SHIPPING.

SHIFPINO TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Ada 0. Owen, from New Caledonia.

Sailed —Taiaroa, for Southern parts. Auckland, To-day. ' Arrived—Rotpmabana, from Sydney. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Rebecca Crowell, barque, Captain Crowell, from New York, 120 • days. Sailed—Te A nan, for Melbourne via ’..theSoifth ; Penguin, for Nelson and Pic ton ; Southern Cross, for Auckland via "tlTfelSaat Coast. j: -xol j: - . Dunedin, Yesterday, bailed—Omapere, for the North; Mab ■ inapua, for the West Coast; Hawea, for ; Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived —Waiararapa, from Melbourne.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES iM r,: Tubsoat, Mat 1. , Mf Alfred Harrison—Farm Stock, etc., 'Mr Trevqrza’s Farm, Elgin, at 12 o’ribck. ■/ •>..! FRIDAY, MAT 4. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co.—Draught • Horses, etc., on Mr D. Wilson’s Farm, Wakanui, at 12.h00n sharp. . r • Saturday, Mat 5. •wlietT. Bollock, at the Bazaar—Land for . Cropping, ete.; at 2 o’clock. Cox,'and 00., at Tatteraalls, ~ Hones, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sundries, Ac.; 11.30 a.m. lb Alfred Harrison, at the yards— . ■ - ■ Horses, Pigs, Produce, <fcc. ; at 12 noop, Mf S. D. Nathan—Sale of Drapery, etc., ,»j • "gf. Chnrcb’e Shop, Havelock Street.

MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &o Wednesday, May 2. County Council—Annual Mooting, At the - County Council Chambers, at 11 a.m. Mount Hutt Road Board—Annual Maet- Ing of Ratepayers ; 3p.m. ’ Hortioultnral Society—Monthly Meeting, * ll at the Arcade Chambers, 8 p.m, Thursday, Mat 3. ' Ashburton Coursing Club—Meeting at

Somerset Hotel, at 8 p. m. i .. . Friday, May 4. ’> ■' 1 Wakanui Schoolroom —Harvest -Ball, at • f 8.30 sharp!’ ‘ f Monday, May 7. • Mount Somers Road Board Annual ! Meeting, at the Board’s Office, at 12 I ■... > noon. ' ■ , Rangitataßoad Board —Annual Meeting, at the 'Board’s Office, Lismore; at 12 ,■ r noon. , . ' Wakanui Road Board—Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, at Board’s office, at 1 11 . Horticultural Society—Annual Meeting, ah the Arcade Chambers. . Mount Ontt E6ad Board—Election Five Members, Cook Son and Co.’s Offices.

MAIL NOTICES.

f~< : M«il« dose at the Ashburton Post Office aafollows■ "* _ ' For Ohristohucoh and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m.,- and 5 p.m., daily. '.v'f For OhertseyEakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. >'■- :, SBd 5 p;m. fdaily. ■y ■ ForDunedin,Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, ;; r XWLdstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, S r red Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. FotTemnha, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. ■ i~‘ . ForTimaru and South,l at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily, r. } For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, o»- Wednesdays „_and at 3.30 . ■■ pim.', ■ - , For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and si Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. 1. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at~ 6 a.m. For Ashtsn, Waterton and Longbeach, «t 430 p.m. daily. . , , -jp i For FlamingtOD, on Mondays, Wednes s 'law, arid Fridays, at 430 p. m. .... Vgt Wakanui, Elgin, Seaviow, Sean eld, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursday*, and '’Sateifdays, at 6.30 a.m. ; <n• Per Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri r, days at 10.30 a.m.

Mailsarrive at the Ashburton Post Jr-,: . Prom Christchurch and Bakaia at 10.15 n a.m.,4,35 P*“*> 7-20 P-™* J „ . Fran Chertsey, Sic. at 10.15 a.m. and . \‘'iT3s,p.in. daily. Prom Dunedin and intermediate places >- ; at 6.30 p.m. daily. . PromTemuka andTimaru at 10.40a.m. “ 6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. Prom’ Greenstreet and Ashburton _l Forks, 'Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 iiS," From Mount Somers, on Tueadays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.16 p.m. Prom Mayfield, on Tuesdays and . Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton,, Waterton, and ; Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. ■i . ' From Memington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. z Prom Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and , Kyle. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat “ urdays, at 4 p.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

fRAXHB TiXAVE AsHBUETON FOE OHEIfiT ufIPMH and intermediate atationaat 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.39 • p.m. ■ ■ Peadui Leave Ashbuexon foe Txmaect .. . Sooth, at 6.60 a.m., 10,25 a.m. (Express), and 445 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Tansn AEEIVB AT AfIHBXJETON FEOM . (i, OHBIBXOHUEOH at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. Teahts Aebivb at Ashbubtom feou Tocasu aitd Sooth 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 »f insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., 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. TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1883.

The Ashburton High School broke up for its first vacation to-day. Mr J. L. McDonald, storekeeper, one of forty six applicants, has secured the ap pointment of Secretary to the Southland Farmers’ Co-operative Association. The miners at Walton Park Colliery, who are on strike, assert that the best workmen can make only 9s or 10s per day cf twelve hours.

Charles Sullivan, who was sentenced recently, at Invercargill, to twelve years and two floggings for rape, has received the first instalment of the latter part of his punishment. It was inflicted by a person who was imported for the purpose, and was acutely felt by the prisoner. The following are the weights for the Grand National Handicap at the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase Meeting :—Clarence, 13st; Canard, 12st 61b ; Quamby, list 81b ; Bateman (late Katerfelto), lOst 111 b ; Overdraft, lOst 51b ; Kosciusko, lOst; Barbary, lOst. Sir W. Jervois has expressed an opinion that the Waitemata-Manukau Canal, to cut the Auckland isthmus is not a work of pressing necessity, or essential to the prosperity of the city. His Excellency has visited Whau and Tamaki Creeks, at the points where they approach the Ma nukas Harbor, but has not come to any determination as to which would be the best route for the canal. He does not see that the construction of the canal will bo of sufficient importance at present as to warrant a large sum being spent on the work.

Our Chertaey correspondent writes : “ Cannot the Ashburton bakers who sup ply our local storekeeper here with bread send a more presentable sample of the staff of life than they have been forward ing for a considerable ,time.’ During the press of the harvest time—when there was necessarily a greater demand—the quality of the bread was, as a rule, simply execrable through station dampness. Since then, there has been very little improve ment. Bakers will find it a suicidal policy to send bread to the ‘ kintra bodies’ of Chertaey that would be rejected by the citizens of Ashburton ; we pay an extreme price for the bread, and we have a right to expect a much more satisfactory article.’’

The doings of the Salvation Army came prominently under the notice of the Bench in respect to two cases heard at the Dunedin City Court yesterday. In one instance two men were arrested and punished for intending' to disturb the proceedings at the Temperance Hall, on Sunday afternoon. The other case was that of a subject who had been converted and got drunk directly after the service was completed. Holloways Pills.—Nervous Debility.— No part of the human machine requires more w-tching than the nervous system—upon it hangs health and life itself. These pills ar the best regulators and strengtheners of the nerves, and the safest general purifiers, Naue 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 •f the stomach, abdominal distension, and over come both capricious appetites and confined bowels—the commonly accompanying signs «f 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 sionally taken.—[Advt.]

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last evening at the Coun cil Chambers. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs St Hill, Iveas, W, Reberts, R. Bird, and Harrison. mayoh’s statement. The Mayor reported that the debit balance at the Union Bank to date was L 1,272 lls lOd. The receipts for the fortnight were—Dog licenses, L 3 10s; rates, L4O 4s ; Wakanui Hoad Board, L 8 6s 8d ; sale of earth, L 3 5a ; Fire Brigade refund, L 40 —total, L 95 5s Bd. COEBBSPONDBNCB. A letter was read from the Secretary to the Fire Brigade, enclosing cheque of L4O which had bean forwarded ky the Fire Insurance Association to the Brigade and now refunded as requested to the Coun cil. From Mr J. Beecher, drawing the attention of the Council to the|state of the footpath from Messrs Baker Bros.’s to the Central Hotel. —Matter referred to the Works Committee. From Mr Mcßae, asking to be relieved of his lease of a reserve. Consideration of the matter was deferred. NEW PUBCHASB. It was decided on the recommendation of Or Ivess, seconded by Cr St Hill that an additional horse be purchased for the use of the Council. bepobts. The consideration of the Engineers’ and Inspector of Nuisances' reports was held over until next meeting.

NOTICE OF MOTION. Or St Hill gave notice of motion to the effect that in order to reduce the over draft all rates be sued for unless paid forthwith. PETITION. A draft petition re the coal and timber sites was read by the Clark and approved by the Council. BALANCE-SHEET. The annual balance-sheet was laid on the table, and its consideration was ad journed until the Bth inst., when a special meeting will be held. ACCOUNTS. After passing several accounts for pay ment the Council adjourned.

MR MACOABE’S ENTERTAIN MENT.

No better proof of Mr Maccabe’s popu larity could be given than the fact that last evening :ha Town Hall was well filled with people who were not to be deterred by the horrible weather from witnessing tle entertainment. Had the rain held off there can be no question that there would have been a far larger attendance, and those who were not present missed a genuine treat. Mr Maccabe has been before the public for a good many years, and when he first made his deMt, he was generally admitted to be the cleverest monologue entertvner that had ever ap peared. Since that time nobody has come forward to dispute his supremacy, so that it is not a matter of wonder that his per formances have been a success wherever they have been given. Nor is the enter tainment one whit inferior to what it was ten or fifteen years ago, as we can testify from personal experience. Mr Maccabe seems to be gifted with perennial youth, and age evidently cannot wither, nor can custom stale his infinite variety. The after dinner speech of that fatuous old member of the great majority, Mr Solemn sides creates as much laughter as ever, the blooming Mias May is an admirable im personation of gushing feminity, and the lady-killer is a perfect representation of a type of swell of whom the late Lord Dun dreary was the supreme example. The ra pidity with which the changes were made was wonderful, only a few seconds elapsing between the assumptions of different cos tumes. As a ventriloquist Mr Maccabe is probably without an equal in the world. Unlike other professors of this difficult art, he does not depend upon such extraneous aid as can be obtained by means of mechanical figures, but he trusts solely to his voice. The quick transitions from his natural tone in speaking to the gruff voice of the supposed bricklayer and again to the imaginary man on the roof and the intrusive kitten, were simply marvellous. Indeed, so complete was the illusion that it was almost impossible to imagine that one voice only was used, Nor must we omit to mention another item in the first part of the programme; we refer to Mr Maccabe’s singing of Samuel Lover’s song, “I’m not myself at all.” This was rendered in a manner that would have gladdened the heart of the genial Irish p >et himself, and we do not see how we can give higher preise than that. The two troubadours—the ideal and the real —were, perhaps, the most striking fea tures of the evening. The latter was cer tainly thoroughly mirth-provoking, the guttaral intonation of the voice and the whole action giving a perfect portrait of the species of humanity known as the street singer—a class common enough in London. In the second part Mr Maccabe gave impersonations of a railway porter, a Yorkshireman, and an Irish philosopher. Much as they differed from each other it may be safely said that the representations were perfect. The porter’s remarks on the idiosyncra cies of railway travellers, the York shireman’s criticisms of London life and the Irishman’s notions of science were all equally appreciated. There could be but one opinion concerning the success of tho entertainment, and those who faced tho refractory elements for the purpose of being present last night, had no reason to regret it. Mr Maccabe was to have gone to Timaru this morning, but the accident on the line detained him, and he was compelled to remain in Ash burton.

JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLER’S JOURNAL.

[written specially fob the “ashbueton GUARDIAN ”].

No. XVl.—(Continued.)

Avignon—Ribnzi’s Prison—A Bad Cli mate —Taeascon—Nimbs—A Roman Amphitheatre—Arles—Marseilles— A Grand View —Toulon—Cannes—

The G. O. M. —Off to the Carnival.

After leaving Orange, the increasing plantations of olive trees reminds the traveller that he is progressing towards the sunny south, and shortly after pass ing Sorgues, anus important station, Avig non is reached. A Roman colony! called Avenis was established there as early a* forty-eight years B. O. Between thd years 1309 and 1377, the Popes resided and held their Courts at Avignon. The Papal palace still rises its lofty gloomy walls — but shorn of all its former grandeur, for it now serves the ignoble purpose of a barrack. The Cathedral is close by ; and behind it a tower that was one of the prisons of the Inquisition, and during the reign of terror a place of execution. The Palace, too, had its prison towers. In one of them, the Tour des Oabliettes, Rienzi, the hero of one of Lytton Bul wer’s fascinating romances, was incarcer ated in 1351, at the same time that the poet Petrarch was being feasted and flat tered as a guest in the Palace. From a rocky eminence near the Cathedral a fine prospect is obtained—the river Rhone, Villeneuve with its frowning citadel and crumbling towers form the foreground of the picture; in the distance, the Ceven nea, Mont Ventox and the peaks of the alps are seen, while immediately beneftth, are the labyrinthlike streets of the ancient town. It is a view that well repays the exertion necessary to gain the height that commands it. The mistral frequently sweeps the vicinity with violence, bring - ing catarrhs and rheumatism and manifold maladies on its wings. The climatic draw back has given rise to the local proverb:— “ Avenio ventosa, Sine rento vendrosa,

Cum vento faatidiosa.” Soon after leaving Avignon, the line crossed the river called bj the Romans Druentea, but modernised in Durance. It was but a paltry stream at the time ; but at seasons, I was told, it is an impetuous torrent. The next place, Tarascon, is of little interest, beyond the fact that it was once the residence of King Rend of Anjou, the patron of the minstrely of the middle ages. The remains of the castle in which he lived nay still be seen. There is a branch line from Tarascon to St. Rhmy. I was told that two interesting Roman monuments are to be seen there, a triumphal arch, adorned with sculptures, and a mausoleum, erected by three brothers, to the memory of their parents. But 1 cannot spare time to visit them. Nimes, theancient Nemausus, especially interested me, as the dwelling placo of a large body of Protestants, numbering, it is said, one fourth of the population, esti mated at 63,000. During the reign of Louis XVI., Nimes was the scene of a fierce and cruel religious persecution. Pleasant boulevards surround the town leading to an esplanade, where there is a fine fountain of modern construction, with emblematic figures representing river deities. Not far from this are the re mains of the Roman amphitheatre. It has two stories each with sixty arcades. The interior contains thirty-two tiers of seats. The vast space is capable of ac commodating twenty thousand persons.

It is supposed to have been erected by the .Emperor Antonius Pius, as his ancestors were natives of Neraausus. During the. troubles of the early middle ages, the Visigoths converted the amphitheatre into a fortress, and after them the Saracens occupied it in the same manner* and jn more recent times the populace took pos session of the place and erected there., wretched hovels within the walls. But eighty years ago all their incumbrances were cleared away ; and it now stands in comparatively good preservation, an' in teresting monument of the days of Roman supremacy. In the Jardinde la Fontaine is the Nymph&eum, supposed to have been a temple of Diana. Statues and busts andr architectural fragments have been exca vated ; but no one can precisely’tell the origin and design of the adjacent ruins. There are also Reman biths, that were, brought to light in the i.oign of Louis XIV., and on a neighboring hill a Roman structure called Tounnagne—or, as the ancients would have said, Turris Magna : conjectured to have been a beacon, or, as some think, a monumental tribute to some illustrious man of those days. I had not time to extend my researches to the Pont du Gard ; but I was told that some of the grandest remains of Roman industry and skill are still to be seen—an aqueduct that bridges the rocky valley, archee piled os arches for the purpose of supplying the ancient settlement with water. This great work has been attributed to Agrippa, one of the generals of Augustus. From Niraes to Arles the country is level and thickly planted with olives and vines. The principal object of interest at Arles is the cathedral of St Trophime, named after Trophimus, the disciple and companion whom St Paul left sick at Miletum. There is also a museum, con taining antiquities found in the neighbor hood, and the remains of an amphitheatre that must have been larger in its original proportions than that at Nimes.

From Arles io Salon the route lies across the stony plain of Grace, reputed to be the spot ■where Hercules encountered the Ligurea. \Ve ran past several unim portant stations and through a long tun nel that pierces the Pas des Lancires, and emerged into a rocky region of wild and' romantic features. Through occasional openings 1 got a glimpse of the Mediter ranean and the sterile islet on yrhioh stands the Chateau dTf ; and ere long the train came to a stand at the station in the city of Marseilles. There I took up my quarters at the Hotel du Louvre et de la Pair, a sumptuous but very comfortable abode. 1 may mention here that the dining-saloen of this hotel is the grandest, apartment 1 have seen. Not even the* rooms of the palace at Versailles, exceed— nay, 1 almost question if, in all respects, they equal—the magnificent embellish ments of the salle-d-manger of the hotel. My first point at Marseilles was the Post-office. There I got several letters, and was refreshed by good news from dis tant relatives and friends. Returning to the hots! I looked into a church where mass was being celebrated by a priest richly robed. He stood with his back to the people, occasionally turning round to say a word or two, I presume of direction, for thereupon the audience rose and stood or kneeled, this alteration of attitude being the only apparent part they took in the ceremony. The altar glittered with gold and ornaments, and was flanked by many large wax candles, all of < them lighted, I remained until I saw the' col lection box. I then decorously withdrew, not being inclined to contribute to the support of rites I could neither appreciate nor understand.

The next day I hired a vehicle and drove to Notre Dame de la Garde. This church, or, shrine, for its situation almost precludes the idea of its being frequented as a place of worship, stands on a lofty eminence. The interior is highly ornate, and contains a large image of the Virgin. The walls are covered with innumerable votive tablets presented by devotees in gratitude for recovery from sickness or deliverance from shipwreck through the supposed intervention of the Virgin. The tower is crowned by a large gilt image of the Virgin, and in a chamber midway there hangs an enormous boll. The view from the summit of the tower is very ex-/ tensive. It takes in the whole of the city, the harbor and shipping, and surrounding country, dotted with many villas. (glancing white amongst the trees. In the distance is the sea and the rocky islets already mentioned as having been seen from a point on the road; with Chateau d’lf, celebrated by Dumas in his “ Monte Christo.” But apart from romance, the the ehateau is invested with historical interest as having been the prison of Mirabeau. The grand panoramic view well repaid me for the labor of ascending 154 steps to obtain it. Returning from Notre Dame I drove round by the sea, and the picturesque Ohemiu de la Corniche, and down the long Promenade du Prado. Marseilles claims to be the’ Liverpool of France, but it will not bear comparison, either in the extent of its trade or the number of its shipping, with the great seaport on the Mersey. Mar seilles was founded by the Greeks as a colony six hundred years before the Christian era. Even in very early times it must have been a place of considerable note and culture, for it may be remem bered that Gacilua speaks of his father-in law completing his education at Massillia. A very handsome Cathedral is being, built near the harbor. It is constructed of black and white stone in alternate courses, and the towers are adorned with statues and surmounted by domes. At the end of the thoroughfare, called the Cours, there is a statue of Bishop Bel zance, who was the only ecclesiastic bold enough to maintain his post and dis charge the duties of his office daring the plague that visited the city in the year 1720, when 40,000 persons were carried off. One day was occupied by a visit to the Muada des Antiques, which stands in an extensive park. It contains Egyptian, Phoenician, Greek and Homan curiosities, some early Christian sarcophagi, and specimens of glass manufacture. Having satisfied my curiosity at Mar seilles, I resumed my journey. The on ward route lay through rocky defiles, at a little distance from the sea, and several tunnels io La Ciotat. The situation of this place, perched, as it were, on a pro montory, is very charming, but I did not stop. Toulon was the next place of im portance. It is the Portsmouth of France. Eleven forts crown the surreunding heights and defend the double harbor. Readers familiar with the history of .Napoleon Bonaparte I. will remember that his remarkable career may be said to have commenced at Toulon, for it was there he first displayed his military genius, when, as ensign of engineers, he conducted the siege in 1793. The small town of Hybres, beyond Toulon, is a snug, sheltered place, fre quented by , invalids. From Toulon the line leaves the coast, and traverses the district of Montagnea des Maures. We ran past several settlements that I can but name—La Garde, La Pauline, Les Arcs, to Frejus. This last-mentioned town contains about 3,000 inhabitants, and was founded by Julius Csesar. The remains of an amphitheatre and aqueduct are to be seen here. St. Raphael was the next stage. It is picturesquely situated in a ravine. It was here that Bonaparte landed when he left his army in Egypt, and returned suddenly to Prance to carry out his ambitious designs. From this place he embarked for Elba, after his ab dication.

Cannes came next. It is rapidly in creasing and rising into note. The town itself is not very attractive, consisting principally of one long street that runs parallel with the coast; but the einvirons are very pretty, and numerous handsome villas adorn the hillsides. 1 was reminded

• ' I J of “ Sunny Australia ” by the munejrous guiq tree* that surround some of. the houses and 'Hue the .roadside. The Grand Old Man,” W. E. Gladstone, was slaying at Canties to recruit his health. I was strongly tempted to prolong my stay on the chance of seeing him, but the car nival at Nice was to commence next day, and I hurried on to witness the attrac tive novelty. Leaving Cannes, I passed Golfe Jpuan, where Bonaparte bivouacked on the night of the Ist March, 1815, when he escaped from'Elba. A column has been erected to commemorate the incident. Through Antibes, a busy little seaport, where I got a glimpse of theMaritima Alps, and shortly afterwards reached Nice, and was fortunate in finding quar ters at the Grand Hotel, for every house of entertainment was crowded with gueafs. (To be continued.)

THE FLOODS.

The heavy and continuous rains of last night and to-day have caused very serious floods throughout the country, but for tunately, so far, they have bean confined to damaging, more or less, public and private property, and no loss of life has been reported. S f ill, sorts of rumors were prevalent this morning in town as to the partial destruction of various bridges on the railway line, but up to three o’clock we were not able to find out that any damage had been done furtherthan that the permanent way in several instances had been washed away. The morning train, which left here for Timaru at the usual time, proceeded as far as the Rangitata station, on the south side of the river, and owing to a large portion of the line being washed away at a place called Cooper’s Creek, the train returned to Ash burton. The morning express from Christchurch did not go further [than Ashburton. As there were a number, of passengers who came by the express who wished to catch the ship Fenatantdn at Port Chalmers, they had to return to Christchurch and proceed by steamer from Lyttelton direct. About 12 o’clo |k a train left Ashburton with,; -jar few-passen gers, amongst whom was the Hpii. W. Rolleaton, Minister for Lands, but it did not go further than Winslow, as it was expected that the Hinds bridge would not stand, owing to the immense body Of water then coming down that river. . Old resitttHpOf the nc * B Ba 7 that they never saw aTSjrtniug'like ,the .body 0 f water was morning in the Hinds just above the bridge. The roads and pad- in the neighborhood ; of the Hinds station are nearly all under waterj and, look like a large lake. Between Winslow and Tinwald tbs water,is running ovir the lino to the depth of fully one foot in<some places. Opposite the County saleyards, a large body ,pf water is, crossing the line, but through the exertions of a number of men, very little damage has been ! done to the. line.’ At Ford’S road also, aj large stream of water is running, and looks un pleasantly near several house. Mr Bain’s house, at Tin Wald, is surrounded by a large lake, which is fully three feet I deep in places. The stationmaater’s house at Tinwald is also surrounded with water up to the front door. The benefit of the Tinwald drain has been greatly felt by the residents of this township, for there can be no doubt, that had it not been the railway line and bouses on the dower side of the Great South road would i have suffered severely. A portion of the Meth ven line has been washed away, but we hear that it will very shortly be ; made available for traffic again. No damage has been done to the Rakaia bridge or the line between Ashburton and Christchurch traffic has not been impe ied to any ex tent.

CjtaisTGHUECH, To-day. Heavy rain set in again last night and continued almost without intermission till daylight this morning. It is still raining at short intervals. . All‘ the rivers are in flood, and it is feared extensive damage will be done. The north train was unable to gqt beyond Seftonthis merning.

Timaru, To-day,

It his; been raining, very heavily here for the last 36 hours, and there are exten sive floods north and south of Timaru. There is 4|ft, of water in the main l street 1 of Temuka, and numbers of houses are inu n - dated. The express train from the North' could not get beyond Orari, "owing to the damage to the railway line. The South train is stuck up at Makikihi, owing to the same cause. The Albany line is also damaged, and all communication is stopped. The rivers are all overflowing their banks, arid'a deal of damage is ex pected. It is still (1.30 p.m.) raining heavily.

Oamaru, To-day.

Owing to the damage caused by the heavy rains traffic bn the North Railway between Timaru and Oamaru is sus pended. The express train from Dunedin stopped hdre, and returned to DUuediu this afternoon. i ‘

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, April 24.

The. principal topic; of interest in poli tical circles since Parliament was pro rogued is the annexation of New Guinea by Queensland)All the colo nies uphold the action of Queensland, and have instructed the various Agents- General in London to support the same. The annual demonstration of the Eight Hours’ Society took place on Saturday. Thatweather .wah propitious, and the pro cession imposing. Mr Graham Berry leaves for Sydney on May 1, to attend the International Postal Conference.

The enquiry held by direction of the Langridge Quartz Mining Company for the purpose of eliciting the facts under which a subscription list for the Irish League was circulated,*Was sot on foot in consequence of the Age stating that Mr Hunt, M.L.A., a director, dismissed men for non-subscribing. On account of that article, Mr Hunt brought an action for libel against the Age. The enquiry showed that the movement originated amongst the miners, and that Mr Hunt had no connection with it beyond sub scribing a pound. The international subscription in aid of the building fund of St Patrick’s Cathe dral closed on Saturday, having been open four weeks. It is expected that there will be a substantial result. A warrant has been Issued for the arrest of Thomas Church, the Melbourne manager of the firm of J. and W. Brown, Newcastle shipowners and coalmerchants, for embezzling money the property of the firm. Church confessed his guilt and stated that it was owing to losses in horse racing. He disappeared and has not been heard of since. Some fears of suicide are entertained.

A.n extraordinary swindle is reported. A Brighton girl, Catherine Griffin, wrote to the friends of Professor McCoy, repre senting herself as his daughter. She stated that her brother was in financial difficulties in New Zealand, and was un willing to apply to his father soliciting help. Several persons were victimised. Sydney, April 24.

A stonewalling episode on the licensing question occurred on Friday. The House sat until Saturday morning at eleven. The honajide traveller radius was fixed at five hundred instead of five miles. Clubs are placed on the same footing as other houses as regards Sunday closing. The measure will probably be defeated in the Upper House.

A terrible accident took place on the night of April 23 at the Ellenborough mine, Eaglehawk, in a winze connecting the 6, 47, and 20£t levels. Eight men

,;:~nox~ —■. - —... . ■, were working at the time, when the ground gave indications of being unsafe. Preparations were made for security by the use of timber, when a great mass of stone fell, burying two men completely and pinning three others to the ground, to be only rescued after three hours' im prisonment. Andrews and _ Denso, the two who were bnried, were killed on the spot. Their bodies presented a sickening spectacle, every bone be ng literally broken. The former had only been mar ried three weeks. Of the survivors, HaU was badly b uised; Moskin aud Bagliss also sustained severe injuries. The latter had a miraculous escape, the falling mass forming an arch over him, The accident created great excitement in Eaglehawk. Hundreds assembled about the shaft, and the scene when the bodies were brought to the surface was harrowing.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, April IS.

Some days ago a clerk named Guy, employed in the central telegraph office, Dublin, suddenly disappeared and no doe as to his whereabouts was found until yesterday. It appears that be was seized by a body of Fenians and conveyed to a place of confinement, where hewste kept close prisoner for four days. Darin); this period he was constantly questioned by the Fenians with regard to the nature of the messages which were transmitted through the telegraph office. It is evident that his captors thought Guy was.the con fidential clerk to whom was entrusted the duty of transmitting Government mes sages in connection with Irish outrages, and that consequently he possessed the means of affording them ivaluable.infor mation. . f-jt ."I'i’i-U.

Parnell strongly urges thepromotera of the American convention of Fenians which was to be held soon to postpone -th#i event until autumn. . He promises if this is done to attend the. convention. :;'

The question of the annexation of New Guinea by the British Crown-is- being severely criticised by the Homan Press. They allege that the only results of the researches made by the Italians in New Guinea has been' to stimulate British enterprise, and augment the dafeire of the British colonists to extend the system of colonisation. They consider that Italy should have taken action before this for the purpose ot annexing the island, and they condemn the apathy and inaction of the Italian - Ministry in neglecting to secure such a desirable addition of terri* tory to their country. The projected, departure of Sir Hercules Robinson from Cape colony has been un avoidably delayed. The Home Secretary urges local bodies throughout the .United Kingdomto adopt precautionary measures with a view to preventing dynamite and other explosions in their respective districts. . The statement made by Guy, clerk in the telegraph office, I "Dublin, to the effect that he had been seized, confined, and "questioned by Fenians is regarded with suspicion..,. The. authorities have sus pended him pending ah inquiry into the truth of his, story. Prince Alexander of Bulgaria is now on a visit to Constantinople, where he hwt mo l wit £ a " enthusiastic reception. The Fenians oi Canada haVe "publicly announced their inianwm to blow up the residence of the Govcrnvr.General at Ottawa.

. Hostilities have been re-eommoncbd be tween the French and Anameae in refer ence to the occupation of, Tonquin. France has despatched reinforcements of troops to the scene. It is probable that China will resist the French troops now in Tonquin, and war between the tiro countries is very probable. An outbreak of plague has taken place in Persia, and is spreading rapidly. Fears are entertained that it will extend to Europe, and the greatest excitement pre vails.

The Dragon has been detained at Aden in consequence of a revolt having, broken out amongst the Arabs. > ; t The King of the Netherlands will open the Amsterdam Exhibition on, Ist May. The Prince of Wales has ; intimated that he will be unable to be present at the opening ceremonies. Arrangements in connection with the Victorian and New South Wales Courts have been pushed forward rapidly, and they will be thoroughly completed before the Exhibition is opened. Exhibits from the different countries present a most Im posing appearance. The pyramid repre senting the quantity of gold obtained in Victoria since the industry was first started, will form a special feature of attraction. The pyramid has been com pleted with the exception of the gilding, which is now being proceeded with. Messrs McLain, Spensley, and - Levy will represent Victoria. The remaining Courts, with the exception of the . Netherlands, are in a very backward condition, ■and it is hardly possible that thqy will be finished in time for the opening. ‘ , The monument erected at' Westminster Abbey to the memory of the late Lord Beaconsfield, was unveiled yesterday in the presence of a large and distinguished company. ! i

The recent outrages committed by the Fenians have aroused indignation among the Mormons of America, and they have formally declared their abhorrence of the tactics of the Irish agitators. The Government have adopted a code of stringent regulations in relation to the liquor traffic. Tne principal object in view is to restrict the exportation from England of inferior Mauritius rum.

Two hundred students have been ex pelled from the University of Warsaw. The Oriental Bank has been granted a Charter of Incorporation.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRAN CISCO MAIL.

General Summary of News. / London, April 5. Mr H, Bose Muir, of New Zealand, was elected a member of the Colonial In stitute.

Id the House of Commons on March 16 Mr A Pearae asked what was the nature and scope of the inquiry Into, . the affairs of the Western Pacific, which; was about to be taken by Sir Arthur Gordon, Sir A. Hoskins and Rear-Admiral Wilson. Re plying, Mr Ashley said .it was not a Com mission but a definite committee.; The large experience of the members in the affairs of the Western Pacific render it unneces-. sary, that they should receive (detailed in structions. The Committee had been in structed to institute a thorough inquiry into the practical working of the Orders in-Council and native measures requisite, the sure attainment of the objects fer which those Orders-in-OoonCil were issued and to effect the suppression of evils still existing in connection with the labor traffic.

Mr Delisie Hay, author of ‘‘ Brighter Britain,” read a paper on the “ Social and Commercial aspects of New Zealand,” at the Society of Arts Rooms on March 20th.

Mr C. S. Bailey, of the Emigration Office, well-known to many colonists, is dead. .. :

Sir Dillon Bell witnessed the embarka tion of the emigrants by the Westmeath and British Queen. > ,: - The European JHaU suggests a division of the subsidy between twO" companies, ensuring a weekly service. ' ■ A Dead Meat Stock Company‘has been floated with a capital of'LI,(K)0,000 in 'London. ■ V ‘

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1888.



yljLlft CASH PURCHASER "*■ '' BRIGHT MILLING Oats, IN ANY QUANTITY. ALBERT ROBERTS, yg3 West street. Roberts, Paxton & Co. CHRISTCHURCH, RE CASH PURCHASERS OF WHEAT BEANS BARLEY PEAS OATS COCKSFOOT AZtiD RYE GRASS SEED.



£hej. supply farmers with the beat i yatity TiAROE OORNSAOKS, at the Lowest Market Bates, AND WILL MARE LIBERAL CASH • - 4 ’ ADVANCES against grain placed in their hands for shipment to London or elsewhere. ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO., v 137, Manchester street, Christchurch i ‘ ‘ Oir their Agent,— ALBERT ROBERTS, m . ABaXVSTOn.



Wanted WANTED Three Five and Six roomed HOUSES for letting. Apply, S. E, Poynxz, Eaat street. 971 WANTED KNOWN— Hates and Co. have a lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. aul2 WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared te Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. ♦ 7600 ANTED KNOWN. That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc,, can be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. WANTED KNOWN — J. C. Duncan Agent, Eaat street, Ashburton, begs to inform everybody that he is now a Licensed Broker under the Land Transfer Act, and Is prepared to com plete transfers, execute mortgages, etc., at schedule rates, and with every possible despatch. INVESTED. 285 - LOANS NEGOTIATED.-tt®, 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 hemes. Moore Street, Ash burton. 100



Special Advertisements. Money ! Money! ! The equitable investment COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, limited, are prepared, through their agent, J. 0. Dun 'jan, East street, to LEND MONEY on Ashburton approved free hold or leasehold property, repayable by either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly instalments, or for a fixed period. The Company are also open to DIS COUNT BILLS. J. C. DUNCAN, 883 Agent, East street.



JEL M. Jones’ 0 0 O U N T BOOKS. VARIOUS Authors ; Sir Walter Scott’s Works, new edition, complete. TOYS ! TOYS !! TOYS !! ! GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, an«s Indiarubber. GOOD BUSINESS SIX SHILLINGS PER THOUSAND CASH. A BARGAIN. Good Second-hand PIANBTT *5 , £2O, FANCY GOODS 1 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. Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual NEW VOLUMES— Chatterbox Child's Companion Infants’ Magazine, &c., &c. POETS— Envelopes.



SECOND-HAND Pianos, In good order, £ls, £2O, 10s, 25. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d STATIONERY OP EYERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—from small to largest jars School Books—School Committees sup plied at lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &0., East street South, Ashburton. nls



JJOBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & 00. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 -\TEW WORK PATH OF, LIFE ; or. Aims and Aids to Success and Happiness," illus trated with Steel Engravings, in differ ent bindings. Also, a beautiful selection of EASTER CARDS. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE* GO TO DAVIS'S OHEAPj, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Fbiobs and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship. FUNERALS OHSAKLT & COMPLETELY ITnKinSHSS sl



Special Advertisements. gPORT I N G. I hare just received nay season’s stock of Guns of every description, and respectfully .invite an inspection. Double Breech-loaders from L 5 ss. Double and Single Muzzle-loaders at all prices. Decoy Ducks. Duck Calls. Game Bags. Cartridge Belts and Bags. Field Glasses. Loading Machines, etc., etc. New Season’s POWDER, Curtis and Harvey’s, and Pigou, Wilkes and Lawrence’s—very best quality. Newcastle Chilled Shot, all sizes. Cartridges, Cartridge Oases, Wads. And every shooting requisite. Being the largest importer of Guns and and Ammunition in New Zealand, and every Gun being made to my own order, intending purchasers cannot do better than communicate with me. THOS. G. ROWLEY, 630 Gunsmith, Timaru.



JOB, SALK The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and ia thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sections having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS. Only a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at 6£ per cent, for a term of years as may bo agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing | 1026 acres. I Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, and well watered. [ For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN I AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM -1 PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au



n PE 01 AL NOTICE. TO THE INHABITANTS OP ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. GL R. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, PSIKOBS STREET, DUNKBIS Have great pleasure in announcing that it is their intention to cater for the Music loving population of Ashburton in such a mamer as has never before been at tempted. Messrs G. R. West & Co. are the Largest Direct Importers of PIANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, BRASS, WIND, AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS In the Colony, and a large and varied stock of the above can always be found. Mr G. R. West, being at present in England, is shipping direct to Dunedin all the latest novelties in MUSIC ! MUSIC ! ! MUSIC !! ! And the firm respectfully solicit a call from their friends, teachers, and the public in general to inspect their magnifi cent stock of Music, personally selected. did



o 267 T AM A CASH PUR CHASER, AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES, of WHEAT OATS GRASS SEED BARLEY Farmers wishing to SHIP ON THEIR OWN AC COUNT can get information as co Cost, Freight, etc., by applying to JOSEPH CLARK, Ashburton & Tinwald. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY E spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS.



The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be feund CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT —™ AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WeRTHBIM SEWING MAOHINESS Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. TAT" ANTED KNOWN—Every desorip ” tion of Plain and Fancy Pointing executed on the shortest notice, at the Quardicm Office, nextfgHatson,. Cox, and Co.’b. West street.a " ... offiewA’SSS i



Special Aevertisements. -\TATIONAL mortgage and AGENCY COMPANY UF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED). TO FARMERS AND OTHERS. Wa are prepared to receive Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, and Dairy Produce for ship ment to London, Continental, and Aus tralian markets, or for disposal in local markets, and where required will make Liberal Advances against same. Farmers and others who favor us with their business may depend upon the utmost care and attention being exercised in handling their produce, and also upon receiving prompt returns. In all the Aus tralian Colonies we have made special and complete arrangements for the disposal of Grain and Produce generally, and wa shall be glad to furnish full information to any of our friends who think of trying those markets. Freights to the United King-, dom have been arranged by us on fav r« able terms, and shippers will receive IIS benefits of the lowest ruling rates ui freight. We have made large additions to our Commodious Stores at Addington, where we are prepared to receive Grain, etc., on Storage at lowest current rates, making Liberal Advances if necessary. Cornsacks, large size (48 by 26), full weights, supplied, on application, at cur rent prices. Full information obtaina'-’ < at our offices, 214, Cashel street, Christchurch. 269 GEORGE KING, Manager.