats, fine, 28s to 31a per imperial quarter ; and common feed, 22s to 25s per quarter; New Zea land peas, 46s to 43s per 5041bs ; and Aus tralian R.eas, ,32s to 35s per 5041b5. New, Zealand-oatmeal, L 9 10s to LIO 10s per ton.

Tallow and Hides.— -The tallow mar ket has been somewhat quieter, and at sales -jp-day only BGO casks of Australian were sold out ,pf t 1)2.00 casks offered, at a decline',of 3d itp 6 a per cw.t on both: mut ton apd. beef, the former realising from 35s to-87s for middling to good, and the latter 33s 9d, to 34s for fair quality. The stock'in.importers’ hands now amounts to 7,800. casks./ „.Australian hides were: .in request/ yesterday, and heavies declined aiid occasionally light and cowB # the samje. T,he;sto.ck_ is now large, Tiz.,*abopj£ liides..- Pkeserved Meats. —There is still a very fair demand for .tinned moats, beef being in largest demand. In fresh meats : we have-togivc a very satisfactory .account of the shipments ex Protos, s.s., from Aus tralia. It arrived in excellent condition, and the flavor; was quite equal to English meat.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as r . : A For Chrisjtehurch and North at. 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m.,. and J> p.m,, daily. For Chertsey,Rakaia, &c.,' at 10 a.m. and 5. p.ip, daily.. For Dunedin, Tinwakl, Winslow, Hinds, Grari, Winchester, and Geraldine-, at; 10 a.,m. daily. For Ternuka, at' 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. ~, ~ - For Tiniavu and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m.,^ahd4.2o p.Ki,, daily. For, -Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, 3lounfc,. Somers,, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Watcrton and Longbeach, 4.30;4>.m. . .; , , i For Wakahui, Elgin, : Seaficld, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6. a. m. Mai|s .arrive . at., thg.... Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a. m., 4.35 p. m., and 7* 50 p. m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a. m. daily. Froiq Dunediu and intermediate places at s.36‘p’m. daily. ‘ From Thinuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet,, Ashburton Forks, Mount" J Somers, . and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m v From Ashton, ‘ Waterfbn, and Loag beach at 10 him. daily. ' : From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, arid Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Salqrdays, at 4 p. in. The njesi mail’ for the United King dom (vifl.j;San Francisco) will leave on April 23rd. W.. Sr. G. Douglas, ‘ Postmaster.

TRAVELLERS' GUIDE.

Trains Leave 'Ashburton | for Christ church and intermediate ; stations at 6 a. m., ,1.0. $0 a. m., and (Express) B. 48 P- m * rvr" . . Trains L?ave Ashburton for Tihaku and South, at. 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex- ceeding- fart.her than- Tiiparin ; TraxnA Arrive at- Ashburton prom CnBisSciilUJXCH: at 10 84 a.m.: (Express), ' PROM TiMAftir p. hi. - ■ ..

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Friday, April 1. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their salerooms, Ashburton—Building Sites ; 1 p.m. Matson, Cox, and C 0.,, at their rooms, Ashburton —Valuable Freehold Farm, in the Hinds district; 12 o’clock. Saturday, April 2. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —One Floor Carpet. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Crockery ware. Wednesday", April 6. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at Mount Somers — Implements and Stock ; 12 o’clock. Tuesday*, April 12. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his rooms—Farm and Town Properties ; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-night, Thursday*, March 31. Ashburton Librai y—Annual Meeting of Subscribers, in the Library, 8 p.m. Monday, April 4. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, April 6. County Council, at the County Council Chambers,' at 11 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [limted at 4.30 p. rn. ]

Postal. —Mails for Australian colonies and the United Kingdom, per To Anau, close at the Bluff at 11.30 a. m., on Satur day, 2nd April.

The San Francisco Mail. —The Aus tralia with the London mails of February 24th left San .Francisco on the 13th inst., one day after contract date.

. Public Library. —The annual meeting of the subscribers of the Ashburton Library is convened to-night at eight o’clock. Assessment Court. —An Assessment Court for the Borough of Ashburton, will be held to-morrow morning, in the Police Court. All Fools Day. —Our readers are re minded that the time honored custom of “fooling” comes into force during the first twelve hours of to-morrow.

Alleged Larceny. The charge of larceny of a L2O note and pocket book, against the man Maurice Fitzpatrick, will come before the Resident Magistrate to morrow for investigation.

Parliament Meets in May.— The special correspondent of the Lyttelton Timas ■writes, if the present arrangements are adhered to, Parliament will he called together, for despatch of business, on May 27.

The Industrial Exhibition. —The Exhibition was officially ■ closed last even ing, an address being delivered by Hugo Fiiedlantler, Esq., Vice-President, in the unavoidable absence of E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R., President. The scene around and in the Exhibition to-day was one of bustle and confusion ; the speedy removal of exhibits being the order of the day.

Cricket. The match Christchurch Wanderers v. Carisbrook Club, .was re sumed yesterday. The visitors went to the wickets for their second innings, and made 134 before the last wicket fell. The Carisbrook followed, and lost three wickets for a total of 30 runs. The match was therefore drawn in favor of the Dunedin Club, who only required 21 runs more to win. The Noble Unemployed.— The follow ing item will possibly prove interesting when the numbers of deputations which interviewed the Premier on the matter of work for the “unemployed” is con sidered ; —Mr Sieele, manager for the Hororata Threshing Company, in looking up hands for the machine a day or two ago, found on the station of the Hon. J. Hall eight swaggers ostensibly in search of employment. He was, however, only able to induce two of these to go to work at 12s 6d a thousand, which means to a good man about 10s to 12s 6d a day. One of these after feeding the machine for about an hour put on his coat and shouldered his swag, saying the work was too hard for him ! The Natator Matter.— -At a meeting of the Committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club, on Tuesday night, a reply was re ceived from the Hon. W. Robinson to a letter which the Club had addressed to him, asking for an explanation of the cir cumstances in connection with the horse Natator at the recent Dunedin races. The Hon. W. Robinson wrote that he was not in Dunedin at the time of the races, and that he was therefore in igno rance of the circumstances. Natator was then in charge of Mr H. P. Lance, who was just now absent in the North Island. He (Mr Robinson) had forwarded the Club’s letter to him, and would write again to, the Club as soon as ho received a re|)ly from Mr Lance.

Bishop Redwood. —A public reception was given to Bishop Redwood at Timaru to-day, and his Lordship was most heartily welcomed.

Supreme Court, Christchurch. —The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court commence on Monday. There are ten cases, including charges of murder, arson, attempt to murder, and minor offences. Recovering. —Mrs Clark, who met with an accident on the steamer Rotonia last week, has recovered consciousness, and hopes are entertained of her recovery.

The Accident on the Hawea.— At the adjourned inqueqt on the stoker Watson, who died from injuries received on the Hawea, a verdict of accidental death was returned. , Wellington Asylum Investigation.— The Asylum Commission made an' inspec tion of the Asylum yesterday. It is ex pected that their report will be presented to the Cover nearly next week.

Chime in Wanganui. —No fewer than thirteen cases requiring the adjudication of the Supreme Court have arisen in Wan ganui during the past three months. Crime sppears to be on the increase in Wanganui. Liberalism inYictoria. —In the Legis lative Assembly of Victoria, on "Wednes day last, speaking on the Reform Bill, Sir B. O’Loughlen expressed the opinion that if the Liberal Parliament went to the country, one-third would not come back.

A Fire Victim. —It is stated that Mr Faber, the landlord of the Club Hotel, Featherston, recently destroyed by fire, has been burned out three times within the space of about a year—first in the Victoria Hotel, secondly in a private house, and lastly in the first named hotel.

A Singing Chicken. —Doyleston (our Southbridge contemporary learns), possesses a hums natnro’ in the shape of a singing chicken. The bird is about three weeks old, and sings, or pipes, just like a canary or linnet. We have heard a sing ing mouse, but have never enjoyed the pleasure of listening to the dulcet strains of a singing chicken. Land Reclamation in Holland. —Says a home paper :—More than 800,000 acres of land have been reclaimed from the water in Holland since the beginning of the sixteenth century, and the work still goes on at the rate of about eight acres per day. Since 1850 the Lake of Haarlem has been drained, and now theZuyder Zee is to be pumped out, which will surpass all previous endeavors. To Housewives. —To keep potatoes intended for the use of the tabic from sprouting, until new potatoes grow, take boiling water, pour into a tub, turn in as many potatoes as the water will entirely cover, then pour off all the water, handle the potatoes carefully, laying up in a dry place on boards, only one layer deep, and see if you do not have good potatoes the year round, without hard strings and watery ends caused by growing. Strange but True. —The second prize in the Wanganui Sweep on the Cup race was won by Ernest Wilkinson, who is awaiting his trial at New Plymouth on a charge of embezzling Government moneys. It is a strange fact that a similar occur rence took place in connection with North’s sweep on the Wellington - Cup, of 1880, the third horse being drawn by a prisoner then serving a hard labor sen tence. Wilkinson will have a nice little sum to start in life with on his release. Elgin School Committee. —An ordi nary meeting of this Committee was held on Monday evening last, in the school room. Present—Messrs J. Stanley Bruce (chairman), Andrew Lotham, John Coch rane, P. Innes, and F. Holmes. Thp minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, together with several letters. Mr A. Letham proposed, Mr P. Innes seconded—“ That the master be requested to sell all books and other articles re quired for the school at post price delivered from this date; and further that he keep a correct account of all books, &c., sold, to whom, and at what price ; also, that ho hand the Committee all monies from the sale of books, &c., at the end of each quarter, together with a proper stock account. Carried. Mr Peter Turner proposed, Mr J. Cochrane se conded, and it was carried, that, in reply to the Master’s letter asking for sundries for cleaning the school, ho be informed that, at the figure he is receiving, he should find all articles required for that purpose. It was further proposed by Mr P. Innes, and seconded by Mr Holmes “ That the Rev. H. C. M. Watson be nominated by this Committee to fill the extraordinary vacancy : on the Board of Education.” Carried unanimously. Mr P. Innes proposed, Mr Holmes seconded—“ That the master be em powered to obtain cash for all books sold to the children, either at the time they are disposed of, or within a week of that period.”—Carried. It was also proposed by Mr Holmes, seconded by Mr Letham, and carried—“ That the Chairman obtain the books asked for by the master from Messrs Cram and Whitcombo, of Christ church.” The Committee then adjourned.

On Saturday next, Mr BuMock will offer for sale, among other articles, one floor carpet, nearly new. The Mount Hutt Road Board invite tenders for shingling and forming roads ; to be sent in by noon of the 14th April. '

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Renter's Agency.) Putting on the Brake- London, March 20. Government has instituted a prose cution against a newspaper called Die Frichet, The Liberty , an organ of the German Socialists, printed and issued in London, foe publishing an article eulogising the murderer of the Czar, and urging assassination of other crowned heads, to gain the ends of Socialism. The Mails. The homeward Australian mails, via Suez and Brindisi, were delivered here to-day. Monetary. Consols remain at par. New Zealand Five per Cent. 10.40 Loan, New Zealand Five per Cent., 1889, Loan, iio}£ ; F'our-and-a-half per Cent. 1879-1905 Loan, 97^2- Commercial. Adelaida wheat, ex warehouse has declined to 50s ; New Zealand, ex ship, remains at - 46s ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, is quoted at 34s ; Australian best beef tallow is unchanged, at 335, and best mutton, at 36s per cwt. Earl Beaconsfield’s Indisposition.

Earl Beaconsfield is suffering from a severe attack of gout and asthma. A bulletin issued to-day states that his Lordship passed a restless night. Evening. The latest bulletin issued this even ing regarding the health of Earl Bea consfield, reports his lordship to be progressing favorably towards recovery* : London, March 30. Earl Beaconsfield continues to im prove, and will, it is expected, be soon restored to health. Amicably Settled- It is announced that the Ambassa :

dors of the Great Powers at Constanti nople, acting under authority from' their Governments, have intimated to the Porte their acceptance of its last proposal for the settlement of the Greek frontier—viz., to cede to Greece a larger extent of Territory in Thessaly than was previously offered, but the distiict of Epirus and island of Crete to remain to Turkey. Greece. Athens, March 29. A Greek Army Corps has been o’dered to the frontier in view of the possibility of war with Turkey. Should war break out the corps will concentrate at Chalcis, a seaport 17 miles north east of Thebes, and an important strata getical position near the frontier. Athens, March 30. In accordance with the decision of the great Powers, to accept the Porte’s proposal to cede territory in Thessaly alone to Greece, the representatives of the Powers in this city are strongly urging the Hellenic Government to agree to the proposal, and thus arrive at a settlement of the Turko-Greek difficulty.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Reuter’s Agency.) The Reform Bill in the Council. Melbourne, March 30. The Legislative Council this evening waived the objections previously raised to the consideration of the Reform Bill, and read the measure a first time after a short debate. The second reading is made an order of the day for Tuesday next. Burying the Hatchet. Melbourne, To-day. It has transpired that confidential communications have passed between the Government and the leaders of the Opposition in the Legislative Council with a view to bring about harmony on the Reform question. Frozen Fish. The Orient Company’s steamer Lusi tania, from Plymouth, is bringing a large quantity of frozen fish to the colony.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Another Industry. Tauranga, To-day., Mr Mclvor, a chemist, from Melbourne, has been sent over by some Melbourne capitalists to inspect the sulphur at White Island, and report whether it would be advisable to erect a chemical manufactory establishment for the preparation of sul phuric acid and chemical manure. Mr Mclvor has returned, and is favorably impressed with the resources of the island, and ho considers that a very important industry can be maintained. Wilson’s Sulphur Works at Tauranga will be taken over and improved. Gold-find near Tauranga.

A new quartz reef has been found ai Kaimai, about 28 miles from Tauranga. Caswell Sound Company. Dunedin, To-day.

The Land Board, on the casting vote of the Chief Commissioner, granted the Cas well Sound Marble Company seven years’ license of the quarry, extending over 320 acres. The company applied fur the area by means of four applications, which were put in by four shareholders, each asking for 80 acres—the maximum allowed to be leased to one individual by the Laud Act. Three members of the Board recorded their dissent from the decision. Cricket. In the match against Dunedin, the Wanderers, at lunch time, had made 150 runs for six wickets Longdon, 54; Milton, 20 ; Hartlaud, 20. Sale of Race Horses. At the sale of Goodman’s stud to-day, Sylvanus was sold to Mr Gavin for 70 gnineas ; Titania, for 78 guineas, to Mr James Shand ; Chancellor, for 60 guineas, to Mr Gavin ; and Le Loup, 375 guineas, to Mr Snider.

INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Closing Ceremony. Last evening the Hall was crowded by persons desirous of witnessing the dosing •ceremony, and musical per formance accompanying the same, in connection with the Ashburton In dustrial Exhibition, iSSr. The pro ceedings were presided over by his Worship the Mayor (in the unavoidable absence ofE. G. Wright, Esq., M. H.R., President). The first item on the pro gramme, a piano duet “ Zehu Maed chen und Kein Mann,” was entrusted to Miss and Master Morris, and the ap proval of the audience was testified by the lengthy plaudits following its con clusion. This was followed by a chorus “ The Carnovale,” and next came what was undoubtedly the vocal gem of the evening, Mr Branson’s rendition of “The King’s Highway,” which received a merited encore, and in response there to “ Thy sentinel am I ” was given, both pieces being sung with great spirit. The glee, “ The Village Choris ter,” song, “ Better Bide awee,” by Mrs Ray; and song, “ The Minstrel Boy,” by Mr Weeks, were rendered with precision and effect. Miss Kate Woods, a young lady, giving every pro mise of becoming a performer of no little merit on the piano, then played the solo “ Les Herondelles,” in a style quite surprising, when the age of the performer is taken into consideration ; and the first part of the programme terminated with a bass solo by Mr A. Goldstandt.

The Chairman then came forward, and said ;

Ladies and gentlemen—lhave been de puted by our worthy President to give the closing address on this occasion. I wish heartily that the task were left to other hands than mine, but there is no choice, as Mr Wright is unavaidably called away on public business, to Christchurch. I am, as you know, no great public peaker, and I feel the more diffidence from the fact that I am addressing an audience who appreciate thoroughly the groat work that has been done. However, I am in for it, so I must do my best. Most of you know that I have a warm interest in Ashburton, which has been my home for the last nine or ten years. I have seen the town rise from what I may almost call “ pre-historic times,” to its present position, and I have been a spectator of all the vicissitudes it has passed through, from extreme dull ness to extreme prosperity. I think also that you will all admit that during my whole time of residence I have acted as far as I possibly could for what I thought were the best interests of , the place. I have every confidence in the future of Ashburton, and believe it will prove a happy and good place for those who have made it their home. The progre s made by it has been so rapid as to astonish everybody ; but those who have seen, it from its earliest stages will k agree with me that it has a still grander future be

fore it, and it will become a 'town that will be a great business centre. It is at such a distance from the capital of the Provincial District, that the inhabitants cannot well go there to make their pur chases, and what is more, we have now reached such a stage that we can serve them as well here. There are few towns so young as ours that can show such public works as we can. Our main streets arc already asphalted, arid a stream of living water flows down our concrete channels. Nor will it stop there, for I have no doubt in a short time ’we shall see our side streets in equally good con dition, for there is no want of energy and push amongst us. (Applause). Respect ing the commencement of the Exhibition, most of you know that it originated with the Industrial Association. This Associa tion was formed with the idea of calling attention to various possible industries, and if possible of starting factories in our midst. It was at first well supported, but there was after a time a falling off in the ; enthusiasm. There were a few’, however; who kept up a regular attendance, and at one of the meetings it was decided to hold an Industrial Exhibition. At first the idea was that it should only be a small affair, to be held in the upper rom of this Town Hall, but it was soon found that more accommodation would be necessary, and it grew at last to be such as you see it, an Exhibition which surprised our neighbors and visitors by its excellence. I have only hoard one man grumble at the Exhibition, and he com plained that there were no wild beasts, without which he thought it was not com plete. (Laughter.) Most of us, however, are better educated than this man, and know that the Exhibition is not only as expected, but a good deal better. Net only has it been spoken highly of in the local papers, but the Christchurch, Dun edin, and Timavu journals have all men tioned it in the highest praise. (Ap plause.) Amongst the exhibits are many local manufactures. There are candles shown of such exceedingly good quality (and remember I speak as an expert) that they will compare favorably with the im ported article* and will doubtless be well patronised. There is the sugar-beet also. I would call special attention to the potato industry. You have all seen the splendid farina that has been shown, produced from the local potatoes, and certainly we are so well situated here, that this is an in dustry which must grow, and if it does, the manufacturers will be able to pay a good price to the grower. We can make starch as well here as in Europe, and yet we import it at L4O a ton, and have great difficulty in getting rid of out potatoes at 30a per ton, having to beg people to take them at that price. Why should we go to England for these articles, when, with a little push, we can establish such in dustries amongst ourselves. (Applause.) We have our potteries, at which cheap and good jars can be made, and we have a country which will grow splendid fruit, so that there is no necessity whatever for us to go to Tasmania and other places for our jam. We have coals for fuel to drive mir machines, and a host of other things too numerous to mention here to-night. If we have the assistance of the public, Ashburton may he made a most important place. It was advertised that the awards of merit would he distributed to-night, but these are so numerous, that 1 1 moat request those who have gained them to procure them from the Secretary. I think the thanks of our community are due to those who have worked so hard to make the affair the great sucress it has proved. I must make special mention of the Hon. Secretary (Mr Poyntss), who has been most indefatigable, and to those whose great exertions the success we have met with Is to a great extent due. (Applause). I thank you for the patient hearing you have accorded me. (Groat applause.). The second part —which included the following items :—Trio, “ There is a Ladie, Sweet and Kind ; ” trio (two pianos and organ), “ Jessie’s Dream ” —Miss Kidd, Master Morris, and Mr Weeks; part song, “ Qod Speed the Plough ; ” song, “ Katie O’Shane ” Miss Kidd ; song and chorus, “ Down Among the. Dead Men ” —Mr Craig head ; violin and piano duet, “ Dicher and Bauer,” Miss and Master Morris, was very satisfretorily carried through ; those portions deserving special men tion being the instrumental trio, “ Jessie’s Dream,” and the violin and piano duet, “ Dicher and Bauer,” and the latter of which received an encore. Following this the President declared the Exhibition closed, and the proceedings terminated with the sing ing of the “ National Anthem ” by the audience, the musical accompaniment being given on three pianos and’ organ. We must not omit to say the entertain ment wrs carried out under the able conductorship of Mr Weeks.

FIRES

Destruction of a Boil'ng Down Es tablishment. —At 2 a.m yesterday, the boiling down establishment belonging to Mr. Boyd Thomson, Temuka, was totally destroyed by fire. The fire was discovered by one of the six men in Mr Thomson’s employ, living near the spot, who was awoke through hearing a crackling noise. He immediately roused his mates, but it was too late to save anything, and the building was soon level with the ground. Fortunately the vat and boiler were only slightly damaged. There were eighteen or twenty carcasses of sheep on the premises, killed the previous night, 85 hides, and several ready made casks. The origin of the fire is unknown and is attributed to be the work of an incendiary, as there had been no fire on the premises since the Friday previous. There were no insurances on the building or its con tents, and the loss is estimated at L4OO. Fortunately for Mr Thomson a quantity of tallow, in casks, was taken, from .the establishment the day before to the rail way station, to be conveyed to Timaru, otherwise his loss would have been fully Ll5O more

At Christchurch. —Early this morn ing it was found that -a fire had broken out at Messrs P. Cunningham and Co.’s premises, ■ High and Lichfield streets. The store, in which thfe five was, had formerly been used by Messrs Steggall and Howe, produce merchants, and, after having remained vacant for some time was in process of being fitted up as offices for Messrs Black, Davies, and Co. Not withstanding that the fire had obtained a good hold the brigade’s alacrity saved the premises, the fire being confined to the portion of the premises in which it began. By a telegram received to-day, wo learn that the estimate of damage at the fire is about LI, OOO, and is covered by insurances in the London, Liverpool' and Globe, South British, and National offices.

And yet Another. — A very destruc tive fire occurred at Irwell on Tuesday afternoon, whereby Mr C. T. Hudson lost his farm buildings and also a quantity of grain. The ! fire is supposed to have broken out in the stable, and when first discovered had got such a hold that all attempts to extinguish it failed. Stored in the granary and wool shed was a con siderable quantity of wheat, oats, and grass seed. The buildings were fully in sured,-and the graiii : only partly.— Press.

Sad, Very.—An alarming fashion item comes from Boston, it being nothing less than that blondes are out of fashion. Young men who were foolish enough to marry them will now have plenty of time for repentance.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. —To-Day. (Before J. N. Wood, Esq., R.M.) Inebriacy. —Two " men charged- with drunkenness were fined Is. each. ' Vagrancy. —John Smith, an old oft’ender, was brought up on a charge of this character. The evidence, was con clusive, but accused pleaded so hard for “ just one more chance,” that he was dis missed on the understanding that he would leave the town and keep the pledge.

Wilful Destruction oe Property.— Israel Luke and John Smith were charged with wilful damage to a pane of glass at the Brighton Boarding-house.. The evi dence showed that Luke alone was blameable, and Smith was therefore dis missed, the other prisoner being fined Is and costs of repairs of window 30s, or in default 14 days hard labor. Accused accepted the alternative.

HOKITIKA MURDER TRIAL

The trial of David Hutchison for the murder of his wife, was resumed at the Supreme Court yesterday. The evidence sho wed that the prisoner had saved a gun and a bag of provisions from the burning house, and that ho had hold of his wife’s leg, but did not save her. His Honor the Judge summed up in favor of the prisoner. The jury retired at half-past seven, and were locked up at ten o’clock, not having come to an agreement. At one o’clock this morning (the telegraph informs us), the jury brought in a verdict of “Not Guilty.” A. nolle prosequi was presented in the second indictment.

The Rodanow Watch Swindle.

Evening Post, March 23rd.

Some time ago, in common with most of the other principal newspapers in the colony, we received an order from the “ Rodanow Manufacturing Company, Boston,” for the of an advertise ment in regard to some cheap watches alleged to be manufactured by thfl firm. The letter bore every appearance of beinS bona fide, and was accompanied by a copy of the Bristol Press . (published in Con* neclicut), dated 30th September, 1880, containing . the following paragraph^ — ‘ ‘ Special attention is called to the • price' list of the Rodanow Manufacturing Com pany, of Boston, published in these columns. All those wishing to secure an excellent and correct timekeeper are re commended to address themselves to this old and reliable firm. No further evi dence of the invariable good quality of their manufactures will be required be yond the following facts : —The firm was established in 1849, and since then hard gained prize medals at the exhibitions of London, Pans, Vienna, Ac., for excel lence of manufacture. They are ap pointed,' by warrant, watchmakers to the Queen of England, Prince of Wales, the Emoeror of Russia, and the Bey of Tunis.” This paragraph appearing among the local -news : of the American journal in question, seemed additional' evidence in favor of the bona fides of the affair, and the advertisement was accord ingly inserted in this, journal in common with a large number of other newspapers, not only in New Zealand, but throughout Australia. Facts have lately come to light, however; which serve to indicate that the “company” has simply been perpetrating a cleverly-devised and widely-ergauised swindle; The Sunday Herald, a .Boston newspaper, gives strong confirmation by* the- following par ticulars, Which it published -in a recent issue :—“ Shortly before the last mail left San Francisco the police of Boston had arrested a man who gave his name as Alexander Roda now, on a charge of . using the United States mails with intent to defraud,- their suspicions having been aroused by the nature of the advertisements'published by the ‘Rodanow Manufacturing Company.’ Investigation soon showed the company only existed on paper, and the magnificent premises in . Portland street, Boston, proved equally mythical. Rodanow’s headquarters turned out-to be a small room partitioned off one comer, of a second-hand stone store. A few cheap watches, which the police said would not bring 10 dollars at auction, were found in the place. The police had little difficulty in discovering that Alexander Rodanow, who rejoiced in a second name—Dr Ganz -- had been concerned ift some Socialistic movements in Europe. In the Portland street office was found a list of over 40 newspapers in which,the adver tisements of the sham company had been inserted, including some printed in Hin doo and Chinese characters. That the business carried on by Rodanow, alias Ganz, bid fair'to become a profitable one, may be gathered from the fact that before He was deprived of his liberty he had given receipts for over forty registered letters. Since his arrest, the Sunday Herald says that Registered letters for the ‘ Company ' had been received by each foreign mail in increasing numbers. .One letter contained a draft for 400 dollars, sent by an officer of the Spanish navy, as payment for six of the better class of watches advertised by the Rodanow Com pany. When the mail left, the prisoner was waiting trial.”,. Should the.re unfor tunately be any residents of New Zealand who have been victimised by ;these adver tisements they should at once communi cate with the police. Possibly any re mittances sent from New Zealand arrived after Rodanow’s apprehension, in which case they would probably be impounded by the Boston police, and the victims ought to bo able to get their money re funded.

A Cat’s Fearful Leap.

An adventurous and patriotic cat as cended the Washington Monument by the stairs which are within the shaft. Ihe following morning, when the men went up to work, she took fright, and springing to the edge, took a leap of IflO feet. In the descent the cat spread herself out like a flying squirrel, and struck the ground on all fours. After looking around, a little while, she proceeded to leave the place, and had almost gotten beyond the shadow of the monument, when a dog, that stays around the base, started for her, and the cat, not being in her running trim, was easily made a victim and killed. Had she lived and not been so shy, the workmen say that they would have bought her- a collar, and given her the freedom of the monument. As it is, the cat will be stuffed and placed in the Smithsonian Institute, and . will bear this legend : This cat jumped on September 23, 1880, from Washington Monument, and lived.”

The pretty playfulness with which little children charm away the cares of their parents was illustrated by a touching occurrence in Indiana. A boy of six years, after watching the laundry proceedings, and especially the way .in which the wrinkles in the linen disappeared before the flat-iron, retired to meditate, m the room where his father was taking his after dinner nap. There, gazing on the furrows which years of struggle had made upon the marble brow of his parent, he was seized by a beautiful idea. In less than a minute that devoted little boy was smoothing out those marks of time and sorrow with a very hot flat-iron. Life doesn’t seem so happy to his young heart now aa it tyaed to.

TIGER LILY: A GOLDEN ROD.

CHAPTER I.— The Two Groups. ■',* [continued. J At another season, George Wain wright might have been tempted to feel nettled, at the assumption of dignity, and at the same time, the ‘ Hail fellow, well met’ of the comic singer; but coming as it did, it pleased and amused him. Henoded shortly but cordially in reply brusquely, but jn a friendly fashion, ‘ We are obliged, to you for., ybur good intentions. We’ll do the besLjss ..can . for you. What do you want from ajs ?’, The company of s7ngeb’j^?t^S[l6*' be taken together, «tsr a memorial, of their Boville’s 'ifM sejpa rately, for their individual ideleictafionj) and profit. They were very ous in the relative prominence of their position in the group, apd VfeVy ‘ (though Miss Lucy Hyndford began by speaking slightingly of her care for how' she should come out! of the trying—something treacherous ordeal) with regard’ to each Showing his or her traditional attitude and - expression, as well as on other points. ‘ You may put me-as you like ; you need not trouble about how I look. ■ Looks are the least of my concern. Ah, I wish I were so well off sis to.be , able to mind about my mouth and' eyes, and have good-kind.friends to. mind about them for -my sake,’: pre faced Miss Lucy Hyndford, dulcetly, with one of her stage glances at - Ludovic Sutcliffe* It was done‘for stage practice—at least it did not afford any but the most totterihg foundation for the cock and bull private marriage which St. Bovffie’s had celebrated, to its great satisfaction, either at Gretna/ or Lamberton, though frdm'bdth parties being Scotch by birth, there was, really . no necessity even for the localities, only the localities helped to round off the tale. But very soon Miss;Hynd*. ford forgot her declaration of in* - difference, and was as anxious ; on various questions, as frank in stipulating for their observance,. as Miss Clara Mortimer. ‘I must have -my artns seen. Everybody acknowledges that I have a good arm ; it coines out in ! all my parts; it is=oneof my advan-; tages recitative,’ urged Miss Lucy Hyndford, exposing, and flourishing gently, a someivhant skinny but lithe and pliant arm. ./^-T ‘I should just like to betray a bit of ankle,’ Miss What’s-your-name,’ enjoined Miss Clara Mortimer, familiarly—nbt objecting to be taken by a woman, but. . not giving her hint sotto voce— as she looked down complacently at a peat ankle for her stout figure. ‘No more than a little bit, you know—perfectly ; decorous, as well as decent—merely to remind people that I go on in pages’ arid youths’ parts.’ ' : ' ‘ Had 1 nqt.better tip yopa stqye o/i ; one df my crick songs-just before ‘die 4 thing goes off?’ proposed, , Sutcliffe, in perfect sincerity,":peeking v '£ to make assurance doubly sure, and 1 speaking of the phdtograhic process'as if it were a blunderbuss. ‘ltls of consequence that I should be taken in the act v.i believe X. can, . forte in .-a considerable variety, of songs —sea,' hunting, patriotic," devil may-care, besides comic; but I am 1 told that my tout ensemble —urilessi when I am laying : myself ; out to, .make fup r and bring down roars of laughter— - i ! is more military than anything else.’ They were all in deep earncst,and all, profoundly convinced of reward - of renown in addition to their wages;, , ] and all'the three .had: so; much of the ■ genuine artist in them that they were capable of .sinking their personalties.. in theif I(dareefsT iTh»y< Wfele Ipat-i ticular about, the work-done for them, , especially as it respected .the idiosyh- _ j crasies which they had dwelt upon; ■ but when it was executed, Ludovic Sutcliffe pulled out, the cppiaipp,purse ■ and .paid like a prince for a gross of the prints, without cheaperiinga^tfjpyy 5 or asking.back discount fora set.: ‘ They are innocents,’ Gregory pro nounced in strong commendation, as soon as they had departed, ‘and more original than ! had.sppposed:,. Hogarth; - again. Olympians making their green room in a barn; Diana suckling her child, and Venus .preparing her cestus. I prefer the “ Strolling Players ” to the ; “ Marriage d Id mode /

CHAPTER ll.—Touch and’Go. Among the perpetually recurring ‘ racier interludes in the ordinarySt/ i / Boville’s life, were, the, continued :t; .arrivals and departures—generally up expected, where everybody knew every “ other body by sight, but only detached , cliques knew their members to speak tO. ‘ Two insides—an old gentleman in a clerical choker and an-advanced young lady in spectacles, father and daughter probably—were dropped the’ Btlhch of Grapes omnibus at the lodging-to let in. Fern Row ; and; three, putsides— a solemn old man-servant and two mere boys in Glengarries, with loads of cricket-bats and fishing-rods, from a private schpol, -swung down from the , great omnibus at ysW' hbbsd with the tufts of stiff yews, where the fat lady and so many children bri donkeys and in perambulators.. ..are , already.’ These and Similar arrivals - € J were sure to be announced- by the observant member of a family at a breakfast table,- and the, notipe } w.as ~ generally followed up at dlhYier ‘ sobering balance of additional ; ? '■ mation— ‘ There is a complete clearance { , of the family "at Clematis Villa to-day. We have seen the hpt qf the Iqpg man. with the crushed wide-awake,sand the>- shbrt woman who jingled her. keys in. : o her carriage-bag. They have ah'S ols6-1 * nursery go.verness and h er ; j change* ; saucy maids in white aprons, towsy dog > with the bead-worked collar—in both;

the omnibuses, groaning' r imdef four tall black leather .travelling trunks, 1 old hair, trunks, ! five square boxes.. ißi t linen covers, three hampers, a few tui cases, and .two hapd-bpxes tied,in pocket-handlldtcHifcfs,) fI (| ‘J Ol; Rarely aday passed ip’thfe height pf , - the season without the t P exceeding transitoriness and brevity of human life gt a , H ' ! ' . l • , Justdp the by getting' 'a. glimpse of tde final fught * , . of the ; widow. Somer, ip ope pf the,-,;,,, omnibuses, of the,; train, laden with- , /. her goods. She was evidently keying - / up her the restraints *■ and obligations of society, tp the. lasL by screaming to hfer aippHityloUs bdysj’ who were, choosing to ;t^e A

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1881.



to comttjtrtjit&’ife r Wtb' tbe' FrWprfe'ibT wbbii any tbis Paper occur. '■’ Hfifii i Jm-.-s :•> H a >Prdprietbr.



Wanted. WANTED— A HOUSEMAID. Apply to Mrs. ’Sh KAMI an, Somerset Hotel. 453 a TIT ANTED - An Active LAD, to sell The Y\ Ashburton Guardian on the Ash burton-Winslow Line. None but smart Boys need apply. "VrpANTED—TENDERS from suitable \ y persons for the oflice of SEX'I OIS to the Cemetery Board. All applications to be forwarded to the Chairman on or before twelve o’clock at noon on TUES DAY, the 12th April next. Particulars of duties required can be obtained on ap plying to the undersigned. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accented. J. WARD, 3q7 ;i , Chairman. WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a -TTTANTED TO, SELL Twenty-hve YV SECTIONS, Wakanui Road. Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street. 80S TTTANTED KNOWN —That O’Connor’s VV four-wheeled covered WAG GONNETTE runs between Ashburton railway station and Scott’s Tinwald Hotel at intervals every day. 441 a WANTED TO SELL —PIANOS. H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, Ac., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45 ; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £2G ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Chureh Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Address: Cameron street west. BGa



WANTED KNOWN —The Largest and Best Stock of Saddlery is ,to be found at the shop of S. STEPHENS, Tinwald. Good strong Cart Collars from 135.; Cart Winkers, Bs. 6d.; Plough Back-bands. 6s. cash ; Gait Saddles and Breechens, from 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 2s. Farmers will make a great saving by buying of S. Stephens, Saddler, Tinwald. 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. P. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a WANTED KNOWN—That W. E. HAY has appointed local •AGENTS for his grand seventh ART UNION—4OO prizes ; beautiful paintings, and other pictures ; tickets 2s 6d. Early application necessary to prevent disap pointment. Visitors to. Christchurch are respectfully' requested to conic .and inspect the'prizes, now'on view at corner of Vic toria street, opposite Victoria bridge. Sec favorable notices in the Christchurch press. Tickets are obtainable at all the book-sellers and tobacconists, etc,, in Ashburton. 440 a WANTED KNOWN SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M‘RAE begs to inform the , public that ho has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Buggies and saddle horses on lure. Lowest .prices and best attention. 852



Special Advertisements. m QUILL’S CONSULTATION, JL . No. 2, On GREAT AUTUMN HANDICAP, To be run in Christchurch in April, 1881. 1,000 Members at 10s. each. First Prize ... ... £l4O Second Prize ... ... 90 Third Prize ... ... 50 Starters and Nonstarters, divided ... ... 220 s Earl}' application is necessary to secure tickets. T. QUILL, Treasurer. The best value FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing F actory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now estab’ished all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings ai-e of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best de scription. The Stock is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout, can he equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures. The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satisfac tion. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE.



%SB". Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarves, Bags, Portmanteaux, Rugs, and Blankets, at Wholesale Prices. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the "Very Best Value for Beady Money. ! Ashburton Branch : | EAST STRE ET. WM. SPAKROW, [ 3G9a* Manager. Encourage local enter prise, & keep THE MONEY IN THE PLACE. WANTED—IO,OOO customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards. 1,000, 7s Gd ; 6,000, Gs 9d per 1,000, for Cash. H. M, JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. - ' • 365 a THE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving every day’s news, up to the hour of going to press. This is batter than buying a sixpenny weekly. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, East street, near Railway Station )/"«ASH RECEIPTS Printed at “The Guardian office. ■



Special Advertisements. O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per lb at the Guardian Office THE GUARDIAN is on every Tea Table in Ashburton.



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