SHIPPING.

e .PORT OP LYTTELTON. t hi i,! ‘ Arrived, v: Yksmbdat. Go-Ahead, 8.8., from Wellington. - Sailed. r ‘ P ' :! Yesterday. ' po-lhead, 8,8., for Dunedin.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS

0>: Auomand, Yesterday. Arrived —Tsrea, from Lyttelton; Star the Mersey, from Dunedin. Kg.i .y, WauaHOTOK, Yesterday. Arrived —Hawea, from Pioton and Nel eont ETwi, from the East Coast; lioto febi» South. _ gidled—Hawes, from the South ; Ed win Bassett, barque, for Lyttelton. ligjjuO :m Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Waibora, from the North. Sailed Westmeath, for. Newcastle ; Waitangi, ship, for London, ‘with grain, flour and wool; Wairarapa, for Sydney, vis the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Friday, Joins 8. Robert Wilkin and Co. , at the Tmwald Sale Tarda—Surplus Stock, Farm Im nlements, etc. , Saturday, Junb 16. . ifc T. Bnfiock, at the Arcade Sale Yards at I o’clock. '"BfiamNGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o * Monday, Junb 11. Borough Council; at Borough Council '"Chambers'," at 7 o’clock. H J H Wednesday, Judy 4. Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers; 11 a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

at the Ashburton Post Office M follows; — _ . - u 'For Ohiristchurch and North at 6 am. H):3oa;m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Cherteey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, at 10 a.m. daily. JilFfir Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. ■ ,;For Tfanam and South, at 6 a.m., 10 A.m., and 430 p.m., daily. / Jsor Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 pain. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays; at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. Fox; Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur clayß.'atOa.m. For Ashtcn, Waterton and Longbeach, ■t 480-p.m. daily. . ForFlemington, on Mondays, Wednes ■nd'Kjrle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. Fdr Nswlanda, on Tuesdays and Fri 4»y» at 10.30 a.m. ,

'MaHs arrive at the Ashburton Post •Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 •Lth.y 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertaey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. * From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.80 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. 6.80 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks. Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 • ;i ‘From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Sasnrdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8,15 p.m. . From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, atlo.sa.m. Sipm Ashton, Waterton, and Long beseh at 10 ’a.ih. daily. From Blginj Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat* nrdays, at 4 p.m. Flora Jfewlands, oh Tuesdays and Fn da^Mo,3ba.m. Flermington on Tuesdays, Thurs dayt, Saturdays, at 10 a.m. ;

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

JusHßohioN Dob Ohribt ohluroh and intermediate stationsat7.lo a.HL, 10.66 a.m., and (Express) 5.39 p.m. Tbjcdib Leave . Ashburton for Timard and (Express),and 446 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Arrive ax Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. Tauw Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru ahd South at 10.45 aLm., 5.28 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 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 Manaqbr ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1883. The American Colonial Trade.

The reason that Great Britain has been so long the most prosperous trad ing nation in the world is due to the fact that the goods exported were supe rior in quality and workmanship to what could be produced elsewhere. In many foreign markets the British manu facturers had at one time a virtual monopoly, but there is abundance of evidence to show that a formidable rival has sprung up in America, qnd so far as the colonies are concerned it seems by no means unlikely that the latter country will considerably improve her position as an exporter. In the old days England solaced herself with the belief that anything that came from the States was mere “ shoddy,” and was satisfied that although people might be deluded for a time by the cheapness of the articles, the superiority of Fnglish-made goods could not fail to gain the battle in the long run. That the rivalry of America was held too cheaply, the following extract from the representative of a large trading firm in Australia to a leading house in Birmingham will show :—“ We would call your attention once more to the enormous increase in the number of articles we are buying from America. A few years since some half-dozen articles were about all we ordered of American make. Now, as you will see by the indents we send you, the items specially ordered of American make are to be counted by hun dreds. This increase is still main tained, and is, indeed, still growing. Your English manufacturers would do well to take a lesson from their Ameri can rivals. The American goods ex actly suit the requirements of the market. The timber they have will always command a certain trade, but why should they excel English makers of shovels, axes, picks, and edge tools ? It is annoying to those of us who have English sympathies to see so much trade go away from the old country. The general characteristics of American goods, as contrasted with home-made,

are—quality more reliable, better finish not an ounce of unnecessary material, better packing, and the articles them selves thoroughly adapted to the use to which they are put,” in certain c’asses of goods England still maintains a supremacy, but considering the energy and activity displayed by America dur ing recent years, the older country will have to bestir or she ? will find herself deprived of the larger part of her colonial trade. Buyers naturally go to that market which can supply them with the most suitable articles, and ac cording to the extract given above they find such a market easier in the United States than in England. For many reasons this is to be regretted. At the present time there is very little trade reciprocity between the colonies and America, nor is there likely to be much while heavy protective duties are in force. She finds a large market for her “ notions ” in this part of the world, while she practically closes her ports to our produce. We cannot expect that mere sentiment will govern trading re lations, and, however much it may be regretted, if Great Britain finds herself behind America as an importer to these colonies it will be due to her own apathy.

Harrington, of Riverton, has backed out of the sculling match with Hearn The supporters of Hearn are indignant at Harrington refusing to meet their man after his throwing out the challenge. Mr John Corbett, of Greenstreet, brought from Invercargill yesterday an enormous turnip, measuring in circum ference 4ft 4in, and weighing nearly 401bs. It is now on view in Mr Tait’a (saddler) window.

The members of the Otago Land Board were yesterday served with a notice of mandamus to compel them to issue a pastoral deferred payment license to John ston, one of the purchase! s at a recent sale, to whom a license was refused. The Licensing Committee for Lambton *Ward, Wellington, referred yesterday to the frequency of transfers, and said that in future they would be careful in grant ing transfers. All present licenses were renewed, no restrictions of hours being named. A man named John Jones has been ar rested for forging and uttering two pro missory notes for L 35 and L2O 10s on the Bank of New South Wales. Wanganui. He was staying at a Dunedin hotel, and for several weeks’ board left these notes as security.

A very successful movement is being made at Invercargill for the relief of the distressed inhabiiants of the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides. As yet only Scotsmen have been appealed to, but with handsome results, and it is hoped that the movement will become general through out the coleny.

A public meeting under the auspices of the Otago Trades and Labor Council is to be held in the Dunedin Lyceum to-mor row evening. It is expected tnat the city members and several suburban members of Parliament will address the meeting. The subjects to be discussed are the Eight Hours Bill, Corrupt Practices at Elections, the Seamen's Franchise, Extension of Polling Hours, Plurality of Voting, and Workmen’s Liens.

A number of gentlemen of Auckland intend to apply for the Puhipuhi block, lately passed through the Native Lands Court, Kawakawa, under the District Railways Act to construct a railway which joins the line at Kamo and ulti mately go on to the Bay of Islands. Puhipuhi is a splendid forest of kauri, comprising hundreds of millions of feet of timber.

There was an improved attendance at the Town Hall last evening, when a panorama depicting scenes in the Rusao- Turkish War was exhibited. The views were admirably painted, and Mr Stuart gave a very interesting account of the memorable campaign. All the strikiug incidents of war were illustrated, the attack in Plevna, and the fighting in the Schipka Pass being especially effective. A glowing eulogy upon the late General Skobeloff by the lecturer was greeted with loud applause. At the conclusion a number of valuable gifts were distributed. A newspaper correspondence is going on in Invercargill re the building of steamer wharf just inside the pilot station at the Bluff to accommodate large ocean steamers. There is a great depth of water there, and it is probable that a concrete quay only could be constructed. Against the scheme it is urged that the wharf would be exposed to S. E. winds and to the ocean range, but these ace not common nor strong as a rule. Such a wharf would enable steamers passing througn the straits to calj in without loss of half-an-hour. The present railway could be easily constructed to the point. The suggestion is principally made with a view to the frozen meat trade, as it is not likely these large steamers could come to the present wharf.

It has been estimated that the annual consumption of timber for railway sleepers for renewals of old, and for laying down new lines throughout the world, amounts to something like 500,000,000. If this

estimate is anything near the mark the forests of the world which afford timber suitable for the purpose must soon be exhausted. Allowing that on an average of all forests 100 sleepers could be pro cured from an acre, 5,000,000 of acres of forest per annum would be exhausted. But it is doubtful if, on an average, forests would yield 20 sleepers, because only certain classes of timbal are suitable so that we may safely estimate the num ber of forest acres exhausted yearly at 25,000,000. What will the world do for railway sleepers a few years hence ? And not railways only are to be considered ; the world is rapidly being deforestered to supply the demand for timber and other wise. Large portions of the world are already suffering from deteriorated climate in consequence. Forest raising must ere long become a necessity, if not so already, throughout the world, or it will no longer be fitted for the habitation of man with the myriads of animalsneeded to supply his wants.

For downright hard swearing, says the Waikato Times of the 22nd inst., the Maori is not easily beaten. The motto, “What I says I says, and what I says I sticks to, and what I sticks to I swears to,” appears to be adopted in its entirety. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Cam bridge, on last Friday, the evidence given by one of the defendants in tne case Montague v. Potatu and others, called forth a very plain expression of opinion from the Bench. We do not remember hearing the like except on the occasion of the Magisterial enquiry re the man slaughter at Oxford, when half-a-dozen on one side swore to the occurrences, dis tances, time, etc., with the minutest cir cumstantiality, although the utmost care was taken by the Court to prevent the possibility of collusion, the whole of which evidence was contradicted by half a-dozen of the other side, who, also agreeing in the minutest particular, told quite another story. On that occasion, leaving the Court at the mid-day adjourn ment, our reporter remarked to a friend, a native interpreter, who had been pre sent, that it would puzzle any jury to sift out the truth from the evidence, to which he replied, “Don’t you know how those fellows do it ? Why, they’ve been re hearsing for this trial night after night at their kainga until every man is letter-per fect in his part. The devil himself couldn’t shake those fellows’evidence.”

In our yesterday’s issue a paragraph peared, taken from a contemporary, ill which a description was given of a fatal accident that took place at Melbourne re cently. We were in complete ignorance that the victim of the mishap, Mr Cress well, was related to Mr Quill, of this town, and from the evidence given at the in quest it appears that there was i othing said about drunkenness being a contri butory cause of the accident. It need hardly be said t'uit we regret such an im putation should have been made, as it could not fail to hurt the feelings of Mr Gresswell’s friends and relations. The greatest appetizer, stomach, blood and liver regulator on earth —Hop Bitters. Look for and read.— [Advt.] Clergymen, lawyers, editors, bankers, and ladies need Hop Bitters daily, for nerve force. Read.— [Advt.]

Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Outward infirmities.—Before the discovery of these remedies many case of sores, ulcers, &c., we.e pronounced to be hopelessly incurable, because the treatment pursued tended to de stroy the strength it was incompetent to preserve, and to exasperate the symptoms it was inadequate to remove. Holloway’s Pills exert the most wholesome powers over the un healthy flesh or skin, without debarring the patient from fresh air and exercise, and thus the constitutional vigor is husbanded while the most malignant ulcers, abscesses, and skin d'seases are in process of cure. Both Oint* ment and Pills make the blood richer and puier, instead of permitting it to fall into that poo-. - and watery state so fatal to many laboring under chronic ulcerations,—[Advt.] WANTED Kno^vn— That J. Meech is im porting all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-room. All kinds of cutlery, crockery ware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetting. A variety of tinware and other cooking uten sils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattrasses—in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture ex changed, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. All kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept. Agent for the celebrated Dunedin blind-maker. Spring window rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade. —J. Meech. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt.]

THE STORY OF AN ENGLISH CANNIBAL.

The following vivid story of canni balism at sea is published by the Philadelphia (Press as taken down from the lips of a “ wolfish-looking English sailor,” who the other day ac costed a reporter with the remark, “ I’m a lost man, sir; I’m an unfor tunate man, and likewise a cannibal.” On being questioned the sailor spoke as follows :—My name is Arthur Gan delheart. I was born at Deal, on the south coast of England, and went first to sea in a fishing smack when only ten years old. I liked the life, and when I was eighteen I shipped aboard an East Indiaman, and made several long voyages. I worked hard in my spare time to master navigation, and passed for a mate’s certificate before I was twenty-three. In the fall of 1876 I shipped as mate on the Whittlesea, an English barque, and sailed from Ply mouth for Melbourne with a general cargo. We earned a crew of nineteen men all told, and made a good run down as far as the Cape of Good Hope. After rounding the Cape the wind freshened, and a heavy gale continued for three days. Then the gale cul minated in a perfect hurricane. One Friday morning a huge wave made a clean sweep of the deck, carrying away the compass, the wheel house, and smashing up both the boats on the port side. The captain, who was on the poop, was washed overboard, and we never even got a sight of him again. In this extremity I took com mand, but as her steering-gear was damaged, and she would not answer to the newly-rigged wheel, I let her run before the wind. I never was on a vessel before or since when so much water came aboard. About midnight the wind died out with a remarkable suddenness. By four in the morning I found that under the most favorable circumstances I could not hope to keep her above water for more than an hour. We had but just time to get the last boat afloat when she. heeled over to starboard. Four of the sailors and myself got into the boat and shoved her off, as the barque immediately went down with all the others on board. - As the day dawned we found ourselves alone on the ocean without food or water. By midday the sea was quite calm, and there was not a breath of wind on the water. We now prayed as heartily for a breeze as we had longed for fair weather - We strained our eyes con tinually, hoping to sight a passing vessel, but no such welcome vision met our view. I rigged a jury-mast with a spare oar, divided the men into watches, and fell asleep. I was so thoroughly worn out that it was dark before I awoke. The men were complaining of hunger and thirst. Two |of them in sisted on drinking salt water, although I tried hard to dissuade them. The next day they became delirious, and the following day went raving mad. attacked me with the greatest ferocity, and finally jumped overboard, and al though we tried to get them back into the boat, they perished miserably. The three of us that were left now suffered horribly from thirst and hunger. I had on a pair of long sea boots, and I cut the tops into strips, and we chewed the leather, but it afforded us no relief. The salt oily taste of the leather only aggravated my thirst. Dur ing the fourth night after leaving the barque one of the two sailors, a Swede, became very ill. He complained of cramps in the stomach, and his shrieks of agony were terrible to hear. We tried to make him as comfortable as we could, and wrapped him in the sail and laid him in the bottom of the boat. When morning came the poor fellow I could see was dying ; he had no pain, but so weak he could scarcely whisper. I was horrified to see the way that the other man glared at him as he lay in the bottom of the boat breathing heavily, and deathly pale, and with his eyes closed. He edged over to me, and whispered in rny ear, “ He will be dead in an hour, and then we won’t be hungry any longer.” I shud dered, and pushed the human brute away from we with a threaten ing gesture. The sick man opened his eyes and motioned me to approach him. I bent my ear to his lips, and he faintly whispered, “ You’ll wait until I die, won’t you ?” I heard what he said. 1 took his hand in mine, and said while I live he was safe. The sun was high in the heavens when he breathed his last. I was now growing very weak myself, and I must have fainted away, for it was growing dark when I was

aroused by my companion shaking me. “Go and help yourself,” he said, pointing to the bow of the boat, where beneath the sail I could see the out lines of the dead man’s form. What was Itodo ? To realise my position, you must have been through a like experi ence yourself. Our lives were saved, but at what a cost ? Even now my flesh creeps when I think of our life during the next three days. The calm continued, and we drifted about aim lessly— two live menj—cannibals— adrift on the ocean. [At this point Gandelheart passed his hand across his forehead, on which great beads of per spiration stood out like drops of dew.] On the morning of the seventh day after leaving the barque, we sighted a steamer bearing down upon us. An hour later we were safe on board, and before night I was in bed with brain fever. Three weeks latter we were put ashore at Plymouth, and I lay ten weeks in the hospital between life and death. A Board of Trade inquiry as to the loss of the Whittlesea was held in England, and the facts became pub lic property. Since then I have been in a dozen different ships, but once a week, or oftener, I go through the hor rid experience in my sleep, and tell the dread story far more realistically than I have given it to you. After that the men shun me, and I cannot lead an endurable life in any ship that sails. If I can get back to England T shall go back to Deal, and get in the fishing trade again. The folks all know me there, and pity my misfortunes instead of condemning me for. doing that which I could not help.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following business was transacted at the Council meeting yesterday after noon after we went to press :

MOUNT SOMERS LIBRARY.

Mr A. E. Peache wrote, enclosing a number of accounts for work done in connection with the Mount Somers Li brary, requesting the Council to consider the money expanded as devoted to “ building,” and that the promised sub sidy of £ for £ should be allowed. It was resolved that half the amount (£l3 16s 9d) be defrayed by the Council.

RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

Communications received from Mr J. Grigg and also from the Chairman of a public meeting held at Wakanui for the purpose of taking into consideration the damage done by the recent floods, gave rise to a lengthy discussion.

Mr Winter said if the work was to be done it was imperative that there should be no delay. Mr Wright said that the Council had no definite information as to the cost, arid he thought it would be wiser to get their Engineer to examine and re port on the matter. The Chairman pointed out that before they could bring the matter under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act they must have complete specification of the cost of the work. It was finally resolved on the motion of Mr Bullock, seconded by Mr Winter —“ That the Engineer be asked to report on all applications re river protection, with a view of ascertaining the cost before making application under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, and that plans and specifications for river encroachment in Wakanui be made, and application for warded before June 30.”

RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE. The Cairman of the Mount Hutt Road Board wrote asking that the Council Fngi neer be requested to inspect the south ap proach of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge, which had been totallj destroyed by the late floods.—The request was acceded to. PLANTATION. Mr E. G. Wright wrote that the Plan tation Board had resolved th vt 100 acres should be fenced and planted within the County of Ashburton. The Board re gretted that they had not more funds at their disposal, but they had under con sideration proposals which would double their income. It was resolved that the choice of land to be planted should be left to the Planting Committee. STORMWATER AT SOUTH RAKAIA. He an application from South Rakaia that the County Engineer be allowed to report on the best way of disposing of stormwater, it was decided that as the Engineer is exceedingly busy it would perhaps be better to refer to the Road Board for the report. It was also decided that Mr Lambie be asked to represent the Council on the Stormwater Committee. RESERVES. Mr Edward Chapman wrote, asking if a report that he had heard to the effect that the whole of the unbought Govern ment land lying to the north of Pudding Hill stream and the Ashburton river had been handed over to the Council by the Land Board was true. This land formed part of the writer’s leasehold, and he had paid rent for it up to May, and ho wished to know if the Council would rent it for grazing at the Government rate.—Re solved:—“That Mr Chapman be informed that the Council will comply with his re quest, the Council reserving the right to enter for protective purposes.”—lt was also resolved that the reserves at South Rakaia be advertised for leasing for 14 years. POUNDK REFERS. Mrs Woodley was re-appointed pound keeper at the Hinds, and Mr Holland to the same post at Waterton. HOSPITAL COMMITTEE. The Hospital Committee was re-ap pointed. SLAUGHTERING LICENSES. Licenses were granted to Mr S. Wood (Dromore road), and Mi G. Raymond (Ford’s road). ’ A RETURN WANTED. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Lambie, seconded by Mr Winter—“ That the Engineer be instructed to prepare a return of the mileage of all water-races in the County, together with a list of all landholders through whose land the races have been constructed at the sole expense of the County Council, with a view of" striking a rate for water supply mainten ance.” TENDERS. The tenders of Mr Bonder, in the sum of L4l for flume and culvert, and of Mr Phelan, in the sum of L 39 17s 6d, were accepted. Mr Studholrae's tender for reserves 99 and 1485 was accepted. The Council then adjourned.

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBURTON.— To-day. (Before His Honor Deputy Judge Harvey.) W. H. Rule v. Thomas Holmes and Cornelius Sullivan. Mr Stringer for the plaintiff, and Mr Wilding for the de fendant —This was a claim for L2OO damages caused by plaintiffs in not properly carrying out a contract entered into between the parties.—The following evidence was given :—W. H. Rule, far mer, said that in January he made an agreement with defendants. A slight alteration was made in the agreement, which was put into the defendants' copy. The contract was commenced on the 16th January. The 700 acres which was to be cut was in five or six paddocks. After 250 acres were cut the grain was ready for carting, but defendants did not com mence carting before they had finished within 120 acres of the whole. Wrote defendants, telling them to begin carting, and also told them verbally. As they did not commence witness put a man named ,

Findlay on to the cwtact;,’ Holmes asked \ why the'man b£en taken on, and if ' Findlay was taken offdefendanls would put onextradtays and nien. Witness withdrew the men, but defendants did not start till two days after with two drays and three mett, 'which were insufficient. Subse qubptlythey put on five men, and when they had finished the cutting contract they put on four drays with ten men.’ Witness complained to defendant(Holmos) ‘ bojncerning the delay ard the manner in which the grain was sL -ked. Was not the proper thing, according to witness’s - " experience, to leave the carting till the catting was completed. Some of the corn was ready for carting ten minutes after it was cut, but witness al owed de fendants ten days. In the 207 acre pad dock the corn remained on the ground in the stook five weeks and three days. There was nothing to prevent the carting if there had been sufficient plant. Spoke to defendants about the plant before the contract, and they said they had suffi cient. They had a machine binder which did not do the work properly—the corn improperly bound was scattered over the ground. The greater part of the stacks were very badly made, and damage was done to the corn in consequence. Wit ness had sold the grain to Roberts, Pax ton, and Co. at 3s 9d per bushel, to the amount of 5,000 oushela. They rejected 3,604 bushels, which witness estimated cost him a loss of 9d per bushel. The fall ing off was due to the grain lying on the ground. Could not get rid of the wheat at a higher price than 3a. There were some showers dudng the stacking, but not enough rain to do the injury caused to the grain. The sheaves should not have been stacked when wet. Mr Stringer asked leave to put in a list of particulars of the loss allege)! to have been sustained, bus Mr Wilding objected.—The witness was then examined on each particular item of the loss. The loss was due to the falling off in the price of wheat, that plaintiff had to cart the grain to a place where it could be properly dried, and the extra expense incurred in stacking. As compared with other men who had con tracts with plaintiff, the defendants were very slow in carrying out their work. Witness had shown Messrs Winter and Allen the way the contract was being carried out—Cross-examined : Witness did not ask defendants what plant they had nor how many men they were going to employ. The first work they did was the half of a 275-acre paddock. The grain was fit to cart three days after it was cut. The defendants then went into the 207-acre paddock where the grain was on the gr en side,” which was well fit to stack ten days after it was cut. Did not urge the defendants to get on with the cutting and to leave the carting. They said they were working all night, but witness could not say of his own knowledge. Did not complain of Sullivan’s machine, but he ob jected to the string binder, which missed tying. Knew* that the defendants did not tie up the loose sheaves. Holmes never asked to be allowed to cart the first paddock immediately after' it was 1 cut. The land was not deeply ploughed, and some of it was rolled. . The cattle did not break ini* the paddock to witness’s knowledge, but he admitted that the sheep broke. The wheat was in stook and the sheep eat the corn. Holmes did not go on with the carting immediately after Findlay, was taken off with two drays, but believed that Holmes and a' man with one dray went on the same day. Some of the grain was not stacked at all; The defendants had acted cont ary to witness’s directions. Did not stop the machine, because it was then too late. Large numbers of bags of grain were lying in the paddock after the threshing, but they were covered with straw. O’Loghlen did not, to witness’s knowledge, find grain hags saturated with wet. The railway department had Jiveu O’Loghlen a receipt for damp bags sent to the station. Could not distinguish the difference between Holme’s wheat and Giles’s wheat except one paddock. Would not swear that soma of Giles’s wheat was not rejected. If it was re jected it forms part of the wheat in cluded in the present claim. The stacks near witness’s house were built by Giles and Co. They were not particularly good stacks nor particularly bad. Remembered defendant’s coming up for their money, and they had a difference about a charge for restocking. Told defendants that he didn’t consider their contract was well carried out. Witness made a claim of L 4 for restooking, which defendants refused to allow. The defendants then brought a claim against witness, and the L 4 was divided between the parties. Re examined by Mr Stringer: At the time when he would have made a settlement with defendants he did not know any par ticular damage had been done to the grain. lUd not discover the damage till the grain was threshed. When the sheep broke in the defendants had commenced carting. The sheep, judging by the tracks, had only gone over a quarter of the paddock. The threshing machine was ' always ready up to the carting.. Knew of no grain of Giles’s being rejected.—By the Bench : At the time the witness was sued by defendants, he knew the damage had been done to the grain;—H. T. Win ter, farmer, deposed that his farm ad joined that of plaintiff. Was at Mr Rule’s in February last, and saw opera tions being carried on by Holmes and Co. Did not think that the work was progress ing satisfactorily, many of the stooks lying on the ground and unbound. The stacks witness' saw were not well built, small and not well-topped. A fortnight or three weeks would be a reasonable time for grain to remain in stook if cut on the green side. Five weeks and three days would be too long at any time. Up to the middle of February there was or dinary harvesting weather. If wheat re mained too long in the stook it would sprout. Grain if properly stacked, al though not thatched, would withstand any ordinary wet weather. > Witness saw Holmes’s men on the ground, but they appeared to be coursing, or something of that kind ; at any rate they were not working.—Cross-examined by Mr Wild ing: Had had wheat of his own out for more than .five weeks and three days. The season was a bad one, and nearly ■ every farmer in Canterbury suffered more or less. It was not necessary'To thatch grain stacks unless they were not to be threshed till winter. Could not distin guish between the work of defendants and other contractors on the farm. —W. A. Allen, stock-dealer, said he was at Mr Rale’s farm in company with Mr Winter. Saw harvesting operations going on. A good deal of the grain in stook was lying on the ground. Did not see the stacks'.— Cross-examined by Mr Wilding; Did not know, who was- the contractor -for That portion of the land he saw.—Nelson Eden deposed that he was the proprietor ot a threshing machine at Mr Rule’s. Witness was with the machine which Holmes and Co. were at work. Heard a conversation between plaintiff and defendants concern ing the threshing from the stook. Mr Rule told them to take those that were standing, and leave those on the ground to dry. The defendants did not carry out the instructions. Remembered onp stack which ; was “ grown ” in, the: centre, . al though the top and sides were dry. All the ; . stacks of Holmes and Co. were badly built, i Witness objected one morning to defen- j dants’ carting on to the machine, as the ; grain was damp from dew. Considered a 1 week or ten days long enough for grain to remain in stook.—Cross-examined by ,Mr Wilding: After leaving, plaintiff went to thresh for M* Hampton. Thought that Mr Rule’s grain was , “equally the best” of the two. Went afterwards to Kelly’s, whose wheat was ; more damaged than either Rule's or Hampton’s. Threshed for Mr Dowling,

whose grain was in worse condition j. than plaintiff’s. Messrs Sutton and* Jones’s grain, which witness threshed, was worse than Mr Buie’s. He would say that plaintiff’s grain was the best he had threshed that season. Told Holmes the .wheat was not fit to thresh, although ho ’(witness) went on threshing it At that Time there were stacks ready to thre-h. There might have been thirty stacks a head of the machine.—Re-examined by. Mr ' Stringer : Was a contract ’ thresher and wished to get through as quickly as [possible. —W. Kennedy, contractor, said that he was engage! stacking and carting for Mr Rule.' Knew defendants and had seen their work. , Saw ti.e stooks in the 207-acre paddock, and soma of the wheat that was urown. This was. about the 22nd February, previous to its being stacked. Saw traces of sheep having been in the paddock, but they did not extend far.—Cross-examined by Mr Wilding: When witness saw the sto fcs on the ground it was some time after the sheep had been there. —Joseph Oapstick, laborer, gave evidence to the effect that he assisted to re-stook the grain. He re- • membered the sheep getting into the pad dock and eating the heads of the stocks. The sheep • went over about ’ twenty chains across/ the paddocks.—Cross-examined : Did hot re member saying anything to Holmes the contract.—Andrew Burk, co trao or, said he was at work in the 507-acre Pad* dock. The defendants cut the whole bf that, and witness assisted in the carting of part of it. Commenced work on Feb. 22, when the grain was on the ground, and witness thought it had been * there _ five or six weeks. At that time some of ' it had sprouted, but not a great deal. The sheep came in the paddook after the carting commenced. Cross-examined: There were some heavy showers in Feb ruary, which would delay the stacking. Did not see any sprouted wheat in any other but the 207 acre paddock.—This concluded the case for the plaintiff. . Me Wilding then cdled the following witr t nesses :—Thomas Holmes said he had. had , 24 years farming experience in Canter bury. When he made a contract with plain tiff he told him what plant' .he intended to use. No objection was raised by Mr Rule to the plant to be used. Kept the machine going continually night and day when possible, working with double shifts , of men and horses. First 'cut 147' acres ' of self sown, which was perfectly'ripS. !!C When the first paddock was finished plain- ' tiff told witness that he did wish ’ ham to’"' go on stacking- Mr Rule said that it would not be ready forafortnight. Witness was anxious and ready to go on with the carting and stacking. Then witness went on with the 207-acre paddock, which was not fit. Nothing was said about going to cart the first paddook in the meantime. Plaintiff was in the habit of paying a visit to the fields, and never made any com plaint as to witness's work, nor of the number of men employed. The first paddock carted was the ' “ self-sown ” land.

[Left sitting.] '

THE COLONIAL TREASURER.

[by telegraph] Nelson,' Tb-day.

, Major Atkinson delivered his address pn national insurance at the Theatre last night. 800 pars* ns were present and accorded him a most favorable reception. His address was in most respects similar to his previous utterances elsewhere, bat he said he proposed in his’ scheme to inake it optional whether persons'joined friendly societies or came under the scheme. He stated that the 'national insurance accounts would be kept separate, and that he- felt certain that contribu tions would be more than sufficient to provide for the benefits stated, and that any excess should be for the benefit /bf the people, either by increasing the sick allowance, or annuities, or by a return similar to an insurance bonne; A num ber of questions were asked, and on the motion of Mr Levestam, M;H.B., seconded by the Hon. J. Barnicoat, a hearty vote of thanks for the able address was carried by acclamation. A similar vote to the Mayor, who occupied the chair, terminated the proceedings.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

| r KEUTER’a TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT,} Monetary and Commercial. London, June 5. ■. - There are no changes to report in the money or in the colonial produce ‘ markets. The Wool Sales- At the wool sale to-day bidding was quiet, and the catalogue comprised 12,100. The Ascot Cup. The Ascot Gold Cup was run to-day, and won by Lord Falmouth’s Galliard, Duke of. Hamilton’s Ossian second, and Lord Bradford’s Laocoon third. The'Frisco Mail. London, Jane 6. • The Homeward mails via San Fran?: cisco, which left Auckland on April 24th, were delivered here yesterday. [Received June 7, 11.4 a.m.] | Secretaryship of State. London, June 6. ' It is announced that the Earl of Rosebery has resigned the Under- ■ Secretaryship of State for the Hoine ■ Department. In compliance with the wish of the Cabinet that the post ; should be held by a member of the House of Commons, Mr J. T. Hibbert, M.P., for Oldham, who now occupies the position of Political Secretary to the Home Office has been appointed to. succeed Earl Rosebery, t The War in Tonquin. » Paris, June 6. ‘ The French Government has or dered one of the Algerian native regi ments to proceed to Tonquin to rein force the expedition now operating against the Anamese. It has trans pired that the Chinese Government has intimated that it will be forced, to as*, sume a hostile attitude unless FranC'e seeks to arrivef at an accord with the Government of Anam. The Falk Laws. Berlin, June 6. A Ministerial Bill has been intro duced] in the Lower House of Parlia ment to provide for the abolition of the Falk laws, so far as they authorise the infliction of penalties. , A Russian Promise- Si Petersburg, June 5. The Joutnrl de St. Feteisburg in its ; issue to-day publishes an article hinting that additional Constitutional liberties I will be granted to the Russian people, 'if'they confide in the Czar, and not’ endeavor to coerce him. ; Turkey Retires. Constantinople, June 6., It has transpired that the Sultan, has recalled the Turkish agent in Egypt, and it is understood that no successor will be appointed to that position.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT*] The Markets. Melbourne, Shipping wheat, 5s ; market weak and irregular. Malting barley, 5s 6d to 6s‘; n malrket steady. . .New. oats are irt fair demand at 3s tcf £s 3d

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 7&J888.



SPECIAL NOTICE. TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING • 1 DISTRICTS. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE bii' s , r ; WAREHOUSEMEN, Pbih 088 BTBBBT, Dunedin efiMre great pleasure in announcing that it listheir intention to cater for the Music loving population of Ashburton in such a manier as has never before been at- G., R. West & Co. are the Largest Direct Importers of MANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, ‘ BRASS, WIND, AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS Tt» the Colony, and a large and varied ■took of the above can always be found. v'Mt G.: R. West, being at present in TCnglimA, is shipping direct to Dunedin all the latest novelties in MUSIC! MUSIC 1! MUSIC !!! Asd-the firm respectfully solicit a call from their friends, teachers, and the pnWio in general to - inspect their magnifi coqt.stock of Music, personally selected. d!4



TOD OUT V = ■ •it 1 - I GO ftrtf"-; ; ■yn u:-J AW WANT rums t> A VI BflHr flfcreT juanu^



?TOO



Wanted WANTED— Two or Three TEAMS for Ploughing Turnip Land. Apply, at once, to ,Mr Wilkin, N.Z.L. & M. office, West street. 1332 WANTED Known—lf you want a Dress go to H. 0. Sbgkrs—Fresh lot just opened; 2s goods for la 4£d. Come and see them. Compton’s Build ing, opposite Friedlander Bros. 1314 WANTED KNOWN— Hatks and Co. have a lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. aul2 TTTANTED KNOWN— That Robert Vf Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared te Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. , _ 760 c Special Advertisements. gPOBT I N G. I have just received my season's stock of Guns of every description, and respectfully invite an inspection. Double Breech-leaders 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, ana every Gun being made to my own order, intending purchasers cannot do better than communicate with me. HOS. G. ROWLEY, 630 Gunsmith, Timaru. T AM A CASH PUR CHASER, AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES, of applying to JOSEPH CLARK, 267 Ashburton & Tinwald. STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books 1 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, STATIONERY, &0., East street South Ashburton. n!5 OBINSON AND TOWNSHBND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHBND, Havelock street. 229 I AM CASH PURCHASER or BRIGHT MILLING Oats, IN ANY QUANTITY. ALBERT ROBERTS, ,763 West street. ANTED KNOWN. That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., an be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. Money ! Money! ! THE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, limited, are prepared, through their agent, J. C. 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. FOR SALE < The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OP LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SODTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sectiocs 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 j per cent, for a term of years as may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing 1026 acres. Situated close to Ealing Bilway Station, and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au



Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY tfi spared no effort to place before the public a MO§T OOM PLETE 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 found 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 WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. H. M. Jones’ COUNT 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, at-A Indiarubber. GOOD BUSINESS Envelopes. SIX SHILLINGS PER THOUSAND CASH. A Bargain. Good Second-hand PIANETTE, £2O, FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of thp above now in stock. &SB* 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. SECOND-HAND Pianos, In good order, £ls, £2O, 10s, 25. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d NEW 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. Andbbwes Bros. , Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77