SHIPPING.

POET OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Y estrkdat. Ocein Bird, ketch, from Foxton. Wave of Life, schooner, from Have lock. To-d \y. Wanaka, s.s., from Wellington, with ’Frisco mail. Hawea, s.s., from Wellington. Ringarooma, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Beautiful Star, s.s., for Westport.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Arawata, for Sydney. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Wanaka, from the Manukau and Taranaki, with the San Francisco mail; Penguin, from the South; Hawea, from Picton and Nelson. Sailed—Wanaka, for Nelson ; Maud Graham, for Lyttelton. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Rotorua, from the North. Sailed—Fairlie, brigantine, for Sydney.

MAIL NOTICES.

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 Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p. m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. in. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., aily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greonstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a, m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longboach, it 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. in. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New \and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m.

rvTnila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch anti Rakaia at 10.20 ».m., 4.40 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, Ac. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Tnnuru at 10.50 a. in. 5.35 p.m., and 3.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstrcet,. Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.ni. From Ashton, Wuterton, and Long heach at 10 a.m. daily. From Flomington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From Elt;in, Wakanui, Seafield, Nesv and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdavs, at 4 p.rn. W. Sr. G. Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Saturday, June 3. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 X'- 111 - Tuesday, June 6. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. Thursday, June 8. Mr Alfred Harrison, at the residence of Mrs Honor, Tancred street--House hold Furniture, Plano, <&c.; 12 o’clock, MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-night,

Thursday, June 1. Thistle Lodge—Emergency Meeting, Ma sonic Hall, 7.30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6. Borough of Ashburton Licensing Com mittee—Annual Meeting, R.M. Court house, Ashburton. ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock. Ashburton Licensing Committee —Annual Meeting, Temperance Hall, Tinwald. Thursday, June 8. -Fancy Dress Rink, in aid of Library Fund—Town Hall, 8 p.m. : Upper Ashburton Licensing Committee — Annual' Meeting, Road Board Office, Westerfield. Friday, June 9. Mount Somers Licensing Committee— Annual Meeting, Road Board Office, Mount Somers. ; Monday, June 12. Borough Council, at Borough Council - • Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Thursday, Jury 6. Wakanuißoad Board —Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street?

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 11a.m., and (Express) 5.40 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timabu and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.32 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. rains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), . 435 p.in., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton prom Timabu and South at 10.45 a.ra., 5.28 p.m. (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

BIRTH.

Taylor. —At Buccleuch, on tho 27th May, the wife of I. E. Taylor of a daughter.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1882. European Flax Culture.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.40 p. m. j

About four months ago we drew at tention to the highly beneficial results likely to follow the cultivation of Euro pean flax. Since that time the subject has been attracting considerable atten tion in several parts of the colony, more

especially at Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, where European flax lias been grown, experimentally, with the most gratifying results. We learn from the JVatroa Guardian that Mr John Davis, of Wairoa, has succeeded in producing fibre, samples of which have been pro nounced excellent by some of the most competent judges in the colony, Mr Murphy, secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, expressing the opinion that the speci mens submitted to him were the best he had seen. Wairoa is, however, by no means the only place in the colony at which European flax has been suc cessfully cultivated. The subject is just now exciting some interest at Temuka. In the last issue of the local paper appears a letter from a Mr Edward Pilbrow, who says that the growth of European flax and its manu facture into oil, oil cake, and coarse lint suitable for the production of the best twines, superior rope, sail canvas, etc., etc., has been receiving his atten tion for some years past. Mr Pilbrow is entitled to be heard on the subject, for it has occupied a good deal of his attention. To his exertions the colony is indebted for the offer by the Govern ment of a bonus of LBoo for the first 800 gallons of linseed oil manufactured in New Zealand from New Zealand grown seed. A portion of his letter is well worth quoting. “ To make farming a reliable source of income,” says Mr Pilbrow, “as many saleable products as possible should be grown, by which system overstocking our markets with any one is checked, if not entirely prevented, and the de ficiencies in one are made up by the better prices of others. Among these, flax struck me as being of great impor tance, having grown it in small quan tities for some years, and witnessed its luxuriant growth and extraordinary productions of the finest samples of seed I have ever seen. My leading idea at that time (three or four years ago) was the production of linseed, either for shipping to England, where it had been steadily rising in price for some years (owing to tire great falling off in the Russian supply), or, on some of our splendid streams, for co-operative bodies to erect mills for the manufac ture of oil, the enormous quantities of which requiried for painting in these colonies annually, would ensure a good return for capital invested. I know that such mills could be adapted for flour and oil conjointly, and thus guard against probable short supply of seed for a few years, as well as working up to advantage the bran which would be required for the oil cake. The fibre from the straw was then a secondary consideration with me, but still, I thought it might be manufactured to advantage for sack twines, material for bags, etc. Since my first idea of grow ing flax occurred, a far greater stimulus to the undertaking has come to light. I refer to the binding of our crops with twine, which has raised the price of all kinds of fibre in themarkets ofthe world.” The importance of the last matter —the rise in the price ot fibre, caused by the demand for twine for binding purposes, will be apparent when we state that it is estimated that the Christchurch mer chants alone spend 1.25,000 per annum on twine to supply to farmers. The subject is one deserving of careful con sideration. As our Wairoa contempo rary puts it : —“ The establishment of the flax industry does not mean the ac quisition of wealth by one or two per sons ; it means the employment of a large number of men, women, and even children ; it means an increased indus trial population, the influx of foreign capital, and consequently an increased trade in all branches. One hundred acres of flax prepared for fibre alone is worth, at a low computation, L,2,i00. If half of even this amount goes to the grower and half to the working classes, subject to working expenses, would it not mean more working men and con stant wages ; more stores and a larger trade; more ploughs and horses to cul tivate the land, and more steamers to carry away our produce ? 'I he black smith, the shoemaker, the carpenter, baker, and butcher would not then have to complain of “ bad times,” and an era of prosperity would dawn upon the district. For if it pays to grow 100 acres for fibre alone, it follows naturally that it will pay better still to grow for seed as well. Then there is the tow also to be taken into account.” We observe that a company has just been floated at Patea for the cultivation of European flax. The necessary capital for a company, to ensure success, is estimated by Mr Pilbrow at LB,ooo.

’Frisco Mail.—The Ashburton portion of the ’Frisco mail arrived in Ashburton per special train at midday io-day.

Ashburton Hospital. The hospital returns for the month of May are as fol lows In the hospital at the beginning of the month, 8 ; discharged during the month, 0 ; deaths, 2; in the hospital at the present time, 7- Evangelistic Services. —On Tuesday evening the second of a scries of weekly evangelistic services was hold in the Town Hall, when addresses were de livered by the Revs. E. Hcott and John Nixon. The attendance was very good, the body of the hall being well filled. The united choir, under Mr Weeks’ leadership, was again present, and ren dered several of Sankoy's hymns in a creditable manner. At the conclusion of the service a meeting of the Committee was held. It was decided to carry on the services once a week for another month, in the Town Hall, and endeavors are to be made to obtain the aid of several pro minent and talented ministers from ad joining places—the names of the Revs. Messrs Watson (Episcopalian), Gordon (Riosbyterian), and Rest (SVesleyan) being mentioned, amongst others.

Entertainment at Waterton. A concei t and danco was hold in the Water ton Library Hall on Tuesday evening last and was a decided success, the Hall being filled to overflowing. Everything wont off most satisfactorily, several of tho singers being encored. The Eiemington singing class, under the leadership of Messrs Dunn and Wheelo*, acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner considering tho short time tho class has been in existence, and also tho short no tice they had to perform at this tho first of a series of concerts, which arc proposed to be held monthly in the hall. Songs were also given by tho following ladies and gentlemen : —The Misses Osborne, Mr and Mrs Dunn, and Mersra Wheeler, Dakors, and Osborne. A few congratula tory ramarka fell from Mr T. Taylor, and the National Anthem and the customary vote of thanks to tho chairman closed tho concert. The room was then cleared and dancing was spiritedly kept up till about two o’clock yesterday morning, when all dispersed to their several homes well pleased with the night’s enjoyment.

Inchoated Hotel Acco.w.mocation. — At the Chiistchuich South Licensing Meeting to-day, four new licenses were granted.

Vital Statistics. —The following are the vital statistics of Ashburton for the mouth of May:—Births, 33; marriages, 3; deaths, 10. The FiiisTOPTBE Season. —The fuv-t quadrille assembly of the season at Tinwald is announced for to - morrow evening.

Captain Jackson Barry. —The veteran Captain Jackson Barry, whose exploits “ on the backs of whales,” and hobnob bing in London with “ docks and hearls,” has gained him a wide Colonial reputa tion, is at present lecturing in Auckland to moderate audiences. The Court. —There was no business at the Court this morning. Yesterday after noon an unfortunate was brought up before Mr Thos. Bullock, J. P., suffering from the effects of drink. He was charged with “ lunacy from drink,” and sent up to Addington gaol for eight days for medical treatment. Te Whiit and the Peace Preserva tion Bill. —ln the House of Representa tives to-day, Mr Macandrew presented a petition from Wi Parata, who holds an authority from Te Whiti, asking that Te Whiti may be heard by counsel from the bar of the House with regard to the West Coast Peace Preservation Bill. A Shout’ Illness. —A man named Liddle, lately in the employ of Sealey Bros, of this town, died at the hospital at two o’clock this morning, it is supposed from typhus fever, from which he was suffering at the time of his admission to the hospital. Liddle was a single man, and about six and twenty years of age. He was working in town on Saturday. He bore an excellent character, and was known as a steady and industrious man. A Playful Larrikin. — A playful larri kin at Auckland the other night, just by way of improving the shining hour, lay down on the Ponsonby road and waited for a vehicle to come along. As soon as ho heard one, he rose up with a yell that caused the horse to bolt, the buggy to capsize, the occupants (a Mr Porter and his son) to be thrown out and half killed, the buggy to be damaged, and the horse so much injured that he will have to be shot. This is a night’s work which any larrikin might feel proud of. A Quarrel and its Consequences.— A squabble took place between the “young ladies ” employed at Dampier’s drapery establishment at Auckland the night be fore laat, when mutual recriminations wore indulged in by the fair ones. As a result it came to the proprietor’s ears that several silk dross pieces were then in the hands of the dressmaker, having been abstracted hy one of the young ladies aforesaid. The young person was there upon arrested for larceny. If wa wore not ladies’ men in this office wo should think the old saying apropos —that when certain people fall out, honest men get their own.

Mount Somers.— A special meeting of ratepayers of the above district was held on Thursday last to consider the advis ability of closing the unused portion of road running through Mr John Boyle’s farm, near Valetta. Mr I. E. Taylor w*s voted to the chair. The chairman put the motion to the meeting, and it was unanimously resolved—“'lhat, in the opinion of the meeting, it is expedient that the road from the western boundary of rural section 23,615 to the south-east corner of rural section 17,056, at its junction with the Valetta road, and marked green on the plan, be closed.” A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Annual Meetings op Licensing Com mittees. —The annual meetings of licen sing committees take place (his mouth For the Ashburton County the dates are as follows :—Mount Hutt (only the Meth ven Hotel in this district), 2nd June; Borough of Ashburton, 6th ; Ashburton, 7th ; Upper Ashburton, Bth ; Mount Somers, 9th. The Ilakaia licensing com mittee will meet on the Bth. The Upper Ashburton licensing district contains no lioansel house at all as yet, but the Com missioners will have to hear applications, etc., all the same. If the day should be wot and the roads to Westerfield muddy the committee who have to sit on nothing, will have reason to bless the new Licensing Act.

Ashburton Men Suffer by a Christ church Fire. —Shortly after seven o’clock last evening an eight-stalled stable, with living rooms attached, situated in a lane between Cashel and Hereford streets, caught fire, and was soon lying in ashes. Messrs Scott and Welsh, cabmen of Ash burton, we regret to learn are heavy losers by the disaster. It is believed that some harness belonging to one of them was saved, but Mr Scott lost a cavalry saddle and bridle, and both had all their clothes and some other property con sumed. Mr Lodge, who occupied the dwelling-house, is a loser to the tune of LIOO. He was uninsured. The building was owned by Mr Cooper, landlord of Collins’s Hotel, and was insured in the Northern for LSOO. How They Got Rio of Him. —Ah Sin, a Chinaman, was committed to the Lunatic Asylum at Dunedin yesterday by the Resident Magistrate. Some suggestive disclosures came out in the evidence taken. Mr Colin Ritchie, second officer of the s.s. Southern Crross, deposed : The vessel left Napier on Friday last, at two o’clock, the accused being a passen ger. He was brought on board by a person whose name Ido not know. This person said he was a policeman, and he had police trousers on. The pilot also told me that ho was a police officer. He paid Ah Sin’s passage, and gave me the sum of 10s, to give the accused when he lauded in Dunedin. The captain offered him the money, but ho refused to accept it. He was sent there because they said ho had a number of friends there. It looks to mo that ho was seat to Dunedin to get rid of him. Last night he put a light into the ship’s hold and said it was to light the ghosts. If he had not been looked after he might have set the ship on fire. I saw in the paper at Napier that one Ah Sin had been charged with vagrancy, and was remanded for medical examination. While on board ho threw his clothing overboard. The medical men in Dunedin pronounced him unfit to be at largo, and lie was accordingly committed.

Wesleyanism at Wakanux. —A meet ing of those interested in providing a place of worship in connection with the Wesleyan denomination at Wakanui, was held last night in the schoolroom. The Bov. 0. 11. Standage presided, and the -Lshburlon circuit stewards were also in attendance. The chairman laid before the mooting information relative to the church at Seafiold, the tenor of which was that in consequence of the cause being so feebly supported in that locality, it was thought d 'sirablo to move the building to a more populous place, and where there were more members or adherents of the Wesleyan Church. If the Wosleyans at Wakanui would take over the responsi bility, the building taken into that neighborhood. After a long conver sation it was resolved that Messrs Lead ley and Trevurza endeavor to raise, by subscription, the amount required, viz , LnO odd, and that another moct’ng bo held in about a month, when the matter would bo thoroughly gone into. Mr Leadley having offered gratuitously an acre of ground, and other circumstances being favorable, those present were una nimous that if erected in the vicinity of Mr Leadley’s residence, about three miles from the school, a good congregation would attend. Definite action was, however, deferred until after the next meeting.

Cable Messages. —The revenue netted hy South Ausi.a'ia from cable messages asc year was L 30.000. Unclaimed Letters. —The following is a list of letters received at the Ashburton Post Oitico f om places beyond the colony during the month of April and remaining unclaimed on Ist June : Broadfoot, E.; Hobson, W. 11.I 1 . (4); Uolihan, Richard ; Meredith, John ; Quirk, Michael ; Risdonj J.; Sewell, G. 11.

Ashburton Cheese and Butter Fac tory.—lt is notified elsewhere in this issue that the directors of the above com pany, having decided to offer the balan.ee of unallotted shares to the public, appli cations will be received for same. Exist ing shareholders will have the preference. The company is advertising for a secretary at a salary of LSO per annum,

Buggy Occident. —A buggy accident occurred last evening in East street. Mrs Wilkie was driving with her married daughter and son up the street towards the Post Office. When passing the Now Zealand Clothing factory or thereabouts, a man who was driving down the street towards the bridge, drove right into Mrs Wilkie’s buggy, breaking the axle, a wheel, and doing other damage. The occupants of the vehicle were most for tunately uulmrt. The man, whose care lessness caused the action, drove straight on, not stopping to enquire whether any one was hurt. His name is not known.

The Fire Brigade Property Tampered with Again. —The Fire Brigade mot for its usual practice last night, when a length of new hose was found to have been com pletely cut through near the joint and rendered absolutely useless. The damage can bo easily repaired, but what if a fire had broke out and the Brigade had been hampered by having to fix a new hose 1 Tea minutes delay when a lire is raging may be fatal. The work is evidently that of one who “knows the ropes.” There are now four lengths of hose waiting at Captain Dolman’s place to be repaired. They have all been cut through in the same way, and evidently by the same hand. Why is not a public meeting called and a reward offered for the dis covery of the perpetrator of such an atrocious act 1

Revolting Cruelty.—A story of re volting cruelty has come to our ears. On Sunday afternoon a party of youths visited the river-bed, leading an aged horse by a rope. The unfortunate animal had broken its leg, and had been brought to the river-bed by its conductors to be shot. The shooting was performed in a manner as novel as it was humane. A revolver was loaded, and five or six times discharged up the horse’s nostrils. The last shot severed the rope by which the wretched animal was held, and it plunged away up the river-bed to die a lingering and horrible death. The gentle youths, with the revolver, were highly tickled with the agony of their dumb victim, but thought it a pity that the rope was shot away. It was cutting short such excellent sport. This incident is not over-colored. It was witnessed by a number of people, and we have the names of several of the young men concerned in this piece of atrocious cruelty. We shall not make those names public, but will merely say that the persons mentioned to us as being implicated in the affair ought to have known better. Anyone ought to have known bettor, for the matter of that Such conduct would disgrace Queensland savages.

Servantgallsm at Wanganui. —ln an article entitled “ Suburbs of Wanganui,” one of the series of papers published in the Otago Witness, occurs the following de scription of the “servant gals” of Wan ganui :—“lf one may trust the lady em ployers—and who dare impugn such testi mony--the females of Wanganui are the most utterly impracticable and useless of their kind. They are flighty, impudent, idle, demand the very maximum of wages, and do the smallest minimum of work. But they have one good point— they are very religious, painfully so. They go to church on consecutive Sundays, once at the least, indeed, some conscientious crea tures cannot exist without paying their devotions twice a day. They are an amorous race, too, and have their young man, or young men, as a matter of course. They aspire also to be autocrats, and ‘ the missis ’ who had the presumption to sot foot in the kitchen would certainly run the risk of a snubbing. Nor do they care to be too closely con lined in the evenings —they like a walk by moonlight. There are so many delightful little parties, with an occasional ball or so, which they are obliged to patronise, that really there is little time to do anything after tea—there is no danger in their case that too much work will make them dull girls—l bog pardon, young ladies. Whilst as to re monstrating with them, that was worse than useless, for they simply ‘ give a week’s notis, an’ you can suit yerself, m’ra.’ ”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[l>iß RBOXBU’S AGENCY.] Kauri Gum. London, May 30, At an auction which has been held of kauri gum, higher prices were rea lised. Delivered- The mails per the Orient steamship Sorata, which left Melbourne on April 19th, were delivered here to-day. Money and the Markets-

Consols have declined to New Zealand securities remain at the following quotations : —Five per Cent. 10-40 Loan, 10 6)4 ; Five per Cent. 1889 Loan 105; Four and a Half per Cent. 1879-1904 Loan The wheat market is dull. Adelaide, ex store, is unchanged at 525, and New Zealand ditto at 51s. Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 355. Australian tallow is firm at 42s 6d for best beef, and 44s for best mutton.

The Australian Eleven v. Cambridge University. The cricket match, Australians v. Cambridge University, was to-day re sumed at Cambridge. The weather was fine, and the attendance during the day was enormous, the greatest interest being taken in the match. The Cam bridge Eleven continued their first innings, which closed for a total of 266, C. T. Stndd being the highest scorer with 118. Palmer bowled splendidly for the Australians, taking six wickets

for 65 runs. The Australians then went in for their second innings, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had put together 212 for the loss of only six wickets. The following are the principal scores : Bannerman, caught, 24 ; Massie, caught, 20 ; Horan, bowled, 51 ; Giffen, not out, 55 ; Palmer, not out, 26.

Panic-Stricken. Arabi Pasha made a speech to-day in which he openly boasted that the Sultan of Turkey had decided to de pose Tewfik Pasha, and to enthrone Prince Halim in his place. The panic among the Europeans, owing to the critical state of the country, is daily in

creasing, and there has already been a considerable exodus from this and other towns to Alexandria. Sevenpence a Pound. London', May 31. A portion of the cargo of meat ex ship Dunedin from Port Chalmers has been placed in the market at Glasgow, and is realising yd per lb. The Australian Cricketers. The cricket match Australians v. Cambridge University has resulted in a victory for the baiter by six wickets. The Crisis in Egypt. Constantinople, May 31. It was thought that Lord Dufferin (English Ambassador) and Marquis de Noailles (French Ambassador) have re quested the Sultan to make a declara tion in favor of Tewfik Pasha remain ing on the Egyptian throne. Land Leaguers in America. New York, May 30. The leaders of the American branches of the Irish League are making urgent appeals to their sympathisers for subscriptions to the funds of the League. They have shown a heavy decrease since the Phoenix Park murders.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reutbr’s agency.] Produce Melbourne, Yesterday. Malting barley has advanced from 5s 3d 10 5s 3d. Prices are steady, but the demand is not active. Wheat is quieter, but steady at 6s rod to 7s. New Zealand oats are easier, at 4s to 4s 6d for feeding, and 4s 2d to 4s 46 for milling sorts. Bad Weather.

The weather now is very wet and stormy. The Newcastle Miners’ Strike. The Newcastle miners on strike have agreed to the proposals made that mat ters in. dispute should be submitted to arbitration. One of the New Line. Melbourne, To-day. Arrived, this morning—The Union Company’s new steamship Manipouri, from Glasgow. Home Rule Advocated for Ireland. In the Assembly last night a debate took place on a motion of Mr Patter son’s, calling attention to the address to the Irish people, signed by certain members of the House, which had been made public. Sir Bryan O’Loghlin announced that Government did not intend to take any action in the matter. The signers of the address expressed their loyalty to the Queen, but upheld the agitation for Home Rule for Ire land. Sir Bryan O’Loghlin also spoke in favor of the creation of an Irish Par liament. The debate then closed. Not So Bad-

Sydney, Yesterday. At the sale of Campbell’s estate, George street, to-day, seven shops rea lised a total of L 95,200. The Wakatipu. Sydney, To-day. Arrived, last evening—The steamer Wakatipu, from Wellington. Five. Brisbane, Yesterday. A serious fire occurred at Toowoom ba, in Darling district, resulting in the destruction of several houses. The insurances include L 250 in the Na tional Company of New Zealand. A Gratifying Increase. Brisbane, To-day. The customs revenue for last month shows an increase of compared with that of last year. The Queensland Parliament. The Queensland Parliament will re assemble on the 4th July.

TELEGRAMS.

[PSR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] The Tea Market. Auckland, To-day. Mr A. H. Nathan has received the fol lowing cablegram from Foochow re the opening of the tea market:— ‘‘Market opened on the 29th May. The opening prices are two taels over last year; for tine to finest medium, one tael over last year’s. The quality of Foochow tea is considered much the tame as last year’s. There is a large business doing. The steamship Bowen is loading for New Zealand.” Shocking. Blenheim, To-day. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 11.20 last night. Vital Statistics. Oamaru, To-day, The vital statistics for May are Births, 38: marriages, 9; deaths, 6. Customs Returns. The Customs duties for May amount to L 1,711 Is. Dunedin, To-day. The Customs revenue for May is L 36.012.

SPORTING.

TIMARU STEEPLECHASES. A telegram received as we were going to press informs us that the Timaru Steeplechase Cup was won by Clarence, Katerfelto second hnd Baron third. Quamby, Young Sledemere and Why biot also ran. It was a good race be twean the first three, the others not being in it. Quamby come down badly at the first jump, and refused several times after. The Maiden Steeplechase was won by Black Doctor, Overdraft, se cond, Canard, third. Gang Awa, Moltke, and Kosciusko also started. Kelly, the rider of Moltke, was considerably shaken, and had to bo assisted off the course.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held to-day. Present—Mr Brown (in the chair in the absence of Mr H. Friedlandor), and Messrs Megson and Mayo. Correspondence. —Correspondence was road as follows :—From Mr H. Friedlan der, tendering his resignation on account of being about to leave for Europe. The resignation was accepted, and, in the ab sence of a permanent chairman, Mr Mayo was empowered to sign cheques ; and it was further decided that an election for a member to fill Mr Fricdlander’s seat bo held, at Wakanui, on 22nd June.—From Mr Goo. Roberts asking for compensation for shingle taken out of rural section 27,190, winch had already been paid to Jas. Gardiner. It was resolved to take the legal opinion on the matter of the Board’s solicitor (Mr Branson). —From Mr R. T. Maxwell claiming compensation for cutting made by Board through his section, 7186. The Surveyor was in structed to see Mr Maxwell with a view to eliciting further particulars respecting his claim, which arose before the Board came into existence.

CIRCULAR FROM GOVERNMENT. —A CXT-

cnliir from Government, similar to that forwarded to Road Boards throughout the colony, was laid on the table and duly considered.

Petition. —A petition was read from Mr W. B. Denshire and others ashing the Board to form the Station road at Seafield. The Hoard resolved that the matter should receive attention when funds will permit.

Engt s ef.r’s Report. —This report was read as follows ;

(i.) Beach Road : The contractor for metal ling pov.ion of this road is making fair pro gress with his work.—(2.) Southfield Road : We have let the chipping of tussocks off this road the whole length for L 7, the tussocks when chipped to be carted into the gulliest 1 he other work on this road is progressing.— (3,) Denshire’s Road : This contract is near completion. The contractor has been doing the latter portion of the work satisfactorily. It would he advisable to have two or three fords made on this road.—(4.) Le Breton’s Road : There is a hollow place in the forma tion of this road, where a considerable quantity of water lies, making it bad for traffic; the cost of filling it up would be about La orL.3. — (5.) Innes’s Road; As instructed at last meet ing, we have interviewed Mr Tnnes with regard to his bearing a share of the expense of metal ling a portion of this road. He declines doing so ; but as the road is purely for his benefit, he is willing to buy it of the Board at a reasonable valuation. — (6.) We have given instructions to the contractors for maintenance of roads to at once proceed in putting the roads in his care in good order and condition, as, owing to his being engaged in metalling the Beach road, they have not had the attention they require during the last month.—(7.) Gorse on Roads ; A number of notices have been issued to occu piers of property to clear gorse off roads.—(B. ] We have laid on the table an estimate of differ' ence of cost between wooden and concrete cul verts. u- S

No. 3 : Left to Surveyor and Me Meg son.— 4.: Work to be done.— 5. : Sur veyor to ascertain if adjacent owners ar< agreeable, and also to get price from M Innes, and report at next meeting.—Th remainder of the report was adopted. Culverts. —The Surveyor laid on th tableau estimate, respectively, of the cost 0 wood and concrete culverts, showing th prices were in favor of the latter. M Megson proposed—“ That for the futui it is desirable that the culverts require in the district be made of concrete.” Agreed to. Wakanui School. —Mr Brown r quested the Surveyor to take steps for tl removal of the staff taken out of the, dra: at Wakanui School, to be spread on tl road opposite the play-ground.—Agree to.

Inspector of Nuisances. —This fun tlonary’s report was read and adopted. Tancrbd and Aldus’s Block.—l Mayo requested that certain footpaths the block be shingled.—Loft to Survey and Mr Mayo. ,

The Surveyors to the Boabd.~-T Surveyors to the Board wrole, in aicoi anoo with the Board’s request, submitti certain terms on which they would prepared to act as Surveyors, etc., to < Board. After discussion, the Board ma Messrs Rooks and Son an offer,- wh the firm was allowed until next meeting consider.

Notice op Motion. —Mr Mega tabled the following notice of motion “ That for the future the ordim monthly meetings of the Board be held the first Saturday in every month, at i hour of 10 a m." Adjournment. —After the passing sundry acounts, the Board adjourned.

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIV3 Wednesday, May 31. The House met at-3rSO p.m. - _ NOTICES. Mr Seddon gave notice that he wo ask if the Government intended.; ini ducing the penny postal system. Mr Hamlin gave notice that he would if, considering that the elections of Fra lin North and Wakanui were rendered operative by the derelictions of officer the Government, the Government wo bs prepared to defray the election Cc expenses of the unseated candidates. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions it was stated I until the Financial Statement, was ma the intentions of the Government at

the abolition of the duty <>n colonial bi would not be disclosed. —The fencing unfenced railway lines was a largo qu (ion, involving a sum of not lessitl L 200,000. The was under consideration of Government, and wl the Public Works Statement \ brought down it would be eSa what Government proposed idoirig. The Government would make propos to the House for the resumption of noi natedimmigration.—The Government E> no reason for increasing the rate of waj paid <o railway ballast men.—The endo inent of hospitals and charitable insti tions with waste lauds, similar to tho.p posals introduced into the House in Ju 1880, by Mr Stevens, was a subject whi would be dealt with in the Finano Statement.—The 10 per cent, reduoti would be refunded to employees oh ;; t Government steamers. —It would be i judicious to state the intentions of tl Government as to the granting of a fn pardon to Te Kooti and Parukutu,. np residing in Waikato territory, as it had n yet been proved in a Court of law ,th; they were criminals. —The public debt ) the colony was L 27,680,000, whicl divided amongst the population of th colony, including Maoris, represented LB per head. Both races contributed ti wards the payment, but as the Maori wa taxed lighter than the European, the foi mer paid the least.—There was an equi number of police in Christchurch in pro portion to other parts of the colony What was wanted was more efficien means for the detection of crime and that would be attended to.— Spirits in one or two gallons, boftle b jar, to be bonded, afforded greate facilities foe smuggling than when con tainod in cases of twelve bottles. Tha was che experience of othercountries, an< the principle had been adopted in thi colony. Accordingly, under these oircum stances, Government did not consider any alteration of the practice to be necessary.

FJf,3L' KSADiXGS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time : —To amend the Dog Regis!ration Act, 1880 (Mr Steward); to amend the Resident Magistrates Act, 1867 ; to amend the Debtor and Credi tors Act, 1867 (Mr Holmes); to amend iho Lotteries and Gaming Act, 1881 (Mr Sieward); the Westland Educational District Subdivision (Mr Seddon); Hoki tika High School (Mr Fitzgerald); to amend the Contractors Debts Act, 1871 ; to provide fur the Protection of Tele grams from beyond the colony of New Zealand (Mr Feldwick); to amend the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act 1881; Alienation of Life Assurance Policies (Bon. Major Atkinson); Licensing Act Amendment (Bon. Mr Dick).

me xrahi boots’ system.

Mr Green moved the second reading of the Eight Hours Bill, and in doing so referred to the urgent necessity for such a measure, instancing the case of the .N.Z. Railway engine drivers. He knew, of his own knowledge, these men were sometimes required to work twenty hours and by that means their energies were bound to be exhausted. In that condition serious accidents were likely to arise. It might be that the next day the driver was relieved from the extra labor, * but still the fact remained that for -the I time being the property of the State and 7 the lives of the public were placed /in s! imminent danger. The ease of the post* i men on the arrival of the English mail was next referred to. These men had to woifc 1 . extra hours, aggravated by the fact that.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 188-i.



* LL ACCOUNTS due to Dr Murdoch must be PAID within fourteen days from date to tho undersigned, otherwise legal proceedings will be taken for their recovery. 615 e POYNTZ & CO. s UPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. UPHOLSTERER, friends to inspect hia and Second-hand Fur- OABINISTMAi Begs to invito large stock ot N niture, consisting ot Drawing-iooin and .Bodroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Cases Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables Wash Stands Wood and Iron Bedsteads ■Cota, Cradles Perambulators And everything required in household urnishing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen kept for all kinds of repairs. ~ ~ , Furniture bought, and high prices lent, on weekly and monthly payments JOHN MEECH, ! ' Btjbnbtx stk b b ■ Opposite the Mail Office. Tfc JTE. It H. WILKINS is authorised to M CANVASS and COLLECT AC COUNTS on behalf of The Ashboetok Onunw OliD



Wanted sTTAN 7’ ED TMMEDIATED Y—A P- V V Pi? ENTICES to the DRESS MAKING. Apply, Mrs Hooper, Cameron street West. 614 e I'£7 ANTED—A good GENERAL SER- V V YANT ; wages L 35. Apply Office of this Paper on Tuesday next, between 11 and 12 o’clock noon. 610 e WANTED KNOWN MARSH’S SCOTCH PIES, ALL H( T, Fresh evoiy day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; price 3d each. Pioneer Bakery, Tancred street. Gl4e WANTED— A Furnished COTTAGE, containing from four to six rooms, conveniently situated. Apply Office of this paper. TIT ANTED TO LET—Eight-roomed VV HOUSE, with SHOP, either part or all. Apply to J. Meech, Burnett street. 562 e WANTED KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstead Mills. 255 d ANTED KNOWN.— A Cikculat inq Library is now open at L. F. Anduewes’, Bookseller, East street South, Ashburton. A large number of books to choose from. Terms very moderate 745 d



WANTED 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. 760 c Special , Advertisements.



j| E W COAL YARD. Goals. Coals. Goals. Tho Undersigned desires to intimate to his Customers and the Public generally that he has OPENED IN THE COAL TRADE, in conjunction with his present TIMBER and FIREWOOD BUSINESS, and has now on Stock and to Arrive, a large supply of the best Newcastle Coals, (From the Old Lambton Mine), which will be delivered to Customers to any part of tho Town and Suburbs at the LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber and Coal Merchant, 4GBe East street, Ashburton.



THE NEW ZEALAND THE NEW ZEALAND • < THE NEW ZEALAND . THE NEW ZEALAND w » THE NEW ZEALAND THE NEW ZEALAND £ > § j wF C 3 THE NEW ZEALAND • g o THE NEW ZEALAND ° - < THE NEW ZEALAND C 5 THE NEW ZEALAND § g > C2 B 3 n so s 5 K B IH g The Stock of Men’s Clothing is simply superb, and the variety of Hats, Hoisery, Blankets, Flannels, and Shirtings second to none in New Zealand. The First Portion of the New Goods H CJ g CLOTHING FACTORY. CLOTHING FACTORY. CLOTHING FACTORY. CLOTHING FACTORY, _ CLOTHING FACTORY. H CLOTHING FACTORY, w CLOTHING FACTORY. < CLOTHING FACTORY- M % CLOTHING FACTORY fei F CLOTHING FACTORY.



Gr. Adams & Co., |>RACTIOAL ENGLISH WATCH- L MAKERS, JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fisher s), rURISTOHUHCH. Rotherham’s English Lever Watches, guaranteed genuine, capped and jewelled, £5 10s to £lO 10s. American Waltham Lever Watches, of world-wide celebrity, English Hall-marked cases, £3 10s to £5 10s. N.B.— See that the words “ Wal tham, Mass.” are engraved on the works. None are genuine without. Ladies’ Watches, in gold or silver cases, from 455. Every Watch is Examined, Timed, and Guaranteed for Two Years. A splendid assortment of the Newest Patterns in Gold and Silver Jewellery. Novelties in Greenstone. 471 e A N D R E W E S B R O S. £\ (Late L. F. An drew es), BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, AND NEWS-AGENTS, East street South, Ashburton. School-books and Stationery of Every Description, School Committees sup plied. Hymn and Prayer-books of Every Kind, Children’s Picture and Story Books. American Novelties, just arrived. Journals, Magazines, and Home Papers every Mail. A largo assortment of Maori Photographs, including To Whiti and other Chiefs. N.B.—All orders attended to without delay. 334 e



OCHOOL BOOKS. O SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from ICs per Ream. Cash, Envelopes „ 6s 6d per 1,000 ~ Note Paper, Five Quires, Is „ A GOOD ASSORTMENT of Ledgers, Cash, Day Books, and Ledger Books IN STOCK. Toys Fancy Goods, Crewel Wools, &c. H. M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseller, 293 d



Government publications. District Court Rules, Land Transfer Handy-Book and Acts, Joint Stock Com panies Acts, &c., on Sale at Office of this Paper



Special Advertisements. mETE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN 1 AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. And upwards, on the security of Freehold Property, at Lowest Current Rates. ADVANCES to FARMERS are also made on Growing CROPS of Grain 5 and also on Growing Clips of WOOL. Seed Wheat, Oats, and Barley supplied to farmers on most favorable terms. They have For Sale at Lowest Rates— FEED OATS CHICK WHEAT FLOUR, BRAN & SHARPS CEMENT. £50,000 TO LEND, in sums of ill »U £3OO WILLIAM HORNE, 518 e Agent.



ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO, ARE CASH PURCHASERS OF WHEAT BARLEY OATS GRASS SEED AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES. ADVANCES ON GROWING C ROPS. The Undersigned are prepared to make liberal Cash Advances against Growing Crops daring the ensuing Season. ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. Offices ; Manchester street, Christchurch, two doors south of Messrs P. Cunningham and Co.’s. 30e



O. Carstens & Co., (Late W eston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, nnOTJACCONIST, FANCY GOODS J. AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G. B. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con jertinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Or 'ana, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. ASH PALACE. This is a very good world that we live in, To lend, or to spend, or to give in ; But to beg, or to borrow, or to get back one’s It’s the very worst world that ever was known But this does not alter the fact that 0. HAWKINS, Boot and Shoemaker, East street, Ashburton, and Archibald street, Tinwald, SELLS, or rather GIVES, away at a nominal rate, Boots and Shoes for CASH ONLY. So roil up and buy your boots where you can get a own, perfect fit. 903 c



O T 1 C E. ASHBURTON COAL AND FIREWOOD DEPOT 11. S. Bean (Late of Montgomery and Co., Limited), HAS COMMENCED BUSINESS as above, next to Mr Jos. Clark’s Office, in WEST STREET, and hopes, by civility and attention, to merit a fair share of public support. Agent for the Springfield Coal Co. Coal,Firewood, Posts, Rails,Stakes, Ac. Orders taken for Bricks, Cement, Lime, Timber, Ac. Oats, Bran, Chaff, Chicken Wheat, Ac. Note the Address— NEXT MR JOSEPH CLARK’S, WEST STREET. 181 e



Prime DERWENT POTATOES, price L2 15s. 636 e POYNTZ & CO.



pA K E NOTICE. Everett Brothers Are still in Ashburton, and are SELLING AS CHEAP AS EVER. Special : CALICOES FLANNELS WINCEYS, and DRESS STUFFS. Bargains in LADIES’ ULSTERS, COSTUMES, and WINTER SKIRTS. We have still a Large Stock of MEN’S SHIRTS, HATS,' HOSIERY, &c. Note the address ; EVERETT BROS., Havelock street, Next Harrison’s Auction Rooms.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will bo inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can bo received up to 3.30 p.m. for insertion over the Leader, but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must bo accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed Tile Manager ; literary communications should bo addressed to The Editor. hulu_j jm. » humbuiuiaj mam a»