SHIPPING.

sl o i a MST o? lyttsmon. .c:\ ■. Arrived.! Yesibrdat, Taiaroa, 8.8., from Wellington. Sailed. Ybsxbkdat. Janet Ramsey, schooner, for Gatlin’s STRitee ,:jy- -

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, • Monday afternoon. 1 Mr T. Bullock reports for the wee’: ending January 13th : Horse Market :At the Bazaar, Burnett street, on Saturday, there Was an average entry of horses, viz., 36, a large proportion of which were of an inferior descrip tion, for which there is very little demand ; in fact, although there was a large attendance the biddings throughout were very languid, and the dullest sale I have experienced for some weeks past. Out of the total number entered. Viz., 36, II were sold Ut the following prices : —Useful farm horses, Ll 5, Ll 7 xos, L 23 10s; inferior and aged draughts, L 8 ios to Lio; light harness hoi ses, Ls to Lio ; three-year-old colts in low condition, L 7; hacks, from L 8 10s to Lio ios, with very little demand. I also disposed of a McCormick twine binder, new this season and in use about a fortnight, for L 65. Mr Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows Saturday, January 13th.—Horses, very slovr of sale, and very few of any good coming forward. Cows also very dull, only two or three of the whole lot changing hands- Pigs : very few were penned, but those' sold from 20s to 21s each. Fowls, 2s to 2s 6d. Implements : dull; several reapers being sold at low prices, and one or two drays to Lt2. ... Produce : potatoes, is 2d to 3s 4d ; chick . wheat, 2s 6d; feed barley, 3s. Tea, 2is. - “Sundries and furniture sold very well. Har vesting operations ate now getting into full swing, - and dull sales are the consequence. ' May it always be so if the harvests are good ones.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey jßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinda, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Wincljpster, ii-, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. . For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., ''daily. i: For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenatreet, ,>n Tuesdays and Fri t>; 'days, at 10.30 a, m. For Vtount 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, »t 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes . days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. in. 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 Office — _ - From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 1- 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From. Chertsey, &o. at 10.15 a.m. and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places . " at 6.30 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. 1 From Greenatreet, 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. iFrom Ashton, Waterton, and Long -" .’beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thura ii 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 0.30 a.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

I; t AUCTION SALES To-mokbow, Tuesday, January 16. B. Wilkin and Co., at the New Zealand Wool Stores —Wool; 11 a.m. Watson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards —Stock. Satueday, January 20. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their Bazaar— Horses, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sundries, &o.; 11.30 a.m. Mr 1., Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses, 1 p.m. Mr W F. Allen, at his rooms, Burnett street—-Horses, Pigs, Poult) General Produce, &c.; 11.30 a.m. Ur Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; .12 noon. Tuesday, January 23.

Mr Alfred Harrison, at Saunders’ Build ings—Photographer’s Plant; 2 p.m. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-Night, Monday, January 15. Lecture .by Archibald Forbes Town Hall, 8 p.m. Friday, January 19. Maccabe’s Entertainment —Town Hall, 8 p.m. Friday, January 26. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Saturday, February 3, Wakanui Hoad Board —Monthly Meeting, Boad Board Office, Moore street Monday, February, 12. • .'County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. ■

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton fob Cheist- CHXJBCHand intermediate stations at 7. 10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 6.39

p.m. Tbaies Leave Ashburton fob Tdiaeu and South, at 6.60 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Aeeive ax Ashburton from Oheistchueoh at 10 20 a. m. (Express), ■ 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. Trains Aeeive at Ashburton from 1 Txmaeu and South at 10.45 a.m., 5,28 p.m. (Express), and 8 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 1883. Socialism.

Anyone who takes an interest in European affairs and has watched the course of events must have observed with alarm the rapid spread of social istic ideas daring the past few years. When the world was startled by the news of the assassination of the Em peror Alexander 11., many people understood, for the first time, what a formidable society existed in Russia. And now we learn that Nihilism has spread beyond its original home, and France has had to quell and to avenge outrages that have recently taken place in that country. It is scarcely possible that views which are at once so danger ous and, to a certain class of mind, so fascinating as are those promulgated by the Socialists will not extend, and when we hear people talking glibly about the nationalisation of the land and such like so-called reforms we may well have fear for the future of the world. The terrible reign of the Commune in Paris shows to what length a fanatic desire for liberty may carry men. And yet there were among those who took a leading part in that movement many that were acting conscientiously. They firmly believed that Communism was nothing more nor less than pure Christianity, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to refute such a pro position. But logic is not the only, nor indeed the chief, factor in govern ment. It is no doubt pleasant for the poor man to be told that he was born with equal rights to the richest in the country, the workman likes to hear that the products of his own industry should belong to him, and the farm laborer is only too ready to be lieve that landlords are his natural enemies, and that the soil he helps to till should be his own property. No wonder the half educated mind is car ried away by doctrines so fascinating as these, and that it is ready to receive them as articles of faith. And yet nearly every experiment in the way of co-operation has egregiously failed, and in Russia, the stronghold of socialism, the system of land-ownership by village

communities has obtained for many years, with what result we have seen. If we could return to a primitive state' the views of Socialists might be carried out, but we must remember that the world is civilised, and this civilisation must be accepted not for the good than for the apparent evil it brings. But it is useless to deny that the vague visions of political theorists have done great harm, and it is to be feared that the ultra-radical teachings of enthu siasts will cause still more trouble in the future. Every day Socialism becomes more active and more menacing, and though it is stronger on the continent than in England, it is not unknown in the latter country. During last year a book was written by an American, named George, entitled “Progress and Poverty.” This work has been issued in England in a cheap form, and has had a large sale, not only at Home, but in the colonies. It is impossible to over-estimate the harm that may be wrought by the specious reasoningof this essay, and yet it is read by thousands, and its principlesareendorsed by people who never consider that to carry out those principles would necessitate a re volution. It is by such books as these* written by men who probably do not appreciate the injury they do, that the seeds of Socialism are sown which will ripen into anarchy. Nor have we the less interest in this question because we live so faraway from the countries where this difficult problem has to be solved. It is pertinent to ask ; Are we not in New Zealand fast drifting towards Socialism? We enjoy in this colony, what some people consider an advantage over older countries, virtually universal suf frage. This was accorded in response to a popular cry, but it is doubtful whether it is an unmixed good. The immediate result, at any rate, has not been satisfactory. We have now a Parliamant that is beyond question the least intellectual New Zealand has ever had, and the reason for this is not far to seek. In our desire to place every man upon an equal political footing, we have given votes to people who neither know the value of, nor recognise the responsi bility attaching, to the privilege. Any noisy demagogue who is ready to flatter the mob and pander to its prejudices, has more chance of being returned to Parliament than has the honest politi cian Organisations like the Trades and Labor Councils, taking advantage of their newly-acquired power, issued the most outrageous programmes, directly socialistic in their tendency, and in many instances the candidates who were ready to blindly promise all that was asked carried the day against men infinitely more fitted to represent the people. Thus the thin end of the Socialistic wedge has been inserted ; but it is to be hoped that by the time the next general election comes. round the common sense of the people will assert itself, and that representatives will be chosen from those to whom politics is a science, and not a mere sentiment. It is on’y our faith in the existence of this common sense, though temporarily obscured, that causes us to hope that the troubles which are threatening the peace of Europe will never be experienced in these colonies.

Police Court. —At the Police Court this morning three first offenders were fined 5s for being drunk, and John Fleming, for creating a disturbance was mulcted in the sum of 10s, with the alter native of 48 hours’ imprisonment. The Mayor (D. Williamson, Esq.) presided.

The New Saleyards —lt will be seen from an announcement in this issue that the first sale of stock at the new yards at Tinwald will take place on Tuesday, the 23rd inst. The sale will commence at 11 o’clock instead of 12, as heretofore, and we are requested to intimate that, in future, eleven o’clock will be the hour of starting the sales. Accident. --We learn from our own correspondent that Mr Dickenson, of Sea field, met with a rather serious accident on Saturday night. He was returning home on horseback from Ashburton, in company with two other gentlemen, when in cross ing an open ford in the water-race, near Mr Hudson’s place, his horse stumbled and threw its rider. Mr Dickenson was picked up by his companions, and the horse being secured he rode home, and on arrival it was found that he had fractured his collar bone and that his left leg was severely bruised by the fall.

The War Correspondent. —The fact, that according to the latest cablegrams, France by no means acquiesces in the course pursued by England in Egypt, while on the other hand England has plainly intimated that she does not intend to allow France to establish a protectorate over Madagascar, doubtless lends ad ditional importance to Mr Archibald Forbes’s utterances at the present moment. During last week he has attracted enor mous audiences in Christchurch ; the subjects of his lectures apparently being of interest to all sorts and conditions of men, for every part of the house was equally well patronised. It is scarcely necessary to remind our readers that Mr ' orbes will give his first lecture in Ash burton at the Town Hall this evening. Gold Medal? Or First award!— Writes the Sheffield correspondent of the British Trade. Journal. There is war in the sheep-shear trade. Messrs Burgon and Ball, of LaPlata Works, Malin Bridge, de clared that they had gotthe gold medal at Christchurch Exhibition, New Zealand. Messrs Ward & Payne called this statement in question. Messrs Burgon and Ball re turned to the chafge, and printed a tele gram from their London agents affirming the accuracy of their golden legend. Messrs Ward and Payne said no move at the time ; but I suspect we shall soon hear from them again. The official list »f awards, entitled the “ New Zealand International Exhibition Record,” is be fore me, and curiosity led me to examine its pages very carefully to see if Messrs Burgon and Ball had really got the medal. The result of my researches is to ascertain that there are only two lines about sheep shears in the whole catalogue, and they run thus : “ Burgon and Ball, Sheffield —sheep-Sheara ; for price and quality. Ward and Payne, Sheffield, tools, and shears of excellent workmanship.” These appear under the “First Order of Merit,” which, I notice from the conditions, en titles to a silver medal. But 1 find a note that all exhibitors who have a star (*) before their names have been awarded certificates of Gold medal. Well, there is a star before both Messrs Ward and Payne and Messrs Burgon and Ball's names. Then there is the instructive note, “ No gold medals will be given, but when a certificate of gold medal has been awarded, the exhibitor can obtain the same from the die-sinker on payment of the value.” There is only one thing clear —if you want a gold medal you must pay for it 1 have a strong suspicion that the die-sinker had a hand in this “ Ex hibition Record,” and means to do a good large business in gold medals, for, out of 58 successful exhibitors in this particular section (the third), only 14 have not the “star.”

Supreme Oouet. —The Supreme Court sittings at Christchurch will commence on Wednesday next. Six charges from Ashburton will be brought up during the sj .sion.

Wheat. —Wo have been ah won a sample of Russian Wheat grown on the farm of Mr Rule, at.Ohe taey. The grain is unusually heavy and we are informed that the crop will reach the high average of 60 bushels to the acre.

Criminality in Auckland. —Auckland has recently gained unenviable notoriety an account of the number of acts of violence reported from that city. The re sult of this is that no less than thirty-five persons are now awaiting trial at the Su preme Court Sessions. When the country cases are added, it is expected there will be forty altogether. Five omnibuses are engaged to take the lot with an escort to the Court House the first days, as it is not known against whom the Grand Jury will first return true bills. This will be a criminal procession, the like of which has not been soon before in Auckland. Cricket. — A match betweenthe Muffs and the second eleven of the County Club is arranged to take place on Wednesday next in the Domain ground. The match played on Saturday between the local bricklayers and carpenters, resulted in a victory for the former by 31 runs. A match has also been arranged between the Borough and the County Clubs, which wi Ibe played to-morrow. The players willjbe chosen from the following—County; Messrs Oastelli, Fooka (3), Hogg, Hutch inson, Wroughton, Hart, Jephson, Maud, Jones, and Dr Leahy. Borough Club; Messrs G.'W. Andrews, Crscker, John ston, L. F. Andrewes, Amos, Marsh, Patching, Dan, Ivess, Jones, Ven ables. Emergencies: Messrs Pur chase and Dee.

Fe zen Meat Trade. —The Wellington Frozen Meat Company is making good progress. The first cargo will be placed on the Lady Jocelyn on Wednesday, and will be followed by another on the fol lowing day, arrangements having been made to bring the meat down at daylight every morning. The work of freezing will occupy about three weeks. As this is the first shipment of frozen meat from Wellington a considerable amount of in terest will no doubt be evinced in the pro gress of the operation, and the result of t,e undertaking. The ship is fitted with machinery of the latest design, and the freezing of the meat will be conducted by three properly qualified engineers. The cargo will consist of about 6,000 carcases of mutton, 150 of beef. The necessary number of sheep and bullocks have been purchased in the Wairarapa, and will be slaughtered at the abattoirs at Petone.

The Victoria. Cross. —There returned to the barracks at Whittington, near Lich field, England, lately, Private W. H. Jones, formerly employed as a groom at Wolverhampton. In 1873 he enlis edinto the Militia, and thence into the 38th Regiment. In the Zulu war he obtained a medal, and in Egypt he went into ths Mounted Infantry, being engaged in each action up to and inclusive of Tel-el-Kebir. On one occasion he, carried a wounded officer out of danger, and has on this account been recommended for the Vic toria cross. His own description of the latter incident is peculiarly quiet. “We were riding on,” said he, “ when he (the officer) said, ‘I am wounded in the leg, bugler.’ At that moment my horse was shot through the head, and I was thrown. I picked myself up and said, ‘‘lf you are wounded in the leg my horse is wounded in the head.’ I then picked him up and carried him on my back for 200 yards or more, after which I mounted his horse andwent in.” Jones is now only 21 years of age.

A Pertinent Enquiry. —On Tuesday last (says the N. 0. Times) a spark from the engine of the express train proceeding northward set fire to a paddock of Mr M'Masters, at Waikaura. The paddock contained a fine crop of ryegrass, put up in “cocks,” and awaiting the threshing mill. The whole would have been con sumed had there not been a gang of work men on the line, who, at'racted by the smoke and the roar of the tire, quickly proceeded to the spot. It was only after a fierce battle they succeeded in quench ing the flames that were careering along the stubble and licking up the “cocks.” But for this timely rescue, not only would the entire crop have been destroyed, but most probab’y many miles of beautiful finely-kept gorae hedges besides. As it is, the damage done is considerable. Whe ther the Government is liable or not liable to be sued for compensation for injury inflicted in this manner, it should, all the same, do what is possible for the protec tion of private property. Can nothing be done to prevent fire-balls being belched out of the smoke-stacks of the locomotives as they travel along ? Surely a little mechanical ingenuity and very little ex pense should be equal to the provision of a remedy.

Holloway’s Pills. —lnvalids distracted by indigestion and discouraged in their search for its remedy should make trial of this never failing medicine. A lady, long a martyr to dyspeptic tortures, writes that Holloway’s Pills made her feel as if a burden had been taken off her. Her spirits, formerly low, have greatly improved ; her capricious appetite has given place to healthy hunger ; her dull, sick headache has departed, and gradually so mar vellous a change has been effected, that she is altogether a new creature, and again fit for her duties. These Pills may be administered with safety to the most delicate. They never act harshly, nor do they ever induce weakness they rightly direct deranged, and control ex cessive action.

MURDER OF A DETECTIVE.

The following account of the murder of Detective Cox in Dublin, which took place on November 25th, and was re ferred to in our summary of news by the San Francisco mail is taken from the Northern Whig :—For some time past the detective force of Dublin has been employed in watching men be lieved to have taken part in the recent Fenian outrages in Dublin. Specially picked constables had been told off, and their duty has been to watch the houses frequented by these men, to fol low them, and obtain any information concerning them, Some ot these are men who were arrested under the Peace Preservation Act, now expired, on sus picion of having taken part in the Phoenix Park murders and other out rages, and others are persons known to be associates ot these men since their discharge from prison. For this special duty the detective force of the Dublin Metropolitan Police has been largely augmented, almost entirely from the ranks of the ordinary Dublin police force. Since the passing of the Crimes Act these detectives have been most active, and numerous searches for arms were made in houses in the lower quarter of the city, but not with much success. The supervision of the police has made these men, suspected of un lawful designs, more cautious, and the police have reason to believe that they themselves were subjected to a counter system of espionage by the emissaries of the Fenian organisation in Dublin. It has been noticed that gangs of sus pected men have frequented Sackville street and the adjoining streets almost nightly, drinking in well-known public houses in the by-streets. From night

fall on Saturday the detective officers carefully observed the movements of one i of these gangs. A little after ten o’clock a party, suspected to be members of a secret society, were seen coming from Earl street, which leads into Sackville street. This party passed down Sack ville into Middle Abbey street, and then went into a public-house. Con stable Eastwood, who first noticed them, with his companion, Constable Cox, at once summoned other members of the force who were within convenient distance. Six detective policemen were in this way got together at the corner of Middle Abbey street 'and Sackville street, and waited. There is a lane way leading from Abbey street to the quay, which is called Bachelor’s Walk. The constables saw five men in the laneway apparently watching. They left the laneway and walked down Abbey street towards Capel street, about fifty yards. The detectives fol lowed them, dividing into two parties, each consisting of three. They walked at the other side of the street from that on which the suspected men were. Constables Eastwood, Cox, and Strat ford walked in front, and Constables Haughton, Williams, and Beatty fol lowed twenty yards behind. The first were armed with revolvers, the second three with sticks only. When the first three reached the Nation newspaper office they crossed over towards the other side of the street. This move ment of the police was followed by three shrill whistles from a pea whistle carried by one of the gang, which at once halted and faced the police. Cox, Eastwood, and Stratford were at this time halfway across the street, and Eastwood saw a revolver in the hands of one of the men. He called to Con stable Cox, “ Arrest that man,” at the same time pointing at the man who carried the revolver. At once some one cried out —“Now is your time, shoot him.” The man who carried the revolver coolly step ped off the , footway, stepped out a few paces, and deliberately aimed at Constable Cox, firing two shots at him. He was within a yard of the policeman at the time, and the bullet struck the unfortunate officer in the head, mortally wounding him. The constable did not instantly fall, but grappled with his as sailant. Constable Eastwood drew his revolver at once artd fired at this man, who fell to the ground with the officer. Constable Stratford also fired at the person who had attacked his comrade several times, and also fired at the other members of the gang. Shots were then exchanged between the attacking party and the two detectives who carried re volvers, at least twelve shots being dis charged. Eastwood tried to grapple with one of the gang, and at the same time he was seized by someone from behind. Looking round, he saw a man whom he knew to be Devine. This man then struck him a violent blow on the back, and he fell. He tried to rise, and two shots were fired at him. One 1 passed through his hat and the other passed through the cloth of his coat at the elbow. The officer’s revolver then fell from his hand. It was afterwards picked up by a passer by, and restored to him. Eastwood cried out “ I know you; do not dare to fire.” Whether Devine would have fired it is not pos sible to say, but at that moment Ser geant Danvers, of the ist Battalion King’s Own Rifles, who had been walking down the street, rushed up. Constable Eastwood called to him in the Queen’s name to assist him. The i soldier grasped by the throat with his left hand, and, drawing his sword

with the other, threatened to kill De vine if he resisted. Eastwood also grasped Devine, and then putting his hand across the man’s chest felt two revolvers under his coat. About fifty people had now collected, and among them was a drunken woman, and she cried out with an oath, “ Don’t let the soldier go; fire on the soldier,” and she tried to trip him up ; but he was easily able to put her off. The police then -ordered the crowd to fall back, and they did so. The entire occurrence oc cupied a very small space of time, and before it had concluded the other mem bers of the gang made off. They were piobably unaware that only some of the policemen were armed with revolvers, and in addition to this escape would have been impossible owing to the number of people who had collected within a very short time after the first shot was fired. While the fight was in progress Constable Williams got a vio lent blow, he states, in the head. He wrenched the revolver from the hand of the man who had shot Cox. Cox and his assailant were placed on a car and taken to Jervis street Hospital, not far distant; but when the former was examined it was found that he was quite dead. It is stated that one man, known to the police as a bad character, so persistently and closely followed the car that a detective on it had to threaten to-shoot him if he did not get out of the way. A medical examination of Constable Cox’s body showed that the bullet which killed him entered at the base of the skull and severed the spinal column. The constable must have turned his head sidewise when he was fired at. There was no other wound on his body. He was twenty-five years of age, and during the four years he was in the force on ordinary police and detective duty he had a good character. He has also an uncle in the force, who is inspector of the B Division. He was unmarried.

THE BRITISH WORKMAN.

A long controversy has been proceed ing in the Times in reference to the poverty of the working classes, wherein Mr George Potter, a well-known sup porter of the <( rights of the working man ” has been sturdily contending for higher wages, and other partisans have, with equal assiduity, sought to prove that the British artizan now gets infi nitely higher wages than he used to do, and that he can live very well on the present rate of payment if he chooses to be economical and temperate. Mr Potter has at last come to the con clusion that “ the true remedy for the poverty of the working classes is to give them a fair share in the enormous wealth annually produced by labor, which, in their opinion, they have not as yet had.” This very comfortable doctrine Mr Potter enforces by quoting some figures as to the receipts and expenditure of the working classes, which are interest ing and apparently reliable. In the building trade men get gd per hour, so

that working 51 hours per week they get Li i ßs 3d. On an average, how ever, the men are out of work (Mr Pot ter says) for twelve weeks, so that the average is reduced to 30s a week for the whole year. Printers, compositors, and bookbinders average 30s to 35s per week. Cabinetmakers, upholsterers, and chairmakers average 30s. Shoe makers, tailors, and so on’get about 20s to 255. The mass of ordinary laborers get about 12s or T6s per week. Now for the expen diture for rent, food, and clothing. Average cost of two rooms in London, with firing and lighting, 10s per week; food for a family of six persons, 3s per day, or 21s per week. These two items absorb the whole of the general average wage of 30s, leaving no balance for clothing and no margin for sickness or other contingent expenses, nor yet for amusement. The picture which Mr Potter draws is certainly a sad one, and if correct warrants him in saying that “ the lot of the laboring class is, as a rule, a hard one; thattheir food Con sists of the coarsest and scantiest kind; that their dwellings are in the worst localities and are the most miser able of homes; and that ’their social condition is in every way discreditable to a nation abounding in such wealth and luxury as England does." Well, there is no doubt that the English working man would do a deal better if he would emigrate to new countries, but the observation of every day tends to show that, despite Mr Potter’s gloomy figures, it is pos sible for the British workman to have a decent roof over his head, to clothe his family, and to get food sufficient id quantity, and in keeping, as. regards quality, with his surroundings and tastes. The “true remedy,” one may say, is not to lay the capital accumulated by industry and frugality at the mercy of the poverty caused by improvidence and extravagance, as Mr Potter would like; but to recommend improved habits of thrift.

THE ART OF KILLING.

The Spectator has some cheerful speculations on possible improvements in the art of killing. At present, not withstanding the help that science has given to butchery in war, we really are not much in advance of our ancestors in the Year One. They carried on war by throwing stones and banging each other with clubs. Substantially we do ihe same. Our stones are bigger, and iwe throw them further, but that is all. .At present \vc can throw a big stone— namely, a i.yoolb shell, which will burst where it alights, and kill every living thing within a circuit of a hun dred feet—we can throw such a stone a distance of three miles. The only improvement which science encourages us to hope for is that we may learn to throw bigger stones still and tljrofcr them further. Possibly we may even become able to drop them from bal loons—which would be mighty incon venient to anyone who happened'to be below. When ballooning is perfected battles will be fought either in the air or underground ; nobody will be able to live on the surface. Still, balloon war fare will mainly resolve itself into stone throwing. Some philanthropists hold that until we have arrived at a more scientific, expeditious, and comprehensive mode of killing than this, there is no real hope for the pro gress of the race. Supposing an as phyxiating vapour were available which would smother a whole array at ohce. The late Captain Warner believed him self to have invented such a vapour (perhaps this also was Lord Dun donaid’s secret), and tried it with .en tire success upon a flock of sheep. But it is the peculiarity of such vapours that they rise. The army to be suf focated would escape by merely lying down. The sheep did not know this fact, and consequently perished. There is no way at present known of smother ing a body of men in the open air Sun less they can be persuaded to stand erect during the process. Abandon ing hope from that quarter, there re mains to us the possibilities of elec tricity. We may learn to shoot light ning at each other—which ought to be more effective than stone-throwipg; or, again, we might contrive to arrange mirrors “so as to concentrate intoler able heat, heat that would pulverise a diamond at a considerable distance.” “ The thing could be done,” says the Spectator, “ so effectually that the very ribs of an iron ship would dissolve into molten metal—but not at any dis tance.” That is the discouraging fact. We ought to be able to do it from so great a distance that the iron ship to be operated upon would not find it pos sible to derange our apparatus by throwing 1,700 pound shells at it. On the whole there is no immediate pros pect of any improvements in our methods of wholesale killing, which seems much to be regretted. The era of universal peace cannot arrive, say some theorists, until war is made so deadly that it will be worth nobody’s while to fight. On that view the out look is gloomy, and one would fain hope that there may be a “ more ex cellent way.” What is the good of having so many religions if they can’t keep mankind from rending and tear ing each other like brute beasts. ?

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPY EIGHT. ] Monetary and Commercial. London, Jan. 12.

Consols have advanced to New Zealand securities are without quotable change. Adelaide wheat old qualities, ex warehouse, are quoted at 495, being an advance of 6d per bushel. New Zealand wheat, ex ware house, has similarly advanced, and is now at 44s to 475. Adelaide flour mains at 335, ex store. New Adelaide wheat is quoted at 465. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,300,000 quarters, being an advance of 70,000 quarters since January sth. Australian tallow has ad vanced 6d to is per cwt. Best beef is quoted at 435, best mutton at 455. The Wool Market. The wool market is decidedly firmer. The arrivals to date for next auctions amount to 80,000 bales. A Royal Birth. London, Jan. 13. The Duchess of Connaught gave birth to a son to-day.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 1883.



John Meech, ubnett street, j:. if, Ashburton, - CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER. The above advertiser begs to intimate e ,*" to hia numerous friends and customers that as he has 7; ;EXTENDED HIS PREMISES He is now in a position to execute all kinds of FURNITURE at prices to meet Crr XHB TIMES. gecond-hand Furniture bought and i' ■ ♦- . First Prize awarded at the late A. and s'# 3b ••• ■ , Showrooms —-Next Bullock’s Arcade. 'Workshop—Next Mail )ffice. >



Wanted WANTED —A respectable MARRIED COUPLE, for a farm (without en cumbrance). A young couple preferred. Apply to John Bland, 69 WANTED— A BOY to look after Cattle and make himself generally useful; must be a good milker. Apply to Robert Anderson, Brooklyn; or at Flemington Cheese Factory. 84 WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, haring procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 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 KNOWN—It is Mr Lan caster’s intention to extend hie Bread Business, and ho wishes his cus tomers to knew ho has secured Mr The cas Hicks to manage that branch. A Cart will be run with Broad alone, independent of the other Two Farts, which will con tinue to run as before. The name of Mr Hicks will be a sufficient guarantee that, under his management, Bread of unex ceptionable quality will bo turned out of the FREETRADE BAKERY, East street.—R. Lancaster, Proprietor. 240 i miiiiw m hi I Special Advertisements.



Joseph Clark, grain merchant, Opposite Bank of Austhalasia JUST LANDING NEW CLOVER SEEDS. 192 c



JUST ARRIVED. —Christmas Double Part of “ The Young Ladies’ Jour nal.” Also, “Bow Bells,” “London Journal,” “ Family Reader,” “ Family Herald,” etc., etc. Anhrkwes Bros., East street south, Ashburton. 77 To Farmers. WHEAT SHIPMENTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM or CONTINENT of EUROPE, THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, Are prepared to make LIBERAL ADVANCES Against wheat placed in their hands for shipment to London, Liverpool, or the Continental markets. FARMERS’ PARCELS Will have the personal attention of Mr P. Cunningham and Mr G. G. Stead, and will be forwarded by the COMPANY’S LINE OF'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 Free Storage supplied whilst awaiting shipment, and every care taker to ensure dispatch. GEORGE G. STEAD, Managing Director. P. CUNNINGHAM, Consulting Director. W. HOJNE, 12au Agent, Ashburton.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP . FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. VERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed beat of material and workmanship.



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED al mm Bn mm. gZ^Tr, **&fi 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 Oollard, Erarl, Pleyel and others, Dresden Model, and German and French manufacturers, with 11 latest improvements, jsgr- DEFERRED PAYMENTS, Wholesale and Retail. ol



Special Advertisements. riIHE BEST VALUE FOR READY X MONEY IS THR MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured BY TUB NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the very best for READY MONEY. Ashburton Branch: EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manxokr. sift



QOA L. 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, RESTELL & CO.



TO BLACKSMITHS, iM BREWERS, AND OTHERS. Just lavded, ex Mary Campbell, from Greymouth, a supply of the CELEBRATED Brunner Coal, The best procurable for blacksmith and steam purposes. n 27 TUCKER, RESTELL & 00.



We have now IN STOCK and for sale, ex vessels from Kaipara, a large assort ment of DRESSED AND UNDRESSED Kauri Timber, including sizes to suit all requirements of the Building Trade. WELL - SEASONED TIMBER for Joiners and Cabinetmakers. Also, from Foxton, ex Awaroa and Forest Queen, Totaral Black Pine, of Ihe best quality to be obtained. 021 TUCKER, RESTELL & CO.



EWEST BOOKS at E. BEY AN’S, 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 C. 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 g AVE YOUR GRAIN, Walter A. Wood’s TWINE REAPER AND BINDER, Which obtained the FIRST PRIZE and GOLD MEDAL against all comers at the TRIAL held last season in Christ church, under the auspices of tha Canter bury A. and P. Association. This Machine combines Lightness of Draught, Simplicity of Construction, Ease op Management, Durability, and with Quantity and Quality ep Work. Ealing, 21st December, —To Messrs Poyntz and Co, —Gentlemen.—In an swer to your enquiry 1 might state that the Wood’s Twine Binder, works t® my entire satisfaction,and may mention that during last season, I cut 154 acres of wheat during a strong wind with perfect ease, and produced good work. Yours truly, Henry Herne, manager for J. E. Ruddenkiau. Newlands, 22nd December, —Messrs Poyntz and Co., Ashburton.—l have this day completed cutting 25 acres of rye grass on my farm at Newlands, with a W. A. Wood’s Twine Binder, purchased from you last year, to my entire satisfaction. The crop is now lying on the ground, and speaks for itself. Anyone wishing to see the crop can do so on visiting my farm. Yours faithfully, Martin Griffin, AN# PURCHASE



FOR SALE— Second-hand GRASS-STRIPPER. FOR SALE— Second-hand McCormick REAPERS and BINDERS. FOR SALE— Four-horse DRAY. FOR SALE— A WAGONETTE, in capital order. FOR SALE— An Eight-horse-power ENGINE, by Clayton and Shattleworth, in good order. FOR SALE COMBINE, by Marshall. ON SALE BINDER TWINE, WIRE, and OIL, at current rates. Poyntz & Co., AGENTS



Special Advertisements. OHRISTMAS PRESENTS. JUST OPENED UP, A Largo and Choice Selection of FANCY GOODS TOYS PRIZE BOOKS. &G., &G., &C. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERY, Ac. East street south, Ashburton. n!5



rnHE Scottish imperial in- SURANCB COMPANY". Head Office: 151, West George street, Glasgow. Capital ... £1,000,000 FIRE RISKS taken at lowest current rates. Claims promptly settled here. W. R. BOYLE, n 7 Agent, Ashburton. JEL 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 1!! ALL SIZ ”B—From one inch to two f ee t—in Wood, Rag, China, Composition, etc. FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above now in stock. jgp 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 I.sSTRUMENIS ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d [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 STOCK 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, “ Munmtbm" Warehouse, Ashburton ; also at Tin wald.



Thomas Taylor, JgAKER AND CONFECTIONER, East street. WE DDIjNG CAKES To Order. Manufacturer of CIDER AND OTHER CORDIALS,



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m , with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., 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 s’ ould be addressed to The Editor.