SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON, Arrived. To-day. Penguin, s.s., from Wellington. •;Rotornahana, s, s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. ... Hero, cutter, for Pelorus Sound. 'LoohEck, for Calcutta. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. ' Sailed r-Trapella, for the Bluff; Belle Brandon, for Mulgrave Island ; Albion, for Sydney. , New Plymouth, Yesterday. The Hawea arrived with the English mail at 8.30 last night, after a rapid pas sage from Manukau of twelve hours. She left at 10.40 for Wellington. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Penguin, from Picton and Salaon; Hawea, from Manukau and Tara naki; Wanaka, from the South, Go-Ahead, from Napier and Castle Point, Cleopatra, schooner, from Lyttelton; Spec, schooner, from Lyttelton ; Herald, schooner, from Timaru. , „ , Sailed —Hawea, for Picton and Nelson. Dunedin, Yesterday. Avrived—To Anau, from the North ; Zior, from Timaru.

DAILY MEMORANDA

AUCTION SALES Saturday, May 6. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. VMr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, May 0. Matson, Cox and Co., at the TinwalJ Yards —Stock. Friday, May 12. H. Matson and Go, at the , Canterbury Wool Stores—Landed Propery ; 12 h'o’olock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c i r : . Monday, May 15. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Bangitata Road Board—Monthly Meet ing, Road Board Office, Hinds, 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 6. Ashburton Permanent Building and ln veatment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7. County Council, at the County Council - Chambers, at 11 o'clock. tjj-■ . Thursday, June 8. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street

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 bo inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to bo inserted.

Special notices cn be received up to 3 30 p.m. for insertion 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.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A number of letters to the Editor are now in type, and will appear as soon as possible. Correspondents will oblige us by condensing their remarks as much as they can.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1882. The Eight Hours’ System.

TOWN EDITION.

[.lssued at 5.40 p.m. j

The present agitation for the eight hours’ system in this colony is a step in the right direction, and deserving of the cordial support of every right-thinking and liberai minded employer of labor. The effect of all work and no play is not merely to render Jack a dull boy, but to tap his energy and impair his usefulness. The employer of labor who is keenly alive to bis own interest will, in this matter of labor, study that of his servant. As Mr Bracken pointed out in Dunedin the other night, at a meeting convened by the Trades and Labor Council for the purpose of furthering the movement to legalise the eight hours system of labor—

It was recognised by every one who gave the subject the slighlest consideration that a man employed at hard labor could accomplish a better day’s work in eight than in a greater number of hours. The reason of this was ob vious. He went to his work with a cheerful spirit, and he labored with a right good will, because he knew that when his day’s toil was ended he had ample time at his disposal for rational recreation and mental improvement.— (Applause.) On the other hand, the man who toiled ten or twelve hours went home, tired and weary, and in no humor for reading or re creation. He went to his work in the morning in a spiritless fashion, and toiled like a mere machine, and the chances were he neither did justice to himself or his employer. Several other speakers followed in the same strain, and the arguments ad duced in favor of the movement were powerful enough to convince its most determined opponent. The cause of many of those engaged in the daily struggle for bread is one that impera tively demands attention. The hours which many shopmen, (or shop women), clerks, tradesmen, and young children, are made to work under the existing system are terribly long, and can only be attended with results deplorable in the extreme. The eight hours’ system, which was only intro duced in Victoria after a long and bitter struggle, is now working most satisfactorily. Fcr the sake of the thousands of toilers in shops, offices, workrooms, and warehouses, to say nothing of linemen, postmen, police men, and other employees by the Go vernment, we trust that the eight hours’ system will ere long become legally recognised in New Zealand.

An 111-natured Critic.

One would have imagined that the Customs returns which were published

last week would have afforded nothing but satisfaction to every man in New Zealand. The large increase of the Customs revenue derived during the financial year which closed on the 31st of March last was of such a satisfactory nature as to make any well-wisher of the colony rejoice, no matter to what cause that satisfactory result might be attributable. The Lyttelton Times, however, while not able to deny the present satisfactory position of the colony, as proved by its revenue from imported goods during the past finan cial year, does a war-dance about Major Atkinson’s now famous Budget speeches of 1879 and 1880, and tells its oft-told tale about the Colonial Treasurer endeavoring to ruin the colony by what our contemporary delights to call his “ panic ” Budget. Of course, no good thing can come out of Nazareth, and, to the thinking of the Lyttelton Times, the present Govern ment can do no good. Really, the ingenious way in which our contem porary seeks to prove that the progress of the colony was retarded by Major Atkinson’s Financial Statement of 1879 is instructive if not edifying. It is instructive as showing to what depths a public writer may descend in his attempt to cast discredit on a public man. But the effort is certainly not edifying. Our contemporary was opposed to the late Ministry, and is too bio'otted in his opinions to give one of the most honest and capable Adminis trations we have had in New Zealand the slightest credit for the sound, and in every way satisfactory, position in which we find the colony to-day. Our contemporary accuses Major Atkinson of retarding the growth of the colony five years, and congratulates its readers that the straightforward warning uttered by the gallant Major has not ruined the colony altogether. The Times might have gone further with more truth, and rejoiced that the warning note uttered by the Colonial Treasurer came in time to save the colony from the course of extravagance and reck lessness which it had been pursuing under the Grey-Macandrew tegime. For plausibility, and the way in which it can distort facts to suit circumstan ces, the Lyttelton Times is really no mean imitator of its great contempo rary the London Ltmes, d he old lady of Gloucester street and the old lady of Printing-house Square are evidently nodding acquaintances, if nothing more. The financial out-look, says our Christchurch contemporary, “ is cheer ful and encouraging in the extreme,” but havingjadmitted so much, it hastens to add that “ the Hall Government has not succeeded in ruining the colony, or, which comes to the same thing, in per suading people here or in England that it either was or might be ruined. To achieving both these ends they did their best.” Exactly ; and the result of their bungling is that things are decidedly looking hopeful and en couraging ! So much for bad manage ment. The poor old lady is fairly non plussed. She is constrained to admit that the affairs of the colony are im proving, but carefully avoids being magnanimous. Our venerable friend evidently shares the opinion of the oft quoted brow-beating attorney who, when he had no case, always took care to abuse the other side.

Tinwald School Committer. The meeting that should have been held last evening, lapsed for want of a quorum. The date of next meeting has not yet been fixed.

That “Act.” —The South Canterbury Jockey Club passed a resolution last night that letters bo written to the leading racing clubs to join in memorialising Government to take steps to alter the Gaming and Lotteries Act, so far as its working on racecourses is concerned, especially as regards sweeps. The form of the proposed alteration to be agreed on by committee of various clubs.

District Court. —The next ordinary monthly sitting of this Court will take place to-morrow. The cases for hearing are—Morrow and' others v. Patton— Claim, LIBO 16s, amount of contract exe cuted; Mr Wilding for the plaintiffs, and Mr Loughrey for the defence. Nelson and Coutts v. W. B. Compton, L2OO, work and labor done; Mr Branson for the plaintiffs, and Mr Loughrey for the defence. In bankruptcy—Mr Purnell to apply for the discharge of Francis Philip O’Reilly, a debtor. A Terrible Fall. —A letter received from Japan states that an apprentice named John Baker (who shipped at Wel lington on board the'schooner May for Japan) foil from the mizenmast-head on the 2nd March, and received serious in jury, from which he is not expected to recover. On March 4 he was still in a very critical condition. Captain Grant writes that he sails for Wellington with 530 tons of rice.

Skating. —The first meeting of the season of the Ashburton Rinkiug Club takes place this evening, at the Town Hall. We quite expect to chronicle a big attendance, as this form of amusement is very popular, and affords as much fun to the mere spectator as to the “ rollists ” themselves, for the way in which the ama teurs sometimes come to grief is very ludi crous—to the onlookers. No tickets will be sold at the doors. Tickets must be obtained before the latter are opened, and no one will be allowed to enter without presenting a ticket. Messrs Tucker, Restell & Co. -- The enterprising firm of Messrs Tucker, Restell and Go., notify that they have removed to their new premises in East street, and a better stand for business purposes it would have been difficult to secure. The firm have in contemplation the removal of their old office in West street, which they still retain possession of, to make room for a rough shed to keep tlio better class of timber under cover. The contemplated shed will cover a space 100 ft x 25ft, and contain room to stow 100,000 ft of timber. Wo wish Messrs Tucker, Restell and Co. every success in, their now premises. The Library. —From our roportjof the remarks made by the Chairman of jjtho County Council at the meeting yesterday, we inadvertently omited to state that one of his reasons for objecting to the Council granting money to the Library, was on the ground of the apathetic way iu which the public support had hitherto been given to the institution, and also owing to there being a large number of important works which required still to bo done, their (the Council’s) finances would have to he cautiously dealt with at the present time. Wo feel sure that no one one like to see a creditable Library and building Ashburton more than Mr Walker, and we are glad to see that this suggestion was acted upon yesterday.

Assmjlt.— At the Christchurch R.M. Court to-day, Arthur Piercy, charged with violently assaulting his wife, was re manded for a week. The police stated that the assault had been a most brutal one, and it had been necessary to take tko wife’s deposition.

The Library Mrs Question. —A public meeting in connection with the selection of a site for the Library is called for Mon day evening next at 8. Wo trust there will be a large attendance. The Wind-up op the Season. —The three local cricket clubs intend to play a scratch match on the Domain ground on Wednesday, and in the evening the boys” will dine together at Quill’s. Elgin School Committee. —The usual monthly meeting of the Elgin School Com mittee was held in the schoolhouse at Elgin yesterday evening. Present — Messrs John Cochrane (in the chair), Andrew Letham, Samuel Scott, and D. Cochrane. A letter was read from the teacher, thanking the Committee for their courtesy in giving the two days holidays last week, also asking for some require ments for the use of the school, which the Chairman was instructed to procure. It was resolved to ask Mr Trevurza to be coim a member of the Committee in the place of Mr J. S. Bruce, resigned. It was further resolved that the Chairman obtain the necessary fuel, and that he communicate with the Board of Educa tion to get a few loads of shingle placed at the doorway ot the school. The past month’s salaries were passed for payment. Mr Andrew Letham was asked to counter sign all cheques in connection with the school. The meeting then adjourned to Wednesday, the 7th Juno.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Mr Forster’s Resignation. London, May 2.

On the House of Commons assem bling this afternoon, the Premier made a similar statement to that made by Earl Granville in the House of Lords regarding the retirement of the Irish Secretary. Mr Gladstone, however, further announced that Mr Forster re signed because he declined to be answerable for the release of the Irish political “ suspects.” Mr Gladstone added that the Government intended shortly to propose fresh measures for the protection of life and property in Ireland. Another Chance. London, May 3. Messrs Parnell, Dillon, and O’Kelly, members of Parliament for Cork, Tip perary, and Roscommon respectively, were released from custody this morn ing. Arrived Safe. The P. and O. Company’s steamship Assam, with the Australian cricketers, has arrived at Plymouth from Mel bourne. The Defeated Sculler- Edward Trickett, sculler, returns to Australia by the Orient steamship Garonne, leaving shortly. Comprennez Vous ? Pams, May 2. Telegrams have been received here announcing that the French squadron has bombarded and captured Kesho, the capital of Tonquin. Not Good Enough. Cape Town, May 2.

A resolution urging the desirability of the abandonment of Basutoland, and its transfer from the Colony to the Imperial Government, was passed by the Legislative Council this evening.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per iiruteb’s agency.] Commercial. Melbourne, Yesterday. Malting barley is firm at 4s yd to 4s gd. Shipping wheat is quoted at 6s 6d, but prices are irregular. New Zea land oats are quiet at 3s rod to 4s lor feed, and 4s id to 4s 3d for milling. When Doctors Disagree. &c. A report is current to-night that it is doubtful whether the case of sickness in Swanston street is smallpox. Arrival. Adelaide, May 3. Arrived, this morning, Orient, steam ship, from Plymouth (March 25).

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] A Missing Merchant. Auckland, To-day. Harge, a wine and spirit merchant, about ten days ago left Auckland osten sibly to go on a visit to Rotorua. It is discovered that defalcations amounting to several thousand pounds exist, an Aus tralian firm being let in heavily. It is supposed that Harge has gone to Ade laide, hoping to secure a passage in the Orient steamer Cuzco. A warrant is out for his apprehension, and a cable message sent advising the police authorities. Dilatory Darkies \lexandra, To-day. Te Ngakau and a number of other leading natives came to Alexandra to day. They say the delay is caused by the non-arrival of a number of Southern natives, and the meeting will begin imme diately they arrive. Farewell. Wellington, To-day. H.M. s. Emerald sailed for England at 10 o’clock this morning. The shipping in the harbor saluted the vessel as she got under weigh. “ Hands all The Government have received, through the Agent-General, a copy of the English and Colonial national song, “ Hands all Round,” by the poet Laureate (Alfred ■Tennyson), set to music, with a request from the Royal Colonial Institute that the wish of the Poet Laureate may be carried out, and the songs publicly sung in the colony on the Queen's Birthday. Artillery Competition, Dun eoin, To-day. The B. Battery made 726 points, or 19 behind the Wellington Artillery. Public Works Expenditure. Statistics published by the Times show that the Public Works Department spent on contracts during 1881-2 in Otago, L19,15i, exclusive of payments on ac count of Otago contract in Southland, L 29.705 ; in Canterbury, LG2,047. A Hotel at the Water of Leith. It is proposed to form a company to build a largo hotel at the Water of Leith falls, and lay out seventy acres as pleasure grounds. Another Blaze. Invercargill, To day. A ten-roomed house at Greenhills, owned and occupied by S. Sullivan, was burned down. It was insured for L2OO m the Northern office ; the origin is be lieved to be accidental.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held this morning at the Road Board office, Moore street. Present Messrs Brown (who, in the absence of the Chairman, Mr Friedlnncler, was voted to the chair), Winter, and Megson.

Correspondence. —Letters weie rea ns follows.—From the Ashburton Boroag Council, intimating that a petition ha

(i.) Boundary Road, No. I Section, Forma tion and Metalling : When inspecting this road last Tuesday, the contractor had, so far, exe cuted bis work satisfactorily. There was about a day or so’s work to be done to complete the contract. —(2.) Boundary Road, No. 2 Sec tion : The same remarks as in No. I section apply to this.—f 3. ) Denshire’s Road : The contractor is still at work at the formation o; this road, and does not seem to use much exer tion to complete his contract expeditiously. — (4.) Beach Road : As instructed last meeting, we have let the metalling to John Doak, the contractor for maintenance, who has taken the same at his schedule price. The work is now being 1 rocceded with.—(s.) Smithfie'd Road We have made arrrngements to have this road put in order, the cost of which will 1 e about J_,lo. — Maintenance of Ronds : We have given the contractor for maintenance notice to use all despatch in putting the various roads in good order after the late heavy rains.—(7-) Innes’ Road : Mr Innes has requested us to bring before the Board his desire to have about 12 chains of the road leading to his place, and near the Wakanui creek, metalled; the road being very low-lying, the water from the creek soaks into it and consequently makes it boggy. No. 5: Resolved —“That tussocks on road be chipped off, if it can be clone at a satisfactory price, and that rails be erected from wings of bridge to fences.” No. 7 • Resolved —“ That the Surveyor report at next meeting.” The remainder of the report was adopted. Special Rate. —The Chairman pro posed that a rate of 9d in the £ on the rateable value of all property in the dis trict be now struck ; seconded by Mr Winter and carried. It was further re solved that Messrs Winter, Brown, and Mayo sign the rate-book. Beach and Rivee Roads Ford.— Mr Brown brought before the Board the bad state of the ford at the junction of the above roads. ResolvdJ —“ That the atten tion of the 0-unity Council Engineer be drawn to the matter. Gravel Reserves. —Resolved —“ That the County Council be again communi cated with in regard to the gravel re serves.” Gokse on Jones’s Road. —The Surveyor was instructed to issue notices to persons to clear the gorse off the above road. The Ward System. —Mr Brown moved the resolution standing in his name— namely, “ That the district be divided into three divisions, in order to have the district properly represented on the Board; that the boundaries of the divisions be those at present recognised by the Board; that steps be taken to have them pro claimed in accordance with the Canter bury Roads Ordinance, 1872.” Seconded by Mr Winter and carried.—lt was then resolved that the divisions of the district be those determined on at this meeting. The Board then determined the said dis tricts. The Board’s Engineer. —Mr Brown moved and Mr Megson seconded, and it was carried “That three months notice bo given to Messrs Fooks and Son that the Board will termi nate their present engagement at the expiration of three months from this date.”—lt was further resolved—“ That Messrs Fooks and Sou be asked to give at the next meeting the price for which they will conduct the business of the Board as hitherto, at either a lump sum or a per centage on works executed and rates col ■ lected.” Memorial to the Government. —The Clerk was instructed to attend to the matter re forwarding a petition re sub division of the districts to the proper authorities. Culverts.— Mr Megson proposed that an estimate be laid on the table at the next meeting, showing the difference be tween concrete and wooden culverts.

Carried, After passing a few accounts the Board adjourned.

been received by the Council praying that the footpaths on the outside of the b.E' belt, from Dr Stewart’s corner to tli£ Terrace, be formed. In the event of the Borough doing this work (the lettei added) would the Board defray the cost o same ? It was resolved that the reques be agreed to.—From Mr Thomas Andrews brick maker, complaining about being pro bibited from brickmaking on account o smoke after having just erected a nev kiln.—Resolved—“ That Mr Andrews b informed that he has had sufficien time to make suitable provision for tlv consumption of smoke, and that if th nuisance is continued he will render him self liable to an action. '’ Inspector, of Nuisances’ Report. - This functionary’s report was read an adopted. Engineer’s Report.—This report wc read as follows

CHARITABLE AID.

Last afternoon, after we went to press, a meeting of the joint committee appointed by the Borough and County Councils to administer charitable aid in the County was held. The Hospital returns for April were laid on the table ; they have been already published. It was resolved that three should form a quorum at committee meetings. Mr Main waring was appointed secretary, and was instructed to communi cate with Mr Marsh, pointing out that in future the Committee would only be liable iu the exact amount of charitable aid shown to have been outlayed in the dis trict. It was decided that the medical supervision of the Hospital in the future be similar to that of the past, and Dr Trevor was elected medical superinten dent at a salary of LI 50 for the ensuing twelve months. It was decided that the present arrangements at the Hospital be continued for one month, at the end of which time, the Committee propose con sidering the matter of improvement of the rules, and the charges in the private and public wards. Authority was given for the signing of cheques by the Chairman, or two other members ; the account to be kept at the Union Bank of Australia. The Chairman and Messrs Williamson and St. Hill were appointed a sub-corn mittoe to ascertain what repairs are needed at the Hospital, and to accept tenders for maintenance. It was resolved —“ That this Committee recommend to the County Council that it should vote the sum of L to bo granted iu aid of the formation of a Volunteer Fire Brigade on the west side of the town.” The meet ing then adjourned for a month. A committee meeting was held this morning. Present Messrs W. 0. Walker, D. Williamson, and St. Hill. The following tenders for maintenance were accepted : —Marsh, bread ; Lan caster, meat ; Orr and Co., medical com forts and groceries ; Gardiner, milk ; Tucker, Maynard and Co., fuel ; Neate, drugs ; Gates, funerals. It was then re solved that in the absence of the Chair man, the secretary should communicate with the Mayor in cases of charitable aid requiring immediate attention. The meeting then terminated.

At yesterday's mooting in Christcliurch a lotter was road from Government inti mating that they had no power to inter fere with the charitable aid arrangements of Ashburton County and Borough. The secretary was instructed to send the Ash burton Hospital and Charitable Aid Com mittee information as to what patients from Ashburton district were in the insti tutions under the Board ; and, on Mr Hawkes’s motion, seconded by the Mayor of Sydenham, it was resolved That a letter be written to the Ashburton Com mittee, asking if they will agieo to pay for the maintenance of any patient ad mitted from Ashburton County.” Apro pos of this business. Dr Prins referred to a recent case of a sick and destitute girl who had come from Ashburton, and had just gone back there to fetch her things, intending to return to the Christchurch Hospital; and Mr Stevens mentioned that it would be desirable if an und-cr-

t standing could be arrived at with all local bodies likely to send patients to Christ -2 church. It was reported that there were 3 now 23 inmates in the Old Men’s Horae, r —— f t i, if ,v e t e e i d is

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON— This Day. (Before his Worship the Mayor and Mr R. Alcorn, J. P.) A Bad Lot.—Thos. Gillon, alias Gallon, alias Burke, alias Williams, was charged with assaulting Michael John Maher by striking him on the head with a stone. Accused was also charged with being drunk. Fined 10s, or 48 hours’ imprison ment. A further charge was then _ pre ferred against Gillon—that of obtaining goods by false representat'ona. It ap peared from the evidence adduced that on the Ist May accused visited the South Rikaia Hotel, and informed the landlord that he had been working for a farmer in the district named Patterson, and that a cheque was then due to him for wages. Patterson, accused added, was going to pay a visit to the township that day, and would hand over the cheque as soon as he arrived. On the strength of these repre sentations Gillon was supplied with dinner and a flask of brandy to wash it down. Strange to say the evening came but “ Mr Patterson ” did not. Mr Gillon went away without going through the form of settling his bill, amounting to 7s Gd. In short, it was a case of “ had.” The ac

cused subsequently came on to Ashburton by the express, and just by way of finish ing up the day in a festive and agreeable manner, he determined to “ make a night of it.” The result was he got drunk, and meeting Maher gave him a playful tap on the head with a stone, which nearly knocked him down. —The accused, on being asked if he had anything to say, made a rambling statement to the Bench, which was anything but satisfactory. —Sergeant Felton produced a terribly long list of “ previous convictions,” from which it appeared accused must have 1 lived for a considerable portion of his . time at the expense of Her Majesty. He . was sent tip for another six months. Breach of Borough By-Laws.—D. . Betts, for allowing a horse to be at large, 5 was fined 10s. | CIVIL CASES. r Greenless v Fountain—Claim L 6 10s for work and labor done.—Mr Brandon 1 for plaintiff.—lt appeared from the evi dence of the plaintiff that he had been r engaged by the defendant through 1 Parker, the labor agent in Christchurch, B at L 3 per week. Claimed for two weeks and a little over.—Defendant said he had B authorised Parker to engage plaintiff at LI per week ordinarily, and L2 per week j. during the harvest. He had not done any harvesting, and had refused to work on Sunday.—Cross-examined by Mr Branscn, defendant admitted that plain r tiff had assisted with the harvesting.—Mr s Branson contended his client must re cover, and as to working on Sunday, that d was, be submitted no day for working; no one could be compelled to work on Sun j dry. Judgment for amount claimed with e costs.

PLATONIC LOVE.

At the R.M. Court this morning, after the other business had been disposed of, the case of Duff v. Qeoghan, claim Lll 6s 6d, was called, and caused not a little amusement to those present. Mr Branson appeared for the plaintiff, and briefly stated his client’s case. The following evidence was adduced : Neil Duff said he was a stable-keeper, residing in Ashburton. Had formerly kept a boarding-house. A young person named Mary Gallagher, a domestic ser vant, had boarded and lodged with him for ten weeks lately. She had been ill, and had had medical attendance costing H6s 6d. The claim was for the board at LI a week, and the doctor’s bill, 26s 6d. The defendant had distinctly promised to pay for anything the girl Gallagher migjht require while at plaintiff’s house. His in structions were to supply “ anything she wanted,” and the defendant would settle the account. Geoghan, the defendant, being sworn, distinctly denied having made any such promise as the plaintiff represented. He had casually made the acquaintance of Miss Gallagher, but knew no more about her than their Worships. He was a mar ried man, living in Christchurch. Cross-examined by Mr Branson : The defendant admitted that plaintiff had been up to Christchurch (where defendant re sides), about the girl to see about his ac count for her board. Defendant had, also visited Ashburton twice this year, and had seen the girl at Duff’s house. She was ill, and defendant had taken her a bottle of wine.

Mr Branson : “ And very kind I’m sure —but what made you do it ?” Defendant (hesitatingly) : Why I’d take a bottle of wine to anyone who is sick. Mr Branson; Well, how nice ! Why, you are quite a ph’lanthropist ! Do yon go round with bottles of wine for all the sick people you bear of ? Defendant : Ah, you are trying to puzzle me. Mr Branson: No, lam not. I want to know why yon took this girl the wine. Defendant: ’Cause why? Mr Branson: Exactly; ‘ ’cause why ?’ ”

Defendant: Well, I went to the Somer set Hotel when I was down here on the first occasion, and the barman mentioned the fact that this girl had a sprained ankle, and I just went up to see her. Mr Branson: And you took in a bottle of wine. Well, you are the kindest hearted man I ever met. Now, tell me, sir, did you ever write to this girl, or have any correspondence with her at all? Defendant: No. Mr Branson: You are positive ?—Now, be careful, sir. Defendant: Yes.

IV] r Branson: Why, your Worships, Mr Duff is re.uly to swear that the girl has shown him a letter in the defendant’s handwriting. In reply to the Bench (he police said the girl Gallagher was at present a patient in (he Christchurch Hospital.

The defendant hero admitted that he just wrote one letter to the girl to ask how she was getting on.

“Mr Branson: Very considerate indeed ! —Platonic love, I suppose 1 The Bench said the evidence was very conflicting, the plaintiff having directly contradicted the defendant, but, under all the circumstances of the case, judg ment would be for the plaintiff', with costs.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the members of this Society was held last evening at Mr Jones’ room. There was a good attend ance. Mr Alfred Harrison was voted to the chair. The following report of the outgoing Committee was read and adopted : Your Committee have much pleasure in presenting you with the annual report, and also with being in a position to show a fair credit balance. Your Committee have held twelve meetings during the year, at most of which some member has read a paper on subjects connected with Horticulture, and we are Sony to say the attendance has been small at the meetings. The annual show was held on March 4th, and, as you are aware, was a pro nounced success. A new feature in the Show was a distribution of gifts, etc., to all visitors by lot. Although this has shown no appreci able increase to the funds of the Society, it has nevertheless caaued a spirit of in terest in the Society by the outside public, which there is no doubt will show perceptibly next year. The accounts have been duly audited, and are S now before you. In resigning into your hands the office you conferred on us at the last annual

meeting, we should suggest that new blood should be imported iulo your next Commit tee, if only to awaken a larger interest in the Society itself. Through the liberality of some gentlemen, your Committee were able to offet prizes for the best kept gardens, considering in this direction they would be furthering the best interests which the Society was es tablished to promote. ; The following balance sheet was read : Expenditure, L 99 18s 8d ; re ceipts, L 125 2s 9d ; balance in hand, L255s Id ; a.id assets to the value of LlO 18s 6d.

Or. the motion of Mr Geo, Andrews, seconded by Mr Potts, the balance sheet and report were adopted. The election of President resulted iji the unanimous election of Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R.; and, Vice-Presidents, Messrs Harrison, Trevor, Zouch, and John Orr.

Mr J. Seaty was elected Hon, Treasu rer, and Mr S. E. Poyntz Hon. Secretary, and the following were elected as a Com mittee —namely, Messrs Simmonds, T. Sealy, Potter, Lewis, Hunt, Col'ins, Mayo, Stephenson, Andrews, Davison, Permain, and Elston.

Mr Simmonds proposed, Mr Porter 1 seconded —“ That by-law No. 2 be altered* to read—•' That all flowers and exhibits be in the possession of exhibitors at least', three months before the show.’”— Carried.

It was decided that all protests against awards, etc., be lodged with the Secretary not later than 9 p.m. on the evening of the show.

It was decided that an honorarium of L 5 5s be awarded to Mr Poyntz for bis services to the Society during the year. Mi Sealy stated that a gentleman had given L 5 5s for a prize for best kept gar den by boys over fourteen years, with the provision that two other prizes of a simi lar amount were given by the Society to boys under fourteen years. After a vote of thanks had been carried to the outgoing Committee and the Chair man, the nieeting terminated.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the office, Mount Somers, on Monday last. Present— Messrs A. E. Peache (Chairman), I. B. Taylor, and Duncan Cameron. The minutes of the last ordinary meeting were read and confirmed. The Surveyor’s re port was read and considered. It was re solved —“ That a public meeting of rate payers be called on the 25th inst., to hear any objections that may be lodged to the closing of the road near Mr John Boyle’s, Valetta. ” Also— ‘ ‘ That lenders be called for the formation of about twelve chains of the road leading up Woolshed creek,” and—“ That tenders be also called for formation of footpath on Tramway Re serve road, Alford Forest.” The follow ing correspondence was read:—From Messrs Fooks and Son, re transfer of Camei on road. Messrs Fooks’ letter to be forwarded to Land Registrar, with a request that the matter may be fully ex plained. From Mr T. Chapman, apply ing for planking for bridge on Chapman’s road. —The Surveyor stated that he had given the required amount of planking to Mr Chapman—Mr Chapman to do the work gratis, which was approved.—Ac counts amounting to LB6 8s 3d having been passed for payment, the Board ad journed. A public meeting of ratepayers was held subsequently, to consider the advisability for bringing the Local Elections Act, 1876, into force in the district, as at pre sent constituted, Mr Peache in the chair ; about fourteen ratepayers were present. The chairman read the advertisement call ng the meeting, and referred briefly to the advantage of conducting the eleo iions of the Board, etc., under the Act, A discussion of a desultory nature en sued, when Mr Rowe moved—“ That the Local Elections Act, 1876, be brought into force in the district.”—Seconded by Mr Morgan, and carried unanimously.—A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

TWOMEY IN COURT.

J. M. Twomey, formerly agent for the Press in Ashburton, was summoned to appear at the Timaru R. M. Cotff on Tuesday, by Mr Davidson, com mission agent, on a charge of using abusive language on the ist of April last. Mr J. M. White, solicitor, of Timaru, appeared for the complainant j the newspaper man conducted his own case. Mr Davidson stated that he met defendant in Timaru on the afternoon of April ist. Defendant spoke to him about the McCaskill and Rooney case* . told him he was getting into bad odor in Temuka about it, and called him a low informer. He thereupon knocked defendant’s hat over his eyes, and when defendant took off his hat he . struck it again with his stick, and then went on his way. Cross-examined by Mr White, the prosecutor said he had \ known Twomey slightly and had never,? had any quarrel with him. The mis- ; understanding arose in consequence of the McCaskill and Rooneycase,in which prosecutor acted on instructions from Christchurch. Cross-examinedbythede fendant, prosecutor said—l postponed ■ summoning you on this charge because . you postponed sueing me for the hat. I might or might not have summoned you if you had not summoned me; it . would have depended on your future conduct. Then Twomey got into the box to relate his version of the story, which was as follows :—He had been on friendly terras with Davidson. Meeting him in Timaru on the ist of April he said to him, “ What about the McCaskill and Rooney case?” and prosecutor replied, “ Oh, you know nothing about it.” Thereupon he (Twomey) said it was remarked that it was a mistake to arrest the men on the information of an Informer, whereupon Mr Davidson knocked his hat over his eyes, and afterwards knocked the article out of his hand with his stick. He denied having used the words attributed j to him by the prosecutor. Mr Beswick characterised the case as a very paltry one, and said he would dismiss it. Twomey put in an application for costs, but his Worship declined to accede to the request, remarking that he felt cer tain that Mr Davidson had received some provocation for his conduct.

CORRESPONDENCE.

—* We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

LIGHTING FIRES IN THE OPEN.

To the Editou. Sxn,—l see by your report of the Coun cil meeting th’t the application I made on behalf of the firm I represent here, for liberty to light a fire in the open air for .. the purpose of tyring wheels for a limited time, was refused ; I hope you will there fore allow me, through your paper, to make a few remarks on Councillor Harri son’s high flowing language re the same, as he appears to be the leading spirit in . ■, this matter. In the first place, I think his remarks about our firm being quite able to put up a furnace is fjuite uncalled for, as no onejjdoubts but that they are quite able to put up a dozen if they required them. But as the price of everything is regulated by the cost of production, it is

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1882.



ash palace. ,tis is a very good world that we live in, " To lend, or to spend, or to give in ; _ f But to beg, or to borrow, or to get back one s own, v lt’s the very worst world that ever was known t But this does not alter the fact that C. HAWKINS, Boot and Shoemaker, East street, Ashburton, and Archibald street, Tinwald, SELLS, or rather GIVES, away at a nominal rate, Boots and Shoes for CASH ONLY. So roll up and buy your boots where you can get a perfect-fit. ____ 998 c o T 1 C E. ASHBURTON COAL AND FIREWOOD DEPOT l E. S. Bean (Late of Montgomery and Co., Limited), PAS COMMENCED BUSINESS as above, next to Mr Jos. Clark’s Office, in WEST STREET, and hopes, by civility ana attention, to merit a fair share of public support. ~, _ , _ Agent for the Springfield Coal Co. Goal,Firewood, Posts, Rails, Stakes, &c. Orders taken for Bricks, Cement, Lime, Timber, &c. Oats, Bran, Chaff, Chicken Wheat, &c. Note the Address— NEXT MR JOSEPH CLARKS, , . WEST STREET. 181 c (4 <4 O O H H cj cj pc, pc. o o 55 55 O O CJ a 55 z UTUMN. The First New (4 O H o *«! pc, O Z B H O CJ 1882. WINTER. Portion of the 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 mftVA an early selection. The Stock of Men’s Clothing is simply inperb, attd the variety of Hats, Hoisery, Blankets, Flannels, and Shirtings second to.£one in New Zealand. Agents for the Celebrated Wbrtheim ~ Machines. Ashburton Branch: jsw.a & IUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY John Meech, CABINETMAKER* UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invuo his friends to inspect h ; s large stock of New and Second-hand Fur niture, corseting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Gases Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables- Watth'Stands Wood And Iron Bedsteads Cots, Cradles Perambulators . , And eveiylbing required m household furnishing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen kept for all kinds of repairs. , ~ , Furniture bought, and high prices ** Furniture lent, on weekly and monthly JOHN MF.ECH, 811 UIIK I T BTtt ■ X opposite the ifaU OfflM



Wanted WANTED, a NURSE GIRL, about 14 or 15 years old. Apply at once, Mrs R. Fkiedlander, Tanorad street. Wanted —a shepherd. Apply to E. H. Dobson, Lowcliffe. 341 e AnTED—A good general SER VANT. Wages, 10s per week. Apply, Ofhce of this Paner. 382 e ANTED—On the Ist of June, first class MILLER. References re quuired. None but steady men need apply. Jas. Clark, Wester field Mills, Ashburton. 386 e WANTED —xV SITUATION, as Clerk or Storeman, by a married man of experience. Good references. Apply, “ M,” Office of this Paper. 826 d ANTED TO LEI’—SHOPS in Havelock street. Low rental — viz.—lss per week. And also to SELL ONE ACRE of LAND, Mayo’s Block. Apply to James Baker, Havelock street. 251 c W* AMTET) KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Boned ust. —Address F. Mayo, Harastcad Mills. WANTED KNOWN.—A Circulat ing Library is now open at L. P. Ahdufaves', Bookseller, East street South, Ashburton. A largo number of books to choose from. Terms very 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. 255 d moderate 745 d 7COc Special Adveitisements.



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, &c. JEL 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 Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Orjans, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASIJPDRTON. 257 a N OTI 0 B TO FARMERS. We are CASH PURCHASERS of WHEAT OATS BARLEY RYEGRASS SEED COCKSFOOT SEED WANTED—IO,OOO bushels Pearl and 10,000 bushels Velvet CHAFF, For delivery at our Stores, at Addington, or Riccarton Mills, or any Country Station. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Triangle, Christchurch ; Or, POYNTZ & CO., Ashburton. a” "~RAIN SHIPMENTS TO THE ENGLISH OR CONTINENTAL MARKETS. The undersigned arc prepared to make liberal CASH ADVANCES ON 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.



ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. ARE CASH PURCHASERS OF WHEAT BARLEY OATS GRASS SEED AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES, AND ARE SUPPLYING FARMERS With Large 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



NDRE WE S BROS. (Late L. F. Andeewes), BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, AND NEWS-AGENTS, East steeet South, Ashbukton. 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 e MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. Puddicombb is authorised to collect money and transact all business in connection with The Ashbukton Guardian in the Mount Somen and Alford Forest districts. O T 1 0 E



Special Advertisements. James Baker HAS OPENED; in Baker’s Buildings, Havelock street, as a GENERAL GROCER. He guarantees that the very best quality and quantity will be procurable for the money. . His motto will be CASH ONLY. The purchaser will thus save at least 25 per cent., for not having to pay for bad book debts. JAMES BAKER, Havelock Street (Opposite Harrison’s Auction Rooms). 391 e



AAA T 0 011 Freehold SbOU.UUv Property, in sums of £3OO f And upwards, at Lowest Current Rates or Interest THE N.Z. GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. WILLIAM HORNE, 2Sfie* Agent.



OTICE OF REMOVAL. W’u desire to draw the attention of our customers and the public generally to the fact that we have • REMOVED TO ODE NEW OFFICES ON THE RAILWAY RESERVE, Between Burnett and Tailored streets, Lately in the occupation of _ Messrs W. Montgomery and 0 )., Limited. TUCKER, RESTELL & CO. 400 e



JgARLEY MEAL. BARLEY MEAL. H. BOWERS has FOR SALE Ground Barley Meal. 500 ,!USI,£LS 500 Splendid Pig Feed. ALBERT MILLS. 354



QTARTLING ANNOUNCEMENT. EVERETT BROS., GENERAL DRAPERS, ARE AGAIN IN ASHBURTON, And have OPENED in their OLD PRE MISES, next Harrison’s, Havelock street. FOR A FEW MON THS ONLY, With a Largo and Well-bought Stock of WINTER DRAPERY AND MERCERY. SEE OIKC'OLAKS.