SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Tni, b.s. , from Motanau. To-day. Riugarooma, s. s., from Port Chalmers. Waitaki, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Tui, s.a„ for Kaikoura and Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yeste day. Arrived —Jonn Knox, from Chesterfield Group ; barque Glerdora, ninety days from London. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Owake Belle, from Invercar gill. Sailed—Grafton, for Northern Ports. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Arawata, from the North ; Prince Rupert, from Lyttelton.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows : For Christchurch and N orth at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a-m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chsrtsoy Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. ai>d 5 p. m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Teiauka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., aily. Fpt Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 A.m., and A3O p.m., daily.. For Greenstrest, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterloo and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. Fqr Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. in. For Wakanni, Elgin, Seatield, hew land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at G. 30 a-m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Iffice — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.20 ».m., A4O p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, Am. at 10.23 a.m. and A4O 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. ra. daily. From Greeustreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and "'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, Seatield, New and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES To-morrow, Friday, July 7. H] Matson'and Co., on the Sherwood Estate—Great Clearing Sale of Live Stock, Implements, Furniture, &c.; 12 noon.

Saturday, July 8. Mr Alfred 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, &c Saturday, July 8. Wakanui Hoad Board— Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street Monday, July 10. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Friday, July 21. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association—Annual Exhibition, Town Hall.

Tuesday, August 1. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6. UO to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 2. County Couhcil, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o'clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton foe Christ cnuiLCHand intermediate stations at 7.10 a.i«M 11 a.m., and (Express) 5.40 p.m. TeaiKei Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.32 a.m. (Express)jand 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. EAuka', 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.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1882. The Electric Light.

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

The days of gas would appear to be numbered. It has been, or is being, literally eclipsed by the electric light, which is rapildy coming into favor as a means of illumination. Only the other day the preliminary steps were taken to form an clecteic lighting company at Wellington, “ with a capital sufficient to enable it to carry on business in all parts of New Zealand,” and scarcely have we had time to digest the intelli gence of this rather ambitious scheme when the news comes from Christ church that an electric lighting com pany has been formed there with a capital of a quarter of a million ; while to show the confidence of the public in the scheme, we are told that in three days time nearly 5,000 shares have been applied for. And now Auckland is talking about introducing the light, a telegram to that effect having been re ceived by us to-day. The difference between the electric light and gas would seem to be as great almost as that be tween gas and kerosene. At Home the electric light appears to be fairly turning the people’s heads. “ The mania for electric companies has fairly set in here,” says the London corre spondent of an Auckland paper, “ and any scheme proposed, if it can only show a spark of electricity in it, is literally rushed.” Companies innu merable to work the light are in exist ence in London, and fresh ones are springing up every day. Sir Julius Vogel is said to have made a handsome fortune in a few months by speculating in electric lighting shares, and his present visit to the colony, it is stated, is on business counected with the electric light. From a London paper to hand by the last mail we read of a lecture recently delivered at the Crystal Palace by one of Edison’s representatives, which furnishes some most interesting information respecting what is un doubtedly destined to become the light of the future, besides accomplishing other great things. By the aid of enor mous dissolving views the lecturer showed the construction and machinery necessary for the production of the electric current for supplying light and motive power to dwelling-houses, etc. The incandescent lamp was also ex plained, and a number of experiments performed to exhibit its perfect sim plicity, tractability, and safety. To convince his audience of the latter, the lecturer, we are told, placed a covering of gauze over a globe containing a sixteen-candle light. He then pro ceeded to smash the glass to atoms, when the light was extinguished, but the delicate gauze was not even singed. To prove the ease with which the light could be

manipulated, the room (brilliantly illuminated by electricty), was instantly rendered almost dark, and a sort of gloom produced similar to that which we are all familiar with at the Theatre, when the bad man of the piece is going to do something more than ordinarily villanous. Then, again, individual lamps were not only turned on and off at will, but whole clusters were ex tinguished and re-lit as if by magic, simply by the touching of an ordinary electric switch. Then to bring the wonderful power and adaptability of electricity thoroughly home to his audience, a circular saw was intro duced, and being set in motion by means of the electric current, a thick log of wood was quickly sawn length wise in half. Not only can electricity be used as an illuminator and as a mo tive power for machinery, but it is the confident belief of the great Edison himself, that it is destined at no distant date to totally supersede steam upon railways. Nevertheless, gas is not likely to disappear altogether and be come a thing of the past, but very soon it will undoubtedly have to play second fiddle to its young and powerful rival.

A Rumor. — A rumor was current in town yesterday that the body of a man had been found in tho river, and identi fied as that of tho missing Anderson. The statement proved to be entirely without foundation.

More Larrikxnism at Christchurch. —At the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court yesterday two larrikins, named Ryan and Chamberlain, wero each sentenced to be imprisoned and kept to hard labor, for an unprovoked assault. Police. —There were no police cases to day, and probably there will be none to morrow, with the exception of breaches of the i’orough by-laws, to answer charges of which two or three persons will appear.

Wakanui Ro\n Board. —Tho ordinary monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board was to have been held to-day, but owing to some of the members being un able to attend, the meeting was adjourned until Saturday at 10 a.m. Dlsteict Court. —The usual monthly sitting of the above was held to-day be fore his Honor Judge Ward, but the busi ness did not take very long to dispose of. Mr Purnell applied on behalf of Mr Hay T. Smith for an order of discharge, which was granted. Mr Branson then applied for orders for payment of costs out of the estates of Jas.' Begg and Charles Pye. Both these applications were also granted, and the Court rose.

Political Gossip. —The Press special telegraphing from the Empire City yester day says : —There is very little political nows or gossip stirring. Members have not yet shaken off their festive relaxation. There are renewed rumors to-day of a no confidence motion being in contemplation to bo moved soon after the Public Work? Statement is down, but nothing authori tative has been allowed to transpire. There are no fewer than seventy Bills on the Lower House order paper in various stages. A Good Idea. —A meeting of the Odd fellows and Foresters’ Societies was held on Monday night, and it was decided to hold an amalgamated picnic and sports on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday. It was resolved to secure some suitable p’ace, within an easy distance of Ashburton, and to engage a special train to carry the ex cursionists. Any other of the Friendly Societies in Ashburton will no doubt see that it would ho to their advantage to .amalgamate, and so make the day a thorough gala day.

Methven. —The bazaar and concert held at Methven last week was a great success. Everyone seemed to enter into the matter with great spirit and hearty good will, and as a consequence, a very handsome addition was made to the funds of the English Church in the district. After the concert a very enjoyable dance was held, in which a number of people took part. The net proceeds of the bazaar, concert, and dance amount to quite LGO. Such a result is most gratify ing, and the peop'o of Methven have every reason to be proud of the success attending their entertainment of Friday last. Mr Farnie’s Case. —Further corres pondence has been published between the Education Board and Mr Farnie, whose case has created very considerable interest. The outcome of the correspondence is that the Board thus declares the conditions on which they are prepared to allow Mr Far nie to re enter the service of the Board— “ That you express regret fur your attack upon Mr Goyen, and also intimate your submission to the Board’s ruling on the point of discipline, which you have vio lated—that is to say, you will undertake that so long as you remain in the Board’s service you will not, whether in the dis cussion of public questions or otherwise, whether in your own name or anony mously, publish anything calculated to in jure, prejudice, or annoy any of the Board’s officers excepting in the legiti mate way of complaint or memorial to the Board.” Mr Farnie, having replied to this, has now been informed that he does not acquiesce in the Board’s views of his position as laid down by them in their letter, and that until he does so the Hoard cannot allow him to re-enter their service.

Ranoitata Road Board, —The ordin ary monthly meeting of the Board of the Hangitata district was held at the office, Hinds, on Monday last. Present—Dr Trevor (in the chair), Messrs Morrow, Fountaino, and Ooskerie. As requested in a letter from the Ashburton County Council, selection was made of a number of reserves fur plantation. On considera tion of the Surveyor’s report it was re solved—“ That the contractor for contracts Nos. 10 and 17 carry out his work accord ing to specifications, as any extra work that may be now necessary is considered the result of his own delay.” The Sur veyor’s action in warning the contractor that the Board would carry out tha work at his expense was approved, and he was instructed to give written notice that this would bo done unless the works were satisfactorily completed forthwith. The contractor for Chisnall’s road was granted a month’s extension of time. The Clerk asked the Board’s consideration of paying a commission on collection of the rates. A general opinion was expressed that, as the Board’s funds wero expended, they could not afford to pay for collection of rates, or even the Clerk’s services, and that the Board should endeavor to do their own work until they were in funds. It was finally proposed by Mr Coskerio, and seconded by Mr FountainoThat the Clerk have three month’s notice to lerminate his present engagement.” This was ca rriod without dissent, Mr Coskerio proposed, and Mr Morrow seconded— “ That the Clerk be paid L 25 for collec tion of rates.” This was also carried. The Chdrrnau wished it to bo publicly mentioned i.liafc tha Board bad no cause for dissatisfaction with their officer, and that the first resolution was arrived at solely as the result of a desire to econo mise. The Surveyor was authorized to have the stones raked off the road from reserve 2132 to the Hinds, near Mayfield. Mr Morrow was authorised to have a track on Morrow’s road cleared of stones. The Clerk was instructed to produce the Ward account at next meeting. The ten der of R. Bennett was accepted for re pairing the Rangitata River road at L 26 I Os. Some accounts were passed, and the Board adjourned.

Tenders, —MrCJ Wentworth Cook son, jun., invites tenders for the erection of two cottages at Methven. Wesleyan. —A tea meeting of a social character is to be held in the Wesleyan Church to-night. The Rev. C. H. Stand age, with the officers of the church, will, we under tand, give addresses on tho state of tho circuit, and a large attendance is anticipated.

Messrs Sealy Bros. —Attention is directed to the announcement elsewhere by that well-known firm of seedsmen and nurserymen, Messrs Sealy Bros., who notify that they are prepared to supply thousands of fruit and forest trees, grown at their own nurseries. Persons about to plant are invited to pay Messrs Sealy Bros, a visit, and got a price list with all particulars. Tinwald School Committee. —A meet ing of the above was held last evening, all the members being present. _ Mr Smith moved—‘‘That the Chairman apply to the Board for a hanging bell for the school, this being a necessary aquisi tion to this large and scattered district.” The Visiting Committee reported that the small repairs necessary had been carried out. It was resolved—“ That all ac counts relating to cleaning of house, school, etc., be referred to the Board with a request to them to remit the amount under the head of wear and tear. ” Messrs Jones and Smith were appointed a Visit ing Committee for the month. Accounts to the amount of Lll 12s 9d wore passed for payment. Respecting a telegram re ceived about an excursion for the school children, it was resolved—“ That the Committee fail to see any concession in the rates, and under these circumstances do not sea the necessity oi closing tho school.” The meeting then adjourned.

“ What’s in a Name ? ” —The residents of Bingaland, a thriving suburb of Christ church, arc apparently of opinion that there is a good deal in a name after all, Shakespeare notwithstanding. They don’t like tho name of “ Bingsland,” any waj, and the other evening held a public meeting to consider the matter. One speaker suggested “ Richmond ” as being a great improvement on the present name. He was promptly reminded that there were two Richmonds already in the field, one being in the North Island, and this might, it was argued, load to some con fusion. “ Stanmore ” was next proposed, but that being the name of the electoral district, the suggestion was not approved of, as “it might hurt the feelings of tho residents of the other districts comprising the Stanmore constituency.” They might, in fact, imagine that Bingsland wanted to boss the district by proclaiming itself the capital ; so “ Richmond ” was decided upon.

The Land Tax and the Property Tax. —A return was furnished to Parlia ment last night, showing the respective borough and county valuations under the Land Tax and Property Tax. The totals were as follows ;—(1) Under the Land Tax (unimproved)—Boroughs in Auck land, L 1,331,945 ; Hawke’s Bay, L 565.179 ; Wellington, L 3,941,954 ; Nel son, L 376,032 ; Canterbury, L 2,869,049 ; Otago, L 5,227,419. Total, L 14,361,578. Counties in Auckland, L 4,324,219 ; Hawke’s Bay, L 4,035,374 ; Wellington, LG',075,169 ; Nelson, L 2,857,020 ; Can terbury, L 16.820,333; Otago, L 14,100,170. Total, L 48,212,290. Land Tax (im prove 1) Boroughs in Auckland, L 2,743.250 ; Hawke’s Bay, L 1,012,137 ; Wellington, L 6,246,912 ; Nelson, LL,376,826 ; Canterbury, L 6,073,924 ; Otago, L 9,499,45- Total, L 26,953,516. Counties in Auckland, L 7,862,012 ; Hawke’s Bay, L. 5,953,610 ; Wellington, L 10,439,552 ; Nelson, L 4,776,318 ; Can terbury, L 23,311,808 ; Otago, L 20,264,767. Total, L 72.608,163. Under Property Tax—Boroughs in Auckland, L 2,681,775 ; Hawke’s Bay, L 847.956 ; Wellington, L 4,570,760 ; Nelson, L 1,270,646 ; Canterbury, L 4,941,163 ; Otago, L 7,933,681. Total, L22,4?6,981. Counties in Auckland, L 7,423,845 ; Hawke’s Bay. L 4.473.011 ; Wellington, L 7,634,290 ; Nelson, L 3,801,735 ; Can terbury, L 17,257,564; Otago, L 10,936,256. Total, L 51,531,201. Grand total, Land Tax (unimproved), L 62,573,868 ; ditto. ( improved ), L 99,566,679. Property Tax, L 73,958,182.

Mount Somers Road Board. —The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday, July 3rd, 1882, at the Road Board office, Mount Somers. Pre sent —Messrs A. E. Peache (Chairman), W. C. Walker, and I. B. Taylor. The minutes of the last meeting, after some slight amendment, were read and con firmed. The Surveyor’s report was read and considered. It was resolved—“ That the Ashburton County Council be written to and the estimate of the Board’s Sur veyor as to the cost of the works required on the Ashburton Gorge road be endorsed, with a remark that they aie urgently re quired in face of the heavy traffic from the stone quarries and coal pits, which is likely to increase. The Clerk was in structed to write to Mr McClimont, in forming him that in the event of a grant being made by the County Council for roads to quarries and coal pits, the Board will consider his application. Ihe Sur veyor was instructed to have a plough furrow drawn on the unformed road near the railway terminus. It was resolved— “ That tenders bo called for the repairing of the Singletree, Alford Forest, and Schuolhouse roads.” Mr McFarlane in terviewed the Board with reference to the grant applied for from the Comity Coun cil towards Ashburton Gorge road. Mr McClimont waited on the Board to en quire what steps they intended to take with regard to tha formation of a road to his coal section, and offered to contribute half of the cost. Mr McClimont was re commended to await a reply from the County Council. The following corres pondence was received :—From Mr C. J. W. Cookson, jun., tendering his resigna tion as clerk and surveyor to the Board, owing tq his intention of commencing in business at Methven. From Mr Alex. Hewson, asking the Board to assist him in defraying the cost of re pairs to pile engine. It was resolved— “ That Mr Hewson should havo repre sented his case sooner, and that his appli cation cannot be entertained.” The Board, in not being liable, would esta blish a bad precedent in entertaining Mr Hewson’s request From Mr G. Gould, re: transfer of Clamerou’s road. To be replied to and accompanied with a copy of Mr D. Cameron’s letter on the subject. The Clerk was directed to make out an account of the receipts and expenditures of the respective wards for the next meeting of the Board. From the Mount Hutt Road Board, requesting the Mount Somers Road Board to apply to the Chief Surveyor to reserve the small piece of Crown land near Holmes’ Corner as a gravel reserve. Agreed to. From Mr Philip Tisch, tendering the resignation of his seat on the Board.— The Clerk was requested to write to the Colonial Secretary, urging that the Local Elections Act be at once gazetted as being in force in the district, upon receipt of which the Returning Officer is to bo com municated with and requested to proceed with the election of two members to fill the vacancies caused by the resignation of Messrs D. Cameron and P. Tisch. From the Commissioner of Lands, re the ap pointment of forest rangers.—The Board decided to appoint their Surveyor ranger for the District. From the Ashburton County Council, re planting gravel re serves.—The surveyor was instructed to forward a list of the reserves that the Board recommend to be planted. The Surveyor stated having accepted the tender of James Brown, at 5s 4d, for for mation from Reserve road. Alford Forest. Accounts amounting to L 47 19s 4d having been passed for payment, the Board ad .ourned. J

Personal.— Mr C. J. W. Cookson having severed his connection with the Mount Somers Road Board, to which he has been acting as Clerk and Surveyor, is about to commence business on his own account as a commission agent and tim ber merchant at Methven. Although Mr Cookson will undertake all sorts of com missions, the timber trade will, we under stand, principally occupy his attention. While connected with the Board, Mr Cookson has always proved himself a painstaking and efficient officer, and all who know him (and his circle of acquain tances is not small) will, we arc confident, join with us in the hope that he may meet with every success.

Hospital and Charitable Aid. —An ordinary meeting of the committee of management took place yesterday after noon, at the County Council Chambers, immediately after the meeting of the Council. Present—Messrs W. C. Walker (Chairman), Winter, St. Hill, and his Worship the Mayor. The monthly re turns for the quarter showed that during June one patient had been admitted and two discharged, the number now in the institution being six. No deaths had oc curred during that period. Resolved — “ That the committee allow employment of a man until the doctor is communicated with, and Mr Maddison be informed that all applications bo endorsed by the doctor before being ph.cod before the committee. The pay-sheet was authorised. It was re solved that a pint of milk a day and an occasional order for 5 cwt. of coal be afforded a woman in destitute circum stances. The meeting then adjourned.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuteu’s agency.] Fenianism.

London, July 4.

Intelligence is to hand from Ireland that a Mr Kenny has been murdered in Dublin. It has been conclusively proved that the murder is the work of Fenians, but no arrests as yet have been made. The police have effected the capture of twenty-one men on suspicion of being concerned in the assassination of Mr Blake, the agent, and Mr Kean, the steward of Lord Clanricarde, at Lough rea, on the 28th ult. The Irish Repressive Bill.

In the House of Commons to-day, the Irish Repressive Bill was again under consideration. The Home Rule members again warmly opposed the measure, and protested against its being declared urgent. Finally all the Horne Rulers, except four, left the House in a body, at the same time de daring their protest against the revival of the urgency system. The Australian Cricketers.

The cricket match at Northampton between the Australians and eleven of Northampton was continued to-day. Great interest was taken in the match. There was a large attendance of spec tators both to-day and yesterday. The Australians resumed their first innings, which closed for a total of 270, as against 122 of the Home team. The following are the principal scorers ; Giffen, caught, 84; Bonner, run out, 58; and Garrett, bowled, 32. The Home team then went in for their second innings, but only succeeded in putting together 68. The Australians thus won the match in one innings, with 80 runs to spare. Garrett and Palmer bowled splendidly for the Aus tralians during the match ; the former in the first innings taking three wickets for 27 runs, and Palmer, in the second innings, six wickets for 22. The weather to-day was cold and inclement. Serious. London, July 5. Walsh, an Irishman, recently arrested at Clerkenwell, in connection with the seizure of arms at that place, was brought up for trial to-day. His exami nation revealed the fact of a continuous export of arms from England to Ire land. The Egyptian Question. The Porte has now made overtures to the Ambassadors of the Powers with the view of a Turkish representative taking part in the conference on the Egyptian question. The Egyptian Crisis. .In the House of Commons to-day Sir Chas. Dilke, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in reply to a question stated that Admiral Sir Beauchamp Seymour, Commander of the Combi ned Squadronjat Alexandria, had lately received fresh and full instructions as to the course he should pursue in every contingency that might arise in con nection with the present position in Egypt. Alexandria, July 4. It has further transpired in connec tion with the demand made by Admiral Seymour for the cessation of the work of fortifying and arming the harbor that the Admiral has declared that should the Egyptians sink a ship or ships at the entrance fo the port the act will be deemed the causus belli. The Trouble Begun.

Admiral Sir Beauchamp Seymour, Commander of the allied English and French fleets, is now in port. He has sent a communication to the Khedive of a menacing character. The Admiral demands the cessation of the fortifying and the arming of the harbor of Alex andria, which are actively proceeding, and threatens in case of non-compliance with his demands to take steps to en force obedience on the part of the Egyptians.

AUSTRALIAN.

[l-KU HEUTEU’S AOKNUY. ] Compensation. Sydney, To-day. The action brought by the Hon. John Lucas, M.L.C., claiming L 76,945 from Government for the resumption of his property, comprising one acre and one rood, at Darling Harbor, has resulted in the jury awarding plaintiff L 4,500. Government’s offer to Mr Lucas was Ls.dyd. Plaintiff has to pay all costs in the suit. Colonial Defences. Adelaide, To-day. In the Legislative Assembly last night a debate took place on the pro posed defences of the colony. The House was favorable to their comple tion, and passed a resolution authoris ing Government to telegraph to Eng land for a gunboat. Produce. Melbourne, Yesterday. Malting barley remains at 5s 4d. The market is quiet. Wheat is ir regular to-day. The quotation for shipping is 6s 3d ; for New Zealand oats the market is steady; feeding sorts are unchanged at 4s to 4s 2d; and milling at 4s 3d to 4s 3d. A Rumor. A rumor is current that the Govern

merit intend to repeal the existing Stock Tax Act at any early date.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] The Electric Light. Auckland, To-day. The City Council has decided to obtain all information re the electric light. Aristocratic Ladies. The Auckland Stud Company are im porting three American mares nearly re lated to Foxhall and the Derby winner, Iroquois. Found in the Harbor. Wellington, To day. A respectably dressed young woman was found in the harbor this morning Lucky for Nicholls. In the case of Harry Nicholls, charged with forging an endorsament to a cheque, the jury disagreed, and, after being locked up all night, were discharged this morning. The Crown Prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi.

THE TRAGEDY NEAR OAMARU.

A Mysterious Case.

A Sad Story of Shame and Death.

Shocking Termination of a Mis-spent Life.

An Unceremonious Funeral.

[by telegraph.]

Oamaru, To-day.

Finding it impossible to get any infor mation through the police with reference to the alleged murder near Papakaio, the Oamaru Mail yesterday sent a special re, porter to the district to make enquiries, the result being that the following infor mation was obtained :—Alexander Beattie and Sarah Adams, the murdered woman (who was also known as Adamson) came to the district between six and seven years ago from Southbridge. Beattie entered into business but failed, and then took employment on the farm of Hall Bros., near Georgetown, where Beattie and the murdered woman lived for three or four years. Both were addicted to drink, and frequently quarrelled when in liquor. About nine weeks ago they took a small cottage in a lonely gully near Peebles, and about 120 yards from the spot where the body was found. Beattie (who was still working at Georgetown) about six weeks ago returned home unex pecteclly, on a Saturday night, and, not

finding his paramour at home, went to the house of the man named Barney Carroll, about half a mile away. Here Beattie found the pair drinking to-gether. A scene ensued, during which Beattie threatened the woman and threatened the life of Carroll, who laid an information against Beattie, who some days afterwards was fined and bound over to keep the peace. Beattie then returned to work at Georgetown, and, so far as is knewn, did not again meet his paramour at Peebles. The Sunday following, the woman went up to Georgetown, apparently to heal the breach, but Beattie declined to have any thing more to do with her, saying she was a rotten-hearted woman. She was driven home late at night by _ a farmer, and on the day following she dis appeared. Beattie afterwards stated that he had made a thorough search for her, and that ho believed she had gone off with a pedlar named Chrystall, who was in the district. The woman had made no friends in the district, owing to her drinking habits, and the people, accepting Beattie’s statement that the woman had gone away, as was very probable, did not make any search. Nothing more seems to have been heard of the matter until about a fortnight ago, and about a fortnight after the woman’s disappearance, when Beattie reported the matter to the police. No search seems to have been made then, and it was by the merest chance that the body was found on Sunday morning. The place where the body was found was near an abandoned coal pit, up a gully, over half a mile -from the nearest habitation, a place seldom visited by any one. On Sunday morning, while looking for a horse which had strayed, a man named Warwood, while crossing the creek, discovered the body, which was lying almost in the centre of tho creek, and, with the exception of the feet and one shoulder was covered by seven or eight inches of sand. Information was at once sent to town to the police, and some time afterwards the body was removed. So far as can be ascertained, the body seems to have been lying on the back with both feet close together, and one arm held out in front of the face, af if in the act of warding off a blow. The hair was dishevelled and the dress partly off the body. Round the throat a handker chief was tied pretty tightly- It is stated that on the elbow of the arm which was held in front of the face, there was a wound, and that there were three or four wounds on the head, and that the throat was cut in two or three places, but upon those points no thoroughly reliable infor mation can be obtained, as the doctor who made the post mortem examination de clines to give any particulars. It is also stated that the police have found several things stained with blood, amongst them being a small bar of iron, but the police will not say whether or not this is correct, as telegraphed yesterday. Beattie has been arrested and charged with the mur-

der, but the Mail reporter did not obtain any information tending to connect him with the woman’s death. They were not, so far as could be ascertained, seen to gether after the night previous to the woman’s disappearance, when Beattie declined to return home with her. The supposition that a murder has been com mitted seems well grounded, andj the police appear fully satisfied upon that point. What evidence they have to con nect Beattie with the crime is not known, but that the crime was not committed for purpose of robbery is shown by the fact that the body when found still had a brooch, ring, etc., on, while nothing in the cottage close by had ap parently been disturbed. Hall, one of Beattie’s employers, states that to his knowledge Beattie did not leave the farm near Georgetown, which is several miles distant from the place where the body was found, from the time he re turned after the law case until four o’clock on the afternoon of the Saturday after the woman is said to have disappeared. The woman is said to have been the daughter of a doctor in Armagh County, Ireland, and that she was the wife of a lawyer in the same place, but this statement, which was frequently made by Beattie when in liquor, is dis credited. She was apparently a well edu cated woman, who had been brought up well, and who always dressed X’emarkably well, but, as already stated, she was ad dicted to drink, and made few or no friends in the district. The body was buried yesterday at Papakaio without the slightest ceremony, the only persons pre sent being the constable, sexton, and the local publican, who drove the horse and cart conveying the body to the grave. The coroner’s inquest will be resumed at Papa kaio on Monday, at one o’clock. It is said that there are about twenty witnesses to be examined.

Business Mem. —Mrs Hooper, dress maker, of Cameron street south, has an announcement elsewhere that should of interest to ladies.

THE DUNEDIN BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.

Conclusion of the Enquiry* [by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. The enquiry into the working of the Benevolent Institution has concluded. The Commissioners intimate, as was con ceded on both sides, that no ground for complaint exists now, and that the public should not withhold their assistance from the Institution.

PARLIAMENTARY.

♦ LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, July 5. BILLS. The Hon. Mr Whitaker gave notice to bring in Bills to Amend the Mining Com panies Act, 1877 ; and the Railways Au thorisations Act, 1881. He also gave notice to bring in a Bill to Amend and Consolidate the Law Relating to Legal Practitioners —A Bill on this subject was received from the Judicature Commission and read a first time.—The Companies Bill was read a third time and passed.— The Fisheries BUI was re-committed, on the motion of the Hon. Mr Nurse, with a view to making an amendment providing that a single license to fish should run through the colony, instead of a license being required for each district. After some debate the question was deferred. The Council rose at 3.45 p.m.

HOUSE QF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, J uly 5. The House met at 2.30 p.m. ANOTHER PLEASURE TRIP. Mr George gave notice to ask if the Go vernment would place the Hinemoa at the disposal of members from the Soothe Island, so as to enable them to visit Auck land, and become better acquainted with' that part of the colony. - THE SINKING FUND. The Hon. Major Atkinson asked leave r to lay on the table a return showing, how the sinking fund was invested. He did this owing to some doubts having, been expressed as to the reality of the fund. . ■ ASHBURTON COUNCIL EMPOWERING BILL. V' The report of the Committee on the Ashburton Council Further Empowering Bill was read, finding the preamble proved, and recommending the Bill to by - passed, with certain amendments. BILLS CONSENTED TO. A message was received from the Ad ministrator of the Government, giving hii assent to the Corrupt Practices Preveh-, tion Act Amendment Bill, Auckland, Harbor Board Further Empowering BiU, Lands Bill, and the two Imprest Supply . Bills.

KAITANGATA FUND. Mr Rutherford presented a petition,., prayirg for an inquiry into the adminis tration of the Kaitangata relief fund, and expressed the belief that it would ha found to have been unfairly adminis tered. THE GRAND JOEY SYSTEM. Mr Hutchison gave notice that he would move that it is expedient to abolish the Grand Jury system. CORONERS ACT. The second reading of the Coroners Act Amendment Bill was' put and car ried. DOG REGISTRATION ACT. The House went into Committee on the Dogs Registration Act, iB6O, Amend ment Bill, which was reported without amendments, and read the third time and ' passed. THE VAGRANT ACT. On the question for going into com mittee on the Vagrant Act Amendment Bill, the House divided. : Ayes, 47 ; noes, 24. In Committee, Mr Hursthouae moved -1 —“ That the power of inflicting whippings be not, as proposed by the Bill, entrusted to two J. P.’s. ” He argued that it would ; be unsafe to instruct such a fearful punish- i ment to to the hands of J.P.'s.

Mr Foldwick moved that the punish ment bo provided for on a second convic tion. The Hon. Mr Dick proposed that it be restricted to male persons. As the Act stood it applied equally to females. Mr Turnbull moved that progress be reported. He argued that the Bill was totally uncalled for. As the law stood, twelve months’ imprisonment was pro vided foijand that was enou-b. It would be as well to mutilate offenders of this kind at once. It was a most reprehensible measure altogether. The motion for reporting progress was withdrawn. Mr Moss moved that the chairman leave the chair, expressing his abhorrence of tho Bill. The Vagrant Act, as it stood, was a blot upon the Statute Book. Mr Fish said the punishment of the lash was the most frightful that could be inflicted, and they ought to pause i before allowing such a piovision to pass into law.

Mr Micandrew thought something was required to put down the evil aimed at, still, he did not approve of the Bill as it stood.

Mr Joyce supported the motion for leaving the chair, contending that the law as it stood was sufficient to meet the requirements of the case. Mr Tawhai desired to know if the Bill was to be applied to the Native race. Mr O’Oailaghan, who was in charge of the Bill, stated that it was intended to apply to both sections of the colonists.

Mr Sheehan said that the well-known Maori haka would be considered an exposure under the Act. The Bill was in conflict with the Act it proposed to amend.

Mr Morris said that the exposure must be wilful and malicious ; such being the case no magistrate would convict for a Maori haka. Mr Watt said that if the natives were not exempted from the operation of the Pill he would vote against it. Some other members having expressed their opinion on the Bill, Mr Montgomery said he would regret to see the power en trusted to a magistrate. He suggested that the magistrate should be allowed to administer the Act as it originally stood, but in the event of the lash being re quired then bethought the case should go to a jury. Mr Bracken denounced the Bill as cal culated to bring about the moat serious consequences upon comparatively inno cent persons. Mr Hutchison was disappointed with the tone of the debate throughout. It was the punishment to which he objected, no matter by whom it might be inflicted. Sir G. Grey also intimated that it was character of the punishment to which he objected, no matter by what tribunal it might be inflicted. The motion for leaving the chair was put and the committee divided. Ayes, 22 ; Noes, 53. The motion for the insertion of the word “ male” persona was put and car ried on the voices.

After considerable further discussion, Mr O’Callaghan accepted the amend msnt by Mr Sheehan, providing that if the Resident Magistrate or Justices were

of opinion that the present legal punish-

ment was insufficient to meet any case,

they might commit the offender for trial, and the Judge of the Supreme Court should have power to add flogging to the other punishment. The Bill was reported as amended. THE EIGHT HOURS BILL. This Bill was reported, aireed to, read the third time, and passed.

THE ASHBURTON GUAxiDIAN, THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1882.



The best value for ready MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured BY THE 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: BAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. 692 c 9*^ LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invite his friends to inspect his large stoqk of New and Second-hand Fur niture, consisting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers, Book Oases Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Table*. Wash Stands Wood and Iron Bedsteads Cots, Cradles Perambulators And everything required in household urnishing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen kept for all kinds of repairs. Furniture given. bought, and high prices IVOU. . Furniture lent, on weekly and monthly payments JOHN MEECH, barb x- t atb b k .Opposite the Mail Office.



Wanted WANTED KNOWN.— J. 0. Doncan, Agent, has for Sale, Cheap, Large Consignment Splendid Posts, Rails, Stakes WANTED KNOWN —The American Gem Studio will be OPEN for a short time longer. PORTRAITS, Is per dozen. Como early. Opposite Mail Office. ANTED KNOWN—That the beat vv place to get Short Firewood and the beat Coals (delivered) is from Hayes’ Coal and Wood Yard, East street. 6b9e 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. r ANTED 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 ISs par week ; BOARD only, 13s. Meals at all hours. 653 e WANTED KNOWN—Every descrip tion of Plain and Fancy Pointing, executed on the shortest notice, at the Guadian Office, next Matson, Cox, and Co. ’s. West street. 7600 Special Advertisements.



SCHOOL BOOKS. SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from 16s per Ream, Cash. [Envelopes ~ Gs Gd par 1,000 ~ Note Paper, Five Quires, ,1s ~ A 0000 ASSORTMENT of Ledgers, Cash, Day Books, and Ledger Books IN STOCK. Toys Fancy Goods, Crewel Wools, Ac. 11. M. Jones. S'TAI'IOXEa AND BoOKSELLHU, 293 d



THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. And upwards, ou 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. G-. Adams & Co., 1> R AOTIOAL ENGLISH WATOH | MAKERS. JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fisher s), 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. NovELTiiis in Gkeknstonb. 4710 O. Carstens & Co., (Latk W kston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS | AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Or'ans, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Saircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. LEND, in sums of WILLIAM HORNE, 5180 Agent. ('HUISTCHUHCir. EAST STREET ASETB r TRTON. 257 a



mHE LATEST NOVELTY FROM 1 PARIS. THE WONDERFUL ANTI POPIJIKXJMPTXJABI. On being wound up, it flies round and round upwards in the air, ascending to an immense height, flapping its wings in the most life-like manner. Price Is Od. AISDREWES BROS., Booksellers, Stationers, etc., East street south. 334 e



gPE CIAL NOTICE. TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. G. JEL West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, Princes street, Dunedin, Have great pleasure in announcing that they have appointed MrG P. 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 largo 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 from 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, we have retained the services of Miss Gates (organist of St. Stephen’s Church) who will be in attendance daily from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m., to receive Pupils for the Piano, Organ, and Harmonium. Terms on application. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, East Sxkiset, Ashbuuton. 880 e



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



* LBERT FLOUR STORES, £\_ East street. F. W. QXJAIFE Begs to inform the Residentg and Farmers of Ashburton and vicinity that ha has taken the Premises lately in the occupation of Mr Henry Bowers, Miller, where he intends offering the following goods : SOAP. CANDLES. SOAP. Soap and Candles at unprecedentedly low prices, in large or small quantities, to suit all purchasers, viz.: — Good Pale Yellow Soap, 6d per bar Good Palo Yellow Soap, 10s per box Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 8d per bar Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 12s per box Candles —Good Composite, 6d per lb Candles—Superior Wax, Is per lb Candles -Carriage, Is 2d per lb. CASH. Ashburton. 732 e BOOTS. WINTER BOOTS. 0. HAWKINS, Bootmaker, East street, Ashburton, and Tinwald, has just received a large assortment of Strong and Useful Boots for this season of the year, which he is selling at Christchurch prices. 998 e



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