SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON.

Arrived. Y KSTERDAY. Kangaroo, s.s., from Westport. Wild Wave, schooner, from Havelock. To-day. Arawata, s.s , from Wellington. Go-Ahead, a.s., from Wellington, Grafton, s.s., from Wellington. Hawea, a.s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed, Ykstkkday. Tui, s.s., for Motonau. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesteiday. Arrived —Endeavor, from Oamarn. Wellington, Yesterday. Sailed -r-= Waitaki, f6r Picton and Nelson. Timaru, Yesterday. Cleared —Linda Weber, for Auckland, Dunedin, Yesterday. from London, with immigrants; Cassandra, from South. .

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 Ghertsoy 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.m. daily. For Teumka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., ally. For Timara and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 i.m. , and A3O p. m., daily. For Groenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, OR Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, »t 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. m. For Wakahui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, aud Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— 1 . _ „ From Christchurch and Rakaia at i 0.20 j.m., 440 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 440 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and r Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long heach at 10 a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Thursday, July 6. H. Matson and Co., on the Sherwood Estate—Great Clearing Sale of Live Stock, Implements, Furniture, &c.; 12 noon. Davies and Winter, at Rakaia—Fruit and Forest Trees and Sundries ; 1 o’clock. Saturday, July 8. Mr Alfied Harrison, at his yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p-m. Wednesday, July 12. Mr Alfred Harrison, at Mr Sycamore’s Farm, Winslow —Farm, Live and Dead Stock; 12 noon. Tuesday, July 18. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-Night, Tuesday, July 4. asbburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. St John’s Lodge, Monthly Meeting, Ma sonic Hall, 7.30 p.m. Horticultural Society-Monthly Meeting Mr Jones’ Room, 8 p.m. To-morrow, Wednesday, July 5. County Council, at the County "Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thubsday, July 6. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street Monday, July 10. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stationsat 7. 10 a.m., 11a.m., and (Express) 5.40 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru 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. bains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m. (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

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 be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must bo supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m. for insertion over the Leader, but will bo charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 4, 1882. The Opposition.

TOWN EDITION.

[lssued at 4.40 p. j

We are told that there is to be a trial of strength between the Ministerial party and the so-called Opposition on the return of the members from their high jinks in the Cathedral City. Pos sibly an attempt may be made by those opposed to the Ministry to wrest the reins of power from the present Cabi net during the current session, but that this will result in anything more than a grievous waste of valuable time—time which might be very well spent in the consideration of necessary measures— we do not for one moment imagine. Indeed we do not think that the three parties—the Montgomeiyites, the Mac andrewites, and the Greyites —have themselves the faintest hope of thrust the present Ministry from office. We have a shrewd suspicion that should the member for Akaroa seek to lead the disunited atoms which at pre sent compose his nominal following to victory during the present session it will only be in the hope of concreting his forces, and preventing the entire dis ruption of “Her Majesty’s Opposition.” To prevent them tearing themselves to pieces, Mr Montgomery may possibly throw them a bone to worry, in the shape of a “ No confidence” motion. But if that be the end and aim of the lately elected leader, we fear it will not have the desired effect. And we are sorry for it. Because, next to a strong

Government, a compact and weh generalled Opposition is of the greatest importance to a country blessed with responsible Government; and so we should like to see the hon. mem ber lor Akaroa leading a well organised and united band, in place of the three several parties who at present profess to follow iiis fortunes. But, as we have said, we have little hope of it. In the first place we hardly think that gentleman has the necessary qualifications to bring into unison, and firmly hold in hand the “malcontents” of the House. Sir George Grey, in his palmy days, would have been the man for the exceedingly difficult task which is set the hon. mem ber for Akaroa. Although one of the most shrewd and far-seeing men in the House, even his admirers do not claim any great brilliancy for Mr Mont gomery. Anything but a dashing speaker, he has not the necessary elan to lead a forlorn hope. And to judge from the numbers said to have been present at the various Opposition caucuses, a “no confidence ” motion during the present session would be a “ forlorn hope ” in more senses than one. For, given the Opposition a victory on the motion, their leader s troubles would only be commencing, because he could not form a Ministry which would stand for a fortnight, and

he would again have to retire to the “cold shades ” with a following more disunited and discontented than before. Taking all things into consideration, we should not be surprised to find the much - talked of “no confidence ” motion degenerating into a series of guerilla assaults on the Ministerial position, a class of tactics which we think will prove more congenial to the taste of the new blood in the House, which has on more than one occasion shown itself impatient of being in leading strings, a course which we half suspect the venerable gentleman from Auckland City East does not disap prove of. He sees that he has no pre sent opportunity of leading the party, and he would, no dcubt, like to see others try their “ prentice hands" at the problem, and fail, in order that, in their despair and longing for the sweets of office, they might turn to him again in their hour of trouble, when they found that each and all of the smaller fry had signally failed to ac complish their object. But, poor as we think Mr Montgomery’s chances of uniting the various factions composing the Opposition, we do not think even a more able man would be more suc cessful at the present juncture. There are too many among the new members of the House who imagine themselves eminently qualified to lead followers — when they get them —to victory. Then there is the Knight of the Kawau, who, unable to lead for the lack of a follow ing, resolutely declines to take his place among the rank and file, prefer ring to play the part of a free-lance, and, Micawber-like, wait for something to turn up. But we do not think Sir George Grey will ever be successful in again commanding a strong following. Some half-dozen of sworn allies from Auck land he will have doubtless as long as he holds a seat in the House." But before he can command a party of sufficient numerical strength to make itself really formidable he will have to alienate the Macandrewites from the canny Scot, a task by no means easy of accomplishment. So, looking at the matter from whatever standpoint we may, we are not hopeful of an united phalanx being evolved from the present Opposition atoms. Possibly next session, when the many political Rich ards now in the field may have found their true level, and learned to follow a chief with something like loyalty, a leader may arise who will be able to cement in one harmonious whole the fragments which at present occupy the Opposition benches.

ITujst Club Steeplechases. —We have had a cursory view of the programme adopted by the committee of the Hunt Club, but it will not be advertised until Saturday next, some details being re quired for its completion. There are five events set down for decision—viz , Hunt Cup, value 13 sovs, handicap. Maiden Plate, 10 sovs ; weight for age. Farmers’ Steeplechase, 10 sovs, handicap. Tally- Ho Steeplechase, 10 sovs, handicap ,• and Consolation Steeplechase, 7 sovs, handi cap. The prizes in all cases will be trophies, and the races confined to horses which have been regularly hunted with the Ashburton hounds, liiders will have to qualify in the same way. The Tally- Ho Stoepleehase is to be ridden by mem bers who have never previously ridden in an advertised race.

Obitoaiiy. —On Sunday evening passed away Mrs Bland, a very old and respected resident of the Ashburton county. Mrs Bland was the wife of Mr James Bland, of the Orton Green farm, distant about 11 miles from the town on the banks of the Ashburton river. Mr and Mrs Bland took possession of their farm twenty-three years ago ; in 1873, Mr Bland was drowned in crossing the Ashburton, and about two years ago his widow gave up the farm to her two sous, Messrs William and James Bland, and came to reside in the town. Here she had a large circle of friends, and was held in the highest esti mation by every section of the community. For sumo years prior to her death, she h id been suffering from a wasting disease, but bore her cross with true Christian patience and resignation. She was not unprepared for death, and passed away most peacefully on Sunday evening, to the regret of all who knew her. The de ceased lady was a member of the Wesleyan Church, and at the time of her death was „ged <ls.

Ashburton Cheese and Butter Fac tory.—A meeting of the Committee of the above was held last evening at Messrs Poyntz and Co’s offices. A letter was rea l from Mr Bowrojn, stating that he had purchased all the necessary appliances for the Factory, and had engaged the neces sary hands, who left Home at the end of May, and might bo expected here about the middle of .August. The appliances for the Factory, which are of the very beat procurable, will arrive by the same ship. It was resolved to make a fourth call of 10s per share, payable on the 291 h July, at the Company’s offices. la view of the approaching expenses in connec tion with the fitting up of the Factory, etc., all calls in arrear must he paid up by the end of this month, or otherwise the Directors will be compelled to enforce the payment of same according to the articles of Association. The contractor for the Factory buildings is making satis factory progress with the work, the cot tage adjoining the premises being nearly completed. It now rests with the farmers to make the factory a success, by taking care that it is supplied with plenty of the raw material—milk. Should all go well, the Directors hope the Ashburton Cheese and Butter Factory will have become an accomplished fact by the beginning of October.

Hinds Pound.—Mrs Woodley has been appointed poundkeeper at the above pound. I. O. G. T,—The Safe Retreat Lodge will hold an open meeting to-morrow at 8 p.m., when a good programme is pro mised. Admission will be free. Bank Notes Found. —Mr Carson, of East street, discovered a roll of bank notes in his shop this morning. They await identification. There must bo some money about after all. Accident. —We regret to learn that a little daughter of Mr James Bradley’s yesterday, while playing in the school ground, took up an adze lying near, be longing to the workmen repairing the fence, and in attempting to show her little companions how to use the tool, she se verely cut her foot with it. She was after wards taken home. Excursion to the Exhibition. —This morning an excursion train left Ashbur ton for Christchurch, at 9.15 a.m., con sisting of nineteen carriages. Two hun dred aud four school children and two hundred adults availed themselves of the opportunity to visit the Exhibition, which will close in a few days’ time now. The train returns at 8.5 p.m., but the holiday makers have the option of remaining in town until Saturday. Dunedin Benevolent Asylum. —The Benevolent Asylum enquiry was resumed yesterday, when Hawkins, a prisoner, was brought up as a witness to deny that fou! language attributed to the master hac

been used in his presence. Medical evi dence was given to show that the master was suffering from paralysis of the logs, which might account for the charges of drunkenness. The Commissioners de cided to take no more charges, but to visit the institution, and will ask each patient individually if they have any complaint to make. Evangelistic Services. —A meeting of the Ashburton Evangelistic Committee was held in Mr John Ocr’a office yesterday afternoon, the Rev. E. A. Scott being in the chair. During a conversation on the advisableness of carrying on the services in the Town Hall, it was stated that the majority of those attending the meetings had expressed a desire that the services should be continued, and several gentle men had offered to contribute liberally towards paying the expenses. Ultimately it was resolved that a public meeting should be hold in the Presbyterian Church, on Monday nest, at eight o’clock, to con sider what steps should be taken. The Rev. A. M. Beattie having suggested that the ordinary week-night services of the various churches should be held on the same evening, the meeting terminated. Gay Doings at the Exhibition.— Those indefatigable gentlemen, Messrs Joubert and Tv. openy, appear to be having a very busy time of it just now. On Saturday they entertained the mem bers of the Legislature at luncheon, and yesterday evening they gave a citizen’s ball, when the Parliamentary visitors from from Wellington were again the guests of the promoters of the Exhibition. The “hop” came off in the Main Hall, and the supper, which appears to have been a very recherche affair, being served in the concert room. The floral decorations in the latter elicited general admiration, and the electric light shone down upon as merry an assemblage as ever met in Christ church yet. To-night a children’s fancy dress ball is to take place in the Art Gallery. The promoters of the Exhibi tion seem determined to keep up the in terest in the concern to the very end. Upper Ashburton Road Board. Tenders are invited by the above Hoard for planting about seven acres forest trees, Road Board reserve, Alford Forest road, back of immigrants’ cottages; fencing three gravel reserves, rinety chains (more or less), with ploughed soda, stakes and wire (labor only); ploughing, harrowing, and rolling with Cambridge roller three (above) gravel reserves, about four acres each; clearing tussocks, filling up hollow on footpath opposite Mr Orr’s, Alford Forest road, fiom Borough boundary to Winter’s road, by Mr Williamson’s pro perty, eighty chains (more or less); mak ing race or ditch, about one-and*a-half chains of timber shoot, ford, etc., lower ing a ford and shoot, etc., both on Winch more road; forming a few chains in places as shall be pointed out on north bank Hinds road, opposite Maronan Station; tenders for the lease of the Hoard’s re serve, Tinwald, fifteen acres, No. 2064, for five years. Specifications can be aeon at Mr Williamson’s store, East street, where tenders will be opened on Saturday at noon. Ashburton’s Progress. —We are in formed that Messrs Orr and Co. have purchased from Mr Bullock the valuable property in East street, extending frpra the New Zealand Clothing Factory on one side to Mr A. Orr’s drapery establish ment on the other. The land, which is, perhaps, the best business site in Ashbur ton, has a frontage of 82ft in East street, and a depth of 130ffc, which includes a right of-way at the back. The price paid was between L 4.000 and L 5,000, and the

enterprising firm are to be congratulated on having obtained such a capital bargain. We understand that Messrs Orr and Co.’s lease of their present promises at the corner of East and Tancred streets will not expire for several months, but that on vacating them, Mr Andrew Orr will take up the lease, when he intends to build magnificent premises, extending from the Bank of New Zealand to Fowler’s build ings. It is also the intention of Messrs Orr and Co. to erect several shops next to Mr H. M. Jones’, Baring Square, and tenders for the buildings will be issued shortly, Messrs Fooka and Sons being the architects. It is evident that the above-mentioned firm have implicit confi dence in Hie stability of Ashburton’s trade, and it is with much pleasure that we are enabled to give publicity to such praiseworthy enterprise, which wo trust will be rewarded with increased prosperity and success.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuxeu’s agency.] The Channel Tunnel. London, July 2. The Government has applied to the Supreme Court for an injunction to restrain the promoters of the Channel tunnel scheme from proceeding further with the work of construction. Homeward Mails. The homeward Australian and New Zealand mails via San Francisco, which left Auckland on May 23rd, were de livered here on the 30th June. Wheat Afloat. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,030,000 qrs. Arrived. Arrived—Ships Loch Urr, from Lyt telton, March 3rd ; Lurlme, from Lyt telton, March 25th ; Rising Star, from Wellington, June 7th; Coromandel, from Napier, March 6th. Ready! Aye Ready! London, July 3.

The preparations which have been proceeding at the War Office and Ad miralty for the despatch of troops and vessels to Egypt are now completed. Work at the Arsenal and Dock Yards has been pushed forward with all pos sible speed, and an extensive force, in eluding a siege train of 72 guns is now ready to depart for Egypt without delay if required.

Arabi’s Suggestion. Alexandria, July 3. It has transpired that Arabi Pasha, as Minister of War, has made a pro posal to the Council of Ministers that a levy en masse should forthwith be made for the purpose of increasing the defensive force of Egypt. The work of fortifying this city is now being actively proceeded with by the Egyp tian authorities.

AUSTRALIAN.

pk.r kehtkk’s aof.kcv. ] Revenue Returns. Brisbane, To-day. The Queensland revenue for the last quarter amounted to L6 12,000, being an increase of 1.41,000 compared with the June quarter of 1881. The revenue for the year ended 30th June amounted to L 2,100,000, an increase 0fL.331,000 compared with the pre vious year. The following increases are shown by the returns : —Customs, Li 19,000; land revenue, Li 2,000 rents, L 44,000; railways, L 83,000

and telegraphs, 1.25,000. International Ploughing Match. Melbourne, Yesterday. The entries for the grand inter national champion ploughing contest, which takes place on the 26th and 27th inst., under the auspices of the National

Agricultural Society of Victoria, were published to-day. For the single fur row match (first prize L 105) there are fifty-two entries, and for the double fur row match (L 100) thirty entries. All the Australian Colonies will be repre sented at the contest, including New Zealand, from whence two entries have been received. Another Banquet! Melbourne, To-day. A committee has been formed for the purpose of organising a banquet to Sir Henry Parkes on his return from England. The “ Age” will he Glad. Henry Bryant, alias De Beaumont, the Age informant regarding the alleged Russian designs on the colonies, has been sentenced at the Kilmore court to five years’ imprisonment for forgery. Lady Normanby Indisposed- The Marchioness of Normanby is at present suffering from indisposition. Arbitrators. Sydney, Yesterday. Mr Tighe, of Sydney, and Mr Dent, ex-Mayor ot Lambton, have been ap pointed arbitrators on behalf of the Barehole miners, and Mr Croudan, the colliery manager, and Mr Hall, mer chant, Newcastle, arbitrator for the Australian Agricultural Company. Destructive Fire. Adelaide, Yesterday. A destructive fire occurred at Ips wich last night. Four shops were com pletely gutted. The insurances include LSOO in the National (New Zealand).

TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Another Shipping Disaster. Auckland, To-day. Tha schooner Torea, 78 tons, owned by E. Mitchelson and Co., of Auckland, went ashore at Kaipara Heads to-day while outward bound, with 70,000 feet of tim ber, for Lyttelton. She had been waiting for a chance to got to sea for several days. Her hull is insured in the Union for 1)1,000, L6OO of which is re-insured. No other particulars are yet to hand. From the ‘‘ Fatherland.” A German war ship is signalled. Some Results of the Exhibition.. Wellington, To-day. The Italian residents here are forming a Garibaldi Club on the model of the Working Men’s Club. A society for the promotion of the fine arts is also in course of formation. Just in Time. The residence of Mr Boardman, mana ger of the South British Insurance Company, was found on fire yesterday, the curtains of one of the bedrooms having caught,. Through the timely discovery, and having water and hose handy, only trifling damage was done. Football- Tlie Nelson football match, between the Wellington College team and the Town Club, was won by the latter. Seymour obtained a goal just before time was called. The ground was very wet. The Cruise of the Kekno. The following telegram was received by the Secretary of the Customs : —“ The Go vernment schooner Kekno, which sailed some time ago to an Island lying to southward of New Zealand to search for castaways, and also for the purpose of protecting the seal fisheries, has returned to Stewart’s Island. Captain Greig re ports no important news ” Twelve Years and Two Floggings. At the Supreme Court Ellis, for rape, was sentenced to twelve years’ penal servitude and two floggings of thirty lashes each. The Judge said this was one of the worst crimes he had ever heard of. It was a crime of a brute, and he should be treated as a brute. Gas Explosion. A gas explosion occurred in the Custom House this morning. A messenger named Walters on opening the office smelt gas. He at once proceeded and opened the windows and doors. After a short time he struck a match to light the fire, when the explosion occurred, smashing one door and melting the india-rubber casings of the bell-wires. Walters was burned about the head rather severely. The Wanganui Fire. Of the loss on the Wanganui fire the Colonial Office had L3OO, out of LBOO re insured. Union Insurance Company. Christchurch, To-day. The annual meeting of the Union In surance Company was hold at noon to day. The report and balance-sheet for the past year were read and adopted. The receipts for the year, including L 5,200 brought forward, were stated to have been 1.125,436 ICs, and the expen diture L106,CG5 Gs, leaving a credit balance of L 18,771 8s Bd. Of this amount L 7,500 is appropriated to dividend at the rate of 10 per cent., L 2,600 is added to the reserve fund, and L 8,771 8s carried forward. The retiring directors were re elected. The Chairman of Directors stated it had been deemed inadvisable at present to open a branch office in Lon don, but that one had been opened in San Francisco. The directors were at present considering the question of increasing the paid-up capital of the Company, and if decided upon, ample notice would be given to shareholders. The Fatal Fire in Dunedin. Dunedin, To-day. It has transpired that Captain Kit chener’s furniture was insured in tho South British Oilice for Ll5O.

SUPPOSED PLOT TO ASSASSINATE THE PRINCE OF WALES.

♦ [by cable.] London, July 3. It has transpired that since the recent visit of the Prince of Wales to Bradford, dynamite was found to be concealed in some of the bridges over which the Royal train passed. It is believed that the dis covery reveals the existence of a pi >t to take the Prince’s life.

SUSPECTED MURDER OF A WOMAN AT OAMARU.

♦ [by telegraph. J Oamaru, To-day. A sensational affair has occurred here. The body of a Mrs Alex. Beattie has been found in a creek partly dressed, and under circumstances that are sug gestive of murder having been com mitted. When taken out of the water the deceased was discovered to have a handkerchief tightly bound about her neck; besides which she had a wound in her throat, and a bruise on the face. The dress bore stains of blood upon it. From what can be gathered it appears that Beattie and his wife have not been living very happily together for some lime past. A week or two ago Beattie returned home and found his wife in the house of a neighbor. He was ex cessively angry, and threatened to burn the house down. In consequence of his violent conduct he was bound over to keep the peace. He went straight home, but found his wife had gone away. The woman was not again heard of until her remains were found. The body has been removed into town, where it awaits an inquest.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, June 28. It now appears that there is some pro spect of business being transacted in the Assembly. Last night the subject of defences was brought forward, and Mr Woods wanted the question to be sub mitted as one of urgency. The sum of LIOO,OOO was voted towards defence works. Altogether about a million was voted on account of estimates, including LIOO.OOO for water conservation. The project of a Working Men’s College has been taken up with spirit. An enthu siastic meeting was held on Monday night, at which Judge Higgenbotham, the Bishop of Melbourne, and others spoke. Seven teen hundred pounds has been subscribed, in addition to Mr Ormond’s gift of

L 5.000. Mr Ooulton, whose promises at Prah ran were partially destroyed by dynamite, has issued a writ against the South Brit ish Insurance Company of New Zealand, to recover the policy which the company declined to pay, as Mr Coulton only in sured against tire. Sydney, June 28. A company has been formed for the purpose of supplying frozen meat to the Government of Java. Rooky Waterholes Hotel, on the Dar ling. has been burnt to tho ground. O'Brien and his wife, who were both drunk, were burnt to death. The others were saved with difficulty. A proposal to hold a juvenile exhibi tion in the Garden Palace in November has been warmly taken up. It is expected that it will prove a great success. Adelaide, June 28. Mr Flint, stationmaster at Alice Springs says he believes that he has found traces of Leichardt a hundred miles east of the telegraph lino. He met a friendly tribe of natives, who corroborated the informa tion that a white man died in the vicinity many years ago, about the time of Leic hardl’s expedition. Mr Flint was unable to pursue his enquiries further, owing to the want of food and water. The above is the only information, and requires con firmafinn.

EUROPEAN NEWS.

London, June 22

Mr John Bright has expressed himself as strongly opposed to an armed interven tion in the affairs of Egypt. He considers that, provided the safety of the Suez Canal is assured, it is no part of the duty of England to direct the internal policy of that country. Subscriptions are being raised through out France in aid of funds for alleviating the suffering Europeans who have been compelled to fly from Egypt to Paris. It is proposed to organise a gigantic lottery of 10,000,000 francs to assist the move ment.

The Times, in a leading article, urges the Government to be prepared for eventualities, and warns them to be on their guard, and not to be lulled into a false security. The article insists that the army and navy should be thoroughly equipped, and the defences looked to. Russia is placing her navy in a state of preparation, and is adding thirty addi tional gunboats to her fleet. Very great activity prevails in Russian military circles at the present time, and the army is being placed on a first-class footing. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Tait, is decidedly favourable to the proceedings of the Salvation Army, and has recently subscribed, to their funds. A serious disturbance has occurred at Albany, the capital of New York county. A large number of plate-layers, who had struck work for an increase of wages, at tacked their fellow-laborers who would not join the movement, and a regular riot ensued, which was only quelled by the military being called out. A great num ber of persona were wounded, but for tunately no loss of life is reported. In order to develop the manufacture of cotton in Russia, the Government of that country has considerably reduced the im port duty on the raw material. The people of Norway are agitating for the severance of that country from the kingdom of Sweden. They desire the formation of Norway into an independent republic. Amongst the arms recently seized at Clerkenwell, and supposed to be destined for use by the Fenians, are a quantity of weapons of a similar construction to the species of bowie-knife with which the Phoenix Park murders are supposed to have been committed. They are evidently of agrarian manufacture. London, June 25.

A Landlord Company has been formed in Ireland with a capital of L 700.000 to lease and work boycotted farms. The Land League is alarmed at this move ment.

The Hon. Ashley, Under Secretary for the Colonies, in reply to a question in the House of Commons, stated that the Go vernment had under consideration the re presentations made concerning the treat ment of the Aborigines of Australia and those of the South Seas. They hoped shortly to be able to confer personally with Sir Arthur Gordon, Governor of New Zealand, upon the subject.

ALFORD FOREST.

[from OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.!

July 3. I mentioned in my last letter on New Zealand forests, that my next would treat of Alford Forest singly. The importance of the subject must be my excuse for having delayed so long forwarding this letter; as I wanted to see for myself. Alford Forest may be said to be in the hands of private persons, or owned by a company, the latter possessing something like 3,000 acres of magnificent timber land ; the other sections running from 20 to 200 or 300 acres, I believe. The Go vernment possesses still some bush land, but it is of inferior description, and less accessible than the other—for the present, we may say, inaccessible. Therefore, to gain my object, I must convince the owners that their interest is to plant as they go on clearing—since no law can compel them to do so. lam on the spot, and I have already heard more than one owner of bushland say—“ Ah ! there is an easier way to make the land pay ; I don’t care how soon my bush land is cleared, etc.” To convince such persons is no easy task; one false statement would destroy scores of forcible ones in favor of tree planting. In fact they must bo forced to plant, and, as the sequel will show, I will not hesitate to advise mea sures that would compel bush owners to plant, say, one acre for every five or ten they clear; convinced that lam advocat ing their cause and forwarding their wel fare, as well as serving the district at large, although it may not be seen by some for a few years to come. For those of your readers who are not acquainted with this part of the country, it may not be out of place to state that Alford Forest is a birch forest —a few white pines being met with here and there Now, as the owners of small bush sections are not generally rich men, no doubt they would willingly exchange their birch trees for black, red, or white pines if they could.

It is true that such timber could be turned to account at once for building purposes, but I think that the time is not far distant when a birch forest will be more valuable than one composed of pines. My reason for thinking so is that with the formation of the railway to the West Coast such timber will be brought in any quantity at very low rates, whilst birch is a far less plentiful description of timber, and where shrinking is not greatly objected to, no better wood can be ob tained in New Zealand for strength and durability. Years ago a Commission was appointed by the Canterbury Provincial Government, I believe, to inquire and report on the different kind of colonial timbers moat suitable for bridges, railway sleepers, telegraph posts, etc., and the birch was selected as the most suitable tor such work. The opinion of the Com missioners is backed to this day by all the most experienced architects and builders, and, as our network of railways extend, a greater demand for that particular des cription of timber will be created. That our ranges of hills are well adapted to its growth is proved by the standing timber which can only be surpassed by the birch trees of Oxford bush—and millions of young birches can be had to plant out where the bush has been cleared. Now, it is well worth noticing that the New Zealand forests when interfered with, that is when the under - wood is cleared and daylight admitted, the standing timber suffers, but this is not the case if the young seedlings are transplanted and treated as other forest trees would be in a plantation. The birch can then at a comparatively small expense be successfully planted here in its genial soil, and mixed with other use ful forest trees. What is now a noble estate may pass to the next generation a still more valuable property. But as I will treat of the rearing of trees at a future date, I need not enlarge on the subject at present. We have now the only remaining maiden birch forest within many a mile of Ashburton : that is to say we have the most suitable timber for all works requiring strength and durability combined. We have also land well adapted to its growth, and millions of young trees ready to hand. With such advantages and the premium offered byGo vernment for tree planting, I think timely advice ought to open the eyes of a few of our bush owners. Before going further, however, let us look around us and see how the oilier forests in or about the Can terbury district have fared. Taking Alford Forest as a centre running in a southerly direction a distance of 75 miles, we come successively to Peel Forest, Geraldine, Kakahu, and Waimate Bush. Taking them in the order named, and studying the question from a business point of view, we are led to the following conclusions : that Peel Forest has still abundance of timber, but not equal to what Alford Forest can boast of; that cartage is costly, and the probability of a line of railway overcoming that difficulty far remote, whilst the loop line joining the Methven and Mount Somers termini is, and has been for a long time, talked of. The fact of large quantities of timber having found its way from Alford Forest to Ashburton and Methven, to be again carted or railed for miles around these centres, whilst little or no timber trade has been carried on from Peel Forest, proves the truth of the fact I am advan cing. We are obliged, also to come to the conclusion that the Geraldine Bush has been wantonly destroyed, and is now a thing of the past. I have not visited it for several years, and then there was enough timber left to convince one that there had been once a bush. The first time I visited Geraldine I arrived rather late on a very warm summer’s evening, and after tea I expressed my intention of having a look at the bush. My hostess was in a terrible state of anxiety. “ Don’t go, sir, at this time of night; if you enter the bush you will never find your way out again.” I did enter, nevertheless, and came out again without the least trouble, and any child could have done the same. At one time, no doubt, it was of a noble extent, and fine trees were plentiful, which, with a good road lead ing to Winchester, accounts for its very prompt dsstruction ; but if it had been properly husbanded, and tree planting carried on, what a source of wealth it would have been for the district in a few years. My hostess evidently was a native of the place, or at. least a very old settler, •uid saw things with the eyes of twenty

years ago. For her Geraldine Bush was still a virgin forest; for your correspon dent it was b. small patch of timber, pro mising at a very early date to exist only in the recollection of the early settlers. Geraldine Bush is a thing of the past. Oxford Forest people, take warning in good time! We arrive now at the Rakaia bush ; I visited it not very long ago, it is composed of mixed timber, mannkau, broad-leaf, black pine, kawhia, fuschia, matapo, etc. If birch trees are to be found, I have not seen them, at any rate they do not form the bulk of the standing timber. There, also, daylight is seen everywhere, transit is difficult, and although it may supply the wants of the district for some years to come, it will never interfere with Alford Forest; the description of timber is dif ferent, and cartage still more costly than from here —at the present day. At last we reach Waimate, 75 miles or there abouts from here. There is not the least doubt that one of the noblest estates in South Canterbury will have past away when the last stick of timber shall fall under the bushman’s axe. At Waimate, wanton destruction, want of foresight, and fires have combined to produce such an early ending ; and the same tale will have to be reported about all our forests as long as the Government do not sell the bush land in thinly timbered districts,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JULY 4, 1882.



O. Carstens & Go., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nail rod, Twist, and Vanity Pair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Or >ans, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. John Meech, CABINETMAKER* UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invite his friends to inspect his large stock of New and Second-hand Fur niture, consisting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Cases Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables Wash Stands Wood and Iron Bedsteads Cots, Cradles Perambulators And everything required in household urnishing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen kept for al. 1 mds of repairs. , ~ , Furniture bought, and high prices given. ■ . Furniture lent, on weekly and monthly payments 257 a LOCAL INDUSTRY. JOHN MEECH, Bun NETT STEBH Opposite th e MuU Office. f ICE NSING ACT, 1881, on Sal* a* I I Office of this Paper.



Wanted



WANTED KNOWN—The American Gem Studio will bo OPEN for a short time longer. PORTRAITS, Is per dozen. Come early. | Opposite Mail Office. jl 3 WANTED KNOWN—That the best place to get Short Firewood and the best Coals (delivered) is from Hayes’ Coal and Wood Yard, East street. Cbfle ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 7COc WANTED Known—The late Proprie tress of the A 1 Restaurant has Removed to those new and commodious premises of Mr Quill’s, Wills street, now called the London Dining Rooms, ad joining Elz Bros., Coach Builders, and to cope with dull times she is now offering BOARD and LODGING at 18s per week ; BOARD only, 13s. Meals at all hours. 653 j TT7ANTED KNOWN—Every descrip » » tion of Plain and Fancy Printing, executed on the shortest notice, at the Guadian Office, next Matson, Cox, and Co. ’s, West street.



Special Advertisements. SCHOOL BOOKS. SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from IGs par Ream. Cash. Envelopes ~ Gs Cd per 1,000 ~ Note Paper, Five Quires, la ~ A GOOD ASSORTMENT of Ledgers. Cash, Day Books, and Ledger Books IN STOCK. Toys Fancy Goods, Crewel Wools, &c. R. M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseller, 293 d



IHE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. OKA AAA T 0 LEJirD . in 8111113 of toO,OUl) £3 0 0 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 farmers on most favorable terms. They have For Sale at Lowest Rates— FEED OATS CHICK WHEAT FLOUR, BRAN & SHARPS CEMENT. WILLIAM HORNE, 518 a Agent. G-. Adams & Co., PRACTICAL ENGLISH WATCH MAKERS, JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fisher s), ChKISTCHUBCII,



Rotherham’s English Lover 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 The best value for ready MONEY is THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured BY THK NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE.



Thousands of discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory's Garments are the very best for READY MONEY. Ashburton Branch: EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. G92c Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wist street. gPECIAL NOTICE. TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. GL R . West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, Princes street, Dunedin, Have great pleasure in announcing that they have appointed Mr G. F. HENRY, of Saunders’ Buildings, East Street, Asbur ton, as their Sole Agent and Representa tive in this district, and that it is their intention to cater for the Music-loving population of Ashburton in such a man ner as has never before been attempted.



Messrs G. R. West & Co. are the Largest Direct Importers of PIANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, BRASS, WIND. AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS In the Colony, and a large and varied stock of the above will always be found at their Agent’s Depot. ■ Mr G. R. West, being at present in England, is shipping direct to Dunedin all the latest novelties in MUSIC ! MUSIC ! ! MUSIC !! ! And G. F. Henry respectfully solicits a call frcm his friends, teachers, and the public in general to inspect his magnificent stock of Music, personally selected by himself in Dunedin. In connection with the above, wo have retained the services of Miss Gates (organist of St. Stephen’s Church) who will be in attendee daily from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m., to receive Pupils for the Piano, Organ, and Harmonium. Terms on application. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, East Stkbet, Ashbuuton. MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. Puddicombe is authorised to collect money and transact all business n connection with The Ashbtjeton Guakdian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts, 820 e O TICE



Special Advertisements. Jj- E W COAL YARD. Coals. Coals. Coals. The Undersigned desires to intimate to liis 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 largo supply of the best Newcastle Coals, (From the Old Lambton Mine), which will be delivered to Customers to any part of the Town and Suburbs at the LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber and Coal Merchant, 4680 East street, Ashburton.



* LBERT FLOUR STORES, East street, F. W. QUAIFE Begs to infonn the Residents anc Fanners of Ashburton and vicinity thal ho has taken the Premises lately in the occupation of Mr Henry Bowers, Miller where he intends offering the followin' goods : Soap and Candles at unprecedented!; low prices, in largo or small quantities, t< suit all purchasers, viz.: — Good Pale Yellow Soap, Cd per bar Good Palo Yellow Soap, 10s per box Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 8d per bar Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 12s per bo; Candles —Good Composite, 6d per lb Candles—Superior Wax, la per lb Candles —Carriage, Is 2d per lb. CASH. Ashburton. 732 Education Act, 1877, Debtor and Creditors Act, and Amend ment Acts, Forest Trees Plantin Encouragement Act, 1871, to be had a the Guardian Office, next Matson, Co: and Co.’s. W * “treat. BOOTS. WINTER 800 TS C. HAWKINS, Bootmaker, Eas street, Ashburton, and Tinwald, has jus received a largo assortment of Strong am Useful Boots for this season of the year which he is selling at Christchurch prices 998 OTICE TO TOWN SUBSCRIBERS Mb Charles Boork is authorised t COLLECT Subscription Accounts due t Guardian, and his receipt will be a suffi cient discharge. rp AK S 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, am 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.



A Determined Man. —Mr Massey, dismissed from being Town Cierk by the Dunedin City Council, after a recent libel case, yesterday applied in the Supreme Court for a rule nisi calling on the Mayor and Corporation to show cause why they should not pay him L 320 6s Bd, and to reinstate him as Town Clerk. The rule was granted. Interesting Ceremony at Timarg.- A most interesting ceremony took place last night at St. John’s Lodge, F C., Timaru, when medals given by the Lodge were distributed to those engaged in the saving of life on the occasion of the wrecks on May 14th. Mr A. J. Parsons presided, and delivered a very impressive address. The medals were handed to forty men by Mrs Parsons, and three more are to be sent Homo to men who have left the colony. Mr Edward Wake field responded on behalf of the recipients. The medals cost fully LBO, and they bore suitable inscriptions. The Masonic Hall was crowded to witness the presentation#