SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. To-day. - Te Anau, s.s , from Wellington. Wahaka, s. s., from Port Chalmers. . Sailed. To-day. s.s., for North. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Halcion, from London. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Sophia R. Luhra, barque, from Newcastle ; Penguin, from Lyttel ton ; Australind, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed—Penguin, for Picton and Nel son i .Kiwi, for the East Coast; Wost port.-fdr W-cstport; Creti, for Auckland, via the East Coast. Oamaru, Yesterday. Cleared— Golden Russet, barque, with wheai; for Queenstown. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived— Elibank Castle, from West Coast. Sailed—Eliza Firth, for Greymouth.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

, ; AUCTION SALES * ‘ Thursday, May 4. J. TriFord and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Horses and Sheep. Saturday, May 6. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; L3Q p.m. Tuesday, May 9. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. Friday, May 12. H. Matson and Co, at the Canterbury Wool Stores—Landed Propery; 13 o’clock.; MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-Night, Tuesday, May 2._ Ashburton Permanent Building andln vestmeut Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. TO-MOItROW, Wednesday, May 3. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, May 4. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 2, 18S2.

iOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5.40 p.m. j

Licensing Announcements. —A couple of licensing announcements appear in our advertising columns.

Universal Providers. —Attention is directed to the announcement elsewhere of those universal providers, Messrs Orr and Co., who are prepared to supply builders, contractors, and the general public with all sorts of requisites.

Birrhill School Committee. A meeting of ratepayers is called for June sth, at the schoolroom, Barrhill, for the purpose of electing a member to fill the vacancy in the committee, caused by the retirement of Mr M'Millan.

A New “ Bobby.” —Owing to the pres sure of police work here just now, the local force has been increased by the addition of Constable Fitzpatrick, of Waimate, who arrived in Ashburton to-day. Naughty Oamaru. —The Oamaru police will bring forward a testcase to prevent the coursing and shooting of hares on Sun days. The action will bo laid under an old Statute of William IY. A New Grocer. —Mr James Baker notifies having opened up in the newly erected Bt-ker’s Buildings, Havelock street, as a general grocer. Mil Baker offers quality as well as quantity, and an nounces that his motto will bo cash only. He will thus, he says, be enabled to sell at twenty-live per cent, under the usual prices.

Unclaimed Letters. —The following is a list of letters received at the Ashbur ton Post Office from places beyond the colony during the month of March, and remaining unclaimed on Ist May:—T, A. Bray, A. A.. Beetham, William Daly, P. Doherty, F. Dufrates, James Gibson, J. Hamon, David Humphreys, Jas. Mackey Irvine, Alexander McKenzie, Michael Mcßneany, William Smith, Edward John Walsh. Police Court.— At the Court this morning, before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., Thomas Gallon, alias Thomas Gillon, alias Burke, was charged with being drunk and with John Maher, 1 at one o’clock this morning, by striking him on the head with a stone. The prosecu tor failed to appear and the accused being a notorious character, was remanded until Thursday. The Mid-day “ Goods. ”-r-The mid-day goods train for the South came to a stop when running up the approach to the bridge to-day, in. consequence of some slight breakage on the engine. The guard walked back and communicated the fact to the stationmaster, and another engine was despatched to the bridge, which brought back the train. About an hour later the train was taken on by a fresh engine.

Sir Hercules and Sir Arthur.— -The Press special, wiring last night, says : Sir Hercules is still most desirous to come to this colony, but in view of the renewed trouble at the Qape he feels that he could not with honor;apply to be relieved, as it would look like a desertion of his post in the face of the enemy. He therefore feels bound to remain at the Cape until the present difficulties are finally over come, or until his services are no longer needed there. Judging from present appearances this completely upsets all chance of his succeeding Sir Arthur Gor don.

Fire Prevention. —We are glad to see that at last, some steps are to be taken to afford increased protection from fire. A few of the residents on the west side of the line, are realising the urgent necessity there exists for having some appliances in that part of the town, for fire prevention purposes, have determined to procure an engine and plant. This it is intended to do by subscription, and a brisk canvas is being made, which is being liberally re sponded to.. 1 There are inflieient resi dents within a short distance of the fire bell, on Reserve 704—whore it is pro posed to place the engine—to form a brigade, and (ho new water channels on the west side are expected to be at work in a short time. The new brigade is not in tended to in any way rival the existing one, but the projectors of the affair wish it to be understood that the new engine and brigade will always be ready to assist Cap tain Dolman and his men. But tho fact is that the present engine, in tho event of a fire, say in Park or Wills street, would have to come rounu by Burnett street crossing, which would cause much valu able time to be lost, and which would bo avoided by having the necessary ap pliances on that side of the railway. A suitable engine can be procured for LBO, the brakes of which can be manned by twelve men, and which is copable of throw ing a jet 120f f .

Masonic. —The ordinary monthly meet ing of the St John’s Lodge takes place (his evening, at the usual hour, in the Masonic Hall. The business will be to receive the financial report and the nomi nation of officers for the ensuing year and one passing. It is expected that all the brethren and a number of visitors will be present. Suicide near Kaiapoi. —Robert Hud son, a farm laborer, and well known for many years in and about Kaiapoi, com mitted suicide on Mr Jones’ farm, near the south branch of the Waimakariri, on Saturday. Deceased stabbed himself in the thi'oat with a penknife. He had been twice under treatment for lunacy. A verdict of temporary insanity was re turned. Fheethougut in Dunedin, The Lyceum, the new public hall built by the Freethought Association in Dunedin was opened on Sunday. [Mr Stout lectured in the evening on “ What is Free thought ? ” to an audience of 750 people, including many ladies. Three entertain ments in celebration of the opening are to be given in the hall this week. Ashburton Racing Ctub. —Regarding the importance of united action amongst the leading Racing Clubs of the colony in the suppression of turf frauds, the com mittee of the Ashburton Racing Club have at the request of the Canterbury Jockey Club consented to endorse the ac tion of that Club, and the Taranaki R.O. in disqualifying the owner (Coyle), rider (Williams), and the horse Randwick. The A.R. C. have consented to endorse the disqualification of “ certain defaulting iockevs” at the late Dunedin J.O. meet ing. ‘

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reutbr’s agency.] Commercial. London, April 28. Consols have advanced to New Zealand securities are unchanged. Colonial breadstuff's remain at 55s for Adelaide wheat ex warehouse, and 52s for New Zealand ditto, Adelaide flour continues at 37s ex store. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,340,000 quarters or 5000 quarters less than last week. Aus tralian tallow continues dull at 41s, for best beef, and 42s for best mutton ; galvanised iron, 26 gauge, has de clined to Lx 7 1 os. Best Sydney copra remains at Lxs 10s. An Extraordinary Case. London, April 29. A man named Young, described as a clerk, of Doncaster, Yorkshire, has been arrested on a charge of sending threatening letters to the Queen with the object of extorting money. A Big Blaze. A fire occurred to-day in Aberdeen, by which one large.shop was completely gutted and the stock valued at L. 40,000, was totally destroyed. No loss of life occurred. A Bad Start. The ship Rakaia, outward bound, has put into Plymouth with the small pox aboard, that disease having shown itself among the passengers while going down the Channel.

Shipping News. A telegram has been received from Capetown reporting that the ship Per mene has put in there, having lost her bulwarks and stanchions. She had to jettison twenty tons of cargo. Arrived —Ship Waikato and slvp Rio Grande. The Viceroy. London, April 30.

It is announced that Earl Spencer, the newly appointed Viceroy ot Ire land, will continue to hold the position of Lord President of Privy Council, but will be assisted in the duties of that office by Lord Carlingford, Lord of the Privy Seal. The Imprisoned “Suspects.” It is believed that the imprisoned “ suspects” in Ireland will shortly be released, but no authoritative state ment to that effect has yet been made public. Three Per Cent. London, May 1. The London Chartered Bank of Au stralia has declared a dividend of three per cent, for the past year. To Be Exiled. Cairo, May 1. Forty-three Circassian officers of the Egyptian army, who were last month arrested on a charge of conspiracy to murder Araba Pasha, Minister of War, have been tried by court martial, and having been found guilty, have been sentenced to be exiled. The Czar to the Rescue. St. Petersburg!!, April 29. It officially announced that the Czar has decided that measuses shall be adopted without delay for the protec tion of the Jews in Southern Russia against repetition of past outrages.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per keuteh’b agency.] Political. Melbourne, Yesterday. Negotiations are proceeding with a view to coalition in regard to the vote of want of confidence proposed by Mr Berry as an amendment to the address in reply, but it is considered doubful that the same will be brought about. Government, it is stated, anticipate having a small majority. Home Letters. Arrived this morning, P. and O. Company’s steamship Carthage, with the English mail, dated London, March 24th. Killed by Niggers. Sydney, This day. News is to hand that the labor agent, the mate, and four of the crew of ,the brig Janet Stewart have been murdered by natives of the Solomon Islands, who afterwards plundefed and set fire to the ship. The captain was absent on a recruiting trip at the time of the mas sacre, and consequently escaped.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Maori Matters. Alexandra, To-day. Heavy rains have delayed the arrival of the people, and it is imposible to say when the talking will commence. Chief Hau rua arrived from Kopua to-day, and says there are very few natives there, though some are reported on the way. The na tives continue to arrive at Alexandra. 1 hear on good authority to-day that Taw hiao is not likely to announce any strange policy. Probably if ho consulted his own inclinations and those of younger men, he would do so, but the old people are averse, audit is doubtful if he can break away from their counsels. Owing to the ab sence of land sales, and the limited culti vation, tho Kingite natives are almost

wholly without money. There is some talk of re-establishing the Kingite newspaper with the old plant, which is now at Kopua. Paora Inhire has collected L 25 towards that object. There are now Europeans living at Kawhia. There are only two blocks of Crown land granted, one of thirty-four and the other of forty four acres, on separate sides of the harbor. The opinion of the natives about Winiata, the murderer of Packer, is uniformally ad verse. They say he must go some time, and deserves all he will obtain. The people hold the same opinion about Mof fat, as do the Wanganui natives. He had gone back prospecting to a part of the country from which he had been re peatedly warned. He was told what would happen, but persisted in defiance of a friendly chief here from Kaipara. Hotel Robbery. Connell’s Hotel, Alexandra, was robbed last night of a cash-box containing L 35 and some valuable papers. The box was taken from the bar. The robbers are un known. The entrance was effected by the window, and the bar door forced open with a screwdriver. Customs. Napier, To-day. The Customs revenue for April amounts to L 3,934, and the Beer Duty to Ll5O. The Accident to a Bush-faller. Masterton, To-day. At the inquest on Freminger yesterday a verdict of “Accidental death” was re turned, with a rider added “ that the man was not competent for a bush fuller, and should not have been allowed to go out to fall bush alone.”

Satisfactory. Wellington, To-day. Mr De Lautour, managing director of the New Zealand Land Settlement Com pany, reports receiving advices from London dated 29th April, announcing the sale of 15,000 fully paid-up L 5 shares at par. Arrival of the Emerald. H.M. S. Emerald has arrived from Sydney. Obituary. At Palmerston North, Mr J. B. Dun gan, proprietor of the h/luuawatu Times, died this morning.

SUICIDE OF A CAPTAIN AT SEA.

[By Telegraph.] Wellington, To-day.

H. M. S. Emerald reports that on Sa turday evening, while on her passage from Sydney to Wellington, she sighted a barque flying a signal of distress. The Emerald went to the assistance of the vessel, which proved to be the Campsie Glen, that left Timaru for Newcastle, in ballast on the 2ist nit. When the Emerald was within hailing distance, the mate of the barque stated that the captain had committed suicide. He also asked for the longitude and rate of chronometer, those were called him, and also signalled by flags. A heavy squall now came down, and no further communication took place. The captain’s name was Smith, but those on board the man-of-war could not ascertain in what manner he had destroyed himself. The Emerald stood by the vessel all night, and nothing being amiss she stood on her course.

THE GREAT ROWING MATCH.

[Bv Cable.] London, May 1. The sculling race between Edward Hanlan, of Toronto, champion of the world, and Edward Trickett, of Sydney, for LSOO a-side, took place to-day, over the usual course on the Thames, and resulted in a victory for Hanlan by four lengths. The victory was the easiest that can be imagined. He stopped three times during the race, and literally “ played ” with Trickett. The weather was very fine, the sun shining brightly, and the water was perfectly smooth. Large crowds of people witnessed the contest from the banks of the river and along the course.

NEWS BY THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

[A portion of the following appeared in an “ extra ” issued by us last night :—] Mr Guerney, an ex-Mayor of North ampton, has instituted proceedings against Mr Bradlaugh to compel him to perform his Parliamentary duties. Tukhangahotf, a condemned Nihilist officer, was shot at Cronstadt. Twelve marines formed the firing party. Death was instantaneous.

St Patrick’s Day was but mildly cele brated in San Francisco, but was more enthusiastically celebrated .in all the eastern cities. The speeches were a fusilade against perfidious Albion all along the line.

The widows of ex-Presidents Garfield, Polk, and Tyler, have been granted by Congress a pension of 5,000 dols. a year. Arrangements are being made for a steam fleet to convey wheat from the Pacific coast to Europe. Three of the vessels will soon sail from England for San Fran cisco via Cape Horn, carrying coal and iron as outward cargo, and return with grain. The Pacific Steamship Company now take cargoes direct to Liverpool, without breaking bulk, at lower rates than their competitors, the French and German lines.

An appalling earthquake has occurred at Costa Rica. Four towns were des troyed. The loss of life was fearful. Thousands of inhabitants were swallowed up. It is said that the Conservatives are drifting towards a scheme to buy out the Irish landlords. The scheme so far is in the air, but it is believed to be gradually acquiring favor. Sergeant Mason, who attempted to shoot °Guiteau, and who is in gaol, has had his sentence commuted to five months’ imprisonment in the guard house.

President Arthur is being attacked in some Washington papers as being too much of a society man, and disinclined to attend to the serious duties of his posi tion.

The Lincolnshire Handicap was won by Paulet, Master Walter second, and Buchanan third. The American horses Aranza and Mistake also ran. A young Englishman named Owens was lynched at Papa Bay, Florida, being hanged to a tree in the courthouse yard by a mob. He had attacked a young lady for some cause, and stabbed her nearly to death. In personal appearance he was said to exactly resemble Guiteau. Mr Smyth, of Barbarillo House, County Meath, has written to Mr Gladstone con cerning the assassination of his sister-in law. He says—“ Your practical adhesion to the principle that force is no remedy in the case of Irish savagery has culmin ated in making it necessary for a Land League assassin to murder my sister-in law at noon-day. I lay the guilt of that deed of blood at your door in the face of the whole country.” Mr Gladstone, in replying, assures Mr Smyth of his hearty sympathy, and is confident Mr Smyth will readily understand why lie docs not notice his charges. For the week ending April Ist no less than three cold-blooded murders were committed in San Francisco. John Mellala cut his wife’s throat in a fit of jealousy ; Win. McOornish shot his quon dam friend Hugh Money ; and J. Ham bun, a gambler, shot John M. Hissey, another of the same kidney. The latter foil dead in the middle of Kearney street. The attack upon the Jews in Russia has

recommenced. In one city iho Jewish shops were set fire to with petroleum. The Crystal Palace theatre, Mar seilles, was burned on the ISth inst. Loss 1,000,000 francs. The actors escaped with difficulty. When Dr. Lamson heard the jury’s verdict he elapsed his hands together, and seemed for a moment in despair, but quickly recovered his self-possession. Folding his arms ha said, with a clear voice, slowly and deliberately, and with eyes up plifted, “I protest my innocence before God.”

The Times editorially pooh-poohs the idea of war between Austria and Russia, and also that a Slavonic storm is about to break upon Germany. Bradlaugh has been urgently pressed by a committee of Freethinkers in Rome to accept the Presidency of the International Congress which it is propo ed shall be held in that place next autumn. Hansbrusk, the founder of the New Quarterly Revieiv, is dead. The Secretary of the War Department announced in the Commons on March 13 that the cost of the army for 1882 would be L 15,000,000 or 132,905 men. An American lawyer named Goodhue was arrested at Brussels on charges in volving several million francs belonging to the Bishopric of Tournay. Terrorist placards are again making their appearance on the walls of St. Petersburg. One, which is of a most violent character, declares Alexander now condemned to death definitely, and with out appeal, as he is the incarnation of all the horrors of an autocratic Government. In the House of Commons, on the 29th, Mt Forster admitted that the Protection Act had not done much for Ireland, but it had done something that had prevented many outrages and murders by enabling the authorities to lock up those who other wise might have committed such acts of violence. There were, he said, “ signs of hope,” but the outrages must be stopped. Mr Gladstone ridiculed the idea, in a debate on the 28th, of allowing imprisoned I Irish members to come to London to vote 1 on the Cloture. The Land Leagues of the United States and British Columbia contributed L 22,000 to the ‘‘cause” during the month of March. London Truth says Don Phillip _de Bourbon, second son of Count Daquila, is about to marry Miss Mac Kay of Cali fornia, sisier of the Bonaza King. Mr Forster has declined to release Dil lon from Kilmainham, although he is re presented to be much worse in health. Arthur Herbert, an active Land

Leaguer, was shot dead on the 30th while returning from Castle Island Petty Ses sions. Three passengers on the sceamer Kynthia, from Liverpool for New York, were arrested at Queenstown in connection with this murder.

Father Feehan, priest, Rathdowney, Queen’s County, Ireland, having read at a meeting apaper purporting tobe written by the Bishop of Nevada, to the effect that had he been imprisoned as a suspect he would have issued a manifesto calling the people to arms instead of urging them to pay no rent, was put under bonds for L4OO, or to go to prison for six months. He was sent to gaol. The Maryborough tradesmen closed their shops although it was market day. Hygienic lectures for ladies are attract ing attention in London; improved styles of'dresses are being exhibited at them. The race for the Liverpool Spring Cup on the 25th ult , was won by an American bred horse, Wallensten, with Valor second, and Dreamland a bad third. The Levant Herald, of Constantinople, has been suppressed. Immigration to America from Clyde will be large this season. Sara Bernhardt is so frequently afflicted with hemorrhage of the lungs, that she has to forego acting. It is believed the Fenians intend to blow up the London and North Woolwich Tunnel, which passes under the docks, and the police force has been largely in creased.

Hotfer, correspondent of the Paris Des

Dehats, was killed in a duel. Thomas and O’Daily, merchants, of London and Liverpool, failed f0rL75,000. The Pope declares he will not receive the Emperor Francis Joseph, at the Vati can, if the Emperor visits Kin" Humbert at Rome.

Fronde’s life of Carlyle, now issued, contains many matters of offence for a number of persons ; all the frailties of Carlyle were brought out in it vividly. Mrs Mackay, wife of the Californian millionaire is indignant that her daugh ter’s name should be associated with that of Don Philip de Bourbon. The lady says she is pestered with fortune hunters, and that if a monarch were to propose for Miss Mackay ho would bo refused. The Russian Grand Duke Vladimir is on a visit to Rome and the Vatican. William McArthur, sugar merchant, of Greenock, has failed for LBO,OOO. The British revenue returns for the financial year are L 85,822,282, an increase of L 1,780,904 on the previous year. Extra police have been placed in the Town Hall of Manchester because of anonymous threats to blow it up during Easter.

Sara Bernhardt, the actress, was mar ried at Paris on April 6th to a gentleman named Dudmali, middle aged and toler ably rich. The affair was quite private. Lord Erskine died on the 29th ult.

For corrupt practices at elections, Go vernment intend to disfranchise Sand wich and deprive Worster, Macclesfield, Oxford, Gloucester, and Boston of one seat each.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the above was hold last night. Present— His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Ivess, Roberts, St. Hill, Parkin, Bird, Orr, R. Friedlander, and Harrison. Mayors' Statement.— His Worship the Mayor reported the overdraft at the bank to L99G 0s od. Amounts received since last meeting : Rents of reserves, L 73 17s 5d ; rents of cottages, LI IGs ; licenses (by-laws), H 5s ; earth sold, 4?; dog licenses, L 8 Gs ; rates, L 32 16s ; by-laws, Is.

Correspondence. —Letters were read from :—Sergeant Felton, asking whether the Council would like to have the by-law relative to the driving of cattle through the streets of the town during prohibited hours enforced. —It was resolved that the by-law be enforced as far as regards East street. From the Railway Department, refusing to entertain the application of the Council for a railway crossing at Moore street, owing to the danger to the public and inconvenience to the depart ment. From same, re crossing at Have lock street, and referring Council to for mer letter on subject, stating that the pro posed railway station extension precluded the granting of the request. From the County Council, re charitable aid and the nayine'nt of the Council’s share of same. —lt was resolved that the County Coun cil be sent a reply intimating that the Borough Council will pay its share monthly. From Messrs Gundry and Pavict, asking for the removal of the earth which had accumulated on the East Town Belt during the formation of the outfall drain, also requesting that the footpaths on the belt might bo formed, and intimat ing that the Wakanui Road Board would defray the cost of same.—The first appli cation was referred to the Works Com mittee, and to communicate with the Wakanui Road Board on the second. From Canterbury Insurance Association, in reply to Council’s letter asking to be supplied with some additional hand pumps, for payment. The letter stated that the Association had ordered some more of the pumps, and they would be to hand in about five months' time; in the

meantime, the Council could have three 1 pumps at L 4 10s each at once, if they de- | i sired it.—lt was resolved that the three I i pumps offered be obtained. The disposal I of the pumps was left to the Fire Brigade. Frotn'Reid and Gray, asking permission to light fires in the open air for the pur- 1 pose of 'putting tires on wheels, every 1 precaution being taken to prevent acci- 1 dent. —Cr St. Hill said the granting of 1 the request would be to establish a bad precedent. It would be to handicap the tradesmen who had been sufficiently enterprising to erect furnaces. He would move the by-law be enforced.—Seconded by Cr Parkin.—Cr Ivess said that he would move, as an amendment—“ That the request be granted.” He thought that for such a young Borough it would be a pity to make the by-law too stringent. If duo precautions were taken, he could not see why the request should the re fused.—Or Orr pointed out that similar applications from others had been re fused. Still, he felt with the last ! speaker that it would be a pity to make the by-law too stringent. From the little experience he bad of such matters, he should say that the lighting of these fires was attended with very little danger. Cr Harrison thought that tho Council should not permit any one man to do what might bo attended with disastrous conse quences to others. There wove men who possessed furnaces here, and ho was sure that a firm like Reid and Grey could afford to erect a furnace which would not exceed a cost of LlO or L2O. He thought the Council ought to stand by the position they had taken* in this matter. —The Mayor concurred with the remarks of Cr Harri son. The resolution was carried, only ; Crs Ivess and Orr voting for the amend -1 ment.

Engineer’s Report.—This report, was read and adopted. It was as follows ; Water Supply.—The contractors have, sub stantially, completed the new race for the sup ply of the north-west part of the Borough, but we have not yet passed the work. As this will be done in a day or two we have sent in and signed a voucher for balance due on the contract. It will be necessary to make arrange ments with Mr Bradley for laying some short lengths of channelling at junctions of streets ; for the control and direction of the sup ply.—The labor gang have been engaged in re forming and metalling streets as before, lower ing West street, forming railway crossing Ker mode street, carting timber for and making and fixing culverts in new water race and at tending to water supply. Inspector of Nuisances.—The report of this functionary was also adopted. Auditor’s Report.—Messrs W. R. Boyle and S. E. Poyntz reported audit ing the Council’s accounts and to finding the same correct.

Tancred Street South. —lt was de cided to instruct the Surveyor to proceed at once with the channelling of the above street.

Footpath Formation. —Or St Hill's notice of motion—That the footpath across one side of Tancred street and Burnett street, across the railway reserve be formed at a cost of L 4,” was seconded by Or Harrison and carried. Asphalte Channelling. Respecting Cr Ivess’s notice of motion — a That the Surveyor be instructed to proceed with the laying of asphalte channelling, from the corner of the Post Office, Wakanui road, to the Central Butchery; from Fooks’s office to the corner of Cass street, Wakanui road,” it was decided to refer the question to the Engineer, with power to act.

A Little One of their Own. —Cr St. Hill informed the Council that the resi dents on the west side of the town had resolved to purchase privately a small fire engine, say at a cost of about LBO. These residents would be in a very helpless state if a fire broke out in their part of the town. They proposed to organise them selves into a fire brigade, and wished to ask the Council for one of the immigra tion cottages to be used as an engine-shed and to be placed on the reserve on which the small fire-bell stands. The prime movers were Messrs Cambridge, Braddell, and himself. The request was unani mously granted. Accounts. Sundry accounts were passed for payment, and the Council ad journed.

THE MUCH VEXED QUESTION

At last night’s meeting of the Borough Council the much vexed question of the Library site cropped up again, and an animated discussion ensued thereon.

Messrs Ivess, Orr, and Harrison (the sub-committee appointed to interview the Library Committee re site), submitted their report, which was read as follows :

That, having taken public opinion by every means possible, it is found that five out of every six persons consumed are in favor of utilising Baring square east, it being the most central site, and especially adapted to the pur pose ; it is of little use at the pres" it time, and as but the one building is proposed to be erected, it would not interefere with the square as an open public place ; but, on tire contrary, would render it useful, anil a great boon to the public generally. Your Commit tee, therefore, earnestly request that you will cause the public vote to be properly taken ; and, if favorable, that the Government be. asked to introduce a short Bill whereby Baring square east may be made the Library Reserve. That the >'eserve behind Baring square west is the only other available space at all available, a portion of which, facing Havelock street west, your Committee recommend in the evetit of the Council not proceeding to obtain Baring square east. — Alfred Harrison, Chairman ot Committee.

Or Ivess repudiated the report alto gether. He had, although a member of the sub-committee, not seen it, and knew nothing whatever about it. Perhaps Or Orr had been let into the secret ? Or Harrison remarked that he had called repeatedly at Or Ivess’s office, but could not find him in. Ho had left a note for him with directions that it should be given to him immediately he returned. He might say that coming home from the interview with the Library Committee, Cr Ivess had certainly expressed himself in favor of a central site, and had said that the site suggested at the back of Baring square west was but very little better than the former site. Cr Ivess had spoken of the section between the Town Hall and the Courthouse as being a suit able position for the Library to occupy, and had said k that a central site must be, secured by hook or by crook. Cr Ivess had distinctly indicated his approval of a central site. As to his not being con sulted respecting the drawing up of the report, why if a Committee of three was appointed, and one of the three was not to be found, then the other two must act. Ho really thought he had embodied the remarks of both his fellow-committeemen with reference to the site desirable in the report just read. Ci Orr had not seen the report, but he must say he thought it a very fair one. Cr Harrison had taken much interest in this question of site, and he (Cr Orr) thought that when the renort said five out of six people were in favor of a central site, the slateraent was perfectly correct. From conversations with people generally, ho was satisfied that a central site was generally desired. Personally, he thought that Baring square east was a first-rate position for the Library. Cr St. Hill did not think the sub-com mittee was appointed to find out that five out of six of the inhabitants were in favor of a central site. They had been deputed to confer with the Library Committee. What right, he would like to know, had the Council to take one of the public squares and rob the people of 100 years hence of it? He was disgusted with what he had read in an evening publica tion that night, in which a respected inhabitant had been insulted by n scoim drell who deserved to be horsewhipped. The letter written by the latter was in keeping with the scurrilous and disgrace ful publication in question. The evening

“ luminary ” wished them to follow what it said, and predicted all sorts of things if the advice was not taken. Cr Ivess deprecated any interference with the functions of the Library Com mittee. He was somewhat surprised to find in the report that five out of six of the residents advocated a central site. He i know nothing of this. In fact, there had been much apathy on the part of the sub scribers in the matter of the Library. He had had no opportunity of gauging public I opinion on the question of site. No peti tion had been got up, and there .was no

public indication of feeling in the matter. It was strange that Cr Harrison had not

found him at his office, as he had been there constantly lately. He thought, however, that Cr Harrison might have shown the report to Cr Orr at least, and that his not doing so was a failure of com mon courtesy on his part. Cr Harrison had also been discourteous to Mr Ward

when the deputation waited upon the Library Commit tee. Cr Samson's man ner had been very overbearing towards Mr Ward, so much so that he (Cr Ivess) , had retired in disgust. Cr Harrison replied that Cr Ivess ap- ' ; peared to be accusing him of either lying j or prevaricating. He had called as ha ' ? had stated at Or Ivess’ place, and had i failed to find him in. With regard to his alleged insulting language to Mr Ward, he must disclaim the charge. The pro prietor of the “highly scurrilous paper” was present and would be able to say. They had gone to Mr Ward’s office to dis cuss the question of site, and he (Or Har rison) had done his best to come to an un derstanding with the Committee. As to , behaviour, he believed he could hold his own with anyone—according to those with whom he came in contact. Perhaps it “ would be the best plan to call a general ’ c meeting of subscribers to settle the mat- ’ ter at issue. Cr St. Hill maintained the Library was

vested in the hands of the subscribers and the subscribers only, and because they (the opponents of the central site, pre sumably) objected to certain proposals they were called “pig-headed” and “ royal stand backs.” The Mayor thought that to allow the Library to go upon Baring square east would be allowing the admission of the thin end of the wedge. Once grant this and they would have the whole of the square taken up. They might not require the square an a breathing place themselves but they should think of the next genera tion. Now there was a vacant site next the Post Office which was a very central one. tie didn’t know whether it was ob tainable, but thought it might be tried for with advantage at anyrate—but to inter fere with the squares he did not like. Or Parkin said that from the remarks which had fallen from a former speaker it would appear that the Library was not a public institution at all. He remembered; the building of the Library, and knew that half the money was found by the Provincial Council, and seeing that he thought the subscribers hid not an ex clusive right to it. The public had lost interest in the affairs of the Library in consequence of the way in which they: were mismanaged, and the place had gone to the dogs. Or Ivess said the Library was in the hands of the Committee and and had nothing to do with the Council. .They ought to wait to be approached and not take action of themselves. It might be well if the Library Committee were to sell their present site and purchase a more central one. He thoroughly en dorsed the Mayor’s remarks relative to the purchase of a private site. He would move—“ That no report having been re ceived from the Library Committee, the further consideration of tin report framed by Or Harrison be held in abey ance unt’l an expression of public opinion can be taken on the matter.” Seconded by Cr Bird. C>‘ Parkin urged the establishment of a public library, one for the use of all, to be vested in the hands ol the people. Cr Orr remarked that the Library Com-, mit,tee had asked for a certain site, and he could not see why they should not have it. The subscribers represented the people, for anyone could become a sub scriber by the pavmens of a nominal sum, and if the people wanted a particular site to build on, why let them have it—it would be only giving them their own. Cr Ivess found that they had the power to take over the Library, but he-would not advocate such r|J course, seeing the, low state of their finances: But the Council had power to grant a lease for 21 years, and long before that the Library would in all probability be possessed of a permanent sue. Cr Ivess consented to withdraw his resolution on Cr Orr moving-—“ That the Council grant the lease of the section re quested by the .Library Committee at a nominal rent until the fee simple thereof is obtainable for the Committee.” Cr Harrison moved as an amendment —“ That his Worship die Mayor call a, public meeting to discuss the Library site, and other questions that may arise.” The amendment was carried by five to, three.

REVOLUTION IN AMERICAN TRADE.

[“ SCOTTISH AMERICAN JOURNAL.”]

The United States is greatly startled by the fact that during the last four months of the year its total exports de- - creased to the alarming extent of 61,402,502 dols. There is no mistake ', about it ; the; fact is proved by the official returns. Not only so; they show clearly that but for an accidental - and most unusually large export, chiefly of petroleum, the decrease would have nearly one-third more. All are puzzled ■ to account for the sudden change, and i many are the theories advanced. For. the first eight months of the year the trade ot this country was practically the ' same as during the former year. Up to 31st August, 1881, the total export . . amounted to 542,812,684 dols, and oh / 31st August, 18S0, they were;'' 542,381,205 dols. The eight months of 18S1 were thus upwards of four hun dred thousand dollars more than those of 1880. But what a change took place during the next four months! For the four months ending 31st De cember, 1881, the total exports amounted to 271,348,889 dols, while during the corresponding period of 1880 they amounted to 333,182,870 '' dols—a decrease of no less than 61,833,981 dols. During the last two years the exports in the three leading ' classes were as follows : —ln 1880 the exports of breadstuffs (including wheat, - flour, and corn), amounted to 279,440,181 dols; cotton, 239,311,312; and provisions, 156,586,853 dols; while in 1881 they were at the close of the year, breadstuff's, 228,615,757 dols; cotton, 222,136,337 dols; and pro visions, 146,050,459 dols —the total de crease on the three being 78,533*793 dols; but then there was an unusual in crease on petroleum, tobacco, and other exports, which reduced the decrease to sixty one millions odd, as stated. But, as will be seen, the decrease was not confined to breadstuffs. The fall ing off in the export of cotton is no less remarkable. . At 31st August, 1881, the cotton exports greatly exceeded those at the same date in the former year, and yet within the next four months •ht excess was not only completely

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1882.



ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. CASH PURCHASERS WHEAT BARLEY OATS GRASS SEED AT JHIGHEST MARKET RATES, ARE SUPPLYING FARMERS With Largo and EXTRA QUALITY CORNSACKS At Lowest Current Rates. ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. Offices : Manchester street, Christchurch, two doors south of Messrs P. Cunningham and Co.’s. 30e tj o 0. HAWKINS has Just I). Received a Large Consignment of B* J& ;S. (not Brandy and Soda, but boots ; ANiTaHOEs) that must be sold. PBICES BELOW THOSE OF CHRISTCHURCH. Note, the Address -0: HAWKINS, AND ASHBURTON 998 c S o g >* r" 06 . e 6 .06 aii.p ■> o t-r H H . f*i fa s s 55 55 O O O g.’B 2 K K S S 3 M HHH H H s s ss s o U A UTUMN. ■ The First H O i-3 U 1882. WINTER. Portion of the Goods for this Season, comprising over twenty eases are now opened up. The. Boys’ Youths’ Clothing is especially recommended, and Parents and GffiirdSaha Will find it advantageous to make a&'eany selection. The Stock of Men’s Clothing is simply ■Uperb, and the variety of Hats, Hoisery, Blanket, ’Flannels, and Shirtings second to nonhln New Zealand. Agents fob the Celebrated Wbrtheim Machines. W. Ashburton Branch: SPARROW, cr.;o z ►3 ■;>-3 < :< m.i.66 ■ s <3 , hJ ' < M ..,«■ 55 55 W, M S UPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, JINE’.PMAKER & UPHOLSTERER, s to invito his friends to inspect h ; s b stock of New and Second-hand Fur re, consisting of rawitfg-room and Bedroom Suites hitfobiera opk Oases r ardrbbea heatspot Drawers ables ’ash Stands r ood Aiid Iron Bedsteads its, Cradles orarnbulators ... , , ~ everything required m household ishini at the very lowest prices, metical workmen kept for au kinds of bought, and high prices lent, on weekly and monthly payments. JOHN MEEGH, BoBK BT T BIBt IT( tip Mail Office.



Wanted ANTED—A SHEPHERD. Apply to E. H. Dobson, Lowcliffe. 341 e \ \ fAW TED, immediately —Several AS- W SISTANTS to the Dressmaking, Apply, Andrew Orb, East street. 255 e W At'TED —A good general SER VANT. Wages, 10s per week. Apply, Olhce of this Paper. 382 e WANTED— On the Ist of June, first class MILLER. References re quuired. None but steady men need apply. Jas. Clark, Westerfield Mills, Ashburton. 386 e WANTED —A SIT UATION, as Clerk or Storeman, by a married man of experience. Good references. Apply, “ M,” Office of this Paper. 826 d WANTED TO LET—SHOPS in Havelock street. Low rental — viz.—lss per week. And also to SELL CNE ACRE of LAND, Mayo’s Block. Apply to James Baker, Havelock street. J 251 c WANTED KNOWN.—A Circulat ing Library is now open at L. F. Andbewes’, Bookseller, East street South, Ashburton. A largo number of books to choose from. Terms very moderate 745 d WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 760 c Special Advertisements. o N ASHBURTON COAL AND FIREWOOD DEPOT E. R. S. Bean (Late of Montgomery and Co., Limited), HAS COMMENCED BUSINESS as above, next to Mr Jos. Clark’s Office, in WEST STREET, and hopes, by civility and attention, to merit a fair share of public support. for the Springfield Coal Co. Coal,Firewood, Posts, Rails, Stakes, &c. 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



SCHOOL BOOKS SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from 16a per Ream, Cash. Envelopes ~ 6s 6d per 1,000 ~ Note Paper, Five Quires, Is „ A GOOD ASSORTMENT of Ledgers, Cash, Day Books, and Ledger Books IN STOCK. Toys Fancy Goods, Crewel Wools, &c. H. M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseller, 293 d O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston's), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B. D. Pipes Nail rod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASIJRHRTON. 257 a OTICE TO FARMERS. Wo are C vSII 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. Grain shipments to the ENGLISH OR CONTINENTAL MARKETS. The undersigned are prepared to make liberal CASH ADVANCES



GRAIN AND ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF PRODUCE Placed in their hands FOR SALE IN THE ENGLISH OR CONTINENTAL MARKETS. . Having commodious Brick Stores at Addington, we are open to make Special arrangements for 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., 764 d Ashburton. Gr. Adams & Co., PRACTICAL ENGLISH WATCH MAKERS. JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fishers), 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, 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. 708 d ANDREWES BROS, (Late L. F. Andrewes), BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, AND NEWS-AGENTS, East street Sooth, Ashburton, School-books and Stationery of Every Description. School Committees sup plied. Hymn and Prayer-books of Every Kind. Children’s Picture and Story Books. American Novelties, j ust arrived. Journals, Magazines, „and Home Papers every Mail. A large assortment of Maori Photographs, including Te Whiti and other Chiefs. N.B.— All orders attended to without delay* 334 > <



Special Advertisements. BW GOODS. NEW GOODS ■ JUST OPENED UP, A General Stock of the, very best Sta tionery, .-Cash, Day and -Minute Books, Ledgers,' Journals, Small Account and Memorandum Books, &o. Fine Cream Laid Envelopes,- 6s 3d per 1,000, cash ; Blue Laid, Best Quality, Cs 3d per 1,000 ; Note Paper, from Is per live quires. Toys and Fancy Goods too numerous to particu larise! R. B E V A N STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, &0., Saunders’ Buildings, East street SKS .DUIL.UJ.iNUW, XHAWX WXXWOXiX (Near Quill’s Hotel). 721 d v/\/\ TO LEND on Freehold /UU Property, in sums of And upwards, at Lowest Current Rates of Interest THE N.Z. GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. WILLIAM HORNE, 286e* Agent.



~p)ARLEY MEAL. BARLEY MEAL. H. BOWERS has FOR SALE Ground Barley Meal. 500 BDSHELS 500 Splendid Pig Feed. ALBERT MILLS. 354



WANTED KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address F. Mayo, Hamstead Mills. STARTLING ANNOUNCEMENT. EVERETT BROS., GENERAL DRAPERS, ARE AGAIN IN ASHBURTON, And have OPENED in their OLD PRE MIS ES, next Harrison’s, Havelock street, FOR A FEW MONTHS ONLY, With a Large and Well-bought Stock of WINTER DRAPERY AND MERCERY. SEE CIRCULARS.