SHIPPING.

FORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. : YESTERDAY. “' Recamia, ketch, from Greymouth. •RotOmabana, b.b., from Sydney, via Auckland and way porta. . Wakatn, s.e., from Gore Bay. ’ 'Taiaroa, s.s., from Dunedin, via Oamaru. Margaret, ketch, from Little Akaloa. Herald, schooner, from Picton. 1 Cleopatra, brigantine, from Greymouth. Sailed. Yesterday.

r Kotomahana, s.s., for Melbourne, via South. Taiaroa, 5.8., for Auckland. Wakatu, 8.8., for Kaikoura and Wel * lington. Waihora, a. 8., for Wellington and Sydney, : 0

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Dunedin, from Invercargill. ; Sailed—Southern Cross, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Wallabi, from Nelson. Sailed—Oretl, for Waitara and way ports. ' . , ,;.; Timabu, Yesterday. Cleared —Ugglan, ship, for Queens , own or Falmouth for orders, with full ■ cargo of wheat, Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Arawata, for Melbourne, via Hobart and the Bluff. Sailed—Star of the South, for Grey mouth ; Go-Ahead, for the North ; Pen guin, for the North.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Wednesday Evening. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, limited, report on Tinwald market, under date Bth instant, as follows : Sheep: A fair number were yarded, but with a ’ little or no competition, most of the lines being ' returned unsold. Transactions took place at the following quotations Fat crossbreds, 13s gd, 15s ; 2-tooth merino wethers, in forward - condition, 10s 6d ; crossbred lambs, 9s gd long-Wool do., los 4d, and store merino wethers, 4s 6d to 5s gd.—Pigs : The supply chiefly consisted of porkers, which, however, did not realise owners’ expectations. One or two pens were quitted at 28s 6d and 35s fid, . the demand being good for even sorts of fair quality.—Cattle: a large entry of this stock was submitted, and a slightly improved demand for good stores may be noted. We quote fat cows and heifers from L 5 7 s dd to 1.7 S s > dairy 'cows in profit, L 3 ss, L 4 xos, L 6 10s. Well grown sexes, I 4 and I 4 17s fid; younger heifers, sisj yearlings and calves, 40s and 21s respec tively.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

‘ AUCTION SALES Saturday, May 12. 4tr Alfred Harrison, at the yards— Hones, Pigs, Produce, &o. ; at 12 noon. Mr T. Bullock, at the Arcade—Landed . properties, Hones, Buggies, etc.; at 12 o’clock. Mr W. B. Moss, at his Yards—Produce. Tuesday, May 15. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Tarda—Stock.

MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &o This Etenino. Horticultural Society—Annual Meeting, at the Arcade Chambers. Monday, May 14 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chamben, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, May 22. Tea and Public Meeting Wesleyan Church, at 6,30 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

, ; Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office " '-is follows {— For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m, 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. V. and 5 j>.m. daily. , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Ooldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, : and Geraldine, at 10 a,m. daily. ‘For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., '- i . duly. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, *' on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. , • For Mount Somers, .on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur i days, at,6 a.m. ' ' ,-For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p.m. For Wakahui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. • Far Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri : days at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. . From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 436 p.m- daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.30 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. i 6.80 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, and Saturdays, at 10 ' Ami

From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays,' at 10.5 a.m. and 8.16 p.m. ; From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Batur " days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.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 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 sheuld be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1883.

The ship Nelson, from Port Chalmers, arrived home on the sth inst., having made the passage in seventy -three days. Mr W. J. Steward, addressed his constituents at Waimate on Monday night, and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.

Some crystals, or supposed diamonds, found by Mr Robert Graham between his estate at Waiki and Lake Taupo, are to be tested in order to determine their value.

A public meeting, convened by the Mayor of Dunedin, will be held on Saturday, to consider whether relief should be arranged for the Wild Deer immigrants when they arrive. The amount of damage done to roads and bridges in the Timaru district by the late floods is now found to have been very considerable, and large sums of money will have to be spent by the local bodies and Railway Department to make re pairs.

The total receipts of the Dunedin City Council for the year have been £102,390, and the total expenditure £104,187. The Councillors all agree that rigid economy and retrenchment must be the order of the day in future. At the monthly meeting of the Minis ters’ Conference at Dunedin it was re solved— “ That a conference be summoned of the ministers of all the churches in Dunedin and the suburbs, with a repre sentative of each congregation, to con sider the question, ‘ What shall be done for the purpose of imparting religious in struction in the common schools.’ ” A meeting of the creditors in the estate of Messrs Stavely and Austin was held at Dunedin yesterday afternoon, when about twenty firms were represented. The assets are estimated at about £16,000, of which £12,000 is due to. the Bank of New Zealand, while the next highest creditors are Neill and Co. (Limited). It is anticipated by Messrs Stavely nnd Co. that the estate will pay 15s in the £. After discussion, it was resolved to wind up the estate, Messrs Gibson, Ferrier and G. L. Denniston being appointed liqui dators.

The monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held’in the Library on Monday evening. Present— Messrs Hardy (Chairman), Chambers, Cox, Oxley, Davies, and Kemble. The master reported that for the month past the average attendance had been 94.3, the highest attendance 118, and the num ber on the roll 161. He asked that some thing might be done in the matter of carrying off the water from the roof, which at present all ran under the school; also, that the Committee would purchase a football for the use of the boys. It was decided that the Chairman should write to the Central Board on the subject. It was decided that a football be purchased. The school cleaner having resigned, it was decided that Mrs Moodie’s offer to do the work for nine months at Ll2 be accepted. The Rev E. E. Chambers applied for the use of the schoolroom for the purpose of religious instruction after school hours for two days a-week. It was decided to grant the use of the school on Wednes days from 3.30 to 430 p.m. for the pre sent, and in event of the scheme proving a success other arrangements might be made for the two days.. A circular was read from Mr Steward, of Waimate, re a now Bill proposed to be introduced in the House next session re alteration of mode of electing committees, etc., and en closing a list of questions to be answered. The list of questions, which was rather a long one, was gone into and returned. On the motion of Mr Hardy, seconded by Mr Cox, Mr J. M. Broadbent was unani mously elected to fill the vacancy on the Committee, caused by the resignation of Mr Gaarder who had left the district. Accounts for L 3 10 were passed for pay ment, and the meeting adjourned.

Professor Fraser gave one of in teresting lectures on “ Human Science ” in the Waterton schoolroom last evening. Considering the darkness, cold, and state of the roads, there was a fair attendance, and certainly those who attended were well rewarded, carrying away with them much valuable information respecting character reading and self-culture. The Professor lectures in Flemington to-night. At a meeting of the Wanganui County Council held yesterday it was resolved — “ That in the opinion of the Council the dual of local government Jiy the County Council and Road Boards in this County is unnecessary and expensive, and must soun lead to both County and Road Board rates being levied. This Council therefore strongly recommends the rate payers to take action by petition under the Counties Act Amendment Act, 1882, for the suspension of the Act, and to hand over the local government of the Road Boards abo it to be created under the Road Boards Act, 1882.” Our Rakaia correspondent writes :—The Methven train commenced running again on Monday evening, for the first time for a week. Near Lauriaton, in the cutting, the formation, ballast, etc., was washed

away to a depth of from five to six feet in some places, and the public road has suffered to nearly the same extent. It'is fortunate for the ratepayers in this dis trict that so little damage has been done to the roads. The township of Rakaia was comparatively free from water during the whole of the late heavy rains. The weather still (Monday) looks very threat ening.

The Hohxrt Mercury of May 3rd con tains an article referring to Captain Logan, of the Manapouri, having on his last passage from New Zealand caused a passenger who died to be buried at sea, within four hours’ steaming of Hobart. The passenger was John McKay, a com positor, who embarked at Lyttelton, and who died after a fit of delirium tremens. It is 'stated that Captain Logan buried the man at sea because the body being on board was offensive to the passengers, and because it would save the deceased a pauper’s funeral, and would prevent the vessel being detained in port until an in quest upon the body had been held. Being satisfied in his own mind that death had been caused by the effects of delirium tremens , and believing that the deceased was a waif and stray, without anyone to call him friend or acquaintance, he acted as he did.

The annual meeting of ratepayers in the Rangitata Road Board district was held at the office, Listnore, on the 7th. Considerable delay took place before the requisite quorum assembled. The chair man, Mr E.. G. Wright, submitted the accounts i r the past fifteen months, duly certified by the District Auditor, Mr J. Ollivier, and upon the motion of Mr Charles Harper, seconded by Mr Napier, the same were adopted and passed by the meeting. In reply to a question by Mr Harper, the Chairman stated that the whole of the rates levied had been col lected, and with the cash balance in hand and no out landing liabilities, he was of opinion that the district might be spared the imposition of any Road Board rates during the current year. Attention was called to the damage caused by the floods to nearly every crossing over the Hinds, and the Chairman having pro mised to put the necessary repairs in hand, the meeting separated. A correspondent draws our attention to the fact that there are at present two very dangerous places on the Longbeach road, which, unless repaired soon, may be the cause of serious accident. One of these is near the main school, between the pro perties of Messrs Grigg and Barr, on that portion of the road which is unshinglod. According to our informant, the defect is due to the rottenness of the culvert at this place, and a very small expenditure would sot things right. The other damage referred to is a hole between 4ft and sft in depth, at the junction of the Fleming ton and Waterton roads, near Mr Thomas Taylor’s property. This was caused by the recent floods, and is a source of anxiety to the residents in the district, as on a dark night a trap might easily come to grief. Considering that the defects we have called attention to might be remedied at comparatively little cost, we think the authorities should attend to the matter as soon as possible. We have also to draw attention to the state of a culvert near Winslow, which is in a very dangerous state.

From a War Office return which has been presented to the House of Commons with regard to the ages and length of service of the British non-commissioned officers and men who were present at the action of Tel-el-Kebir, it appears that 398 were under one year’s service, 1206 be tween one and two years, 1376 between two and three years, 1503 bet wee" three and four years, 1082 between four and five years, 1108 between five and six years, 1270 between six and seven years, 1191 between seven and ton years. 816 be tween ten and fourteen years, 440 be tween fourteen and eighteen years, and 164 of eighteen years and upwards. As to the ages of the men, 25 were under 18 years old, 31 from eighteen to nine teen, 67 from nineteen to twenty, 1025 from twenty to twenty-one, 3317 from twenty-one to twenty-four, and 6187 over twenty-four. The number volunteered or transferred from other regiments was 220 ; the number of Reserve men, 1293. These numbers are exclusive of two companies of the 2nd battalion Seaforth Highlander?, from which returns have not bean re ceived.

Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Outward Infirmities. —Before the discovery of these remedies many case of sores, ulcers, &c., were 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 diseases are in process of cure. Both Oint ment and Pills make the blood richer and puier, instead of permitting it to fall into that poor and watery state so fatal to many laboring under chronic ulcerations, —[Advt.]

The Stranger in London. —That the Great City will ere long be hardly recognisable by its former denizens, all the world has heard. The visitor passing up the Thames now finds his eye gratified by the many edifices recently erected. As he reaches the famous Victoria Embankment, there rises over him on the right hand the new Times office, and on the left hand the new tower-crowned works of Messrs James Epps and Co., both phases of Italian architec ture. It may be said that these two buildings are types of the far-reaching business energy of the nineteenth century, for it has resulted from such means that the annual issue of each has come to be estimated by millions. During the last year, the number of copies of the Times is estimated at 16,279,000, while the number of packets of Epps’s cocoa sent off in the same period is computed at 14,749,695. The latter is a large total, when it is borne in mind that in 1830 the consumption of cocoa throughout the whole kingdom was but 425,382163, there then existing no preparation of it such as this, which by the simple addition of boiling water would yield a palatable drink. Truly time may be said to work many changes.— [ADVT

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE STREET-LAMPS.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

To the Editor. Sir, —ln perusing the Borough Council balance-sheet, my attention was drawn to

AH item of L 39 la 6d for repairs to lamps, 'etc. Now, Sir, seeing that these lamps are quite new, can you inform me why they should require so much repairing 1 Does the fault lie in the quality, or are they exposed to more weather than lamps in other towns ? 1 was led to understand that all work done for the Borough Coun cil amounting to over L 5 was tendered for. Is this contract for repairing lamps, etc., a public contract, or otherwise 1 as the amount of L 39 1s 6d would purchase forty new lamps. Any information on the above subject would oblige.—Yours, etc., Ratepayer. [lf our correspondent will peruse our report of the annual meeting in yester day’s issue he will find that the item £39 Is 6d includes no less than six new lamps, which were purchased during the year, and their cost was included under “Re pairs to lamps.—Ed (?.]

BOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Committee took place last evening, the following members being present :-- Messrs J. Orr (chairman), Su Hill, W. Sparrow, J. Sealy, G. Andrews, and B. Reddin, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. A memo, was read from the Education Board stating that the resignations of James and Eva Henderson were accepted, with the understanding that they finish their term of service and that their salaries cease until their re-appointment else where. —It was stated that the Hender son’s had left the school, and that the Board’s wishes would be carried out. A letter from the Board was read stating that the Board declined to contri bute anything towards the funds of the Western Fire Brigade. He the fence round the gymnasium, the Board dees not see its way to comply with the re quest unless some special reason is given. The tenders for the verandah asked for were so high that it was determined not to carry out the work at present. On the motion of Mr St Hill, seconded by Mr Sparrow, it was resolved—“ That a letter bo written to the Board urging the necessity and importance of the erec tion of the verandah without further de lay, and that the reply forwarded on the subject is unsatisfactory.” It was also carried on the motion of Mr St Hill, seconded by Mr Sealy—“ That a letter be written to the Board drawing attention to the cost of the gymnasium during the last year, and that the Oommittee’s object in asking for a fence is to protect and pre serve the Board’s property.” REFORM OP EDUCATION ACT. Mr W. J. Steward, M.H.R, for Wai raate, forwarded a circular stating that he intended to bring a Bill before Parliament during the next session for the purpose of amending the present mode of electing School Committees and Education Boards. He submitted a number of questions which he asked the Committee to con sider and send answers.—Mr Reddin proposed, and the Chairman seconded— “ That a special meeting be hold on Thursday week for the purpose of discuss ing the matter.” An amendment to the effect that the communication be con sidered now was negatived, and -the motion declared carried. master’s report.

The following report was read and ap proved of Gentlemen, — I beg to submit my report for the past month. The average attendance for the past four weeks was, respectively— -361.7, 314.6, 370, and 104.2. The number at present on roll is 489. Ido not think it necessary to furnish you with a list of the ir regular attenders this month, owing to the number of severe days we have had lately. The school was opened every day during the past week, but owing to the small numbers present, and the uncomfortable condition of those who came, the Chairman sanctioned the closing of the school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, immediately after roll call, the numbers present being 105.i1 and 33 respec tively, on those days. Miss Eva and Master James Henderson, were released from duty on Friday, 27th ult., when each received from the pupils of the school a token of respect and aftection. They were succeeded on the fol lowing Monday by Miss Isabella Williamson and Miss Edith Empson, who are giving entire satisfaction I should be glad if there could be arrangement made, regarding the appoint ment of pupil teachers, by which those who have passed a certain standard, and have shown aptitude for teaching, and whose conduct and deportment are satislactory, may be judged ac cording to their merits. The attendance when the weather is fine, continues to be regular, and the majority of those who are occasionally absent, are kept away through causes over which they have no control. THE CLOSING OF THE SCHOOL. Mr Andrews moved, and Mr St. Hill seconded —“That the Chairman’s action in closing the schools during wet weather be confirmed. ” —Carried. PUPIL TSACHBES. Mr St. Hill moved—“ That the master be instructed to intimate to parents who may be desirous that their children should be brought up as teachers to give notice of the fact to the master of such desire." Speaking to the motion, he said that while many children might be high in the school they might not be fitted to teach, and he held that the master should be allowed to use his discretion in the direc tion he indicated.

After a conversational discussion, the motion was seconded by Mr Sealy and carried. SWIMMING BATH, A report re the cost of forming a swim ming bath was received from Messrs Fooks and Son. The Committee con sidered the matter carefully, and finally passed the following resolution :—“That the Secretary write to the Hoard, asking for the necessary funds, stating that the present is a favorable time for undertak ing the work, and that the importance of the school warrants a swimming bath being provided for the children.” ACCOUNTS. A number of accounts were passed for payment. VISITING COMMITTEE, Mr Sealy reported, on behalf of the Visiting Committee, that the school had been visited during the month, and cer tain small repairs were needed. Mr St. Hill was authorised to see to the mat ter. FIRING. On the motion of Mr St. Hill, the Chairman was empowered to call for and accept tenders for the supply of 15 t.ms of coal and 8 cords of wood. The meeting then separated.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The annual meeting of ratepayers was held on Monday the 7th May, Mr A. E. Peaohe in the chair.

The Chairman having submitted a statement of accounts, as audited to the 31st March last, it was moved by Mr Mor gan and seconded by Mr McFarlane — “ That the accounts as submitted be adopted. ” —Carried. Mr Chapman called the attention of the Board to the rate notices not being pro perly served prior to the election of’two members in September last. He also urged the desirability of the Board’s cottage at Mount Somers being let as soon as possible. Mr John Hood brought forward the subject of the Board letting the roads to be kept in repair by contract, as had been done formerly, but several of the rate payers present said that such contracts had given cause for constant complaints being made to the Board against the con tractors.

A unanimous vote of thanks to the re tiring members of the Board terminated the meeting. The usual monthly meeting was then held. Members present—Mt A E.

Peache (Chairman), Messrs Walker, Sde, Edson and Motymont. The former minutes were read and confirmed. The tenders of applicants for the situation of superviewing the work required to be done on the roads having been opened and fully discussed, that of Mr E. B. Cooper jvas accepted. A letter from Mr James Milne, re the state of the Gorge road, was read, and the necessary work was ordered to be done.—From the Ash burton County Council re repairs to the Gorge road. —From the Minister oLPublio Works re the extension of the Tinwald and Mount Somers line in which it stated that a contract will be authorised in a week or two tor the ex tension as far as the vicinity of the bridge. —From the Property Tax Commissioner, wanting a copy of the valuation roll. —From the Ashburton County Council, wanting cheque as a refund of cost of culvert at Mount Somers. From T. Hicks, requesting that an allowance be made to him on his small contracts in consequence of the damage done by the recent flood, ft was resolved that the sum of £lO, as asked, be allowed to him. It was resolved that the election of members to serve on the .Board be held on Thursday, the 7th June next. Several cheques were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned to Monday, the 20th inst., at the usual hour.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held to-day at Quill’s Hotel on the body of Samuel Chesson, who was killed yesterday on the railway, before the Coroner (Dr Trevor), and a jury, of whom Mr Tuckor was chosen foreman. Sergeant Felton conducted the enquiry; and Mr Dickenson, of the Christchurch Locomotive Derailment, was in attendance.

Before viewing the body, the Coroner said that he wished the jury also to ex amine the engine. The inquiry was not only to discover the cause of death, that was only too obvious, but to find out if possible the reason of the accident. In a case of this kind it.was important to de termine whether there was any mis management on the part of the railway department, as everybody used the trains, and though the department was no doubt on the whole well managed, it was quite possible that a mistake might have been made.

The body having been yiewed, and care ful examination of the engine and tender made, the following evidence was taken:— Benjamin Verdon deposed he was loco motive foreman at Timaru. Engine J 124 was at Timaru on Monday night and left there with the 7.30 a.m/ train yesterday for Ashburton. The engine had been in spected and cleaned on the previous night. No defects were reported to witness, as was the driver’s duty to do had anything been wrong. The engine was calculated to pull thirty vehicles, about 270 tons". Yesterday morning only 28 carriages were attached. The engine had been running for between two or three years. There is no systematic inspection of engines unless the driver reports. The draw bar pro-, duoed was inspected on 29th December last. Could not account for the breakage in any way. Had never known an acci dent of a similar kind having occurred. Did not think that a sudden jerk would break a bar of iron, although frost woifid render the material more brittle. There had been a very heavy frost at Timaru yesterday- when the train . started. Would say that a jerk in start ing a heavy train might cause the draw-bar to snap or any other portion of the ironwork to be broken.

By the Coroner —Had examined the engine, "and considered the material and workmanship good. On examination he considered that frost and a sudden jerk would account for the accident. The links produced came out from Home with the engine, and the welding -was- bad, in his opinion, although the - material was good. By Sergeant Felton—The train could net be started without any jerk, however careful the driver was, although the jar can be greatly lessened. A good driver would start the train with only a moderate jerk, and instructions were given in this direction in, the by-laws, which specially referred to the possibility of such an a xident as that under inquiry, and en joining precautions. By the jury—Thera was no -shed ac commodation at Timaru for engines, which at present are kept in the open. This affected the waggons; and would make them run heavily on the line. No Government inspection of the engines was made periodically. The bar produced had not been welded, but had been shortened by “ jumping,” which did not weaken the bar in any way. Considered the quality of the iron sufficiently good to beat the strain put upon it. Could not say if the draw-bar was made at Home, but was of opinion that it was made in the colony; The links produced are sup posed to hold the train if the draw bar breaks. Was of opinion that if they had been properly welded they would have held a train drawing 270 tons. Witness thought that the welding was bad. By the Coroner—The train had on board at the : time of the accident 270 tons.

By Mr Dickenson —The links could not hold the train after the draw-bar breaks in case of a sudden jerk. By the Coroner—All the links attached to'the engines on the New Zealand rail ways are of the pattern of those produced. Saw no reason why links should not be made strong enough to hold a train under any circumstances. By a juror—The draw-bar could not break without producing a sudden jerk, and this jerk would bo sufficient to rup ture the links. Considered that the links should bo made stronger to be any prac tical safeguard. Had they been properly welded the links would not have been strong enough to withstand the jerk. Ivan Cunningham Graham, stock owner, residing at Timaru, said that yesterday at ten minutes past seven he left his house to catch the train, There was at that time but a very slight frost, if any, as ho noticed no frozen water in the paddles. The train proceeded steadily till going down the viaduct,, when it considerably accelerated its speed, to a pace which witness thought dangerous. No thing otherwise unusual happened till ihe train reached Ealing station. At that place, in starting, the tram was jerked forward very violently. Remarked to a fellow passenger, “ See how quickly we are getting into motion after that jerk.” The bridge being under repair, started from the Hinds station at a moderate rate. When about a mile on this side of Hinds river, the train gradually came to a stand still, and presently the guard ran up to the engine to see what had occurred. Heard the driver say to the guard that the engine had parted from the tender, and witness immediately shouted out to the guard, “This come from your jerk ing.’’ Then walked to engine, accom panied by another passenger, and noticed that there was only one man there. Shortly after, the engine was backed nearly to the Hinds river, and he then saw the body of the deceased being carried to the luggage van. The train returned to the Hinds station, when witness informed the station-master that he had a com plaint to lodge. The answer was that the complaint could not be received, as witness had left the Hinds station and come back. He then counted the number of carriages, and found tfyey numbered twenty-five, of which about ten were truck? l?den with sheep. By Sergeant Felton—Was used to travel on the train about once a week. The jerk at Ealing was of a kind that witness experienced about once every two months, and was sufficiently violent to throw down any person standing. Had discontinued

travelling by the night train on account of the prevalence of these jerks. Seven! other passengers had remarked the jerk. Did not notice any jerk after passing the Hinds station.

By Mr Dickenson —Considered that the train came down the viaduct north of Timaru at between fifteen and twenty miles an hour.

George Bowles deposed that he was the driver of the engine ~ J 124 yesterday morning. The deceased was fireman. Left Timaru atT7.3O a.m., ond nothiug . unusual occurred till about a mile and a quarter past the Hinds railway station, when the draw-bar of the engine gave,way. The sudden jerk on the links caused them to part. Considered that had it not been for the heavy frost the links would have held after the bar bad parted. The de ceased was in the act of firing at the time of the accident—having one foot on the engine and the other on the tender. The engine shot away from the tender, causing the deceased to fall backwards. Did what he could to bring the train to a standstill without causing a concussion. Under the guard’s instructions the train was pat back to the Hinds. Assisted to remote the body from the line about ten minutes after the accident. Deceased was then quite dead. Did hot remember any sudden jerk on starting from Ealing station. By the Coroner—lt was within wit ness’s experience that the' draw-bar pin had been broken, and the links had suf ficed to hold the train. Had never pre viously known the drawbar to givo way altogether. Examined the engine before starting and everything appeared right, Donald Macfarlane, guard, said that he wad in charge of the 7.30 north- ; train from Timaru, which on leaving Orari consisted of 26 vehicles. Did not experi ence any unusual jerk on starting from Ealing. When a mile add a quarter north of the Hinds the train came; to a stand still. At this pojpt witnesa felt a slight jerk, and at a signal from the engine driver applied the brakes. PDid , not re member what Mr Graham had said, .’hut he heard some remark of the exact pur port of which witness was ignorant. There' was frost at Ashburton when the :srst train left, and the carriages were-white on starting from Orari. The Coroner said that he though there were] too many jerks on the railway, there was no evidence that this accident was due to any special jerk. A very grave question, however, was whether sufficient attention was paid in. the construction of the engines. The’ evi dence of the .first witness was that the links were not strong enough, and he thought that the jury might take notice of this. He thought that the attention of the Government might be called to this matter. It certainly seemed that every body travelling on the railways had .-been running very great risk, on account of the weakness of these links. The jury were quite at liberty to append a rider ts, their verdict, and no doubt the Government would give it consideration., This was not a special case, as it was certain that all the engines were in the same state, and had the llaks been properly, made ,thia poor man’s life would not have heexLJtcri ’ fused. 1 At the request of a juror, one of the jury was allowed to give expert evidence, and Charles Beid, blacksmith, was accord ingly sworn. He said that he had ex -1 amined a portion of the draw-bar Ipro -1 duced, and considered that the iron is not of the best quality, judging;from the 1 grain. The workmanship of the links was 1 very inferior, and ho doubted if they 1 were strong enough to withstand even eto ry little strain. Could not speak with : her -1 tainty of the quality of the material. I Thought that the links would be useless if 1 the draw bar broke unless the train were very light. 1 The jury then retired, and on returning the foreman said that they had come to the conclusion that the deceased had met 1 his death through accident. They de« sired, however, to add the following ■ rider :—“ That there is evidence of want of proper supervision over’ the material ’ and workmanship used on the Now Zea land locomotives, as shown by the coup -1 lings on engine J 124.” ; # 1 The Coroner said he would take action in the matter, and that the broken couplings would be forwarded to - head quarters.

SPORTING.

WAIMATB RACES.

The following are the entries and nomi nations for the events to be run on June Ist .

Maiden Plate —Waverley, Wild" Boy, Lubra, Warloch, Shadow, Captain, Herald, Melbourne, .Commissioner (late Dexter). Handicap Steeplechase Clarence, Kosciusko, Barbary, Waverley, ild Boy, Canard, Quamby, Katorfelto), Milo, Commissioner. ' Cop— Kosciusko, Clarence, Barbary, Waverley, Wild Boy, Warloch, Canard, Quamby, Captain, Bateman (late Kater? felto), Melbourne, Milo. ' . WANGANUI STEEPLECHASES. The following weights were declared last night:— Wangandi Handicap Steeplechase— Reform and Mount, 12st; Loch Lomond, list 12. b ; Chandler, list 81b'; Diomedes, list 71b; Lady Bab, list 61b; Christmas, list 21b; Parnell, A.G., and Buahine, list; Woodpecker and Dan, lOst 91b ; Ngata, lOst 61b ; Rata, Pastime, Dhu deen, and Calamity, lOst.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[bEDTER’e TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.]

The Royal College of MdsU?‘. London,' May 7-

The Royal College of Music was opened to-day by the Prince of Wales, in the presence ot a large and dis tinguished assemblage. The proceed ings passed off with great success, lo the course of the opening address His Royal Highness took occasion to thank Sir W. T. Clarke, and Sir Thomas Elder, of Australia, for their scholar ships to the College.

Musical Honors. It is announced that Messrs G. A. Macfarren and Arthur S. Sullivan, the well-known musicians, and Mr George Grove, have been knighted for their services in connection with the Royal College of Music. Monetary and Commercial

No changes to report in the money or produce markets.

The Trisco Mail

The Homeward mails via San Fran cisco from Auckland, March 27 th, were delivered here to-day.

AUSTRALI AN.

[REUTER’* TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] The Sabbatarians. Melbourne, Yesterday. At a meeting held at the Town Hall last night in opposition ’to the opening pf tlje Apt Gallery an 4 Museum on Sundays great ' disorder prevailed. The Markets-. ■. The Melbourne manager of th# Na tional Mortgage and Agency. Company of New Zealand reports of Uie local

THE ASHBURTON GOAKDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1883.



TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE. Crains Leave Ashburton fob Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 ; Bin., 10.65 a.m., and (Express) 6.39 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Txmaeu , and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. ‘ (Express), and 4.45 p. m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 4.36p.m., and 7.20 p.m. ' Trains Arrive at Ashburton from TncARU and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m. (Eipresa), and 8 p.m. 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 Homs Journals, Magazines, and ’ ' Papers by Overy mail Subscribers wsifted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., HQpyourr r mpfl OOH iTTAWWPQ Jfrn JTATIONBRY. OP EVERY JDE- I . SORIPTION. rriHß GUARDIAN is on every Tea *. table in Ashburton.



Wanted WANTED —A good general SER VANT. Apply, Office of this Paper. 10 24 WANTED, at once, a good HOUSE MAID ; also, good COOK. Apply at one* to Butler’s Family Hotel. 1032 WANTED, Contract HANDS for Hedge-trimming, Fencing, Drain ng and Bush-cutting ; also, a good Fencing Hand accustomed to timber work. —Apply to B. H. DOBSON, 938 Manager Lowcliffe Estate. WANTED KNOWN— Hates and Co. hare a lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. aul2 ANTED KNOWN—NEALAS and CO. have given up business, and are Selling Off Stock at HALF PRICE for a few days. 1035 WANTED KNOWN—That Robert 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 prempt attention. Terms cash. 760 c -yy" 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, East street, Ashburton, begs to inform everybody that ha 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.-®^ TX7ANTED KNOWN—Every descrip v * tion of Plain and Fancy Printing executed on the shortest notice, at the Guardian Office, next Matson, Cox, and Co.’s, West street Special Advertisements. Money ! Money! ! THE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, Imited, are prepared, through their agent, J. 0. Ddn'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. 883 J. O. DUNCAN, Agent, East street.



JEL M. Jones’ OOOUNT BOOKS. NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual POETS— VARIOUS Authors ; Sir Walter Scott’s Works, new edition, complete. TOYS! TOYS !! TOYS!!! GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, ar A Indiarubber. GOOD' BUSINESS Envelopes. SIX SHILLINGS PER THOUSAND CASH. A Bargain. Good Second-hand PIANETTE, £2 0. FANCY GOODS ! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above now in stock. JSSB" 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. In good order, £ls, £2O, "22 10s, 25. Chatterbox Child’s Companion Infants’ Magazine, <fec., &c.’ SECOND-HAND Pianos. or . .con "f H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. 13d



n PEOIAL NOTICE. TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. GL E. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, Princes street, Dttnbdin Have great pleasure in announcing that it is their intention to cater for the Music loving population of Ashburton in such a manier 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 1 ! MUSIC I! ! 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. d!4



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S OHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH. ASHBURTON. INYERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bea. of •naterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPUT & OOMPIiBTBIiT FURNISHED



Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE 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 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 WBRTHEIM SEWING MACHINESS Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. T>OBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OP WHEAT OATS B\RLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 taxational mortgage and J\ AGENCY COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED). TO FARMERS AND OTHERS, We 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 Au stralian Colonies we have made special and complete arrangements for the disposal of Grain and Produce generally, and we 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 favor able terms, and shippers will receive full benefits of the lowest ruling rates of freight. Wo 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. Cornsacka, large size (48 by 26), full weights, supplied, on application, at cur rent prices. Full information obtainab’j at our offices, 214, Cashel street, Christchurch. 269 GEORGE KING, Manager.



I have jusb received my season’s Guns stock of of every description, and respectfully invite an inspection. Double Breech-loaders from L 5 6s. 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 Cases, 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.



AND 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 aectiors 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 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 Rilway Station, and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au New work —“the royal PATH OF LIFE; or, Aims and Aida to Success and Happiness/' illus trated with Steel Engravings, in differ snt bindings. Also, a beautiful selection of EASTER CARDS. Andbbwbs Bros., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 MR LAURENCE OK LEY has been Appointed Agent for the Ashbur ton Guardian at South Rakaia.



Coro Sacks, lowest market rates. Special Advertisements. 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 to Cost, Freight, etc., by applying to JOSEPH CLARK, 267 Ashburton & Tinwald. Corn Sacks, lowest market rates.



JAM CASH PURCHASER or BRIGHT MILLING Oats, IN AN? QUANTITY. ALBERT ROBERTS, 763 West street.



Roberts, Paxton & Co. CHRISTCHURCH, CASH PURCHASERS of WHEAT BEANS BARLEY PEAS OATS COCKSFOOT AND RYE GRASS SEED. They supply farmers with the best quality LARGE CoRNSACKS, at the Lowest Market Rates, AND WILL MAKE LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES against grain placed in their hands for shipment to London or elsewhere, ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO., 137, Manchester street, Christchurch Or their Agent,— ALBERT ROBERTS, 278 Ashburton.