SHIPPING.

P'VPl^Wumi^Toir. : ... ■ —"—;— Arrived. Yesterday. Janet Ramsay, schooner, from Gatlin’s River. Kestrel, ketch, from Gatlin’s River. To-day. Penguin, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Prince Rupert, ketch, for Port Chal mers. To-day. Penguin, s.s., for Akaroa and Port Chalmers. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Cassandra, from Newcastle ; rr e Anau, from the South ; Penguin, from Picton arid Nelson; Elizabeth, ketch, from Blenheim. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Southern Cross, from Napier; Beautiful Star, from Dunedin. Sailed—Southern Cross and Beautiful Star for Dunedin. Dunedin, Yesterday. Railai) AToninnnri Mf>lKmirno.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Tuesday, July A J. T. Ford and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Horses and Agricultural Implements; 11 o’clock. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock. Thursday, July 6. H. Matson and Co., on the Sherwood Estate—Groat Clearing Sale of Live Stock, Implements, Furniture, &c.; 12 noon. Davies and Winter, at Rakaia—Fruit and Forest Trees and Sundries ; 1 o’clock. Saturday, July 8, Mr Alfied Harrison, at his yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 pirn. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Tuesday, July 4. ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, Julv 5. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, July 6. Wakanni Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street Monday, July 10. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 11a.m., and (Express) 5.40 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.32 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p.m.--the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. bains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m. (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

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

DEATH.

Murdoch. —At the Manse, First Church, Dunedin, on the 29th June, Annie Louisa Catherine, wife of James Mur doch, F.R.O.S. and L.R.C.P., Edin burgh, and daughter of the Rev. Prof. W. G. Blaikie, D.D , L.L.D., Edin burgh.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JULY 1, 1882. Mr Farnie’s Case.

TOWN EDITION.

[ lssued at 4.40 •>.»<,.j

The case of Mr Farnie, the school teacher recently dismissed by the Edu cation Board of Otago, is exciting a good deal of interest just now, while the arbitrary action of the Board is severely commented on. 'I he head and front of Mr Farnie’s offending ap pears to have been simply this ; A short time since the Board appointed an Inspector, and Mr Farnie wrote a letter to the Otago Daily Times, com menting on the appointment. He signed his letter “Teacher,” and this at once afforded the Board a clue to the identity of the writer, who was straightway charged with the terrible

offence. Mr Farnie very properly denied the Board’s right to demand an answer to the question as to whether he was or was not the writer of the ob noxious letter, but added that, as a matter of courtesy, he was quite pre pared to “ acknowledge the corn.” He thereupon received three months’ notice of dismissal. In taking this very high-handed step the Board has certainly exceeded its legitimate func-

tions, and laid itself open to the gravest censure. It is a monstrous thing to suppose that the Education Board of Otago, or any other Board is to arrogate to itself the power to control the actions of its servants or

those subject to it in the way of busi ness, outside of that business. So far as his scholastic work was concerned, Mr Farnie was of course responsible to the Board for his actions, but, apart from this, that body have no sort of right to dictate to him what he shall or shall not do, or attempt to close his mouth when he sees fit to open it. The press should be free to all, and any attempt to interfere with the privileges it holds out to the public should be promptly resented. 'lbe Teachers’ Institute of Otago have

taken the matter up, as stated, in a recent issue of this journal, and have passed a resolution to the effect that as Mr Farnie has not offended against any regulation of the Board, the Institute respectfully requests that the Board will reconsider its decision. We trust that the latter body, now that it has had time to look at the matter calmly, will, in justice, lake a common-sense view of it, and at once cancel Mr Farnie’s dis missal.

An ex-Ciiief Justice.— Letters by the mail state that Sir George Arney is re covering from a long and dangerous ill-

ness. Police Court. —There was no business at the Court to-day. The decrease, in the number of “drunks” in Ashburton during the past month or two is very striking The New Licensing Act. —The new Licensing Act came into force to-day. To-night all licensed houses within the Borough will shut at 10 o’clock, instead of 11, as heretofore, and the lamps over the principal entrances to each hotel will, from this date, burn throughout the night. Cry, Susan, Cry. —“O, Ma, I am so cold from the want of some clothes that would keep me warm.” “I am sorry, my dearest one, to hear you say so ; but, dearest, papa had only two days work this week, and your mamma can’t afford to buy new clothes.” “Ma ! little Susan told me that Mrs Hodge, who has baby’s clothes, sells what would keep me warm and good tempered awfully cheap. Dear mamma, just let you and me go and see the cheap things at Mrs Hodge’s dress maksr’s shop, Tancred street.”—[Advt.] New Music. —We have received from the publisher, F. W. Helmick, of Qincin nati, Ohio, a new comic song, entitled “ Oscar Dear.” The music is very simple, and the air and words decidedly peculiar though decidedly American. Oscar Wilde, the now in America, is of course caricatured severely, and on the frontis piece is an amusing cartoon, showing the Hsithete in full “tig.” From the same publisher we received the “Verdict March.” On the title-page are chioi|io : lithographs of the judges and jury who tried Guiteau, the murderer of President Garfield. j Te Whiti and Tonu.—We learn from a special cablegram to the Melbourne Age that, in reply to a question addressed!to the Government in the House of Com mons, the Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Under Secretary for the Colonies, has stated that it is not the intention of the Imperial Government to interfere with the native policy pursued by the Hall Ministry in New” Zealand. They have no intention of intervening in favor* of Te Whiti, the Maori prophet, who was arrested some months ago, and has been since kept in confinement without being brought to trial. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society - —At a meeting of the above last night it was decided to provide pens for exhibition purposes. Several prizes were offered, including a silver cup, which it was resolved to award to the largest prize-taker in all classes residing within the Ashburton county. The sec retary was instructed to make the neces sary arrangements for advertising. Messrs Cookson and Silcock were appointed members of committee, in place of mem bers resigned. After the transaction of some minor business the meeting ad journed to Friday next. 1.0.0. F. ,M.U, —The half-yearly meet ing of the South Rakaia Lodge was held last evening in the Lodge-room, South Rakaia. Bro. Dunn presided. After the usual routine business was transacted, and one member iniiiated, the following officers were duly installed by the Installing Master, P. G. Bro. Joshua Tucker, the retiring G.M., and assisted by Bros. P.G. Reid and N.G Maynard, of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge, who acted as conduc tors, viz.G.M. Bro Dunn; N.G., Bro. Rowse; V.G., Bro. Wilkinson; E.S., Bro. Black; P.S., Bro. C. Tucker; the remaining minor offices being filled with energetic members^of -the Order. G.M. Bro. Dunn, on behalf of the Lodge, pre sented P.G,'Bro. J. Tucker with a chaste (and elegant gold locket, as a token of esteem and respect, and for his valuable services rendered in. organising the South Rakaia Lodge. 'The very Satisfactory position of thiaLt&lge at the present time speaks volumes for its management during tho past nine months of its existence. We believe it to be the only Lodge in the colony that can boast of a credit balance in favor of the management fund and a freehold section, without making a levy of any sort. The motto of the South Rakaia Lodge is evidently to secure the greatest benefit at the least possible cost to indi vidual members. We hope they may prosper. Political Gossip. —Says the special correspondent of the Press, wiring from Wellington last night : —Among the first business of the Legislative Council at its noxtsitting will come up the followingquos tion, of which notice has been given by Sir G. Whitmore :—“ Whether the Govern ment propose to adopt the report and carry out the recommendations of the Board of Officers appointed to enquire into the Volunteer organization of the colony, and whether it is proposed to afford the Council an opportunity to con sider that report, and, if so, when.” The same gentleman will ask for the Secre tary of State’s despatch to the Government which led to the sinking fund on the LBOO.OOO of Imperial guaranteed doben tures being increased, as mentioned by Major Atkinson in his financial statement. The question of our colonial defences is exciting fresh interest in view of the re cent menacing news from Home, and the subject is to be brought up in the L 'gis lative Council next week. The Hon. Mr Chamberlain has given notice that he will ask the Government — l. If the Govern ment are in possession of any torpedoes for defensive purposes. 2 Have they taken measures to form or encourage any torpedo services, and if not have they any intention of doing so, and when. 3. Will they inform the Council as early as possi ble what measures have been or are about to be taken to prevent any possible ra'd being made by any privateers upon the towns of the colony.

Otago Hunt Club. —The Otago Hunt Club have fixed the 9th Sept, as the date of their race meeting.

The Dunedin Fish Poachers. —At the City Court, Dunedin, yesterday, Henry Birch and S. George were each fined 50s and costs, for catching salmon trout in the Water of Leith. Commit ted. —The Auckland Bench was occupied all day yesterday with the case of James Watson, charged with indecent

assault. The accused was committed for trial,- bail In the sum of L4OO being ac cepted.

Dunedin Benevolent Asylum En quiry. —At the Dunedin Benevolent Asylum enquiry yesterday the evidence was entirely in favor of the management. Scott, who attended on “Black Jack,” deposed that every attention had been given, and “ Black Jack ” had expressed thanks for the attention paid to him Thanks. —Mr Harris, master of the Old Men’s Home, desires to return his hearty thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who attended the St. Stephen’s Church tea meeting on Thursday evening, and so liberally purchased the good things which they afterwards sent as a donation to the inmates of the Home.

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 May, and re maining unclaimed on Ist July : —Ball, George; Clark, Thomas ; Doherty, F.; Muckle, Hugh; VToynihan, Maurice ; M’Cormack, John; Stewart, James; Travers, Mick ; Whitelaw, P.

The Principal Support of the Dis trict. — A good story has just reached our ears. A schoolmaster resident in o, little bit of a township, situate within the Ash burton County, was the other day re quired by his “ Board ” to furnish to it a report, which included the following question: —“ What is the principal support of your district?” —to which the pedagogue replied, “Bad Harvests.”

Wanted, a Divorce. —Application was made recently to the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages for the district of Wanganui, says a local paper, for a di vorce by a man who had been married by the registrar some time previously. The applicant was very anxious, and pressed his suit with great earnestness, and was wofully disappointed that the registrar, who was equal to the task of uniting him to his life-partner, was not also equal to the granting of a dissolution of the part nership. Feats of Strength. —The Taranaki Herald relates that, on a recent Saturday evening, an accident happened to Mr Begley in a very singular manner. He was engaged with Mr J. Hoskins in atrial of strength—their elbows resting on a table, and they had hold of each other’s hands, trying whicli had the' most power ful muscular action. Mr Begley’s arm suddenly broke above the elbow, with the unusually heavy strain. Dr Leatham was sent for, and at once set the fractured limb, and we are glad to state that Mr Begley is now progressing favorably.

Why he Differed. —It is gratifying to know (says the Wanganui Herald) that Mr Green is losing a good deal of his sweet simplicity and modesty, and is com mencing to learn the ways of the worldly. On Saturday ho succeeded in running two Maori members into the end of a blind passage in the Parliamentary buildings, and kept them there until he had thoroughly explained the principle of his Bill. It is sad to think, however, that one of the noble savages refused to give his support to the principle of eight hours’ labor. In replying to Mr Green, he spoke tersely and to the point, merely remark in'*, “No fear. Two hours’ weak quite enough !”

The Electric Light at Auckland.— Messrs Porter and Co. have offered six li"ht Brush electric machines, 12,000 candle power, and Messrs Oppenheimer and Co. one of 4,000 candle power, to the Auckland City Council. The offers were referred to the financial committee. Coun cillor Aicken moved that a copy of Mr Kelly’s Electric Lighting Bill in the As sembly be procured without delay, and a telegram be despatched to the city mem bers, requesting them to look after the corporation’s interests in respect to the Kill, and to oppose any concessions which may have the effect of establishing a monopoly. Councillor Goldie, in second ing the motion, said the Council ought to have a copy of Mr Kelly’s Bill, even if it were only just to see what were the powers sought for. The motion was car ried unanimously. Novel Method of Pushing Business. —Recently a great crowd assembled in front of a shop above Montague’s Fancy Bazaar, says the Auckland Herald, and as many as possible forced their way into the premises. A report got about that some one had been run over by a cab, and had been taken in for treatment. Another version was that a man had been up at the Lome street Hall, heaving Professor Den ton’s scientific description of “ The Fiery Beginning of our Planet,” and was being carried home on a shutter. Neither re port proved to be correct, and an investi gation showed that the whole affair was only the ingenius device of an astute tradesman, as the night was dull and wet, to get rid of his Yankee notions. He was swallowing eggs, thirteen to the dozen, behind his counter, and bringing them out safe and sound at the apple of his throat, to the delight and astonishment of his inside customers, as well as of the gaping crowd peering in the shop window from the outside. This is one way nf pushing business, but rather a novel one in the way of shop-keeping in Queen street. The shop-keeper explained that he could not afford to demolish the eggs he swal lowed, as “ eggs were eggs” these times'.

Manitoba in Winter. —A private letter received from Manitoba says : —“ You have the advantage of us altogether in the winter. Here at the present time we have three feet of snow on the flat, and it ia drifted fearfully around all the build ings, stacks, fences, and timber to twenty feet deep. All the railway trains have been blocked very badly. There is no railway station within twenty-five miles of where I am living at the present time, but there are six lines and branches in course of construction, and one or two of them will go within five miles of my farm. I see that land has gone up with you in New Zealand a great deal since I left. Wheat in my locality averages about thirty five bushels to the acre ; oats, fifty bushels. Vegetables are very dear, as there is such a large inflvx of immigrants. Manitoba ia too cold in winter, and the summer season is too short to got crops off in the fall. I have lost nearly all my crops every year so far ; so that I have lost by the change in deserting New Zea land—that is in regard to farming. The land is, however, rapidly rising in value, and if I can hold it a few months longer, I shall be entitled to my Crown grant, and shall then sell out. I had four acres of barley this year—a good crop. _ The rain came, however, the night after it was cut, and it rained and snowed every day for two weeks after. At last I shovelled a foot of snow off it, and drew it into a stack. It heated, of course, and was only fit for pig-feed. My potatoes got the wet rot, and I lost 309 busies of them again this year. Our summer is very short, and we cannot do any ploughing until the Ist of May, and frost stops ploughing quite after October. We have just had two months of fearful weather (March and April), and I am q'uite tired of the place.” These remarks by an old settler can bo taken as almost absolutely true, and should tend to make New Zealand farmers more satisfied with their lot. Manitoba ia described by American papers, and also English journals of repute, as a perfect paradise.

Tendeus. — The South Rakaia Road Hoard invites tenders for re-forming and repairing road. LO,L. The usual monthly meeting of the members of the L.0.L., Star of Ash burton, will be held on Thursday, July 6 th.

A Young Lady Student.— Mias Lizzie Brown, of the Girls’ High School, Auck land, daughter of the Rev. Geo. Brown, missionary, yesterday matriculated at the Sydney University, winning a scholarship of LSO. This is the first time the Sydney University was opened to ladies.

Washed Up by the Sea.— A rudder of a vessel, some planks, and a piece of board bearing the letters “N,Z. S, Co. upon it, have been found upon the beach between Motonau and Stonyhnrst. Some tallow in casks has also been washed up. The matter has been reported to the Isew Zealand Shipping Company, but they are at a loss to account for the wreckage, as the Gareloch and the Brilliant were the last ships the company despatched for London that had tallow on board, and neither of those vessels would, as they were char tered ships, be likely to have a boat bear ing N.Z. S.C. upon it.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per rbutbr’s agency.] Another Double Murder in Ireland. London, June 29. A report has been generally current that the Marquis Clanricarde had been murdered at his seal, Portumna Castle, County Galway, Ireland. It has since been proved that the report was untrue, blit it is now known that his lordship’s agent, Mr Blake, and Mr Kean (stew ard) have been shot at and killed near Loughrea. The assassins were con cealed behind a wall, through loopholes in which they fired upon their victims. The affair caused great sensation. No arrests have been made. Money and the Markets- Cansols have advanced to The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 14,125,000, being L 375,000 less than the reserve last Thursday. Bank rate of discount is unchanged at 3 per cent., and the market rate at 222.y 2 . The markets for colonial securities and produce are without quotable change.

The Wool Sales. The second series of wool sales closed to-day. Since the opening 310.000 bales have been sold, and 15.000 are held over for the next series. Coarse crossbreds closed at id lower than the ruling prices at the commence ment of the series. The next auctions commence on Aug. 24, when 360,000 bales will be offered. Cricket.

The cricket match between the Aus tralian team and the eleven of Leicester commenced to-day. The weather was fine but the wicket was heavy. The Australians went in first, and were all disposed of for 106, Massie was caught for 22, which was the highest score. The Home team then went in, but only made 43 off the bowling of Spofforth and Palmer. The former took five wickets for 24 runs, and Palmer five for 15. When the stumps were drawn for the day the Australians, in their second innings, had lost one wicket for 8 runs.

The European Outlook. London, June 30.

A meeting was held last night under the auspices of the Conservative party, to consider the present situation of af fairs. The Marquis of Salisbury and Sir Stafford Northcote were present, and in their speeches urged the necessity of upholding the interests of the Empire at the present crisis. Marines for the Mediterranean- H.M. troopship Orontes has sailed for the Mediterranean with a force of 1,200 marines. Drawing on the Reserve. It is anticipated that, owing to the reduction of English garrisons by the despatch of troops to Egypt, Govern ment will shortly call out men of the Army Reserve for service at Home. The Egyptian Difficulty. Paris, June 29. The French press, in leading articles on the subject of the position of affairs in Egypt, express a disposition to leave England to intervene alone in that country. Fifteen Years. Constantinople, June 29. Tiie native who attacked and mur dered Commander Selby, R.N., at Artaki, in February last, has been found guilty, and has been sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment.

AUSTRALIAN.

[PKR REUTER’S AGENCY.] No Danger. Melbourne, Yesterday. The agent of the Peninsula and Oriental Steamship Company at Suez telegraphs with reference to the pre parations which it is alleged to have been made by the Egyptians for ren dering the Suez Canal impassable, that no danger is at the present time anticipated for steamers using that route. Kauri. A cargo of hewn kauri timber, ex ship Alcestis from Whangaroa, was sold at auction to-day, and realised 19s gd per thousand. A Big Company. The firm of Elder, Smith and Co., wool and produce merchants, is to be converted into a company, with a capi tal of L 200.000. The shares have been fully subscribed. Victorian Revenue Returns. Melbourne, To-day. The Victorian revenue for the past quarter amounted to Li,381,000, an increase of L 46,000 compared with the June quarter last year. The revenue for the year 1881-82 amounted to L 5,588,000, being an increase of L 374,000 compared with the previous year. The following increases are shown by the returns during the year : —Customs, L22T,000; excise, LS8,ooo; railways, 1,137,000 ; and stamps, Li 6,000. Territorial revenue shows a decrease of Lio,ooo compared by 1880 81. Wheat. Sydney, Yesterday. New Zealand wheat is unchanged at 5s ; New Zealand oats have declined 3d per bushel, and are now quoted at 3s 6d ; maize has fallen id to 5s id ; Sugar Company’s No. 1 pieces, per ton, L3S- The Miners’ Strike. At a meeting of the coal miners who are on strike at Newcastle to-day, dele gates were appointed, and authorised

to sign a bond for the selection of arbitrators, and to finally determine their disagreement with the colliery managers.

Arrived. • , * Sydney, To-day. Arrived Pacific mail steamship Australia from Auckland. N.S.W. Revenue Returns.

The New South Wales revenue re turns for the June quarter have been published. The total receipts for the period named were Lx,907,060, being an increase of La 17,000 compared with the June quarter of last year. The Customs returns show an increase of of which spirits contribute L 20.5 7 - Taxation shows an increase of 1,56,5x8. The returns show the fol lowing decreases in the revenue:— From sugar, 1.13,345; and from beer, Lx,328. South Australian Revenue Returns. Adelaide, To-day. The South Australian revenue for the June . quarter amounted to LS 1 ?) 000 ! being an increase of Lx 7,000 compared with the corresponding quar ter of last year. The revenue for the year ended 30th June amounted to L 2,242,000, an increase of L 230,000 compared with that of 1880-81. The Customs receipts during the year have increased by L. 85,000, and land sales by L 82,000.

TELEGRAMS.

[pee press association.] Revenge. Auckland, To-day. Winiata’s people threaten to clear all the half-castes out of : the King country. It has transpired' that a party of natives were concealed near Ta Awamutu for the purpose of waylaying Barlow, and would have done so but for the escort. Vital Statistics. Napier, To-day. The vital statistics for the month are: —Births, 26 ; marriages, 5 ; deaths, 15 For the quarter:—Birthsu- 98; marriages, 19; deaths, 53. | Customs Returns. The Customs revenue For the month is L 4,199; and for the quarter L10,1G3. For the corresponding quartet, L 9.394. The beer duty for the month is Ll4B, and for the quarter, L43S.

A Monster Petition. Wanganui, To-day. A deputation on behalf of the licensed victuallers of the West Coast leaves here to-nighl for Wellington, with a petition for the amendment of the existing Act. The petition is over thirty feet in length. Something Like a Blast. Qebymouth, To-day. An enormous blast was fired at the lower harbor works quarry yesterday The charge consisted of three tons of dyna mite, and the estimated quantity of rock dislodged was 69,000 tons, consisting in a

great measure of masses of rook weighing from 10 to 50 tons, and heavier. The concussion was felt all through the town and the outskirts. The blast was most successful, and it will take many months to clear the stone away. The Legislative Sight-Seers. Christchurch, To-day. The Penguin, with a number of mem bers of the Legislature, arrived at Lyttel ton at 3.30 this morning. The Hinemoa arrived a few minutes after six a.m. Both vessels experienced fine weather. Some of the South members left by express train this rooming. A Satisfactory Yield. Dunedin, To-day. The Cromwell Company have crushed 150 ounces of gold from 130 tons of stone. More Embezzlement. At the City Court, Outhbert APKellar, clerk to the National Bank at Mosgiel, was charged with embezzling L 25. On the application of the prisoner’s counsel a remand to Friday was granted, bail being allowed.

A NEW CHUM’S START FOR THE BUSH.

[“ Blackwood’s magazine.”]

Presently the new arrival issued from the verandah, dressed, according to his ideas, as much like a bushman as pos. sible, in a thick coat and waistcoat, heavy enough for an English winter, and a pair of thick, baggy cord breeches, with long, heavy-soled Napoleon boots garnished with for midable long-necked spurs. A bran new cabbage-tree hat protected his head; his waist was confined by a broad leathern belt, supporting on one side a revolver, and on the other a large butcher’s knife. It was a matter of no little difficulty for him to mount his steed, partly from his cumbrous attire and the huge “ swag ” that lay across the seat, as well as from the unpleasant way in which the newly-pannelled saddle kept slipping over the fat round back of his mare whenever his weight bore on the stirrup. In time, by dint of one man holding to the opposite stirrup, another keeping back the swag, a third holding the bridle, and a fourth pushing him be hind, Mr Boyle gained a romantic and picturesque perch, much to his own sa tisfaction, amidst shouts of “Stick to her, squatter!” from the deeply-inte rested spectators, whose amusement was, however, soon to be.cjianged into consternation ; for when they had fol lowed the cavalier a short distance to an open space, it entered into his head to see how his mare stood fire in case he might be placed in some of the perils which he fancied beset his journey. Ac cordingly, he drew his trusty and much valued ‘ double action ’ out of his bright new pouch. It had been loaded with much attention that morning, and aiming at a stump, he fired. He had no time to witness the effect of his shot. With a bound his charger flew round, and getting amongst the small crowd of onlookers, she put down her head, and executed in a circle a series of remarkably active buck-jumps. Her rider could not fall off. He sat there, trussed by the swag in front of him, desperation in his face, his long spurs jammed well into the side of his mare, his hand mechanically holding the pistol, and with each succeeding jump involuntarily pulling the trigger, caus ing the bullets to fly in every direction. There was no more laughing from the audience. With an impulse they threw themselves on the ground, preferring to chance being trampled on by the horse to being subjected to the erratic fire of the equestrian acrobat. On the cham bers being all discharged, the mare ceased bucking, and no one was more astonished than the rider to find him self still in his saddle. And he de parted, much to the relief of those who had thus stood or lain down to powder for the first time.

OLD MEN’S HOME.

The inmates of the Old Men’s' Home had a thoroughly “ good time ” last evening, thanks to the kindness of the Good Templars. A short while back the Dawn of Peace Lodge deter mined to hold an entertainment at the Home, and three lady Templars—Mes dames Manhire and Hefford and Miss Raymond were appointed a com mittee to supervise the arrangements. Mr C. Bourk fixed up a temporary stage in the “ day-room ” of the Home, and placed everything in readiness for the evening’s amusement. Shortly before eight o’clock last evening the old men assembled in the big room, and the visitors, of whom there were a good many present, began to arrive. The entertainment commenced with songs, readings, and recitations by Mesdames Manhire, Vaughan, Tip petts, Lawrence (Tinwald), Harrison (Trevorton), and Messrs Pickford, Vaughan, and Jessop. Miss Andrews presided at the piano hired for the occasion from Mr H. M. Jones, and Mr Geo. Andrews acted as chairman. The various songs, eta, were heartily applauded, and the first part of the evening’s amusement was brought to a most successful conclusion. After a brief interval, the curtain rose on that capital little comedy “ Nan, the Good for-Nothing,” in which Mr Elston ap peared as Nan’s father and was well supported by Mr Vaughan* : as the “ other father ” of the naughty little girl who afterwards becomes so good. Mr Jessop appeared as the young car penter, and last, but by no means least, Mrs Teppett enacted the character of Nan. The piece went as merrily as possible, and kept the entire. audience laughing, including the old men, who seemed to relish the fun very keenly. The performance was not over until

about half past 10, and it passed off so well that it is not improbable that the same ladies and gentlemen will give another ere long. They are certainly deserving of all praise for their efforts to amuse the inmates of the Home, by whom their kindness will not be readily forgotten. One word, and we have done. Last night, we believe the old men . were seated on the back benches, the visitors occupying the front seats. This is reversing the proper order of things. The entertainment was got up for the benefit of the inmates of the institution, and not for the amusement of the general public. Many of the old fellows are dim of sight and hard of hearing, an i their comfort ought to be the first consideration. We are pleased to learn that the Christchurch Hospital and Charitable Aid Board have given their sanction to the Master of the Home, Mr Harris, raising a public subscription for the purchase of a piano to be used for church services and also for any entertainments that may be given from time to time at the Home. Doubtless the appeal will be liberally responded to by the towns people.

FATAL FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

Three Children Burnt in their Beds. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPOND!! NT. ] [BY TELEGRAPH.] Dunedin, To-day. A general gloom has been caused here by the breaking out of a fire at the residence of Captain Kitchener, the occupant of a fifteen-roomed house in Cumberland street. The alarm rang out about half-past twelve o’clock this morning, and in spite of the hour a considerable number of people turned out to the fire, while intense excitement reigned when it was whispered that three little children were perishing in the flames. The rumor proved only too true, for Susan Kitchener, aged n, Sydney, aged 8, and Edith, aged 6, were burned to death in their beds, while Captain Kitchener, his wife, Mr IV. H. Ash, and Bridget Mullins, a servant, only escaped with their lives by jumping from the second storey windows. The flames spread with such fearful rapidity that not a single article of furniture or clothing was saved by any of the in mates of the doomed house. The servant girl Mullins es9&ped uninjured. Mr Ash has sustained some bad cuts and bruises through falling, and Cap tain Kitchener is also much cut and burned. The unfortunate man, as the result of his injuries and the loss of his three little children, was delirious for some hours. He has now been re moved to the Hospital The disaster is supposed to have been caused by some clothes left to air in front of the kitchen fire-igniting. The house was the pro perty of Mr M. W. Green, EH.H, and was insured in the National offi,ce for Lyoo. Later. The origin of the fire cannot be de finitely ascertained. It is alleged to have originated in the kitchen, while another surmise is that it broke out in the dining-room, a passer-by at the lime stating that he saw the flames re flected in a bed-room window near the Botanical Gardens. Captain Kitchener and his wife had only just time to effect their escape with the babjt by jumping through the front window on to the verandah and leaping down into the street. Two children followed their parents and escaped the flames by jumping into the arms of Constable Dwyer, beneath. The servant girl ran down the back stairs. When the flames had been got under, the firemen went upstairs and found the charred remains of the three elder children lying in the centre of the floor of the bedroom, just above the dining room. Captain Kitchener only re cently came to Dunedin from Palmers ton, and is nearly frantic with grief at the loss of his children. His principal injuries are cuts about the hands. The children who are saved are badly burned and scorched, and so is Mrs Kitchener.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves respons : ble for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

A BARMAID IN REPLY.

To the Editor.

X have understood hitherto that your journal was “ tho people’s " paper of Ashburton, and I was surprised to find on Thursday evening last, your newspaper advocating depriving one class of “ the people” of theirmeansof a livelihood. You say that females should not be allowed is bar-tenders, and hope to see them soon

GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 1, 1882.



BOOTS. WINTER BOOTS. C. HAWKINS, Bootmaker, Bast 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. PIANOS. Great Variety. The Celebrated BrinLmeads, Ibach, Erard, Saucer, Shaller, Boud, Ronisch. ORGANS. Smith, Parlor, and Church, —15gs. to 140 gs. Second-hand Pianos, Organs, harmo niums,—£B 10s to £45. DEFERRED PAYMENTS. THE MOST MARVELLOUS MUSICAL INSTRUMENT OF THE AGE IS THE Orguinette, By Her Majesty’s Royal Letters Patent. A "child can. perform on it, either Ope ratic, Dance, or Sacred Music, after one hour’s instruction. Violins, English and German Concer ' tinas, Accordians, Brass Instruments, &c. ASHBURTON MUSIC SALOON, Tancred street. H. J. WEEKS (Agent for Begg and Co). Herr Otto Schweebs (celebrated tuner) will be here shortly. C93d OANTERBURY MUSIC DEPOT. ASHBURTON BRANCH. Milner & Thompson I -Desire to the residents of Ash urto'n and surrounding districts that they have appointed Mr H. M. JONES their ■ole Agent for this district, and invite nspection of the Instruments, Music, &c. now displayed in the SHOW ROOM abcveMr Jones’ Shop. PIANOS by all the best makers— Broadwood, Collard and Collard, Erard, Pleyel, Bord, Challen and Sons, Ascher burg. Lipp and Sohn, Chappell, Ronisch, Bechstein, Ktipp, and others. Solo Agent for John Brinsmead’s Gold Medal Pianos. 'Specialities Our Dresden Model Pianos, which took First Award of Merit at the Ashburton Exhibition, from £35 to £55. Harmoniums and Organs, from £7 10s to £6O. ORGANS. ORGANS. Organs now on Sale at Ll2 12s. A perfect Gem, L 25. PIANOS. PIANOS. New Stock, just opened up. The above Instruments can be pur chased on Deferred Payment from 20s per, month. Omlers . for Toning executed by a , •ofeasional. Pianos on Hire.



Wanted WANTED A Competent GAR DENEI'I. John Geiqo, Long beach. 808 e ANTED KNOWN —That the best place to get Short Firewood and the best Coals (delivered), is from Hayes’ Coal and Wood Yard, East street. Jsb9e W~ 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 18s per week; BOARD only, 13s. Moals^at 760 c all hours. 653 e



TTfTANTED 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. Special Advertisements. SCHOOL BOOKS. SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from 16s per Ream, Cash. Envelopes ~ Gs Gd per 1,000 ~ Note Paper, Five Quires, Is ~ A GOOD ASSORTMENT of Ledgers, Cash, Day Books, and Ledger Books IN STOCK. Toys Fancy Goods, Crewel Wools, &o. JEL M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseller, 293 d THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. rit'A AAA TO LEND, in sums of £50,000 £3OO And upwards, on the security of Freehold Property, at Lowest Current Rates. ADVANCES to FARMERS are also made on Growing CROPS of Grain ; and also on Growing Clips of WOOL. Seed Wheat, Oats, and Barley supplied to farmers on most favorable terms. They have For Sale at Lowest Rates— FEED OATS CHICK WHEAT FLOUR, BRAN & SHARPS CEMENT. WILLIAM HORNE, 518 e ' Agent.



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 10a to £lO 10s. American Waltham Lever Watches, of world-wide celebrity, English Hall-marked cases, £3 10s to £5 10a. N.B,—See that the words “ Wal tham, Mass.” are engraved on the works. None are genuine without. Ladies’ Watches, in gold or silver cases, from 455. Every Watch is Examined, Timed, and Guaranteed for Two Years. . A splendid assortment of the Newest Patterns in Gold and Silver Jewellery. Novelties in Greenstone. 471 e The First Portion of the New Goods for this Season, comprising over twenty cases are now opened up. The Boys’ and Youths’ Clothing is especially recommended, and Parents and Guardians will find it advantageous to make an early selection. The Stock of Men’s Clothing is simply superb, and the variety of Hats, Hoisery, Blankets, Flannels, and Shirtings second to none in New Zealand. Agents for the Celebrated Wertheim Machines. Ashburton Branch: W. SPARROW, Manager. 692 c



MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. Puddicombe is authorised to collect money and transact all business n connection with The Ashburton Guardian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts. gUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invito his friends to inspect his (arge stock of New and Second-hand Fur niture, consisting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Cases Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables Wash Stands Wood and Iron Bedsteads Cota, Cradles , Perambulators And everything required in household urnishing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen kept for all kinds of repairs. Furniture bought, and high prices given. Furniture lent, on weekly and monthly payments JOHN MEECH, Burnett stbeb Opposite the Mail Office,



Special COAL YARD. Coals. Coals. Coals. The 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 Lamb ton Mine), which will be delivered to Customers to any part of the Town and Suburbs at the LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber and Coal Merchant, 4680 East street, Ashburton.



FLOUR East street. STORES, F. W. QUAIFF Bega to inform the Residents and Farmers of Ashburton and vicinity that ho has taken the Premises lately in the occupation of Mr Henry Bowers, Miller, where he intends offering the following goods : Flour, by the sack „ 501 b Sharps, per bag Bran ,f Oats, per bushel Oaten Sheaf Chaff, per ton 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 Pale 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, 1s per lb Candles —Carriage, Is 2d per lb. CASH. Ashburton. 732 e



The latest novelty from PARIS. THE WONDERFUL ANTI POPIJIKUMPTUABI. 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. ASDREWES BROS., Booksellers, Stationers, etc., East street south. 334 e



O. Carstens & Co., (Lath Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Moutli Or'ans, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASIIF-HRTON. 257 a Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, street.



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