SHIPPING.

; POST OP LYTTELTON. lr ■■ ~, Arrived. Yesterday. * Grafton, s.s., from Wellington. To-day. ' ”<3o-A.head, s.s., from Wellington. Wanaka, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Grafton, s.s., for Oamaru and Timaru. Beemah, barque, for Cork or Falmouth. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Transit, for Rarotonga; Linda Isle, from Dunedin ; Freetrader, from Timaru. Bailed—Queen, for New Caledonia ; Fadpy Queen, for A tin. Wellington, Yesterday. , Arrived Go-Ahead, from Lyttelton ihd Kaikoura; Westport, from Westport; Maud Graham, from Lyttelton; Kiwi, trdm the East Coast; Endeavor, from Gis borne and Napier; Malay, barque, from Newcastle; Crusader, from London. ‘ Sailed from Picton and Nel son: Ironsides, for Newcastle. Hokitika, Yesterday. The Alhambra sailed for Melbourne via Sydney to-day. She shipped irons this port 2,0650z5. gold. Port Chalmers, To-day. Arrived—To Anau, s.s, from Melbourne via Hobart and the Bluff; Cathena, from Mauritius. Bluff, Yesterday. Sailed—K.Z. Shipping Co.’s barque Kingdom of Sweden, for London, with sargo of grain and wool.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES ■ ' Saturday, May 27. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; ft L3O p.m. Tuesday, May 30. Mr T. Bullock, at the Homestead of Mr ■ ■’JV Thompson (near the County Sale yards)—Farm Stock, Furniture, &c. ; I o’clock. ' ' Saturday, June 3. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. Tuesday, June 6. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c , To-morrow, Wednesday, May 24. 1.0.G.T. —Tea and Concert, Tempiar Hall, 5.30 p.m. Monday, May 29. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. 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 c Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Ashburton Licensing Committee—Annual Meeting, Temperance Hall, Tinwald. Thup.sdat, June 8. Fancy Dress Rink, in aid of Library Fund—Town Hall, 8 p.m. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street Upper Ashburton Licensing Committee — Annual Meeting, Road Board Office, Westerfield.

T , Friday, June 9. Mount Somers Licensing Committee — Annual Meeting, Road Board Office, Mount Somers.

TRAVELLERS’ QUIDS.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ- CHURpHand intermediate stations at 7.10 a. m., 11a.m., and (Express)s.4o p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at G. 59 a.m.. 10.32 a.m. (Express),and 445 p.m.—the latter xiro 'ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 433p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.23 p.m. (Express), and 8.10 p.m.,

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1882.

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

“Hands All Round.” —Tennyson’s new National song will bo sung for the first time in the colony, at the Exhibition building, Christchurch, to-morrow, by the Christchurch Choral Society.

Timber Yards at Tinwald. —Mr C. Jephson, of the coal and timber yards, Tinwald, notifies elsewhere that he has a large assortment of gates and hurdles on sale, also all the necessary requisites for builders in the way of timber and builders’ ironmongery. A Faint Hope. —From Invercargil comes the news that smoke has been ob served on the ridges near Easy Harbor, on the West Coast of Stewart’s Island, and it is thought some of the crew of the miss ing ship Min-y-don may be cast away there.

Town Improvements. —Tenders have just been invited for the erection of new premises for Mr J. R. Steele, blacksmith. From enquiries made we learn that the building will be in West street. The architecture will be of a composite kind. A large arched doorway of about 10 feet by 9 feet will give access to the main shop, and this entrance is flanked on either side by a window 8 feet high, one of which will light the office (to the left), and the other the shoeing forge (to the right). On the keystone of tlie arched doorway will bo carved in relief the em blem of the trade carried on within—a bent arm grasping a hammer, and in the act of striking. The keystone over either window will be ornamented with a horse shoe carved in relief. The building, which will be 50 feet wide, 100 feet deep, and 20 feet high, will bo of substantial brick and stone, the latter from Messrs Friedlander’s well known quarry. In connection with the smithy will be, wo understand, a veterinary department, in which the ailments of equine patients will receive attention, and special accommoda tion will be made for their reception. The building, which will probably be completed in throe months’ time or there abouts, was, wo are informed, designed by Mr A. E. Ingram, architect, of Burnett street, and the glimpse of the plans which we were enabled to get, warrants us in saying that Mr Ingram is entitled to great credit for the way he has done his work. The “ Victorian Horse and Veterinary Shoeing Forge” should prove a note worthy addition to the many town im provements made in Ashburton of late.

Wakanui Election. —This hard-fought, much-written-of, and rauch-talked-about contest will take place on Friday the 9th June. The Franklyn North election will take place on the same clay.

Cattle Yards at linwald. —The rail way authorities are now causing cattle yards (to cover about the same space as those at Ashburton) to be erected at Tin walcl. The yards will be a great conveni ence. They will bo placed just opposite Scott’s Hotel.

Run Over.— At the inquest yesterday on the body of the little boy, James Patrick Maher, who was run over by a railway truck on a private siding at Christchurch on Friday, a verdict was re turned of “accidental death.” The poor boy, who was deaf and dumb, was only six years of age. Of Local Interest. — A Christchurch contemporary says, an exhibit worthy of notice has been added to the Ladies Court in the shape of a knitted wool shawl, exhibited by Mrs Donald M‘Lean, made of scoured wool from one of the stations, aftd spUn and knitted by the ex hibitor. This is a very well made shawl indeed, and .as a purely local production it is to be regretted that it came too late to be seen by the judges. Suicide op a Digger. —Samuel Ballard, a digger, shot himself through the chest on Sunday at Blenheim. The following letter was found in his pocket hook “My Dear Fiiendsj—l ant heartsick of this world. 1 cannot livb in it any longer. My ebergy is exhausted. I cannot work. I cAunot rest—there is one that knows why. Good-bye all.—S. B.” A slip of paper, containing the following address, was found upon him : —“ W. Gard, Don ald McLean st.,{Newtown, Wellington.”

How the Court Helped Him to Spend it. —The township of Kerang (Victoria) was in a state of excitement, owing to the vagaries of a swagman who had arrived with a large cheque. He drew L 145 from the bank, and after having taken some drinks and a nap found on waking up that he had forgotten where he had placed the money. Thinking he had been robbed at the restaurant where he was staying, ha took a gun out of his swag and threatened to shoot everyone in the house. He then commenced making an onslaught on a shop window, completely smashing all the glass. On being secured he was taken to the lock-up. When searched the whole of the money was found inside his shirt. He was brought before the magistrates next day and fined Ll 5 10s.

Sporting. —Me learn that most of the horses engaged for the Queen’s Birthday Dunedin meeting have now arrived. There is little straight out betting, but a good deal has been done in doubles. Mokarakara and Haricot are the leading favorites for the Hurdle Race ; Sir Mod red, the Envy filly. Adamant, and Leger demain, for the Birthday Handicap. Amulet has been scratched for all engage ments at the meeting. The late meeting of the South Australian Jockey Club was in every way successful. The racing was excellent, and most of the finishes were very close and interesting. Remit won the Goodwood Handicap, the next princi pal race to the Adelaide Cup, but a pro test was entered on the ground that Re sult should have carried a penalty for win ning the Free Handicap at Randwick, but it is said that it cannot be sustained. The Timaru Wrecks. —Mr 0. Bourk (scenic artist of the Ashburton Dramatic Club) has shown us to-day a painting just executed by himself, in which he has very faithfully depicted the melancholy sight to be witnessed just now on the beach at Timaru. The picture shows the prostrate Benvenue lying helplessly aground, while the City of Perth looks (as she does in reality) as if she was lying at anchor, and ready at a moment’s notice to “ heave up ” and away. The only objection we have to find with the painting—and we must point out defects as well as discover beauties—is that the coloring is a trifle too bright. This memento of the late ship ping disaster will, be understand, be on view in Mr 11. M. Jones’ window in East street for the next few days, and it will doubtless attract a good deal of attention. It is for sale. Mr Bourk has also shown us a painting from his brush of a penin sula scene, which has been purchased by a Dunedinite. We may mention that Mr Bourk made a special trip to Timaru on Tuesday last to see the wrecks, and his painting of them Was taken from drawings made on the spot. The Small Birds Nuisance. —A depu tation, consisting of Mr Steward, Colonel Brett, Messrs J. C. Brown, O’Callighan, Mcllwraith, McMillan, Postlethwaite, J. Wilson, Hurst, Pearson, J. McKenzie, W. Buchanan, and J. W. Thompson, interviewed Mr Rolleston and Mr Whi taker yesterday, in reference to the small bird nuisance. They expressed a wish for the passage of a Bill framed on the basis of the Bill introduced by Mr Saunders last session, to give power to County Councils, Road Boards, Borough Councils, and Town Districts Boards, to appropriate sums for the destruction of small birds and crows injurious to crops, out of ordin ary rates, and if requested by the petition of one-third of the ratepayers, to levy a special rate for such purpose of o|d in the L, in any riding, ridings, or portions thereof over the district affected, or over the whole country or borough of Oil, and over the town districts not exceeding Id. The deputation offered to relieve the Go vernment of the charge of the Bill in the House, but asked the Ministers to take charge of or assist to the utmost its pass age in the Council. Mr Rolleston pro mised to assist the Bid to the utmost in the House, and Mr Whitaker promissd the same in the Council. Mr Steward was to give notice of the Bill to-day. The Opposition. A meeting of Oppo sition members was held at Wellington yesterday, Mr Hutchison in the chair. Mr Maeaudrew stated that the meeting had been called by Mr Montgomery and himself for tha purpose of conferring on matters essential to the proper conduct of business in the House. It was essential that the party should agree to unite under the leadership of some one member, and he was prepared, if required, to propose a name us leader. It was then suggested that the principle of union under one leader should be affirmed, but on account of tho number of members not yet assembled in Wellington, it was inex pedient to proceed to the immediate election. This was agreed to, and a reso lution, moved by Mr Maeaudrew and seconded by Mr Montgomery, was agreed to—“ That one recognised leader bo ap pointed for tho party, and that the elec tion of such take place as soon as possible after the arrival of the absent members of the oarty. ” Messrs W. J. Stewart and J. 0. Brown have consents 1 to act as Opposition whips until a leader bn ap pointed. Referring to this, the Press special, wiring last night, says : —Tho leader whom Mr Macandrow was pre pared to propose is understood to be Mr Montgomery, whose leadership it is stated has also been distinctly approved by Sir George Grey. The Opposition allege that they can rely on forty-eight members in any trial of strength with tho Government, in which case they would of coarse com mand a majority of two in a full House, but their view is by no means accepted by the Ministerial side, who now claim a safe majority of seven. I fancy, however, that Mr Stevens’ presence in the Opposi tion camp was somewhat of a surprise to to tho other side, who have generally counted on him. That might reduce the Government majority to five. On the other hand, it is by no means certain that the Opposition can rely on even all the votes which their opponents at present give them. I am inclined as yet to divide the House thus Government, fifty-one ; Opposition, forty-three. However, a few days will give a better idea. J

Parliamentary. —The House met at 2.30 to-day, when Major Atkinson moved that Mr Hirst be appointed Chairman of Committees.

The Shipping Disaster at Timaru. — The grain has been nearly all unshipped from the City of Perth, and very little of it was found to be damaged. The vessel is quite afloat at high tide. She will be towed off as soon as possible now. The wreck of the Benvenue, her cargo of coal (or what remained of it), anchors and chains, etc., were sold on the beach to day. The Timaru Harbor Board have voted Mrs Mills, wife of the late Harbor Master, an allowance of one year’s salary. ______________

CABLE NEWS.

LAThST FROM EUROPE [Teh reuteu’s agency.] From New Zealand. London, May 20. Arrived Ships Unicorn, from Oamaru, December 17th; Marion Neil, from Oamaru, January 20th ; Dunedin, from Port Chalmers, Febru ary 15 th. Re-Organised. London, May 21. The Irish Detective Force has lately undergone a complete re organisation. Joined the Majority. Obituary—Duke of Grafton, aged sixty-eight. A Ticket of Leaver on Ireland. London, May 22. Michael Davitt, who was recently re leased on ticket-of-leave, addressed a meeting of the agents of the Land League at Chester 10-day and, in the course of bis speech strongly advocated tbe complete abolition of landlords in Ireland, and urged that active steps should be taken toward that end. No Foundation. Cairo, May 21. The statements current here yester day that the entrance to the Suez Canal was being guarded by the French gun boats forming a portion of the united squadron, is now proved to be incor rect. The Unhappy Jews. Vienna, May 21. Intelligence is to hand from Brody that great mortality is occurring among the children of the Jewish refugees en camped near that town, and who are in a starving condition. From Auckland. New York, May 20. Arrived—Ship Eyvor, from Auck land, February 9UI. The Powers Appealed To. Constantinople, May 20. The Porte has sent an appeal to the Powers against the action of England and France in despatching their squad rons to Egypt. AUSTRALIAN. [per REUl'Kr’s AC) ENOY. ] Larrikinism at a Theatre and its Con* sequences. Melbourne, To-day. In the Theatre Royal last night while a larrikin who was creating a dis turbance was being arrested, a false alarm of fire was raised. There was a general rush for the doors, but the panic was soon allayed. Several per sons were injured by the crush during the stampede. Shipping. Sydney, Yesterday. H.M.S. Nelson has sailed for Wel lington. Arrived, yesterday afternoon—The Union Company’s steamship Arawata, from Auckland. An Aucklander’s Fate. Edward Gibbon, native of Auckland, was found dead in the Domain to-day, having committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol.

TELEGRAMS.

[PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] The New Zealand Shipping Company. Christchurch, To-day. At a special meeting of the sharehold ers of tlie New Zealand Shipping Com pany, hold at noon to-day, it was re solved, after a long discussion, by 21 votes to 5, to increase the capital of the com pany from L 250,000 to LI ,000,000. Mr J. S. Peacock, recently one of the direc tors of the company, was the principal opponent of the proposal.

A NOVELTY IN RACING.

“ Falcon,” of the Leadet, remarks : The secretary of the Victorian Amateur Turf Club informs me that a novel race is likely to form a portion of the July programme, to be run on Separation Day. It is to be a race wherein all the horses are to be nominated by ladies. The nominator of the winning horse is to take the first prize, which will pos sibly take the form of a diamond brace let, value about ioo'sovs. The lady who nominates the second horse will receive a pair of gold bangles, and the third a handsome fan. In order to les sen the difficulty of obtaining horses the distance is to be six furlongs, while the nomination fee will be kept at one sovereign. The intention has already got wind in fashionable circles, and rumor says all the ladies want horses, which is the duty of husbands, present and future, to provide. The husband’s share will be all honor and glory. He will be permitted to find the nomina tion money, pay the jockey, and for his profit is there not tlie ring ? Surely this is enough. Ladies, assert your prerogative. What is your husband’s here, in Australia, is yours. The horses are yours, and the jockeys engaged and retained by your husbands are yours. It therefore only now becomes neces sary to make the bracelet, bangles, and fan yours also.”

THE WAKANUI ELECTION.

Mr Joseph Ivoss addressed a large assemblage at the Town Hall last evening. In opening the proceedings, Mr Iveas moved that His Worship the Mayor take the chair.

The Mayor, on advancing to the front, remarked that Mr Ivess and himself did not always agree, but they always agreed to differ. He (the Mayor) felt himself very - much public property, and when asked to take the chair on an occasion like that he was bound to do soj whatever his private opinions might be. It was a great thing for the electors of Wakanui to have another chance afforded them of re turning a Candidate to represent them in Parliament. There were many con stituencies that would be glad of a second chance, and they should rerrieniber that Mr Ivess had been at considerable trouble and expense td secure them another chance. He trusted they would accord the candidate who was about to address them a fair hearing, and would not give way to rowdiness or unseemly conduct. Mr Joseph Ivess saidthat sincehelasthad the pleasure of addressing them from that platform an election for Wakanui had taken place, and had been declared void through no fault of his own or his op ponent, who he was bound to say had conducted the contest in a most honor able, manly, and straightforward way. (Applause.) Ha might bo blamed by some for taking the late election to the Appeal Court, but ho was compelled to do so for the sake of the four electors whose votes were improperly refused by one of the Deputy Returning Officers. Through that error his opponent had had to pay heavy costs, which he certainly thought Parliament ought to recoup. (Applause.) There was no likelihood of the blunder occurring again, of that they might feel quite confident. The writs for the Frank lyn and Wakanui seats, he had received telegraphic advices that day, had been duly signed and posted to the returning officers? and the election was fixed for the 9th of June.

Mr Ivess then proceeded to slate his views on several questions of the day, but as his views have been already very fully reported, we shall not repeat them here at any groat length. He thought', that a re duction should be made in both the pre sent passenger and goods rates on the New Zealand railways. He was of opinion that the Mount Somers line which was likely to halt at its present ter minus, woulu prove a loss to the colony. The main lines all through the country ought to be pushed forward, but political railways were to be condemned, and ought to be things of the past. The money spent on railroads must be spent on productive lines. Railway officials were not paid or otherwise treated as they ought to be. (Applause.) Taxation ought to be equalised- and not be levied solely on the class least able to bear it He hoped for the abolition of direct taxa tion. Ho did not favor the taxation of atooks-in-trade or a tax on goods and chattels. He thought that arable lands should be taxed. He did not go in for an indiscriminate “ burating-up ” policy, but thought it was pitiable to see large estates held back from cultivation while so many people were anxious to cultivate land. To give a simile it was like a miller, who, having accumulated a large quantity of grain, held it until he could obtain a high rasa for it while the people starved around him- Did they think the people would not compel that miller to grind and dis tribute his grain, under such circum stances? Well, it was just the same with the large land-holders and the people who were anxious to obtain small holdings. Ho saw no reason why professional men, lawyers, doctors, bankers, and others, should not pay th«ir fair share of taxa tion. He was glad to see by the Gover nor’s speech that provision was to be made for the conservation of native lands. If private speculators could make money out of selling land, there could be no reason why Government should not do the same. LIOO,OOO had been sacrificed by Govern ment in connection with the sale of the Patetere Block. With regard to the question of law reform, he the time had arrived when a cheaper and readier pro cess of recovering small debts at the Resi dent Magistrates' Courts should be intro duced in the colony. There were other matters connected with the Courts that also needed re F ormiug. For instance, the Government had availed itself of the tele graph to wire the election writs, and why should not the telegraph be utilised for sum. mouses ? This would ensure the recovery of debts from fraudulently dispo aed per sons. The land transfer fees wanted reforming also, and if returned this matter and the simplification of the process for the recovery of small debts should receive his attention-. The thought the time had arrived for tiio abolition of dis tress for rent, and saw no reason why the landlord should bo placed in a better position in relation to his claim than the merchant, the butcher, or the baker. Coming to Parliamentary reform, ho thought that each time a new Ministry was elected the public should be allowed to have a voice in the matter. The present system of election to the Upper Chamber of Parliament did not meet with his ap proval, and he would sweep away the honorarium paid to the members of the Upper House. The honor of election to the Legislative Council should be enough. Ho condemned the action of the Govern ment in seeking suggestions from the various Road Boards le local government, and thought it was quite impossible for a Bill to be framed from the mass of conflicting replies likely to be received from the bodies in question. If local government was to be retained the Road Boards an I Comity Councils must be en ti listed with the control of local affairs. He did not favor the Roads Construction Bill of last session, or the way in which it had been carried. The laud laws should be simplified and rendered more liberal. The proper settlement of the laud should bo the first aim of the Government. He would only favor further borrowing if he was satisfied that the money borrowed was to be expended judiciously in opening up the country, lie attributed the rapid strides made by the colony to its railways. He would, if returned, favor the en couragement of local industries for a limited term Ho was opposed to religi ous instruction in school hours buc not after school hours. Much, however, de pended on home influence. The State should not be expected to educate chil dren up to higher than the sixth standard, when, if a child possessed any real “ grit ” he would be able to make his way in the world. Ho thought .Education Boards should bo elected by the people at largo and not by school committees, and that cumulative voting should not be allowed at school committee elections. If a direct steam service could bo established with the Homo country at a reasonable cost he thought the scheme should meet with general support and encouragement. Be fore ho concluded ho would like to say a few words about the ballot-box. Ho was led to believe tint Ids candidature was favored by many who were afraid to record their votes for fear they should be revealed. Such persons need have no fear on that score, but should fearlessly vote for the mm who, in their opinion, was the most fit. Some people fancied the whole of the votes polled during the recent Wakanui election wore examined at tho liikaia Electoral Court, but as a m ttar of fact only ton voting papers -■■ere si examined. If returned he could assure them ho would do his best to servo them. In 0 eply to Mr Wilding, Mr Ivess thought Te Whiti and Tohu had been i unfairly treated by the Government. They had been imprisoned and kopt from ;

then 1 homos and their friends, and now Government was going to introduce a Bill to render their trial unnecessary The treatment of the chiefs had been a farce. Mr Jas. Brown asked if Mr Iveas thought it was right that Mr Wason should bear the costs of the late election petition?—Mr Ivesa replied that he had already referred to this matter. It was not right that Mr Wason should pay, and it was not right that a returning officer with the slightest tinge of partisanship should be allowed to act at an election.

111 reply to Mr Pickford, Mr Ivess would take care that a scrutineer Was at hand on the 9th to count his votes, at any rate. Last time this precaution had been accidentally omitted. In reply to Mr St. Hill, Mr Ivess would favor the reduction of the Governor’s salary by h 2,500 or L 3,000. Mr Jas. Brown proposed a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Ivess, and that that meeting pledged itself to do its best to secure his return.

This was seconded by Mr Wilding, who could not agree with all that bad fallen front Mr Ivess, but if the constituency waited until fhey got a man who exactly suited them they might go unrepresented altogether. He hoped that whoever was returned would be returned by a big majority of those on ths roll. He thought that Mr Ivess, if elected, would fight hard for what he considered was the right, and was sure that, if elected, a man of his talent and ability would bo of infinite ser vice to his adopted country. The motion was then put by the Mayor, when abtuo half those present held up their hands in its favor.

OU the M.iyor asking for a show ol hands ag a i n st, there were noTiands hob

up. The proceedings closed with the usual vote of thanks to the chain

ALPORD FOREST.

[from our OWN CORRESPONDENT. 1

I am glad to state that since my letter referring (o Alford Forest and the reckless sacrifice of the timber there appeared in your columns, several persons have evinced an interest in the subject. That is how it ought to bo. To point out defects is an easy task ; to find a remedy is the real ob ject one must keep in view, therefore I was ghvd to learn what experience has taught others. In a young colony such as ours many things have necessarily been left undone which ought to have been done, and to say so is expressing a fact, mid casting no slur on the early adminis trators of the country. The pioneers have done well, and although the public debt is a heavy one, and the burden to be borne in consequence of it will have for many years to be felt, I, for one, believe there is a silver lining to our financial difficulty, and a bright future, if not for ourselves, at least for our children or grandchildren. The time is not far distant when New Zealand will have to negotiate a fresh loan. To retain the con fidence of the capitalists at Homo, New Zealand must be prepared to show that her administrators are well able to take care of the national estate. From time to time a warning note has been sounded— “ Take care of the forests yet to this day nothing systematic has been arrived at, and the prophecies of far-seeing men will I fear be realised in more than one instance. Already large tracts of forest land have passed into private hands without any laws binding the purchasers to use discretion. In many instances a trifling amount has purchased for private individuals or private companies, large estates, without binding the new owners in any form or shape. They can make “ ducks and drakes ” of what ought to be, or ought to have been, a source of wealth for many a long year. Such a state of things ought not to be allowed any longer. No country such as New Zealand ought to be without a Public Department, having for its duty the supervision of our forests. Where would France, Germany, and other countries be now if the national forests had been worked and spoiled as we work and spoil ours ? Would Franca or Germany have issued licenses for cutting, splitting,' and damaging without restric tion (for restrictions and regulations have so far been a farce) as New Zealand has done ? Never. SVant of coal in many districts has taught those countries the value of timber —their forests are jealously guarded, the timber husbanded, the trees to be felled carefully selected by compe tent men, and the young saplings giving fair promise most tenderly nursed. In France a law was in force, and is still ex tant I believe, to this effect—“ Any per son or persons found guilty of wooding, cutting, or in any other way damaging growing timbers o.i any of the national estates, will render himself liable to be imprisoned, with hard labor, for a term not exceeding ninety-nine years.” Now, sir, as no one under sixteen can be sen tenced to hard labor in France, it meant a life-long sentence, and such sentences were actually passed. The growing of tobacco in the same country is regulated by law. Private individuals grow the tobacco, but they are restricted to so many plants per acre, so many perfect leaves on each stem. As a compensa tion to such strict regulations, the growers have the advantage of knowing that their crops will be always bought by the Government at a fixed price, ana they are well content. Why, then, should we not in New Zealand, above all, in dis tricts whore timber is, or will, immedi ately, be scarce, say to the would-be pur chaser, “ You can have the bush at so much per acre, but jsuch bush is to bo worked according to instructions enacted by the Forestry Department ?” A regular staff of foresters, large enough to cause no delay to the owners of the bush land in the pursuit of their avocation, would have to be employed, but I have no doubt a special tax to support the same would willingly be paid by the owners of the bush land. It ought, as the information and assistance derived from the district forrester and his assistants would more than repay the bushman. 1 feel so keenly on the subject that I have been led to speak of the public estate, although, as far as we of Alford forest are concerned, such questions cannot touch our bush regulations since there is no more Govern ment bush, or what '.here is is not worth naming. But forestry conducted under Government supervision, or by private individuals ought in the main to embody the same principles where the object is to preserve the bush ; and the formation of such a public department could only assist private companies and individuals, who could, by paying, obtain the assistance of competent foresters. A few able men could readily be induced to settle in Now Zea land, and a school of forestry formed. Thus wo should at last manage properly that very important portion of the national estate, and have fair prospects to see it carefully husbanded in the future, beside opening an outlet to the rising generation. It may not be out of place to state that in France the schcol of forestry takes precedence of all other schools, and few of the public servants rank higher than the Inspector-General of the National Forests. I have no hesitation in stating that the first oteps to bo taken is the estab lishment of a public department, having fur i its duties the supervision of the national Forests and the formation of a school of forestry. Unwilling to occupy more of your space I will close my letter for this work, and in my nest will treat of Alford 1 Forest, taken singly. Yet allow me, sir, ’ before I close, to answer a remark made i tome more than once. <l You cannot j expect the Government to dictate to a man | what he shall do with his property ; any , one is at liberty to make ducks and drakes \ of his estate,” is the substance of the ro- ‘ mark, I confess there is, as far as the ' past is concerned, force in the remark; > <

but it only strengthens my suggestion of a forestry department being required, and in the future no bush land need be .sold except under certain conditions, fhua putting an end to the objection. It has been found expedient to prevent intoxi cating liquors being sold to an inveterate drunkard, although he was able to pay, on the plea that it is a sort of monomania, that he injures his health, his prospects, | and those of his family. Why could not then laws be framed and passed prevent ing spendthrifts from squandering their estates, and bush-owners from destroying, in a comparatively short time, what ought to be a source of wealth, convenience, and comfort to a whole district for many a long year 1 I fail to see what objection there can be} and I feel confident that the bulk of my fe’low-colonists will agree with me, although opinions so straightforwardly expressed may not always be approved of Iby a few. I can only repeat the words of an old negro, whom I heard once say to his master, who objected to giving him a Written agreement—“ Massa, black and white tell no lies.*’ A writer on public subjects ought to toll no lies* at least Wil? fun y .

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, May 9. Sir Samuel Wilson has intimated his in tention of erecting a memorial window in Hughenden Church, to commemorate the Queen’s escape from assassination at the hands of McLean. London, May 10. The reward, LIO.OOO, offered by the Government for information leading to the capture and conviction of the mur derers of Lord Cavendish and Mr Burke has been increased to L 12.500, no he- 1 liable clue having yet been obtained as .to the identity of the murderers. The police have as yet failed to arrest the assassins, but from information which has come to I their hands they entertain a strong belief that the murderers are still concealed in Dublin. The authorities of Dublin have published an official description of the assassins. A reward of LSOO has also been offered for any information that may lead 1 to the apprehension of any persons har boring the assassins. Biots have occurred at Curragh (County Kildare) between English and Irish resi dents. The disturbances were of a serious nature, and were with difficulty quelled. The British Government have declined to allow Cetewayo, ex-King of Zululand, who is now confined in Cape Town, to re visit his country. The petition of the 1 Zulus for his release has therefore .been refused. ' 1 It is announced that the price of The Tim-s newspaper, which has hitherto’been published at threepence, will shortly be reduced to a penny. , ' i The insurrection which broke’ out,.a month ago in the Republic of Hayti, the object of which was to overthrow the Government of General Solomon, has’’at last been subdued. A number of lives I were lost before order could be thoroughly restored. The death is announced of Dr John Brown, the well-known essayist and writer, aged 72. The trial of eight persons accused of having contributed by their negligence to the terrible catastrophe at the Ring Theatre is proceeding at Vienna. The case against the ex-Mayor of the city has been heard, and after lengthened investi gation the jury returned a verdict.of ac quittal. ■ ;

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Mblbouene, May 16. The agricultural statistics for the year r ending March, show a material falling off in cultivation as compared to last corre sponding year. The decrease in the; quantity of land under tillage is to the extent of 184,000 acres, of which 56,260 was land previously sown with wheat, showing a decrease of 1,013,346 bushels. Oats show an increase of 1,258,061 bushels. Other increases are maize, peas, beans, potatoes, and hops. There is • a decrease in hay, barley, tobacco, and. grapes. The average yield of wheat per acre was 9.45 bushels, against 9.95 last year ; but the average yield of oats is 24.57 bushels, against 17.62 in the pre vious year. The hay crop is a very poor one, lower than any of the past eleven years. The steamer Te An an arrived at the wharf at mid-night on Friday, after a very stormy passage. On the night of the 27ih the barometer fell as low as 28'76. The wind suddenly shifted to the south-west for forty-eight hours, and blew with hurricane force, a terrific sea making clean broaches over the vessel, at times threatenining to sweep all before them. Early on Monday an immense body of water broke over the engine-house, but but fortuna ! oly not sufficient to put out the fires or cause material damage. One of the boats was lifted bodily out of. the chocks, notwithstanding its being doubly./ lashed. Captain Carey states in his esr perience of twenty-eight ye irs he .never met such a tremendous gale or more ’ dangerous seas. Before arriving at Hobart, the saloon passengers, as a mark of appreciation, presented tue captain with:; a purse containing a handsome sura of money, and a smaller purse to Messrs Russell and McOraig, for their able efforts. A child five years old at Carlton is reported to bo suffering from smallpox!’' It has been isolated, but some doubts are expressed whether it is chicken or small pox. Syoney, May 16. The missionary schooner John Wil liams reports that good progress is being. ; made at all the mission stations in New Guinea. The weather is fine and dry, and rain much wanted throughout the country.

NEW YORK.

No description of New York can be perfect which omits the superlative ad jectives ; for one of the foremost ambi-' tions of the builders of the city has been to secure superlative effects. Nor are the standards of comparison Ameri can only; for the harbor is more beautiful, the streets more unclean,'" Broadway more brilliant, the munici pality more corrupt, the commercial buildings more pretentious, the tene- ' rnent houses more crowded, the parks*; more lovely, than the similar appur tenances of the cities of Europe and Asia, with but a few exceptions*.,. Pope’s celebrated characterisation of Lord Bacon, superlative in praise and in censure, wisest, brightest, meanest might be paraphrased as an epigram on New York. It is popularly known as the Empire City ; but Irving, its most honored son, also, called it Gotham, the home of wise acres, after the stupid old village of , Nottinghamshire, and this title, too, is , in common use. As Mr G. H. Holy- , oake has expressed it: “ New York * itself is a miracle which a large book would not be sufficient to explain. When I stepped ashore there I thought I was in a larger Rotterdaih ; when I found my way to Broadway it seemed to me as though I was . in Paris, and that Paris had taken top business. There were quaintness, grace ■ and gaiety, brightness and grimness, all" about.” Mr Moncare D. Conway says : “ There isn’t a city so attractive, elsewhere on earth. ‘See Naples;i

THE ASHBUIirON GCJARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1882.



u u WINTE The First Portion of the New Goods tig !thi» Season, comprising over twenty cases are now opened up. The Boys’ an 1 Youths’ Clothing is especially recommended, and Parents and Guardians will find it advantageous to make an early selection. 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. Agents fob the Obi.ebba.ted Wbrthexm: Machines, Ashburton Branch: W. SPARROW, jgUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invite his friends to inspect his large stock of New and Second-hand Fur- consisting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Coses Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables Wish Stands Wood and Iron Bedsteads Cots, Cradles Perambulators And everything required in household furnishing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen k. pt for all kinds of repairs. bought, and high prices given. Fttmitnre lent, mi weekly and monthly payments JOHN MEECH, UHETT 8 T R E B its the Mail Office. 82e



Wanted WANTED KNOWN—The Good Temp lars have a TEA MEETING and ENTERTAINMENT on the Queen’s Birthday. Tickets 1s 6d each. 537 e ANTED KNOWN PHOTO GRAPHS, Photographs, Two Dozen for 2s fid (for a short time only) at the American Gera Studio, Burnett street, opposite Mail office. 470 e ANTED KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips Purchase some of Mayo’s Boneduat. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstead Mills. 255 d ANTED KNOWN.—A Circulat ing Library is now open at L. F. Andrewbs’, Bookseller, East street South, Ashburton. A large number of books to choose from. Terms very moderate 745 d iTTANTED KNOWN—That Robert W Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the j Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 7GOo Special Advertisements. rp O FARMERS. ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. ARE CASH PURCHASERS OR WHEAT BARLEY OATS GRASS SEED AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES. ADVANCES ON GROWING CROPS. The Undersigned are prepared to make liberal Cash Advances against Growing Crops during the ensuing Season. ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. Offices : Manchester street, Christchurch, two doors south of Messrs P. Cunningham and Co. ’s. 30e G-. Adams & Go., PRACTICAL ENGLISH WATCH MAKERS. JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fishery), Christchurch. 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, Maas.” 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 Y ears. A splendid assortment of the Newest Patterns in Gold and Silver Jewellery. Novelties in Greenstone. 471 e Grain shipments to the ENGLISH OR CONTINENTAL MARKETS. The undersigned are prepared to make liberal CASH ADVANCES ON GRAIN AND ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF PRODUCE Placed in their hands FOR SALK IN THE ENGLISH OR CONTINENTAL MARKETS. Having commodious Brick Stores at Addington, wc are open to make Special arrangements fur the Storage of Grain. Farmers can, therefore, avail them selves of the local as well as export market. WOOD. SINCLAIR & CO., Triangle, Christchurch ; Or, POYNTZ & CO., 7G4d Ashburton. N OTI 0 E TO FARMERS. Wo are CASH PURCHASERS of WHEAT OaTS BARLEY RYEGRASS SEED COCKSFOOT SEED WANTED—IO,OOO bushels Pearl and 10,000 bushels Velvet CHAFF, For delivery at our Stores, at Addington, or Riccarton Mills, or any Country Station. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Triangle, Christchurch ; Or, POYNTZ & CO., . Ashburton. SCHOOL BOOKS. SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED, Foolscap from 16s per Roam, Cash. Envelopes ~ Gs 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, &o. H. M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseller, 293 d qash 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 own, 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 roll up and buy your boots where you can get a perfect fit. 993 c An drE WE S BROS. (Late L. F. Andrewbs), BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, AND NEWS-AGENTS, Bast street South, Asuburton. 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 Homo every Mail. A largo assortment of Maori Photographs, including To Whiti and other Chiefs. N. U. —All orders attended to without delay* 334 e



Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN ; AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. AAA TO LEND, in sums of £50,000 £3 OO And upwards, on the security of Freehold Property, at Lowest Current Rates. ADVANCES to FARMERS are also made on Growing CROPS of Grain ; and also on Growing Clips of WOOL. Seed Wheat, Oats, and Barley supplied to fanners on most favorable terms. They have For Sale at Lowest Rates— FEED OATS CHICK WHEAT FLOUR, BRAN & SHARPS CEMENT. WILLIAM HORNE, 518 e Agent. O. Carstens 81 Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods and STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Or jam, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. flaircutting) Shaving and Shampooing, EAST STREET ASHRHRTON. 257 a E W COAL YARD. Coals. Coals. Coals* 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, 4680 East street, Ashburton. O T 1 C E. ASHBURTON COAL AND FIREWOOD DEPOT B. S. Bean (Late of Montgomery and Co., Limited), HAS COMMENCED BUSINESS as above, next to idr Jos. Clark’s Office, in WEST STREET, and hopes, by civility and attention, to merit a fair share of public support. Agent fur the Springfield Coal Co. Coal,Firewood, Posts, Rails, Stakes, etc. Orders taken for Bricks, Cement, Lime, Timber, Ac. Oats, Bran, Chaff, Chicken Wheat, &c. Note the Address NEXT MR JOSEPH CLARK’S, WEST STREET. 181 e fJIAKE NOTICE. Everett Brothers Are still in Ashburton, and are SELLING AS CHEAP AS EVER. Special : CALICOES FLANNELS WINCEYS, and DRESS STUFFS. Bakgains in LADIES’ ULSTERS, COSTUMES, and WIN PER SKIRTS. Wo have still a Largo Stock of MEN'S SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, &C. Note the address : EVERETT BROS., Havelock street, Next Harrison’s Auction Rooms.



At Borara, New Britain, a Fijian teacher's wife and two children loft home to vi.-iit a neighboring teacher. The natives waylaid them, killed tha children, cooked and ate them, hub the mother escaped into a thick bush, after being wounded with a spear. The poor woman was in the bush eighteen days before she escaped, and was a walking skeleton. Holloway's Ointment and Pills. - Rheumatism and Rheumatic gout arc the most dreaded of all diseases, because their victims know they are safe at no season, and at no age secure, Holloway's Ointment, after fomenta tion of the painful parts, gives greater relief than any other application ; but it must be diligently used to o' tain this desirable result. It has been highly commended by rheumat'c subjects of all ages and of both sexes, for ren dering their attacks less frequent and less vigorous, and for repressing the sour perspea tions and soothing the nerves. In many cases, Holloway's Ointment and PiMs have proved the "greatest blessings in removing rheumatism and rheumatic gout which had assailed persons previously and at the prime of life. —[Advt.]