SHIPPING.

.. J»ORT OP LYTTELTON. HO ; Arrived. Yesterday. Antelope, cotter, from Akaroa. Courier, ketch, from Pigeon Bay. Mahinapua, s.a., from Dunedin. To-day. Grafton, s.s.,* from Wellington. <£ Hawea, b.s., from Manukau and wa ports. *. Sailed- Yesterday. ! Mahinapua, a.s., for Dunedin. To-day. Hawes, s.s., for Wellington. Grafton, s.s., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. ! Dunedin, Yesterday. | Sailed—Aditeh, for Grey mouth ; Taia-1 roa, for the North ; Hero, for Melbourne. Weetjngton, Yesterday. Arrived—Te Anau, from Melbourne, via the South ; Hawen, from the North ; Amateur, ketch, from Timaru. Sailed —Ellerton,‘schooner, for Timaru; Grafton and Hawea, for Lyttelton ; Te Anau, for Auckland, via the East Coast Kiwi, for the East Coast.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office; • as follows : For'Christchurch and North at 6 sum., 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tihwald, Winslow, Hinds, OMdatream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, nttid Gertddinei at 10 a.m. daily. ■'i -For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South,' at 6 a.m., 10 A. m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 10. 30 a. m. .. ■ . For llount Somers; on Tuesdays and at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and ■fiAfrurdays, at 6.30 a.ra. r.,,Fot Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—■ ■ S; From Christchurch'and Rakaia at 10.15 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15"a.m. and 4.35,p.m. daily. „ Jprom Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.30 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Tuesdays and Fri days,.at 3 p-m- - From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10 ;5 a.'m.'' Froth Ashton, ' Waterton, and Long beach at TO a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs- Saturdays,, at 10 a. m. - t'Ftdnl' Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle; on Tuesdays, Thursdays, »nd Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.rh.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Tuesday, January 30. Matson, 'Cox and Co., at the Ashburton ....Yards —Stock. ■>,. Saturday, February 3. saison, Cox, and Co., at their Bazaar— 'Horses, Cows, Figs, Poultry, Sundries, 11.30 a. mi Jttt. V.. Bullock', at the Bazaar—Horses, 1 p, in. 'Mr W. F. Allen,, at his rooms, Burnett streets—Horses, Pigs, Poult) General Produce, &cl-; 11.30 a.m. Sir Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Pigs, Produce, Shares, &o.; 12 " ~ Thursday, February 8. JR. Wilkin Co;, at the New' Zealand Wool Stores—Wool ; 11 a.m. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o Tuesday, January 30. Ashburton Racing Club—Special General Meeting, Quill’s Hotel, 8 p.m. Saturday, February 3. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street ' Monday, February 5. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Monday, February, 12. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. , Friday, February 23. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. ,

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton bob Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m.,' 10.65 a.m., and (Express) 5.39 p.m., Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timaru and Sooth, at 6.50 a:m., 10.25 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p. m. — the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. TESESTS —ARRIVE At Auuiiwwok—i-umi Christchurch at 10 20 a. m. (Express), 4.35p.m., and 7.20 p.m.. Trains Arrive: at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m. (Express), and 8 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 bo received up to 3.30 p.m., 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.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1883 The Christchurch Slander Case.

It was not to be expected that the case Paxton v. Stead, which occupied

Ithe attention of the Supreme Court at Christchurch during the early part of the week, would be allowed to pass without comment. Not only have the local papers written about it, but numerous correspondents have given their views upon the question. About the immediate cause of action, the slander alleged to have been uttered by Mr Stead concerning Mr Paxton, nothing need be said. The jury have declared that the latter’s character was injured by what had been spoken about him to the extent of and the matter may be allowed to rest there. But the evidence disclosed certain facts that previously were probably not

understood by the great majority of the people, and it is this that renders the case interesting to a far wider circle than is formed by those who care whether the slander uttered by Mr Stead was justifiable or not. It appears from the reports that Mr Roberts ar ranged to load a vessel provided by Messrs Royse, Stead and Co. with wheat, placing no reserve upon it, but electing to take his chance in the European markets. Subsequently Mr Stead informed Mi Roberts that he had sold the wheat at 43s 6d, and the latter being satisfied he gave a cheque for that amount, less commis sion. Afterwards the wheat is dis posed of at 455, and thus the middle man not only makes the commission, but also the extra profit accruing from the increased price. This is the story as told from Mr Roberts’s point of view, but it is only fair that the other side should give their account of the transaction ; and it must be admitted that the complexion of the case is con siderably altered by looking at it from

another aspect. Mr Stead states that the first sale, namely, at 4;s fid, fell through, and consequently he grain fell upon his hands. As he lad taken the risk, he considered that he was entitled to any profit that migh result from a rise in the market. Ths argu ment is supported by what must ihvays be a strong factor in mercantile tffairs, the custom of the trade. Unfortumtely for Mr Stead, he was not allowei to bring forward evidence at the tria. to show what this custom was, butjuig ing from the correspondence we ha/e referred to, he will not want for chan pions to defend his cause. Tin trouble seems to have arisen from s misunderstanding between the princi pals in the transaction. The seller of the grain elected to take all risk as to the rise or fall of the market upon his own shoulders, while the agent con sidered that by disposing of the wheat at 43s fid he became himself respon sible for the amount the cargo realised at that price. Were this otherwise, it is evident that Mr Stead would, when the first sale fell through, have informed Mr Roberts of the fact and have thrown the cargo back upon the latter’s hands. There is no reason to doubt the bona fides of Mr Stead, and that in following the course he did he only ob served the rules of the trade, but it seems to us that an unscrupulous agent could take advantage of “ custom ” to enrich himself at the expense of the farmer or the grain seller. How this could be done is too obvious to need pointing out, and the sooner the posi tion of the middle-man is clearly de fined the better it will be for everyone concerned. For this reason it is well that the question has been brought be fore the public, and we have no doubt that the Chamber of Commerce will take cognisance; of it, and that it will be discussed from all points of view.

Sporting. —lt is reported that Messrs Mason and Tallance have purchased Louie, the present favorite for the Cup.— The privileges for the Wellington Summer Meeting realised L 426. Wesleyan. —The Wesleyan Conference has completed its second reading of the stations. < The following alterations have been made: —Ponsonby, Rev. Carr;, Upper Thames, Rev. Mr Marshall ; Cam bridge, Rev. Mr Dewsbury ; Te Awa mutu, Rev. Mr Dean ; Wairoa, Rev. J Wills ; Gisborne, Rev. Mr Penfold; Huj> Rev. Mr Garlick ; Napier, Revs. Le’* 3 and Jones ; St. Albans, Revs. Morley-id Garland ; V/oodend, Rev. Mr Hudon ; Temuka, Rev. Mr Wills ; Lawrence Rdf. Mr Law. The third and final pading takes place on Thursday next. The Longhdrst Case. —The Welling ton correspondent of the Press felegrap^a: —I understand the case of Gi° r g o Long-

hurat will most likely be considered in Cabinet on Monday next, ard should the decision be favorable to thi prisoner, his case will be settled at Tuesday's Executive meeting. I believe Judjres’ opinions are adverse to him. The chances as to his fate are pretty equally balanced, but I think it likely that, in view of the strong popular feelings elicited and the grave doubts which surround the case, he will probably be released, especially as even if guilty he has already undergone severe punishment. Concert. —Peope of musical taste in Ashburton could net have been aware of the treat in store lor them in the Town Hall, or there would certainly have been a larger attendance at the concert given by tho Christ church Cathedral Choir last evening. The first item in the programme was the glee “ Now the Bright M .rning Star,” given by the choir with excellent effect, the voices being well balanced. Mr Dixon then sang “ Good - night, Be loved,” with great expression. This gentleman possesses a very sympathetic voice, pure in tone, and well under con trol. “ Discord, dire Sister,” was ren dered with precision by the elder mem bers of the choir, and “ The Fishermen’s

Good-night,” which followed, was loudly applauded, as it deserved. Mr Izard was successful in his contribution, a musical setting of the Laureate’s “ Beggar Maid,” but undoubtedly the gem of the first part, and indeed of tho evening, was the trio “Oh, Memory,” by Masters Woodward and Cane and Mr Dixon. Tho fresh young voices of the boys harmonised ad mirably, and the manner in which they sang the music showed that they had been well trained. The trio was loudly en cored, nor would the audience be satisfied! until it was repeated. A solo from Mr Merton, who possesses a bass voice of considerable range, and a glee by the choir, concluded the first portion of the pro gramme. In the second pa’t the items calling for .special attention were “ The Banks of Allan Water,” charmingly sung by Master Cane, and emphatically en cored ; “When the Tide comes in,” by Mr Dixon, and Mendelssohn’s beautiful duet “ Greeting,” by Masters Cane and Woodward. By singling out these uum.- bers for special approval it must not be imagined that the rest of the concert was not up to a very high standard, and those who can appreciate part singing could not fail to be thoroughly satisfied with last night’s performance. To Mr Wells is due the credit for the "excellent training the choir has received, and he may well be proud of them. It is doubtful if a better concert of its kind has ever been heard in A&hburton, and we trust that the comparatively small attendance of last night will not prevent the choir paying another visit to this town before long.

TeLEG TO METRVBN'.*fMr Wright,. R., has received’ a telegram from Mrjiay, Secretary of the Postal and Telei Department at Wellington, expressisgret at the delay ’ in the opening e telegraph line to Methven, and addhat it is hoped that the office will be able to the public next week.

Bafti-Au announcement appears in anothlumn, with reference to the formatic a Baptist Church in Ashbur ton. Tisual services take place to morrow the Templar Hall, rnd on Mondayt a meeting will be held in the upper r<of the Town Hall, at 8 o’clock. The Re Spencer will preach on Sun day ancbide at the meeting on Mon day.

The ]en Meat Trade. —The pro fits of tlozen meat trade are (says the St. Jai Gazette) known to be very large, Ithe business is not without serioust. chiefly duo perhaps to bad packingimperfect freezing at the port of embtion —irregularities, however, which irally become more rare with experie But there is one very serious risk to oh the trade is, and apparently always be, exposed, namely, a break down ho refrigerating machinery on board s That this clanger is not an imamnpne is shown by a case that oc curred iin the last v, cek. One of the largest 1 best New Zealand shipments (per suship Marsala) consisting of 8,000 pe carcases from the best runs in the col, came to grief for this reason. The niinery went wrong during the voyage the Red 5 Sea, and the whole of the tm valued at over L 5,000 had, to bo throw»verboard. A fow months ago a similaecident occurred on board one of the finsteamers of the Orient lino. In that innce, however, the results were rot so lastrous, as the vessel was on her outwarvoyage ; but she had to put into Plymoi and land the whole of her fresh stores. ’

A Go Record. —We have often ob served .ys the North Otago Times) state ments Australian papers regarding the weight f wool shorn from individual sheep, sh statements invariably showing the pow of particular breeds of sheep to developaavy fleeces. It is rarely, how ever, th a better record can be shown than th of the manager of Rugged Ridges stion. Two years ago Mr Gunion purchasefrem the Hon. R. Campbell six merino ms from his flock at Otekaike. As hogjjs the wool from these rams averaged re;urn of 14s each. The second year of‘hewing, the fleeces averaged 201bs, ancths year they average the un precedentj veights of 261bs 13ozs each. Of the aixans one reached 33lbs, two of them 301 t each, the remainder making up the avea;e of 261bs 13ozs. The rams were shorn at Timaru two years ago as extra exhith, and were purchased by Mr Gunion forliigged Ridges station. The facts mentmed go to prove that there must be southing inherently good in the qudityof tin sheep, or in the manner in which they lave been kept, to develop such magnifcent fleeces. Perhaps both catses operate to so grand a result. We ■na; mention that the rams were bred by tliaHon. R. Campbell, at Otekaike.

A Maori 'Welcome. —As Tawhiao’s cortey neared the Onepuhi bridge yester day, tys Saturday’s Hangitikei Advocate, a verjoretty spectacle was presented, as well aian unusual one fo» these parts. All ts Natives of that pah, and the visitor from other pahs who kad assem bled tedo him honor, advanced to the end oJ the bridge to meet him. Men, ■ women and children were cothed in the gayest colors, though ths clothing was of the icantiest description, the women an d children waving c lored handker chiefs and the men keepiig up a fusilade with riflfs, double-barrelld guns and old muskets They then receled to the end of the fridge and advanoedagain, dancing a “ we’come ” dance and shging a song of welcone, their shapely limis glittering in the sin as they went throigh the evolu tion? end contortions,incidmt to all their d mess. But the exhiliratirg effect of the “ hi«vi mai ” was more lhan counter balanced by the tangi whicl ensued when once Tawhiao was itiaide thair pah. For nearly an hour there were weeping and wailing, the water flowing copiously from eyes, noa*, and mouth, and this not only in the care of the women and children, but grown-ip men found tears for the occa sion.

A New Use for Tasmania. —The po tental usefulness of the Australian colo nic to the Indian Empire is about to be ccno more generally recognised, says the lome News, and a very commendable • Agitation is on foot to make Tasmania a sanatorium for the troops serving in India. The wonder is that some schema of the kind was not undertaken long ago. ' ’The Indian hill stations have their drawbacks. They have been more than once visited by epidemics, they are not always easy of access, the climate is not always above re proach, and the expense of keeping them up is often very great. Tasmania, on the other hand, is one of the healthiest places in the world. It can easily be reached from Bombay, and the length of the sea voyage will be very greatly diminished by the addition of a high class of swift steamers. Moreover, Bombay can be

reached rapidly, and with but little diffi culty, from almost alLparts of India, and the ameliorating effects of change would be immediately operative upon embarka tion The mere voyage indeed, which would repla-e a tedious land journey to the hills, would be productive of good. Ihere is also the undoubted advantage that the journey to Tasmania and back would be much shorter than te Europe. Hence there would he far less delay in the return of the invalided to duty, while the general cost of living in Tasmania is low enough to keep down all expenses. Pre judice and reactionary practices may still militate against the general adoption of colonial sanatoriums, but the latter are certain to make their way in the long run. A Chapter of Accidents. —Our Ra ka;a correspondent writes : —On Thurs day evening about 5 p.m. there was a narrow escipe of a very serious accident near Lyndhurst. A man was driving a three-horse team in a dray with a single line, from what could be seen, when tho Methven train pas od him, and the horses took fright and bolted. In swerving to the near-side they got into the water-race,

which at this point runs alongside the road. The telegraph poles are also erected on the road as well the railway. After travelling some little distance, the man endeavored to pilot his team between the road fence and the telegraph poles, but could not quite manage it ; consequently the off-wheel of the dray came in contact with one of the poles and upset the whole concern. Fortunately no injury resulted to the driver, and as there happened to be others on the road behind him, he re ceived assistance in patting right his turn out. In most cases between Rakaia and Methven the telegraph poles are erected soma two feet from the fence, but in some instances they are as much as nine, ten, or eleven feet on the road, and after de ducting the width taken by the Rakaia and Methven Railway, there is but little spare room on the road. It is but of little use now for a man driving on the road at dark to endeavor to steer his way along side the fence, else in all probability he will come to grief. The Telegraph De partment may have some very good reason for erecting the line in the position it is, but why it could not be put nearer the fence outsiders cannof tell. The roa4 is not of the best, and on some partion of it there i * the railway, the water-race, and the line of telegraph poles.—On Thursday afternoon Mr Wilkinson, of Chertsey, farmer, had a fall which resulted in tho breaking of a rib. The patient was, attended by Dr Partridge, of Rakaia, and is now progressing favorably.

An A nnohncement. —lnanother column will be found an invitation to our readers io 'visit Mr Robert Walker’s Glass and lOhina Warehpuse, Christchurch. His stock is exceedingly choice as well as being large, and we would recommend those who wish to select to give him a call.

Eleoiiucixy is Life. —Prof. Parker, who, with his sister, has lately started business in Christchurch as medical gal vanist, desires it to be known that in electricity, the most wondrous power in nature, we have at once a means of over coming very many painful afflictions, and of speedily, bringing health, happiness, and vital energy to the sufferer. His ad vertisement appears in the present issue. The Czar’s Coronation —The mystery about the'Czar’s coronation increases. It is now asserted that although he was not crowned during his recent visit to Mos cow, he was anointed with the holy oil, in order that the succession of his son to the throne, in case of his own death, may not be questioned. The anointing with oil symbolises the Divine sanction, and title fact of the . ceremony having been performei has been set forth in a protocol and deposited in the State archives. The story seems probable enough, but it is liable to be set aside in favor of some other when occasion arises. The imposing public ceremony is now fixed for May next. An Indignant Protest. —Lady Florence

Dixie, in a letter to a Dublin paper, asks that the surplus fund of the Land League should be given to relieve the great dis tress in Ireland. She says “It is monstrous, it is abominable, that this money should be withheld when, properly applied, it could be used to ward off the suffering and terrors of famine. In God’s name, for what are they hugging this L 32,000 ? Why do they not coma for ward with it and relieve distress 1 It was oubacribed for this purpose years ago, and to that purpose it should be applied. If it is not, its retention is nothing more nor less than a gross misappropriation, and the death and misery of hundreds will lie at the door of the Land League.’'

A New Disease in Sheep.— The Lake County correspondent of a Dunedin con temporary writes ;—“ A new and fatal disease has been discovered among the sheep on Mr Boyes’s run, the loss from which has been considerable. . The sheep attacked show a strange decadence in the legs, which soon become discolored, shortly after which death ensues. Various reasons are given as to the cause, but all are merely speculative ; neither has it as yet been proved that the disease is in fectious, and it is hoped that it is only a temporary affection induced by a pro longed change of food and habitat, and that it will disappear when the sheep, after shearing time, are taken back to the localities to which they are accustomed.”

Alleged Cruelty to a Horse. —The Nelson Magistrate’s Court was occupied a Ion" time yesterday in hearing a charge preferred by William Murcott against Joseph Busch for maliciously wounding a horse. The parties were neighboring settlers in Aniseed Valley, and an old feud appears to exist between them. Mur oott having given notice of mustering sheep, both proceeded to work, and Mui cott charges that whilst he was riding in advance Busch drew a sheath knife and stabbed his horse. He made no charge at at the time, he says from fear, but asserts he saw Busch patting the knife away. A veterinary, surgeon deposed that the wound could have been produced as des cribed, or by the horse turning and strik ing a sharp projecting rock. Ultimately Busch was committed for trial at the next Supreme Court sittings.

Suicide. —A case of suicide is reported from Nelson. It appears that a man named John Fuller, about forty-eight years of age, gave information two days ago that he had been assaulted and con siderably knocked about by a man named Thompson, and he also laid an informa tion that Thompson had threatened “ to do ” for him unless he paid L 4, the value of a dog belonging to Thompson, and which he had shot for worrying sheep. On Fuller being found dead it was thought that Thompson had carried out his threat, and it is stated now that Thompson has fled in fear. However, the whole cir cumstances conclusively show that Fuller

shot himself. He left home at five o’clock yesterday morning to look after cows, taking with him a gun. Later in the morning his wife became alarmed, and sent her niece in search. The girl ulti mately found Fuller in a clump of Manuka shot dead. A careful inspection of the ground showed no trace of a straggle, and it is evident Fuller laid down with his gun under one arm, having first tied a piece of .flax to the trigger, and having passed the flax round tho stock, he then placed the gun to the centre of his forehead and • pulled the flax. Death followed without a struggle, and a quantity of the brain was found on the grass below the wound. Holloways Ointment and Pills.—, Diseases of the Bowels.—A remedy, which has been tested and proved in a thousand dif ferent ways, capable of eradicting poisonous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Holloway’s Ointment repeatedly on the abdo men a rash appears, and as it thickens the alvine irritability subsides. Acting as a deri vative, this unguent draws to the surface, re leases the tender intestines from all acrid mat ters, and prevents inflammation, dysentery, and piles, for which blistering was the old fashioned, though successful treatment, now from its painfulness fallen into disuse, the dis covery of this Ointment having proclaimed a remedy possessing equally derivative, yet. per fectly painless powers.—[Advt. ]

CRICKET

MARRIED v. SINGLE. A match was commenced yesterday afternoon, on the Domain, between elevens representing the above. The Married were the first to go to the wickets, and they managed to put to gether 105 runs before the last wicket fell. G. Andrews and Dr. Leahy were the highest scorers with twenty each, the latter especially playing a careful innings. Wroughton was successful with the ball, obtaining five wickets, for very few runs. Pixley and Castelli started tho batting for the Single, Beard and G. Andrews bowl ing. Both bowlers were well on the wicket, and runs came slowly. Castelli played good cricket for his 24, not out, and when time was called, three men were out for forty-three runs. The fielding on both sides showed decided improvement. It was arranged to resume the game on Friday next. Subjoined are the scores MARRIED. Curtis, b Wroughton ... ... 13 L. F. Andrews, runout... ... 4 G. Andrews, b Wroughton ... 20 Beard, b Wroughton ... ... 3 Dr Leahy, c A. Fooks, b Wrough ton ... ... ... ... 20 Saunders, b Pixley ... ... 0 Marsh, cE. Fooks, b Shury ... 7 Purchase, bE. Fooks ... ... 13 Shaw, not out 4 Patching, o Wroughton, b Pixley 6 Fooks, o E. Fooks, b Wrough ton 0 Extras 15 Total 105 SINGLE. Pixley, hit wicket, b Andrews ... 9 Castelli, not out .., ~.24 Wroughton, c Patching, b Beard 2 A. Fooks, b Beard... ... ... 2 Quinlan, not out ... ... ... 1 Extras.,. ... ~. ... 8 Total 45 E. Fooks, J. Fooks, Polhill, Hutchison, Jones, and Shury are to bat.

ENGLAND v. AUSTRALIA.

[reuxer’s telegrams—copyright. 3

Sydney, Yesterday. The third match between the Hon. Ivo Bligh’s Eleven and the Australian Cricketers commenced to-day. The team are exactly the same as those who played in Melbourne last week. The greatest interest is being taken in the match, both hern and in other colonies. The weather was very fine during the day, and the ground' was in good order, with a capital wicket. The Hon. Ivo Bligh won the toss, and sent his team in first. They succeeded in putting together 247. Messrs Read and Tylecote batted carefully but grandly for 66 each. Most of the other batsmen obtained double figures. The Australians bowling was somewhat loose, but their fielding was very good. The following is the score of the English Eleven in the first innings Barlow, b ... 28

C. T. Studd, c ... 2r C. F. H. Leslie, b 0 A. G. Steel, b 17 ; \V. W. Read, c 66 Barnes, c 2 E. P. S. Tylecnte, run out ... 66 Bates, c 17 Hon. Ivo Bligh, b... 13 G. B. Studd, b ..- 4 Morley, not out ... ... ... 2 Sundries 11 Total ... 247 • At the close of to-day’s play the Aus tralians had made eight runs without the loss of a wicket. Giffen, not out .... ... ... 7 Bannerman, not out ... ... 1 The following is the bowling analysis of the Englishmen’s first innings:—Spofforth, four wickets for 72 runs ; Palmer, two for ?8 ; Garrett, twe for 54 ; Banperman, one for 17. Sydney, To-day, 11 a.m. It has been raining here since seven o’clock this morning, and it is possible that the international cricket match may not be resumed to-day.

A FRENCH STORY ABOUT THE QUEEN.

The Gaulots publishes the following, but whether as a joke or as a piece of serious information, we must leave the, reader to decide for himself; —“ The Empress ol India is at her royal resi dence of Balmoral, in Scotland, that residence which she prefers to all others, because it belonged to Prince Albert, whom she has been mourning for twenty-one years. The most de voted and faithful of widows, the most kindly and respected of sovereigns, believes that at Balmoral, more than elsewhere, she meets, the Consort she has lost, and communicates with his spirit. Faithful John Brown, who is a medium, serves as a connecting link between the Queen and the deceased

Prince. People have often wondered why the Queen manifets such singu lar favor for Brown; why she of fered him titles of nobility which the modest servant refused, only excepting that of esquire; why the marble sta tuette of Brown by Boehm is placed in the Queen’s bed-chamber on a what not, amidst portraits of members of the Royal family. The reply to' the ques tion which has excited such curiosity in France and England is this : John Brown is the Queen’s Minister for her spiritual relations with the late Prince Albert. In the Cabinet Councils Her Majesty will sometimes say, ‘ 1 must first consult the Prince.’ It is at Bal moral that she invokes the Prince and that he replies to her. She goes into the study of the deceased, who is still alive for her; sits in au arra-chaif, he formerly used. On a chair near her are placed his night-clothes, as if in

readiness for him. A large fire burns in the spacious fire-place of the siegn orial chateau. John Brown brings respectfully on a tray the basin of gruel which his master was accustomed to take every evening, and places it on a table as if the Prince were about to come and take it. The Queen has a sheet of paper on her knees and a pen-

cil in her hand. The chair moves about, creaks, and strikes the’ ground. According to the Spiritist Alphabet, each letter is indicated by so many raps. The Queen puts the ques tions and John Brown interprets the answers of the Prince. The Hying and the dead converse on topics of this world and the next. The mind of the Queen is calmed, if not consoled, by these pious conversations, for her grief is of that kind which ends only with life. We pity those who may be tempted to smile at this faithful pic ture. Is it only a hallucination ? ;: Who can say ? The worst of hallucin ations is that of those men who ima gine they have fathomed all the laws of Nature.”

THE AUCKLAND DIAMONDS.

In a recent issue we made reference to the discovery by Mr Archibald Douglas of a number of light crystal line stones having the appearance of diamonds. Since that notice was written Mr Courtney, a returned dia mond miner from South Africa, has had an interview with Mr Douglas, and examined a large number of the specimens in his possession. Mr Courtney has picked out more than one piece which he is quite sure are diamonds of fair quality, though very small, but the greater number of the white stones in Mr Douglas' posses sion he has pronounced to be white carbon in the process of formation into diamonds. In South Africa this white and crystalline carbon is called ■“ the father of the diamond,” it being the belief of the miners there that all these pieces only want a sufficiently long continuance of the conditions which brought them into existence to convert them into the exceedingly hard and valuable gem which we know by the name of diamond. In South Africa these pieces of white carbon are found in abundance in all the diamond mines, a circumstance which the miners there always regard as a favorable sign. To show the softness of some of these crystalline pieces of carbon, Mr Court ney took up some that appeared to Mr Douglas as good looking stones, and crushed them easily with his teeth. Recording to Mr Douglas’s statement, the whole of the pieces he had in his possession were found in this province, within about 100 miles from Auckland; and according to Mr Courtney, some of these pieces are undoubted diamonds, though small. Mr Peacock tested some of the pieces in Mr Douglas’s collection, and found them not diamonds, which would agree with the result of Mr Courtney’s ■ examination. The stones were gathered by Mr Douglas about three years ago, and he has kept them in his possession, since then, thinking that some day he might.

be able to prove what they were,- and benefit to some extent by his dis-, covery. The discovery was made on private land, and this, of course, some what complicates the negotiations till such time as it is known whether the owner would be willing to deal fairly and liberally with the discoverer. Mr Courtney yesterday afternoon advised Mr Douglas to try and obtain some understanding with the owner of the land,, and to get a few gentlemen to join in meeting the expense of throughly prospecting the - district. He. is willing to be one-of the party, and his practical knowledge in this kind of work in another colony might be of considerable service. In New South Wales and in Queensland genuine diamonds have been found in several places, but in neither colony has the place whence they have spread been discovered, It-was the same for some time in South Africa, but after a

time the scattered diamonds were traced home to their source-—in every instance an old volcanic crater —where mining operations have; been system atically carried on since 'at very great profit to many and lessj to others. Since diamond mining was begun in earnest in South Africa, some twelve or thirteen years ago, diamonds worth many millions sterling have been un earthed. Should the discovery made by Mr Douglas prove to be o! value, we are assured the scene of ■ operations will be such that the necessary works can be carried on with efficiency and economy. —New Zealand Hetald.

THE IRREPROACHABLE WALTZES

There is a widespread feeling amoirc young ladies that no girl can waltz wira any comfort unless she is«supported by a firm pressure in the region of the waist., It is a mistake to suppose thatf: the sex of the person exerting this pressure is of any consequence in the mind of the waltzer. She does not care anything about waltzing with young men ; in fact, she does not care anything about young’ meti in any- cu? cumstances ; 'but she needs to be slip-

ported in order to be able to_ waltz. A girl’s arm is not strong enough to yield the desired support, and hence there is no satisfaction in waltzing with other girls. What she wants is support, and not a young man, and if she could obtain the former without the latter shjj would be perfectly contented. The* opinion has been so forcibly and freely expressed by countless young. Jadies when approached with their desire to waltz with young men that we cannot have the least.doubt thatTt literally and strictly is true. Young men when practising the waltz steff occasionally clasp a light chair in .'jlfre

right arm, and seem to find it a gr'eall assistance. This shows us that a young man must clasp somethingiiv order to waltz, it. is not absolutely* necessary that he should clasp ; a girf? The invention of “ M‘Gpnegal’s : Patdtfl? Irreproachable Waltzer ” meets pre i cisely the case. The “ Irreproachable. Waltzer,” consists of a stout frame o£ light wood of abolit five feet iU height# and remotely resembling an old? fashioned kite frame. At the top of,the frame is a padded “ rest ” for a lady’s hand, and at about the middle of the ■ frame is a jointed arm, capable of being placed round a young lady’s waist and; i securely fastened in that position withT a thumbscrew. The frame has tWtf feet furnished with castors, each one 0P which:has a universal joint, so that it can turn freely in any direction. The whole affair only weighs slbs, and it is made to fold together, so that a lady can carry it in her hand either with--op without a shawl strap. When the fijjT owner of one of these frames desires-to waltz in a perfectly unobjectionable vyay she unfolds, her “irreproachable waltzerj” clasps .its arars around, &C 5 waist, and putting her hand on . thft “rest,” begins the waltz. She finds! that the machine gives a ; satisfactory support to her back, andh that it revolves in keeping with the 1 movement of the waltz with the greatest ease. No one, however fastidious, can claim that the “ irreproachable waltzeyry isobjectionahle on the score of moral ity, and as it never treads on any girl’*! dress, and never is guilty of losing stepp it must be greatly preferable in every way to the ordinary young man. With the help of this new invention waltzing will be stripped of its present objection able features, and will become popular among the very strictest of Methodists and Presbyterians. It is" to be ex pected that it will be hailed with en- f thusiasm by all young ladies, who wifi* be simply delighted to find that they can waltz without the annoying sence of young men, whose only valine* as waltzers is, according to the best au thorities, the support which they givft> to their partners. !

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[reuter’s telegrams—copyright.] r The London Wool Sales. London, Jan. 26. The first of the year’s series of. Colonial wo®l auctions opens on Feb-u ruary 20th. The arrivals to date com prise 110,000 bales. The total pro*-, bable quantity to be offered, including the quantity held over from last salesjt is 270,000 bales. The quantity of new, arrivals to be included in the sales ha* been restricted by the Importers’ Comf mittee to 250,000. Mr Gladstone's Health. News is to hand from Cannes that Mr Gladstone is daily improving .in health, and is now no longer troubled with sleeplessness. Imprisoned.

Healy and Davitt, who were yester day required to find bail for their good) behaviour or to be imprisoned for six months, have refused to find the neces sary sureties, and they have conse quently to undergo imprisonment. The Prince of Wales. The Prince of Wales has left Eng land on a visit to Cannes, in the South’, of France. >T Monetary and Commercial. Consols are quoted at 102%, being' a further advance of The Bank rate to-day was’ reduced to 4 percent j the market rate remains at *Thd^ total reserye in notes and bullion in Pank of England is L 12,400,000, being 3 an increase of a millionsincelaatt Thursday. The proportion of reserve** to liabilities is 44 per cent. THete strife* 1 no'changes to report in New Zealand': securities,, Colonial breadstuffs L or low. ‘ . Jslo

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATRDAY, JANUARY 27, 1883.



"VTEWEST BOOKS at R. SEVAN’S, JL3I Safndeks’ Buildings. Oasßell’a ' Popular Educator, Chambers’ Journal of , Popular Literature, Mayhew’a Illustrated Horse Management, the Leisure Hour, Everjr Boy’s Annual, Little Wide-Awake, Chatterbox, Children's Friend, Child’s Companion, Infant’s Magazine, Band of Hope- Review, Morning Dewdrops (by M*s 0. L. Balfour), Captain Cook’s Vqjrages, and others. A large stock of secmnd-faand books—all offered at the lowest possible price for cash. 32 J. j j JPianos, TO £9O. Several Second hand m^nts. on sale, hire, or deferred pay- Organs. p JJo best mad© are by the Smith Ameri- Offi Co. Guaranteed for five years. Not tO'ba equalled for tone and durability. Violins, &0., Flutes, Concertinas, Ac carrions. ; Orgninette, z . u wonderful instrument. Requires ’ of h£asic to play. Equal to organ. VAfiT ' “ ric:TT:H. J- WEKKS, Teacher ahi> Mono Seli.be, Tattered street, . tviCf*/ {Agent for C! Begg & ,Oo.) • Second-hand Instruments of all kinds ii# ’j iH f w > ■ >



Wanted WANTED - diately. East street. • A BUTCHER, imme- Apply to G. J. Martin, 159 w MOYAL, REFIXING, and AD OPTIONS to a Building, for Mr G. J. F Lublow. Tenders to be sent to the under signed by 6 p.m. on MONDAY, 29th inst Lowest or any tender not necessarily ac cepted. 163 R. BIRD. WANTED TENDER S--For Threshing 20,000 bushels WHEAT, 14,000 bushels OATS, 1,500 bushels BARLEY (more or less), including sewing, stacking bags, engine driver, and feeders board. Tenders also to state price for Thresh ing 7,000 bushels Oats and 1,500 Barley (more’ or less) if required, after 20th April. Threshing to start 17th February. Traction engine preferred. Tenders to bain before 3rd FEB., ad dressed to D. CAMERON, 130 ‘ ' Clones, Methven. 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. TENANTED KNOWN-That Robert Elston, Burnett i ~ , street, Ashbur tdiij having procured the newest appara tus is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town; Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. * 760 c ANTED KNOWN, w That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., can be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. WANTED the Public to know that they can purchase on deferred payment one of Singer’s celebrated SEW ING. MACHINES. They are cheaper, more durable, and will do a greater variety of work than any other kind of sewing machine.' They have been awarded up wards of 300 First Class Prizes (gold and silver medals, cups, etc.) Sewing Ma chines of all kinds bought, sold, or exchanged, and repaired. Lessons given given free of charge to purchasers at their own homes. Moore Street, Ash burton. • 100



Special Advertisements. ail apology to Green's Shade.] CHEAT! BOOTS AND SHOES.—The ’.BIG SHOP in East Street, Ash button, has just been opened with an entity NEW STOOK of English, Foreign, and Colonial-made BOOTS and: SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which hare given such satisfaction in Tinwald and else where. —O. HAWKINS, “ Munktek” Wakehousb, Ashburton ; also at Tin wald. JEL. M. Jones’ BOOKS ! BOOKS ! ! REWARD, P KESENTATION, and PRIZE BOOKS. NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child's Companion ' -Infanta’ Magazine, &c., &c. POETS— VARIOUS Authors ; Sir Walter Scott’s Works, new edition, complete. TOYS ! TOYS !! TOYS !! ! GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, and Indiarubber. DOLLS ! DOLLS !! DOLLS !!! ALL SIZ r S—From one inch to two feet—in Wood, Rag, Composition, etc. t FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above now in stock.



the abovn Goods are offered at the LOWEST Possible Prices for CASH. 1 A LIBEKAL , DISCOUNT allowed to schools on parcels of Toys, Books, etc. PIANOS, ORGANS, BRASS, and STRINGED INSTRUMEN fS ON , DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d John Meecli, URNETT STREET, Ashburton, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER. B - The above advertiser begs, to intimate’ to his numerous" friends and customers that as he has EXTENDED HIS PREMISES He is now in a position to execute all kinds of FURNITURE at prices to meet THE TIMES.



Second-hand Furniture bought and sold. First Prize awarded at the late A. and P. Show. Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade. Workshop—Next Mail )ffice. I F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO A TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED ' DING MAN UF ACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH. ASHBURTON. fil VERY article Sold at Christchurch .Pexobs and guaranteed best of material and workmanship. PUNER ALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FUBNISHEP



Special Advertisements. QOAL. COAL. COAL. We have now lIST STOCK, ex Con ference, a large supply of the Old Lambton Coal. This is the BEST HOUSE COAL imported. 18n TUCKER, RESTELL & GO. TO BLACKSMITHS, BREWERS, AND OTHERS. Just lauded, ex Mary Campbell, from Groymouth, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO. To Farmers. WHEAT SHIPMENTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM or CONTINENT of EUROPE. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, Are prepared to make LIBERAL ADVANCES Against wheat placed in their hands for shipment to London, Liverpool, or the Continental markets. FARMERS’ PARCELS Will have the personal attention of Mr P. Cunningham and Mr G. G. Stead, and will be forwarded by the COMPANY’S LINE dF SHIPS DIRECT TO THEIR LONDON OFFICE Shippers thus avoid the delay and ex pense which is incurred when shipments pass through int rmediate channels. The advantages and economy of being in DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH HIGH-CLASS EXPERIENCED BROKERS, Whose sole business is the disposal of Grain, must be obvious. Ihe Cerapany’s large business enables it to handle grain upon a very low scale of charges, and farmers availing themselves of its services for the disposal of grain in the Home Markets can rely upon the HIGHEST PRICE being realised, and prompt account sales being rendered. Shipments will be superintended with out charge, and every care taken to ensure dispatch. . GEORGE G. STEAD, Managing Director. P, CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12an Agent, Ashburton. THE SCOTTISH IMPERIAL IN SURANCE COMPANY. Head Office: 151, West George street, Glasgow. Capital ... £1,000,000 FIRE RISKS taken at lowest current rates. Claims promptly settled here. W. R. BOYLE, n 7 Agent, Ashburton.



QHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &c,, &c., &0. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c. East street south, • Ashburton- nls



T 1 HE BEST VALUE FOR READY 1 MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured BY TUB 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. b!9



SHBURTON HIGH SCHOOL BOA HD. The Ashburton High School will RE OPEN for the First Term on THURS DAY, Ist February, 1883. Forfurtherpartioulars apply tothe Head Master, or to CRICKETERS’ MATERIAL, includ ing Bats, Balls, Leg-guards, Gloves, Nets, &c., at nearly Cost Price. Christ mas “ Graphic” and “ Illustrated London News,” “ Christmas Annual,” &c. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Station ers, &c., East street south, Ashburton. 77 O T I 0 E. Mr L. H. WILKINS is authorised to Collect Subscriptions and Canvass on account of The Ashburton Guardian. 98 F. MAIN WARING, Secretary. W. H, ZOUCH.