SHIPPING.

TORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Alert, schooner, from Bluff. Sailed. Yesterday. Wakatn,a.s., for Boat Harbour. Wanaka, f.s. , for Oamaru and Dunedin. .Te Anau, s.s., for Wellington and Northern ports. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived Defiance, from Dunedin; Oamaru, from Levuka; Young Dick, uom Timaru. Sailed—Manapduri, for Melbourne and South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Grafton, from Nelson and West Coast; Kiwi, from East Coast; Charles Edward, from Nelson. Sailed—Penguin, for Picton and Nel son ; Charles Edward, for Nelson. Di nkdin. Yesterday. Sailed—Arawata, for Melbourne, via the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

The N. Z. L. and M. A. Co. report for the month of January as follows : - Christchurch— Wool; The third series of the year was held on the l6th .and 17th instant, when 4,100 bales wete brought forward, of which upwards of 2,500 were placed under the hammer, or privately immediately after the auctions. We submitted! 11,754 bales, and quitted 1,090 at the following rates :—Merino, 7d to io%<l ; half-bred, 8d to gd ; cross-bred, to Bs4d • Romney, 8d ; Leicester, 7d ; scoured lambs, gd; scoured cross-bred, lojfd to 1 i'Xd ; scoured merino, is 4Xd to is 7%d. The bulk of the wools offered were heavy in condition, being full of yolk and earthy, though no fault could t be found with the staple. Some well frowif merino clips, light in condition, elicited een competition, and realised satisfactory price&r-notably, 67 bales Buccleuch brand at IC>X<s‘ 10J bales Whiterock brand at same figure, and 13 bales Ashley Downs at rod. Our next’aflcuon sale will be held on the 7th February, for which 700 bales are already in store, including some choice merino clips.— Sheepskins : Fellmongers Being largely en gaged with wool-scouring the demand is not so active’ J woolly skins, and prices in conse quence _are somewhat easier, but for pelts there is good'lnquiry/and all brought forward are readily f: pl a ced at full rates. About 26,000 skins have been brought to the hammer by the various brokers.—Tallow; We have no busi ness whatever to report in shipping parcels of tallow, as local boilers, without exception, consign on their own account. For fat the demand is good, and all brought forward meets #ithi' -ready sale at our quotations.— , Grain f .. Wheat : The late bright weather, as sisted by a nor’-wester on the 20th and 21st, has brought the crops to maturity simultane ously, and farmers are straining every nerve to secure the grain whilst conditions are so favor able. -Some early Tuscan" has already ap pe»red oh the market, the quality of which is all that could be "desired. Sales have been effected at 3s : 6d for Tuscan and 3s 4d for Hun ter’s, delivered in Christchurch, thus proving the correctness of our prognostications a month ago. There can be no doubt now that 3s 3d to 3s 6d f.o.b. will be the ruling rate for early delivery, and it .remains with farmers to decide whether. •' they will accept this figure or ship \o London on their own account. The rate- ■of freight on wheat to London is not yet definitely fixed, but we have already announced to our clients that it will not exceed 40s per ton of 2,2401b5. —Barley : No : thing of any moment has transpired regarding this cerealjduring the month. Holders of old crop vrflli mot' ■ accept less than 4s 6d to 5s whilst‘ maltsters prefer waiting for the new grain, which they expect to secure at about 4s. —Oats : Only a hand-to-mouth business has been passing during the month, and this at gradually declining rates, until 2s 6d has been touched for bright feed of old crop. Early de- UveriesrW--new crop were placed at 2s Jd, but 1 ' 2s". is now the current price for right-ffeed|February deliveryat Christchurch.— Grass Seeds -: "Ryegrass—A large crop has been gathered in •- good condition, and the quality generally is all that could be desired. Supplies are not coming to hand so freely as expected, but doubtless when the grain crops are secured grass seed will have more attention. Some parcels have been placed at 3s to 3s 3d, ac cording®!*) dressing.—Properties ; Owing to the severe stringency of the money market, and the prSEabililyof the same prevailing until the Victorian .Joan is floated, the enquiry after propertieshas entirely ceased. 11 is hoped, however, tfiqt spine improvement in this direc tion may display' itself after the' crops are realised upon.

Messrs J. T. Ford and Co.* report as fol' lows ;—The opening of the new Yards at Tin wald on Tuesday last created some excitement, and they will undoubtedly be a great boon, and give an unmistakeable fillip to stock sales in that district*' There is no doubt that they have been ladly wanted for some time past, and now that the convenience exists this cen trally sitjiated market is bound to become well patronised. We had the pleasure'onppening the ball with some good lines of sheep.and cattle, and can report prices as quite equal"to those ruling at the Addington Yards. A scanty supply of stock, both beef and came forward for this initial sale, and the attendance was likewise somewhat meagre, but being in the midst of a farmers’ district this isriot to be wondered at, all hands being now fully occupied with the abundant harvest, and"having no time to spare either to send stock forward or to attend sales on pur chasing thoughts intent. We sold on account of the Alford - Estate some good bullocks at L 6 and L 6 ios each ; heifers, at L 5 10s; steers and cows at 14. On account of Mr Nicholas we sold cow and calf at L 5 xos, and a dry cow at L 3 ; others according to condition, etc. A line of sdp good store merino wethers on ac count of C. J. Harper, Esq., we withdrew, as biddings were not commensurate with their value, and a good demand exists for store sheep outside the markets; !

The following is the Christchurch Com Ex change report for the week ending Friday evening, the 26th instant There is no material change to report in the state of the grain market daring the past week. Harvest ing is now general over all parts of the coun try. The weather continues most favorable. The reapers and binders are reported as doing the work well. The harvest this year will be more quickly gathered than in preceding seasons. ■ Wheat : A few sales of Tuscan of the new crop are reported, at prices varying between 3s €d to 3s sd per bushel, f,o.b. Sales have hardly yet been numerous enough to estab lish a maximum and minimum price. Old wheat is passing into consumption at from 4s to 4s 3<l pfetf‘bushel.—Oats : Good short mill ing, 2s to zs id, f.0.b.; long feed id to 2d under the 1 highest quotation.—Barley; The new season’s crop is still conspicuous by its absence, apd little or no business has as yet taken place;:—Grass Seed : No sales have as yet takeh’place in this article of produce, one reason for this is that farmers are all so busy harvesting they' have not had time to dispose of their sahiples. Offers have been made, and a small amount of business has transpired at from to 3s 2d for well-cleaned samples. Cockslbet; 3jfjd to per lb.—Potatoes: A few inquiries have been made for kidneys, X 3 to 2*3 S s being the value.—Cheese and Butter*ffThere is no alteration to note in values.. The former is woith from 5d to the lat|jggj)d to 9#d per lb.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-Night,

. AUCTION SALES - ■ t: ' To-morrow, , r -§ATimi>AY, January 27. and Co., at their Bazaar — Hordes, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sundries, &o. a.m. . Mr .Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses, Mr Allen, at his rooms, Burnett Pigs, Poult) General Produce, &c,; 11.30 a.m. . Mr AHfed, Harrison, at the yards— HoiS&t,--Pigs! Produce, Shares, &e.; 12 ' BOOK* *>'' ' 11 ■ "2 “*®®jmday, January 30. and 'Ob.', at the Ashburton

Friday, January 26. Concert, by the Choir of the Christchurch Cathedral—Town Hall, 8 p. m. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Tuesday, January 30. Ashburton Racing Club—Special General Meeting, Quill’s Hotel, 8 p.m. Saturday, February 3. iVakanui 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. Ccunty Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Ojldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, »nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South,'at 6 a.m., 10 A.m., and 480 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 10.30 a. m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, it 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Iffice— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 ».m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a. m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.30 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. 5.30 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. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long headi at 10 a. m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a. m. —————

TRAVELLERS' GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a,m., 10.55 sum., and (Express) 5.39 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p. m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive ax Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a. m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.46 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.

DEATH.

Bodrk. —On the 25th January, atTrevor ton, Charles George, youngest son of Mary and Charles Bourk. Aged 12 weeks.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 1883. A Failure, and its Lessons.

The story of the rise and fall of the New Zealand Pottery Company, which has just come to a decision to wind up its affairs, carries with it a lesson that all who are ambitious to establish new local industries would do well to con sider. The Company in question cer tainly had to contend with difficulties which could scarcely have been fore seen, but it is a matter for regret that an industry which at its inception promised to be successful should have enjoyed so short a life. The immediate cause of winding up appears to have been the disastrous fire which occurred at the Milton works some little time back, but a strike on the part of the mert who were brought out from Home had not a little share in bringing about the failure of the enterprise. This lat ter difficulty, however, was in a fair way of being surmounted, and had not the machinery been destroyed the busi ness would have gone on, and no doubt in time would have prospered. Still, the balance-sheet which was presented

at the meeting of directors on Friday last shows that after taking into account assets which are valued at Bs, there has been a loss of £3,642 16s Bd. When it is seen, how ever, that the greater part of the assets is represented by machinery and plant, which will probably not realise anything like the sum they are valued at, the loss to the shareholders must be put down at a considerably higher figure. The reasons for this failure to establish what appeared to be a neces sary and profitable industry are alleged by the directors to have been the diffi culty of obtaining skilled labor from England, on account of the opposition of manufacturers at Home, and the great loss sustained by the fire. But we think that the principal cause is to be found in the fact that the Company started the works without sufficient capital. It cannot be argued that this

industry was not called for, or that any difficulties stood in the way of its suc cessful prosecution that could not have been overcome, had money been forth coming to meet the first losses, which were inevitable. There was clay in abundance, skilled workmen were on the ground, and the wares that had been produced were fully equal to those imported. As to the wages question, that would have righted itself very soon. We notice that the Btuce Herald re commends that the business should not be allowed to die out, but that an effort should be made to form an association to continue it on a co-operative basis. This is, to our thinking, scarcely wise counsel, as such associations are very seldom successful, and in this instance failure is well-nigh inevitable. But the lesson to be obtained from the history of this unfortunate Company should not be thrown away. We are continu ally seeing new industries springing up, and it needs but small gift of prophesy to foretell disaster unless there is enough capital to fall back upon to meet those early losses that are un unavoidable in the case of fresh enter prises. Figures can always be given which appear to prove that profits will result immediately after the materials are manufactured. That man, how ever, is not wise who puts his faith in statistics, and the fate of the Milton Pottery should serve as a warning to those who fancy that only enough capital is required to support a new industry as will suffice to meet immedi ate expenses.

Sporting. —Bundoora is scratched for all his engagements at the Wellington Summer Meeting. The Property Tax. —The total amount of property tax paid throughout the colony up to yesterday amounted to about L 30,000. This sum, however, does not include amounts paid at post offices. Professor Fraser. —This gentleman, who is to be congratulated on the success that has attended his visit here, announces that he will be glad to meet those who wish to have advice concerning their health to-morrow, at the Somerset Hotel. Professor Fraser’s lectures have been both instructive and amusing, and he evidently possesses considerable knowledge of the subjects he discourses upon.

The Direct Steam Service. The Agent-General has cabled that at the last moment he has found it necessary to make a material alteration in the draft contract for the direct steam service to New Zea land, and was therefore unable to forw.ird a copy of the contract by the outgoing mail as he had intended. Inconsequence of the alteration he has been compelled to extend the time for receipt of tenders until April 30fch next. A copj- f the contract as amended will he sent to New Zealand as early as possible, and will be in plenty of time for colonial tenderers.

The Taxing of Bank Deposits. —lt is well known (says the London corres pondent of the Argus) that very large amounts of money are deposited on in terest with the London branches of colonial banks. The interest received on these deposits is liable to the income tax. Hitherto depositors have been trusted by the income tax collectors to make their own returns, and pay on these sums, to gether with other items of income. Whether the collectors have reason to dis trust the accuracy or fidelity of these re turns, or whether they are anxious to escape the trouble of collecting these amounts in detail, they have recently in timated thoir intention to require the banks to pay the tax due on all depositors’ accounts. Notice has already been given to one Australian and one New Zealand Bank, and others are expecting a similar notification in due course. This method of collecting the tax has long been adopted in respect to bank and companies’ dividends, but the attempt to extencf it to interest on deposits is causing considerable stir. It is contended that it is unfair to c impel a depositor to submit to deduction of income tax from a dividend paid by a London branch, while he would receive it intact if direct from the parent establish ment in the colony, and it is feared he will adopt the simple expedient of depodt-

ing his money at, and receiving his in terest from the head office in Australia or New Zealand. Thus, it is argued, the raison d’etre of the London branches will be gone. The Colonies and India , in an alarmist paragraph, says : —“The ques tion is one of importance to trade in general, and it has also a political bearing, which we will not enter into now. But the justice of a regulation compelling the banks to become tax collectors, to their 'own immediate injury, is self-evident.” It seems to be forgotten by the writer that ,tho banks already act as income tax col lectors in regard to shareholders’ divi dends, and it seems rather an improbable idea that, in order to avoid a deduction of 6d in the £ on their interest, depositors will incur the trouble of sending their loose surplus to Melbourne, Sydney or Auckland to depasit with the head office in those cities. I think the London branch establishments will survive the blow. Tiio new arrangements, however, will give groat additional labor to the clerks.

Divorce.— ln the Divorce Court at Wellington yesterday, two cases were de cided. The first was Maynard v May nard and another (Gisborne). The peti tion was for dissolution of marriage on the grounds of the adultery of the respon dent with Honi Mokai, the co-respondent. The petitioner is a butcher residing at Gisborne, and was married to the re spondent, Catharine Moko, in 1866. Two children t,F :were the issue of the the marriage, both of whom were dead. In 1870 the petitioner was scouting with despatches in the Mounted Volunteers, and on his return, after an absence of two days, he found that his wife had left with a man named Thatcher. He did not have time to follow her. In 1872 or 1873 the chief of the tribe to which respondent belonged told petitioner that she was

dead, but petitioner saw his wife while living at Ormond, ne <r Gisborne, last February. One of the Maoris (Honi Mokai), with whom she was in company, said, “I have got your woman now.” He added that she had borne him one child, and another was shortly expected. Petitioner then instructed counsel to in stitute proceedings against her. Kawiri Karaka said he was Secretary of the “ Maori Committee ”at Tologa Bay. He knew respondent, who was now living at Tologa Bay. He slept in the same house at Honi Mokai. The Committee de manded payment of a fine from them for committing adultery. They admitted the offence, and paid the fine. This closed

the case for the petitioner, and His Honor granted a decree nisi. The other case was that of Barber v Barber (Wellington), petition for a dissolution of marriage on the grounds of his wife’s adultery with one Adams, deceased. The parties were married at Wellington in 1856, and lived together until 1869, when respondent left petitioner. Petitioner had been to church, and when he returned he learnt that his wife had gone. Subsequently he heal'd that she had gone to Australia, and had been living with a man named Adams, a fireman on board the steamer Tararua, who was drowned on the wrack of that steamer. Respondent returned to Wel lington about twelve months ago, and had a child with her. Evidence was called to prove that respondent admitted that Adams was the father of the child, and that it was born in Queensland, His Honor granted a decree nisi.

Educational. —At a recent meeting of the Ashburton branch of the North Can terbury Educational Institute, Mr W. J. King, of Elgin, was chosen president, and Mr JEt. Cape-Williamson, Elemington, was re-elected secretary and treasurer. In order to meet the increased capitation to the Institute, it was decided that the annual subscription should be raised to 10s per annum.

Ministerial Movements. —The Hon. Mr Bryce leaves Wellington to-day for the West Coast of the North Island. He will inspect various Constabulary posts along the coast, and after a short stay in Tara naki will proceed to Kawhia for the pur pose of making needful arrangements in connection with the opening of Kawhia Harbor. The Hon. Mr Rolleston is ex pected to return to Wellington from the South next week, and will then go up to Kawhia and join Mr Bryce there. The Premier will visit the South as soon as he can conveniently leave the seat of Govern ment, and it is not improbable that His Excellency will make a tour of the South Island before long. Reaper and Binder Trial. —There was a good attendance of farmers and others at Mr Hunt’s farm, Wakanui road, yesterday, for the purpose of witnessing a trial of a Hornsby twine binder. The principal featurei of this machine are the simplicity of its construction, and the rapidity with which it works. It has al-o a fast and slow speed driving wheel for knife and binder. The trial was thoroughly satis factory, only one sheaf out of the five acres of oats that were out being missed, and this was due to a defect in the string. It was the opinion of the farmers that were present that the Hornsby machine was the best that they had seen working in the district this season. Mr John An derson, of Christchurch, is the sole agent for New Zealand.

Religious Conferences. —At thejWes leyan Conference at Auckland yesterday the Rev Mr Morley was appointed ta advocate a loan fund, a junior minister being appointed as his assistant. Messrs Abernethy, Dellow, Hudson, Isitt, P. Wills, and Murray were admitted fully as ministers. Messrs Lowry, Bothwell, Nowbold, Wallis, and Dean were received as candidates for the ministry, and finally were made supernumerary for one year. A deputation from the Temperance So cieties of Auckland was received. A de putation was appointed to convey a friendly greeting to the Primitive Metho dist District Meeting.—The Primitive Methodist Conference was formally opened at Auckland yesterday; delegates were present from nearly all the churches in the’colony. The Rev O. E. Basley, of the Thames, was elected President.

The Coming Vehicle. —Dr B. W. Richardson writes :—“ Hitherto I have written as if the advantage of tricycle-rid ing were confined to the male sex. I would not like this to be the impression gleaned from my papers. On the con trary, I am of opinion that no exercise for women has ever been discovered that is to them so really useful. Young and middle aged ladies can learn to ride the tricycle with the greatest facility, and they be come excellently skilful. One young lady, who is very dear to me, can beat me both in pace and in distance, and in a tour we have made of several miles on a beauti ful country road, we have enjoyed our selves as much as when we ride, out to gether on horseback, while we have a bet ter exercise. I shall rejoice to see the time when this exercise shall be as popu lar amongst girls and women as tennis and the dance, for the more fully the physical life of our womankind is de veloped, the better for men as well as women.”

Ferrets. —A correspondent writes to the Field on the subject of introducing vermin into the colonies : “A Colonist” enquires how stoats and weasels could be procured and transported to New Zea land, but objects to ferrets as delicate. No doubt many ferrets are delicate, so would any animal become under like con ditions— kept in a close hutch or old tea box among damp litter, and sometimes not taken out once in a month. But if “ Colonist ” were to take out some healthy brown ferrets, turn them into a house with a yard to it, like a dog kennel, and let the ferrets live and breed there, the young ones would grow up as healthy, strong, and wicked as stoats; and, if turned out into the bush, if they did not in a generation or two become actual pole cats, they would be a very good imitation of the polecat. If a ferret escapes or is lost in a wood, it generally in a day or two makes its way to some neighboring house, where it is caught, but sometimes (though rarely) they do not return, but remain running wild. A ferret that has been running wild for a month in a wood is as active, quick, and iifficult to c itch as any stoat. 1 have seen such a case more than once. The editor of the Field warns “ Colonist ” and others that they should be o ireful in introducing foreign animals that may eventually become a scourge. He might have gone even further, and said that any man introducing an animal that might eventually become ascourge ought at the same time to introduce its antidote or natural enemies, or he might for a time upset the natural balance of nature.

Frozen Meat. —In the course of the admirable paper recently read before the Colonial Institute, Sir Dillon Bell spoke as follows regarding the prospects of the frozen meat trade ;—When the first ship ment of 5,000 sheep arrived, fears were entertained that the inroad of such num bers roust have a very evil effect on 'he value of land in England; and even the Duke of St Albans said so in a letter to the Times. 1 believe any alarm of the kind to be a complete delusion. But if it were otherwise, surely it cannot be denied that if we in Australasia can afford to supply you with sweet and wholesome meat at 6d to 6id a pound, there is in it the promise of a great boon to the poorer classes, and one that will be welcomed in every household. I was saying just now that there was strong prejudice to over come; and really, if you had to believe the butchers, you would imagine there was something dreadful and disgusting in the idea of eating frozen meat, forgetting how many millions of the human race even now subsist on frozen food for a large part of every year. I dare say some of you have read a lively and entertaining account which appeared last August in the Daily News, in which wo were told of milk sold by the cubic foot, and wine sold in lumps like coal; of the Gostinnoi market-place with its countless rows of oxen, pyramids of pigs, mountains of sheep and goats, sacks ot little fish that rattled like walnuts, blocks of salmon and

sturgeon cut out of the snow with axes, and sledge-loads of snow-white hares and reindeer lying as if asleep ; where the butcher made no distinctions about his joints, but sold them in square blocks, and whore the children gathered up the dust that fell upon the snow, for ft was pow dered meat ; or of another market-place in Canada, where there were singed pigs standing uprisht, deer from the back woods, obelisks of cod and haddock, and solid milk in columns. Even now nearly 12,000,000 of the human race are consum ing a million tons of frozen food each year ; and the wonder will soon b.i that there should bo any prejudice about it in England. I ask you whether this new industry of ours is not a matter of national

importance ? And I say again to-night, as I said in answer to the Duke of St Albans’ letter, that if the land-owners and farmers of England are tempted for a moment to look askance at so novel a competition from us, they ought to think how vast is the supply that must be had somewhere every year, and how much better it is for England that she should come to us for part, rather than continue to be dependent on foreign countries for the whole.

The Volunteers. —Major Lean will be in Ashburton on Monday next, for the purpose of swearing in the Volunteers of the district under the new regulations. Lost. —A mysterious disappearance is reported from Wellington. A man named James M‘Mahon, a bottler, lost his child while at the Druids' sports on Monday, and the same night he went in search of it. Nothing has been seen of him, and it is feared that he has met with some fatality. Holloways Pills. —Nervous Debility. No part of the human machine requires more watching than the nervous system—upon it hangs health and life itself. These pills are the best regulators and strengthened of the nerves, and the safest general purifiers. Nau sea, headache, giddiness, numbness, and men tal apathy yield to them. They dispatch in a summary manner those distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic pains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, abdominal distension, and over come both capricious appetites and confined bowels —the commonly accompanying signs ef defective or deranged nervous power. Hollo way’s Pills are particularly recommended to persons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually sink into a nervous and debilitated state, unless seme such restorative be occa ionally taken.—[Advt.]

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

ASHBURTON. -To-day. [Before I. N. Watt, Esq., R.M.] Drunkenness. —Charles Smithell, for being drunk in a public place, was fined 20s, or 24 hours. The same defendant was also lined 20s, or 48 hours, for using •bscene language. civil. CASES. Deipenheim v. Deipenheim, claim Ll. Mr Purnell appeared for the plaintiff.— In this case, which had been adjourned from last Court day, it appeared "from the evidence that the plaintiff holds a protec tion order, and is living apart from her husband, who is the defendant. —Mr Purnell said that the defendant had tres passed on the property of his client, and was continually annoying her.—The case was further adjourned for a week. L. Bosenbergh v. R. Davis, claim Ll 5 Is 6d. This was a claim for storage of certain grain on the defendant’s account. The evidence of the defendant was read, as taken down in the Wanganui R.M. Court. Judgment was given for plaintiff for LI 17s, and costa. McKenzie v. Alexander, claim L 6 Os 6d.—No appearance of either party; case out. Cairncross v. P. Grant, claim L 9 11s 3d.—Mr Wilding for plaintiff, Mr Bran son for defendant.—This was a disputed claim for a balance alleged to he due by the defendant for harvest work last year. The evidence was taken at some length. Judgment was given for plaintiff for amount claimed, and costs. Before the Court rose the case of McKenzie v. Alexander was reinstated on the application of Mr Branson, and judg ment was given for plaintiff for L 6 Os 6d.

THE HAMILTON-PRIESTLY CASE.

The following are the principal points of Judge Gillies’s charge to the jury, de liveredyesterday in the Auckland Supreme Court: —l cannot but think that this trial has been protracted partly on account of the imperfect mode in which the case has been prepared. In opening it, it was ad mitted by the counsel for the prosecution that there was a defective link in the chain of evidence. Now, when you are asked to find by circumstantial evidence a person guilty of crime it is your duty to prove the chain of evidence, link by link, and as the present chain is no stronger than the weakest part of it, if one link is wanting the whole fails. I may point out there is one important link defective, namely, as to where Priestly was that night. It would be well in such important

cases if, as in other countries, the police had the benefit of some legal advice before bringing forward charges of this sort. In Scotland, for instance, in a charge of this sort the evidence is submitted to compe tent legal au hority. I feel quite certain that if the evidence in this had been read over to the legal gentlemen before they v.ere called on to conduct the prosecution they would not have advised going before a jury with such an imperfect case. What

nas oeeu sec oerore us is a vast number or facts not linked together in the way that is necessary to constitute a chain of cir cumstantial evidence. There are a large number of facts calculated to raise sus picion, but not to make conclusive evi dence of guilt. The' questions submitted to you are threefold—perhaps I might have said they are only twofold. The first consideration is—Has a crime been com mitted, apart altogether from the question of who did it ? the second consideration is, if so, are you satisfied that it was com mitted by Mrs Hamilton alone, or to gether with the prisoner Priestly? Then there is the question, .was it committed by Priestly together with the female pris oner. I said the questions were twofold, for it seems almost plain that a weak woman could not single-handed strike down a powerful man in the prime of life, such as Hamilton is described t* have been. It is incredible, perhaps, although perhaps not impossible, that she could have done it, nothing more frequently happens than the incredible. If Priestly struck the blow, did she assist him ; if she did it, did he assist her ? How then should you address yourselves to the con sideration of these questions ? You will first consider what evidence there is of a

crime. The fact that Hamilton died of fracture of the skull is undoubted. On November 27th he was alive and well ; next morning he was dead. Proof of that wound being given by some person rested with the Crown. According to the evidence, the jury might dismiss from their minds any notion that Hamilton received this wound before coming to his house ; it did not appear that there was any evidence what ever of the injury being caused outside the house ; it was sugges ed that the blow

was struck when the deceased was lying in his bed, but if it was caused by a blow one of the doctors said it was delivered upon the man while standing. When ru mors arose about foul play the Police very properly set inquiry on foot. After hear ing the evidence it was not difficult to see how thoselrumors had arisen and were spread abroad. All the medical evidence was above suspicion, as regards the good faith of the several witnesses ; there was a very considerable mixture of testimony which suggested what is very well known, that people who come expecting to see a particular thing will, according to their own judgment, be apt to find what they expect. But suppose you should assume that it was impossible the injury could have been inflicted by a fall against a bedstead, then is it credible that this weak woman could have struck such a blow with this axe I Is it probable that even a man could have struck such a blow

without a struggle ensuing ?—for Hamil ton was a strong, tall, powerful man, in the prime of life. There was no evidence of a struggle. So far as appearances went within the house, they were favor able rather to Mrs Hamilton's statement than to the theory of the Crown. But it was suggested that she had made con tradictory statements which cast upon her suspicion, and favored the idea that if some other person struck this blow she must have known about it, and that she was screening the assassin. Mrs Hamil ton had made different statements about a dog; they are differences such as would be accounted for by the place, time, circumstances, state of mind, and the persons to whom they were severally made. Was it on the discrepancies of the female prisoner’s statements that the

prosecution relied to vindicate their sug gestion that she was concerned with the alleged assault on her husband in a w*y that more or less criminates herself* Familiarities between Priestly and Mib Hamilton appeared to have taken pl&ce in the presence of many of the female wit nesses, who thought nothing of them at the time. They were no doubt indiscre tions, and prudential considerations should have prevented them;. but they were indiscretions merely. Then, as regards Priestly, there was no evidence of his being in or about Hamilton’s house between eight o’clock on the evening of the 2?th and the next morning between 9 and 10 a.m. There was a link wanted here ; the j ury would remember the ob ligation was upon the prosecution to prove the charge that he committed this crime. It the crime were proved, the proof must be sufficient to satisfy the jury. There was an alibi set up by Priestly’s counsel, hut it was of a very unusual kind. ..Apt.-, ailbi, if proved, is where a person is seen in another place than that where the pro secution says he was; but in this case it has not been proved on oath that he was any where. In this case Priestly was not.at a place on the 27th. Although he was there on the 28th, ha was not bound to say he was ; and if he had not made the statement there would have been no case, against him. But he did make that state- ‘ ment, and it was for the jury to say what construction was to Le put on it. Then, as te the alleged suborning of evidence, it was fair to'consider all the circumstances. It was very natural that a man with such terrible suspicion pointed at him would look about for all available means of clearing himself. As to their interrogation by the police, I think that such examina tions are an unfair and un-English mode of proceeding. In France, where persens suspected of a crime arc examined, they are taken before a proper tribunal. If not suspected, as much information may be got from them as can be got, but where suspected do not let others induce them, by questions skilfully or unskilfully put, to give answers that may be used against them. Ido not think it is in accordance with the spirit of the English law that sus pected parsons should be examined in this way. I speak these words with a view to prevent the same course being adopted in future proceedings. The jury would say what evidence there was to establish—(l) The commission of a crime ; (2) If it was possible that this wound was caused by a' fall. In the latter case the jury would be houpd to acquit, because any other, mode of causing it had not been proved.' The prosecution merely says—“ Injuries which • caused the man’s death could not have been inflicted in that way.” But if you say that it was done by this axe or a simi lar instrument, then you will consider whether there is sufficient evidence to' satisfy you that these two persons were concerned in the commission of that crime. Whoever gave the wound to Hamilton that night, if it was given by another per son, the female prisoner must have known. She could nut be ignorant of it. If the wound was given that night, the only person suggested as the guilty causa of it is Priestly. Are you satisfied he was there all that night 1 la there any evi dence 7 Is there not an absolute want of a link to connect him with the crime, namely, proof that he was there. Ton are not bound to convict on suspicion— not even §n strong suspicion—not even pn strong probability. You must be satisfied so far as to exclude any probability of its having been done by another. But if he is guilty she is guilty. If a crime has been committed it has been one of the most atrocious and treacherous crimes ever perpetrated. You must give your verdict without regard to consequences. You must not hesitate to convict if the evidence satisfies you that the prisoners are guilty. If it does not satisfy you, you must have as little hesitation to acquit them.—The jury retired to consider their verdict. The Court was packed so that there was not standing room for another person in any part of the building. On the jury coming into the Court after an absence of half an hour, and giving the verdict “ Not guilty,” there was a sensa tion in Court, one or two persons at tempted to applaud, but without response from the crowd. Mrs Hamilton displayed nearly the first sign of emotion since the trial. The effect on Priestly was dif ferent, hut equally manifest, he recovered his self-possession. His Honor, in dis charging the prisoners, said—Foley Col lan Priestly—The jury have found you “Not guilty” of the crime of wilful mur der of which you stood charged. Before • discharging you I will just say one word, namely, that you have brought yourself into your present position by your own; fault, by your indiscreet familiarity with a married woman, and in endeavoring to account for your absence from your lodg ings on the night in question by a false hood. You are discharged. Marion Hamilton—You, a married woman, have brought yourself to this position by your indiscreet familiarity with a single man, by talking indiscriminately of your family troubles. Your case should be a warning to others not to commit such indiscretions. You are discharged.—Piiestly, without looking round to his fellow prisoner, at once got over the rail of the dock in amongst the crowd in the body of the Court. Mrs Hamilton sat down in the dock for a few minutes with a constable till her brother came. Priestly went away in a cab by the front, and Mrs Hamilton by the rear of the Court building. The crowd divided into two sections, follow ing the cabs, and hooting along the street.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Monetary and Commercial. London, Jan. 24. Consols have advanced to 102. New Zealand securities are unchanged, wheat is firm at 56s for Adelaide, and 44s 6d to 48s per quarter for New Zea land ditto. Australian tallow Best beef 43s 6d, and best mutton 46s per cvvt. The market is firm. Shipping. Arrived at Plymouth—P. and O. Company’s steamship Kaiser-i-Hind, from Melbourne (Dec. 7.) The Homeward Mails.

San Francisco, Jan. 24. Arrived yesterday—R.M.S. City ot New York, with the homeward mails dated Auckland, Jan. 2. A New Office. Cairo, Jan. 24. Sir Auckland' Colvin, who recently resigned his position, as British Con troller-General of Egyptian Finance, has been offered and has accepted the post of Financial Adviser to the Egyptian Government. Turkey and Egypt. Constantinople, Jan. 24. It has transpired that a communica tion recently passed between the Porte and the French Government regarding the circular note issued to the Great Powers on January sth by the English Government, in which it explains its intention with regard to Egypt. It is now understood that the Ottoman Go vernment are preparing «to protest against the policy avowed by England, and has received assurance ot support by the French Government from their representative at Stamboul. : • [Received Jan. 26, 1.30 p m ] The Bank Bate Reduced. London, Jan. 25. .i ooj The Bank of England has this day

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 1888,



I'HE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured BY TUE 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: EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, - Manager. s!9 -F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. fjWERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed best of material and workmanship.



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED si Ik Is a Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. JONES, Agent, PIPE ORGANS,—Especially suitable for Churches. Far superior to any Reed Organ near the price for richness and purity of tone, volume of sound, and durability of construction. Price—£l2o, REED ORGANS,—By Smith and Co., Mason and Hamlin, Wood and Co., Esby and C*' , New England Company, and Clougu and Warner,—from £l2 12s. PIANO S. —Brinsmead and Sons, Broadwood, Collard and Collard, ErarJ, Pleyel and others, Dresden Model, and German and French manufacturers, with 11 latest improvements.' DEFERRED PAYMENTS, Wholesale and Retail. ol



Wanted WANTED A BUTCHER, imme diately. Apply to G. J. Martin, East street. 159 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 be in before 3rd FEB., ad dressed to D. CAMERON, 130 Chines, Methven. WANTED KNOWN—That an Ex traordinary Cheap Sale commences TO - DAY of Drapery and Clothing at A. Orr’s. 164 ANTED 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. ATfTANTED KNOWN—That Robert \\ Elston, Burnett i street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c w ANTED KNOWN. 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 Singsr’s celebrated SEW ING MACHINES. They are cheaper, mote 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 burcon. 100



Special Advertisements. QHEISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Large and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &c., &c., &0. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c. East strebt south, Ashburton. n!5 -VTEWEST BOOKS at R. BE VAN’S, _l\| Saunders’ Buildings. Cassell’s Popular Educator, Chambers’ Journal of Popular Literature, Mayhew’s Illustrated Horse Management, the Leisure Hour, Every Boy’s Annual, Little Wide-Awake, Chatterbox, Children’s Friend, Child’s Companion, Infant’s Magazine, Band of Hope Review, Morning Dewdrops (by Mrs 0. L. Balfour), Captain Cook’s Voyages, and others. A large stock of second-hand books—all offered at the lowest possible price for cash, 32 [With an apology to Green’s Shade.] CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES.—The BIG SHOP in East Street, Ash burton, has just been opened with an entirely NEW STOOK of English, Foreign, and Colonial-made BOOTS and SHOES, which will be sold at my usual LOW PRICES, which have given such satisfaction in Tinwald and else where.— C. HAWKINS, “ Munstbk” Warehouse, Ashburton ; also at Tin wald. CRICKETERS’ MATERIAL, includ ing Bata, Balls, Leg-guards, Gloves, Nets, &c., at near.y Cost Price. Christ mas “ Graphic” and “ Illustrated London New*,” “ Christmas Annual,” &c. Andrewes Bros. , Booksellers, Station ers, &c., East street south, Ashburton. 77 H. M. Jones’ COUNT BOOKS. BOOKS ! BOOKS !'! REWARD, PRESENTATION, and PRIZE BOOKS.



NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child's Companion Infants’ 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 SlZ^S—From one inch to two feet—in Wood, Rag, China, Composition, etc. FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above now in stock. ALL the above Goods are offered at the LOWEST Possible Prices for CASH. A LIBERAL DISCOUNT allowed to schools on parcels of Toys, Books, etc.



PIANOS, ORGANS, BRASS, and STRINGED INSTRUMENTS DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Burnett street, Ashburton, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER. 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. ON 13d John Meech, Showrooms—Next Bullock’s Arcade, Workshop—Next Mail )ffice.



Special Advertisements- QOAL. COAL. COAL. We have now IN STOCK, ex Con ference, a large supply of the Old Lamb ton Coal. This is the BEST HOUSE COAL imported, 18n TUCKER, RE ST ELL & 00. TWTOTICE TO BLACKSMITHS, iM BREWERS, AND OTHERS. Just landed, ex Mary Campbell, from Greymouth, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO. To Farmers.



HEAT SHIPMENTS 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 OP 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 Company'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 taker to ensure dsepatch. GEORGE G. STEAD, Managing Director. P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HORNE, 12au 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. O T I C E. Mr L, H. WILKINS is authorised to Collect Subscriptions and Canvass on account of The Ashburton Guardian. to THE n 7 W. R. BOYLE, Agent, Ashburton. W. H. ZOUCH.