SHIPPING.

’•OBt OP LYTTELTON.

Arrived.

- -'■ Satubbay. I B*>toraa, as., from Manuksu and way ,i ■ • Yfakfttipn, a.a, from Port Obalmers. Yesterday. “Wakatu, as., from Titflaru. Kkwatiri, as., from Westport. Stellt, 0.G.5., from Wellington on a lighthouse cruise. Prospector, barque, from Newcastle. Examiner, barque, from Qreymouth. Sailed. Saturday. • Rotorua, aJ a , for Wellington. . <li tiivin.i SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. • yr - ■' I Auckland, Saturday. Arrived—Mendoza, from New York, 110 days out . n ' Wellington, Yesterday Arrived —Hawes, from Nelson ; Te Anaii, from Auckland, via the East Coast; Rotorua, from Lyttelton, Parnell/ brig antine, from New York. Sailed Hawea, for Taranaki and ytnnViL with the outward San Francisco mail. Tiuabu, Yesterday. Sailed—Auriga, for the United King* dom with a cargo of grain. Dunedin, Saturday. Arrived—Tatnjow and Bells, from Mau ritinA

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T. Bullock reports of the Horse Market for the week ending Saturday, i6th inst There was a large entry of horses, viz, 45, and an average attendance of counter settlers and others, but a dull sale was experienced through out for all kinds of stock, nevertheless there ■were.. .drains, but settlers’ reserves were certainly, too high, they appear itf£to be under ; the impressiea that horses are wyrth considerably more than they were a few weeks ago, and placed higher reserves. Con stridently veryfew changed hands. Out of the tqfcal L number entered (45) 10 were sold at the fallowing prices Medium draughts, Ll 6 10s L 22 10s, L 26 10s; Backs in low condition and not very good, L 4 los to Lh; two-year-old colts of a light description, L 7 to L 8; two year-old draught colts, Ll6los. Landed pro perty: I offered rural section 28752, containing Istores, on account of Messrs Tancred and A Wan, hut the biddings not reaching owners’ limit* It was passed in. There were several inquiries after the sale, so that it is likely to be aoldprivatdy.. I have sold- town section 448, Burbettstreet; for the sum of LBO. Alfred Harrison reports for the week ending June 16th as follows:—On Thursday, June 14th, I held a . clearing sale at Alford Forest Hotel, for Mir John Bowicfe, when I disposed of: horses, implements, stock and sundries. '\ offered was sold at a fair price, but there was no demand for the extra entries. Ofo BattWay, June 16th, I held my usual weekly sqlei Horses were quiet, but nearly all entries wyre ( -sold. -Cows were dull of sale, although several first-class dairy cows [were penned, ‘ Pigs sold well, every lot being cleared. f iFowls, 2s to 3s 6d per pair; ducks, as 6d to 4s; geese, 10s per pairturkeys, 7s 6d to 12s 6d per pair, Produce : Potatoes, 501 per ton ; carrots, 30s to 40s; chick wheat, as,per bushel; oats, is 6d to is qd; crushed, as per bushel Carcase pork, 3d to 4#d ?per lb, in good demand. Harness and sundries sold, well, Tea, 21s. There was a good though business was not quite so brisk as usual

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES tfttaon, Cos and 00., at the Tinwald ,

. MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, Ac ▼ . Wednesday, 20 Jon*. 'Hitf—Dramatic Company in “Leah -the Forsaken,” at 8 p. m. Gift Auction and Soiree at Methven ; 2

'pi.nX''A & .■'..■i Thursday, Junk 21. Tea and Entertainment at Elgin; Tea at 6.30 p.m. - Friday, Jdnb 22. St. John's- Lodge — lnstallation of W.M. aod [ Qffioers at 6 pm. and Masonic Ball ■ atß.^>p.m. Monday, June 25. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock, vil Judy 4. Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers; 11 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JUNE 18, 1883.

Pressure on our space, owing to late telegrams, compells us to hold over lead ing matter. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Debating Society takes place this evening in the Society’s room, Arcade Chambers. The New Zealand Shipping Compa >y are advised by cable that the actual steaming time of the British King's home ward voyage was 43 days 9 hours. Cap tain Ballot, R N., of the lonic, is confi dent of making the homeward voyage in 40 days. Sylvester Kingston, arrested at Bootle, was brought up on April 20 at the Dublin Police Court on the charge of conspiring to murder government officials and others. The prisoner is described as a strongly built, daring-looking man, with large head and face, set off with bristling sandy hair and moustache, giving him a soldier like appearance. He was employed in Dublin up to December last by the United Tramway Company as a carriage builder. In that month he suddenly disappeared. The police have evidence of his connection with the Fenian organisation in 1866. When Fenianism was revived under the direction of John Devoy, it is alleged that Kingston, who is a man of considerable ability, was appointed a “centre.” He belonged, it is alleged, both to the In visibles and to the Vigilance Committee, the object of the former being to “ re move ” government officials, and of the latter to “ remove " persons who made themselves obnoxious. It is stated that Kingston was supported gratuitously for two months by certain persons in Bootle. He was remanded by the Dublin Magis trate to a future day. The Property Tax Act (remarks the New Zealand Herald !) is likely to bo the means of finding out the owners of many of the allotments and pieces of property in this province which have been long without apparent owners. An instance which came to our knowledge recently will afford a general illustration. In a certain district in the neighborhood of Auckland were found several pieces of land, respecting which the local authority could get no information as to the owner. For years past the rates had remained un paid. On the register of deeds being searched on behalf of the Property Tax Commission, it was found that several changes with the property had taken place and been recorded, and that some twenty years ago the property had been transferred to a certain gentleman then living in Lon don. Search was made there, and in due time the person in question was found, and an answer was returned, stating the dealings this party had with the property in question, together with information re specting some other property also in the province. It appears that some twenty or thirty years ago the party in question sent the deeds relating to the property (which had come into their possession through some business transaction) to the colony for registration by a person whom they knew who was coming here, but from that day the London firm never heard anything further of the property or the person to whom they had given the legal authority to register the title in the name of the firm. Inquiry was instituted, and it was found that the person re ferred to had duly executed his trust, and shortly afterwards had died, evidently before he had had time to report what he had done. It was also found that one of these properties which this London firm owns is of considerable value, and has been utilised for many years, as if the occupier were the ov.ner. The Property Tax returns will probably throw a flood of light upon many of the properties in <he city of Auckland and in the country dis tricts which have been hitherto regarded as being ownerless. The news which in due time will be conveyed to the London firm in question will no doubt be as pleas ing as it may be, in some respects, sur prising.

MrS. E. Poyntz was unfortunate enough to have a very valuable Golden Polish cock injured to-day, the bird being worried by a stray dog. We are informed that Mr Poyntz intends to lay poison down in the neighborhood of his place to prevent the recurrence of a like misfortune. The cock in question is the only one of the kind in the colony, having been specially imported from Home. The following tenders have been re ceived fpr the Duuback contract No. 2 Palmerston-Waihemo branch Wait iki- Bluff railway Accepted : Miller and Smallie, Oamaru, L 4,131. Declined : Nelson and Swanston, Port Chalmers, 1,4,583; Edgar and Co., Dunedin, L 4.678 ; J. McOombe and Co,, Oamaru, L4,74i; J- Black, Waimate, L 4.787 ; Barclay and McKay, Oamaru, L 4.792 ; James Coates, Christchurch, L 5.000 ; Jas. Sutherland, Dunedin,, L 5,104 ; Smith and Walker, Invercargill, L 5.179 ; H. Whitaker, Dunedin L 5,586. Wal ton Rhodes’ tender is accepted for the station building contract No. 2, Albury, Fairlie Creek, and Burke’s Pass. The opening services of the Salvation Army were celebrated yesterday at the Princess Theatre, Wellington, which has been engaged by Captain Ted Wright for twelve months. At each service there was a large attendance, curiosity evidently inducing many to attend in anticipation of something sensational occurring, but they were doomed to disappointment, Three men at the eleven o’clock drill, who were intoxicated, became disorderly, and were ordered by the police to withdraw. Two of them persisting in using bad lan guage outside the theatre were handcuffed after resistance, and lodged in the lock-up. The proceedings otherwise were tame. At the Nelson Supreme Court on Satur day the Grand Jury returned a true bill against Mary GramaHca as an accessory after the fact in the Lyell murder. Owing to the non-appearance of Mrs Cook from Wellington, the Grand Jury adjourned to Tuesday next to consider the bigam v case. His Honor passed sentence on F. J. Hodgson of twelve months’ hard labor. He said that the fact of the prisoner having given evidence of contrition, and having shown where the balance of the money was, had been taken into consider ation. In the Westport libel case the jury, after an hour and a half’s consideration, found John Tyrell, the proprietor of the Westport Star, guilty of Inserting a letter containing a libel on Charles Wright, the proprietor of the Buller News. The Judge inflicted a fine of LSO, payable to Her Majesty. The severe winter in Russia has at last come to an end. Statistics show that for 150 years there have been but six winters so severe, not including 1812, which was milder than the present year. The enor mous masses of snow now rapidly melting under the warm rays of the April sun, swell every rivulet into a torrent, and cause the large rivers to overflow their banks. Russia is menaced with great inundations, and will probably suffer much more than Italy qr Germany, no precautions being taken to avert tho pvil. The havoc made on the railroads is terrible, and the communications con tinually stopped either by snow storms or by the water carrying away briuges. All the winter has been rife with catastrophes on the Russian railways. Passenger trains, surprised by the terrible snow storm, have been stopped in lonely desert steppes for several days together, and not only almost buried in the snow, but attacked by troops of famished wolves. One merchandise train, having disap peared, was only discovered two days after. The indocile elements have not even respected the Imperial train, which was once snowed up between Tsartkao Selo and Gatehinn.

At a meeting of the Auckland Board of Education re the Grafton School Committee disputes, a second letter was received from the Committee of the Grafton school to the effect that, having read the evidence in the recent enquiry, they recommend the. removal of Talbot to another school. The ground of this recommendation was that it would be an embarrassment to Talbot himself and scholars that he should resume teaching in this school. The Chairman said the application might not be well-grounded, but it was clear if Mr Talbot was not a proper person to teach in Grafton road school, he was not a proper person to teach ,in another school or continue in the employment of the Board. He would therefore propose —That as the Committee of the Grafton .road recommend the removal of Talbot, the wishes of the Committee be complied with, and the engagement of Talbot be determined on the 30th June without further resolution, and that three months’ salary be given him in lieu of notice.” Mr Buckland asked if this did not appear a somewhat arbitrary course, seeing that the charges were not proved. It appeared from the evidence that Martin was the person who made the principal charges. Mr Goldie : There have been much worse cases before the Board than Talbot’s, and teachers were retained. There was one case where the teacher was in custody of the police, and being released forfeited his bail. There was a case where a head teacher abandoned his school for six days, a d admitted his intoxication to the ex tent that be slept three nights in the open air. There ' was another teacher who put up a notice that he would be found “at the pub. ” In Talbot’s case there was no pioof of the offence, and'the charge was ma le by a person whose feel ings as regards Talbot, were well known. The Chairman : I propose to move a pre cisely similar resolution in respect to Martin, who is a candidate for the Head Mastership of Tararua school. Messrs Goldie, Hobbs and Buckland reflected somewhat strongly in their remarks upon Martin, but ultimately the motion for the termination of the services of Talb.it and Martin was deferred till next meeting. The Board which some time ago refused r.he admsssion of Dr Richatdson’s book on Temperance and Health as a text book in schools, have now agreed to its admission. Nothing purifies and enriches the blood and destroys all poisons in the system like Hop Bitters. Read.— [Ad vt.] Weakness and sickness changed to health and strength with Hop Bitters always. See.— [Advt.]

Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Notable Facts.—lntense heat augments the annoyances of skin disease and encourages the development of febrile disorders; therefore they should, as they can, be remove by these detergent and purifying preparations. In stomach complaints, liver affections, pains, and spasms of the bowels, Holloway’s ungent well rubbed over the affected part immediately gives the greatest ease, prevents congestion and in flammation, checks the threatening diarrhoea and averts incipient cholera. The poorer inhabitants in large cities will find these remedies to be their best friends when any pestilence rages, or when from unknown causes eruptions, boils, abscesses, or ulcerations point out the presence of taints or impurities within the system, and call for instant and effective curative medicines.— [Advt.] Wanted Known— 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 druggetling. 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 win4ow rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade.—J. Meech. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt.] i I

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Pee Manapouri at the Bluff.]

[by telegraph] Melbourne, June 11.

The Redmond brothers are lecturing in Melbourne, but the attendances are meagre and there is no excitement. Mr Twopeny has refused the General Secretaryship of the Adelaide Interna tional Exhibition of 1886, offered by the South Australian Government, on account of prior engagements in New Zealand. Arrangements have been made by the Australasian Electric Lighting Company to light the Legislative Assembly chamber, now completed and ready for the next meeting of Parliament. The Presbyterian Conference is sitting, but no business of great interest has transpired. lenders have been called for the new Princes Bridge, but on opening them they were found to be greatly in excess of the engineer’s estimates, and none were accepted for the present. The Longlands iron foundry at Tarra Bend, Melbourne, has just completed an extensive order for mining machinery at a cost of L 13,000, for India. Prospects of farther trade are visible.

The twelfth anniversary of the Young Men’s Christian Association was cele brated last week. The society now num bers ever a thousand.

The cases for compensation in the Haw thorne accident are being heard daily. It is expected that the total cost of the accident will be unprecedentedly heavy. Sir William Clarke has promised L 3,000 towards the cost of the Clarke buildings at Trinity College. Mr Joseph Clarke has given L 6,000, which, with L 1,500 from other sources, will practically cover the coat of completing the building. The Government have telegraphed to all the other colonies urging co-operation with Victoria in supporting the annexa tion of the New Hebrides and other Pacific Islands, and the colonies re plied favorably. The Marquis of Norman by telegraphed to Lord Derby accordingly, and Mr Service has instructed Mr Murray Smith, the Agent-General, to support it. Mr George Ooppin has started a move ment to solve the religious education difficulty by giving religious instruction to children after school hours, and the move ment is likely to be (successful, the example being followed by other places. The Argus has another leader advocat ing Mr Twopeny’s proposal for a* Colonial Exhibition in London. Sydney, June 11.

The trustees of the Art Gallery are in communication with the Minister of Education in reference to a site for a new gallery. A telegram received from Normanton, Queensland, states that Hungerford, whose, exploring companion, Walter Clark, was deserted by him and subse quently killed and eaten by blacks, arrived there. Ho was received by the towns people with public marks of disapproba tion.

Mr George Ernest Morrison, who re cently walked from the Gulf of Carpen taria to Melbourne, left for Oooktown with a view of proceeding to New Guinea to explore the recently annexed island. He determined to have no European com pany, preferring to organise a party of nat ves. The expenses of the expedition are borne by the Melbourne Age . The Austral sailed for Glasgow on Saturday, having been detained just seven months The Sydney launch, containing the manager of the company and friends, accompanied the vessel to the Heads. The engines worked smoothly. Lord Loftus unveiled the statue of the late T. S. Mort, n the presence of thou sands of spectators. The proceedings were participated in by a large number of leading colonists, and speeches were made eulogising the character of Mr Mort. Captain Kennedy, of the steamer Hauroto, reports that he saw the reflec tion of the new electric light at Mac quarrie Head fer a distance of sixty-nine miles at sea.

The New South Wales Cricketing Asso ciation cannot see their way to send a team to New Zealand. The matter is in abeyanre at present.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

[Per Manapodri at the Bluee,] [by telegraph.] [Age Specials.] London, June 6. The reinforcement of Algerian troops, comprising several regiments of Zouaves, which were recently ordered to proceed to the seat of war in Tonquin to aid the French there, left Algiers to-day. Discussion has been proceeding in the London Press with reference to the pro posed tunnel between Dover and Calais. Mr Hyde Clarke, the eminent philologist, who has also published a number of works on military engineering, favors the pro posal, but Sir Archibald Alison, who was second in command to Sir Garnet Wolaeley during the Ashantee campaign, condemns it. Earl Koseberry, who was offered and tentatively accepted a seat in the Privy Council as Minister for Scotland, has since declined the appointment. It is probable that the office will be offered to Mr Hibbert, the Liberal member for Old ham.

It is reported that “ Number One,” e£ the Assassination Committee, has been poisoned in America, in consequence of his having expressed his willingness to give himself up to the British Govern ment.

A publican in Dublin, who had rendered himself obnoxious to the “ Invinoibles,” has received a letter containing some ex plosive substance. Other cases of a simi lar character are reported, and the police are making enquiries. A Major of the Russian army stationed at Moscow has been banished to Siberia, for having publicly expressed an opinion in favor of certain social reforms being necessary in Russia. The appeal in the case of the steamer Ferret, which was stolen from Glasgow and seized at Melbourne, was decided to day. The Court decided that the Stan dard Bank of British South Africa, which accepted an insurance upon the vessel, should pay the sum of L 4.000 with in terest at the current Bank rate. A point raised in connection with the ownership of the vessel was reserved for subsequent argument. Several cases have recently occurred, concerning which strong suspicions' are entertained, that persons in Dublin have been poisoned by the Invinoibles, and orders have been given fur the exhuma tion of the bodies to procure evidence of the fact.

The Mayor of Berlin acknowledges the receipt of 61,000 marks (L 4.575) from Australia in aid of those who suffered by the severe flood which occurred in tha Rhenish provinces during last autumn. A rising of the natives has taken place in the Island of Sherbaro, which is situ ated a short distance from Sierra Leone. A chief named Gibpwoe has invaded that portion of the island occupied by Euro pean residents, at the head of a large fol lowing, and has already burned two towns and several villages.

Information has been received from Afghanistan that another encounter has taken place between the troops of the Ameer and the Bhinwarees,, a rebel hill tribe. The latter were defeated with great loss, and it is now thought probable that in view of their continued reverses the rebels will give their allegiance to the Ameer.

The [Mcho, a: London' Evenin'? paper, states pit the t)uke'pf Albany has been offered’ the Governorship ’ ijf Victoria on the termination of the Marquis of Nor manby’aterm. ; Negotiation? iare going on between the Messageries Maritimea Company and the JTrbpch Government for the extension of that Company's present service from Noumea to Tahiti and Auckland, ~ Att ' appliiafibh has been’ made on be half of Janies Careys the informer, that he should be released fi-i-n custody, but the Government have declined to-agree to it. Carey ; haa s ; nce been offered, but has declined a wardership in an English prison. The report that several persons have been poisoned by the Irish Invincibles in Dublin has been inquired into by the authorities, and has proved to be un founded.

Mr Henry Broadhurst. proposed iq tie House ofCommons to-day that in all cases of contested elections, expenses of success ful candidates should be charged to the local rates. The motion was rejected without a division.

Mr Dillon, who, after a lengthy incar ceration for refusing to give sureties for his good behavior in connection with the Irish question, has been released. He loft London for Paris to-day.

The English Government has intimated to the promoters of the second Suez Canal Company that they will persist as a condition of allowing the work to be undertaken, that there shall be a con siderable reduction in the charges, and an increased control exercised by the English Government. The Russian Government has forbidden the transit,, of Europeans across the Caucasus. It is understood that this step has been taken in consequence of the Russian typographical operations now being conducted in that portion of the Russian frontier beyond the mountains. Huge preparations are, being,made in Germany to' celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of Martin Luther’s birth, which occurred in November, L 483. London, June if). Intelligence that the Age has despatched Mr Morrison to New Guinea, for the pur pose of exploration has been announced in the Loudon papers. The enterprise of the journal is generally commanded. At a meeting of the Agents-General of the different colonies, held yesterday, a resolution, was agreed,in favor.of the Mar riage with a Deceased Wife’s Sister Bill. Mr Smith, Agent-General of Victoria, was not present, but sent, a letter! to, the meeting, supporting the proposition. Earl Granville has agreed to present a petition from the Agents-General in favor of the Bill on Monday. - The Duke of Rutland has called the attention of the House of Lords to the depression that exists in the agn 'cultural districts, and urges a trial being made of the system < of protection. He denounced emigration as being quite insufficient to meet the exigencies of the case. ‘ > ‘'■ “

Sir W. Lawson has moved an amend ment to the proposal to grant L 25,000 to Lord Alcester, that the sitm be reduced. He was supported by Lord R. Churchill, and the debase op. the amendment has been adjourned! 1 * The Commission which was appointed on the 20th March by the English Go vernment to inquire'into the condition of the crofters in the Hebrides, has com menced its sittings. The crew of the Lively, which was' 1 re cently wrecked at Stornoway, the princi pal port in the Hebrides, have all been saved. The scare created by the attempts to blow up the public buildings in London is now moderating, and the authorities have decided to withdraw some of the military sentinels placed as a guard outside the various public buildings and institutions. The sentinels were removed to-day from outside the Law Courts in;the Strand. i The Duke of Edinburgh and General Lord Wolaeley,: who.weie present as re presentatives of the British nation at the coronation of the Czar at Moscow, have accompanied His Majesty and suite to St Petersburg. They are now staying at the royal palace of PeterhofE ■ . The body of the late Howard Payne, the author of the popular song, “ Home, sweet home,” which was,interred at Tan giers, on the northern coast of Africa, has been, exhumed midiconveyed to/Washings ton, United States, he having been an American citizen. The re-interment took place yesterday at Washington, and was made the occasion for a grand ceremonial. President Arthur was among the large number of distinguished men present. The Right Hon. Berkeley Paget has been transferred from Rome to be British Ambassador: at Vienna, ■; vice the Right Hon. Elliott^^

IN THE LOBBY.

[from OCK PAJRLIAMjENTARY corbespon- DENT. ]

Wellington, To-day,

It seeqis that on Saturday an attempt was made by the Opposition whips to con vene a caucus of all sections opposed to the Government, but, with the exception of one or two, nobody put in an appear ance, and the meeting was consequently not held. Some of the members returned at last election say they are not so verdant in political matters now as they were on coming up last year, and they decline to be dragged blindfolded after the so-called .Opposition leaders. They mean to,act on their own responsibility, uniniaehbed’ by the leaders, and if the present Ministry exhibit a desire to get through the busi ness in a practical mantaer without delay, they will not offer factious opposition, with the view if possible of securing a brief session and reserving all’ efforts to unseat the Ministry until next session, when they hope from various causes to be stronger.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Monetary and Commercial. London, June 15. Consols remain at ioo%£. New Zealand securities are unchanged, as follows: —s per cent 10-40 loan, per cent i879 : ig04 loan, 102 4 per cent, inscribed stock, 102 Colonial breadstuff's continue dull and prices have declined. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, is quoted at 475, being a fall of is. New Zealand ditto, ex warehouse, has suffered a similar fall, and is now at 43s to 465, according to quality. Adelaide flour, ex store, is quoted at 335, being a decline of 6d. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the United Kingdom is 1,960,000 qrs, being an increase of 10,000 qrs during the week. Australian tallow is dull, and has declined 6d per cwt; best beef is now quoted at 41s, and best mutton at 42s 6d.

The Wool Sales. At the wool sale to-day 12,106 bales were offered. The market was steady, but the demand was not active. London, June 16. At to-ddy’s wool sale 9,100. hales were" offered. The market was steady, but the demand is nor active. A Terrible Catastrophe. London, June 17. One of the most appalling catas trophes for many years past occurred at Sunderland, last night. A children’s

fete was held during the evening, in the Victoria Hall, fully 2,000 children being present, and the entertainment having ended the children were leaving the building, when a false alarm of fire was raised. A panic ensued,, and a . rush was made for the staircase, in descend ing which many fell) and were trampled (upon by those following. The outlet ’became blocked, and before the panip {could be allayed and the staircasedeared >IBO had been crushed to death and many others seriously injured. The calamity has caused profound distress, jand cast a gloom over the entire dis trict. Universal sympathy is expressed fpr the sufferers and their relatives., • ; i The Channel TunneL

i The Right Hon. John Bright, in the 'course Of an address to the people of (Birmingham last evening strongly advo cated, the formation .of the Channel Tunnel and urged the, advisability ;of cooperating with France m the formation of the projected second ■Suez Canal. , . ■ <'f f ! ( i v Sir , Hercules Robinson. ; It has transpired that Sir Hercules ■ Robinson will shortly return td v the Cape, and will remain there until the completion of his term of office.. .i* i / A New Lina of Steamers. Y Sir F. D. Bell, Agent-General ’ for n New Zealand, hashed an interview with - M. Cochery, French Minister tor Post ’ and Telegraphs, with reference to the,, establishment of aline of mail steamers between New Zealand and French' « ports. . The result of the interview has hot, however, transpired. : " [Received June 18, 1 p.m.] The Mails, j • London. June 16. i The Homeward mails via Naples per steamer Orient from Melbourne (May q), were delivered in London <d- 3 day.

AUSTRALIA N.

[rbutbr’s telegrams—cop vriobt.] , Aquatic. Vx' ; Stoke*, Saturday.' TT i The sculling race for the’ Krog in Champagne Cup was rowed to-dijr '[ Over the champion course oh,the J Ifararaatta, and after an. exciting /race resulted in a' victory for Middleton by half a length, Brett securing: second place, and Gaderi third. All three are local men. The weather was very favorable for the race. ‘ '*’ [Received June 18, I p. m.] 1 Shipping. , . i ziy Adelaide, To-day. i Arrived, yesterday Messageriea ' Company’s steamship Caledonian from Marseilles, May io. , Sir Henry Parkes. ■ . Melbourne, To-day. The Argus to-day publishes a tele gram from Sydney reporting that Sir Henry Parkes is about to resign his seat in the Assembly add proceed to England. Tha Colonial Exhibition. s l ; Mr Twopeny has written ■ a letter urging a temporary and hot a continual, exhibition 'in London. The .Afgus supports the proposal.

TELEGRAMS.

[PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

, The Drink Fiend-

Auckland, To-day.

A woman named Johanna Rountree was found dead in bed this mornings Drink is supposed to be the cause.

Alleged Bribery* A criminal summons-has been issued against W. O. Stevens, commission agent, who is alleged to have offered a bribe,of - , L2OO to Mr Lewis, the Und^r-s(^fe^.of ; V> Native Affairs, with the object of inflUeh- ' cing the disposition of certain nativn lands. A ■ 4, The Oostley Bb4«Mt^, " /t (

Ooatley’a executors,; at the request, the bodies interested in the bequests, have: ay withdrawn the freeholds from sale. . . Fire.- Wellington, To-day.

At a few. minutes to six last night a fire broke out in a nine-roomed house in Abel Smith street, owned and occupied by Mr ■- Lawrence. The family had tea between; I '' four and five o’clock in the kitchen! add ’ then went into the parlor, when their at- r , tention was called by the smoke, And the ' kitchen was discovered in!' a blaze. The flames spread very rapidly, only a tittle of the front room furniture being saved. The house was insured in the National for L4OO, and the furniture for L2so’ in . the Union. The fire spread rapidly to the adjoining five - roomed cot tage, owned and occupied by ■ Oap-y tain Short, of the Comet. Nearly alhj.j? the con,tents were got out safely. r Cajßr.-.„‘ t*iin and Mrs Short were both absent from " Wellington, but the family occupied the house, which was insured in the South British for L 250. It is not known if the furniture is insured. The house of Mr Prose was also on fire, bat not much damage was done, the contents being re- t ; : moved. The house and furniture were; insured for L3OO in the South but the loss is trifling. Another cottage, owned by Mrs Meares, also caught, b*t, very little damage was done. . .It waq, sured for LIOO in the National. ■, Them.'; Fire Brigade arrangements were very un-ljiir, satisfactory. ~ . . A Vessel Detained. ~ • »

Captain Rose, Manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company, has received a telegram from the captain of the barque Eatella, dated from White’s Bay, stating that ho put into Port Underwood on Thursday, and would proceed at the first opportunity. All is well, but ha had some sails.. The Eatella left London for ; - 3 Wellington February 15. ' —c

A Warning. Christchurch, To-day v< r At the R.M. Court to-day James Swin-‘ , dell was fined LlO or a month’s ment for preparing bankruptcy papers' without being a solicitor. The Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company. The Directors of the Wellington-Maaa watu Railway Company, Limited, haw> .. received advice of the formation of the Company’s London Board, which cpnsiata._ of (he Right Hon. Anthony John Mun della, M.P., vice-president of the Com- ■> mittee of the Council ; Sir. .Penrose Julyan, K.0.M.G., O.B.; and Sir Edward Stafford, K.O.M.G. The London Bank is the London and Westminster Bank,.., Limited, and Mr John Macrill, solicitor 1 to the Agent-General, has accepted the • >' position of London solicitor to the Com- ;> pany.

The Gaol Enquiry. Dunedin, To-day. r The Prison Commission Enquiry ootn-* mences on Wednesday. .-.:A ■ All Right. The Mauntainoer was floated off none' \ the worse for the accident. 1 , :

Profitable Digging. Excellent reports come from the dig/ gitags. At the head of the lake one EufjSi./S, p6an party divided L2O per week a man.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN MONDAY, JUNE 18, 18p3 ?



F „ YOU : ’WANT , GOOD AND BTBONO FURNITURE, GO / <>: TO DAVIS’S OHBAP FURNITURE AND BED MANUFACTORY, BAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY : articla Sold at Christchurch ! Pbxobs and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship. , FUNERALS CtaunT & OOMPUBTKLT mSISHBD St! f/iii&HtlmntS tegs Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. JONES, Agent. X>n>E ORGANS.—Especially suitable Jt _ itor Marches. Far sunerior to any BeflUPneD near the price for richness •ad purity of tone, relume of sound, and durability of onstruotion. Price—Ll2o. BEjpPOROANS.— By Smith and Co., «« and ftndin* Wood and Co., Esby . and Co., New England Company, and larch and Warner—from LI2 12s. FI A,S O S.—Brinsmead and Sons, Breed*ood, Collard and Oollard, Erard, pimal,pnd iothers. Drendan Model, and Gamut and French manufacturers, with latest Improvements. DEFERRED PAYMENTS -•* WiOUMM Bw»>- ol AOOII lliiCi



Wanted WANTED —An Experienced STORE MAN. Apply to Georgs Jame son, Ashburton. 1405 WANTED KNOWN— Hates and Co. have . a lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. aul2 TXTaNTED KNOWN—That Robert V\ Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at .very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 7600 WANTED Known That Mr Dan Lea has Opened his Gymnasium next to Harrison’s Auction Rooms. An inspection of his calisthenics of every description is invited. 1344 TTTANTBD Known—lf you want to VV buy a Cheap Drapery Parcel, go to H. C. Segers, Compton’s Buildings, Moore street. Sale now on. Every article reduced. 1350 ANTED KNOWN. That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., an be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. Special Advertisements. AND FOR 'SALE The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, ’ All that COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. / The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sections having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS, Only a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at 6£ per cent, for a term of years as may 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



H. M. Jones PAS NOW ON VIEW A FUSE Has now on view STOCK OF PIANO S, FROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn. in walnut; also one by Schwarch ton with TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, And others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. A good selection of these Instruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. INSTRUMENTS TO OK 4/0 SELECT FROM. 410 HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Yiolins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed instru ments. PH 0 o,°"L 0 Lmost won- VT derful instru- il E meats of the day. Til Music by the yard. A child Jj Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have a O piano. Pianos en hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TERMS to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for MILNER «fc THOMPSON. A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. mTJONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d



Corn Sacks, lowestjjmarket rates. J AM A CASH PUR CHASER, AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES, of WHEAT OATS GRASS SEED BARLEY Farmers wishing to SHIP ON THM2- OWN AO COUNT can get information as to Cost, Freight, etc., by applying to JOSEPH CLARK, 267 Ashburton & Tinwald. Corn Sacks, lowest market rates.



STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—fiom 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 Homo.Jonrnals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &0., East stbekt South Ashbubton. n!5



R OBINSON AND TOWNSHEJSD ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS *, BARLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply and purchase of useful household drapery, thou-ands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. 0. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 a Dress Parcel, contains— Worth | £ s. d, 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6



£1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 a household parcel, contains — Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 10 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 6 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0



3 yds silesia lining for same ...0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress 0 16 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt 0 14 6 1 pair good heavy while sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0 £3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... o*4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish lowels ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere 12 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt ... 014 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt 0 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 16 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers ... ... 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6 £ll 16 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 6 6 3 pairs Ladies’nice hose... ... 0 4 6 £5 6 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 2 17 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette ... ... ... 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. R.C.O. made payable to E C. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. \y A T E SUBSCRIBERS D. TO OUR CIRCULATING LIBRARY ANDRE WES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 JAM CASH PURCHASER OF BRIGHT MILLING Oats, IN AN ¥ QUANTITY. ALBERT ROBERTS, 763 West street. Money ! Money! ! The equitable investment COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, mited, are prepared, through their agent, T . 0. Duncan, 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. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAV E spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND - CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. . -- A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE TRICE. “ SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHBIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. MR LAURENCE OXLEY has been Appointed Agent for the Ashbur ton Guardian at South Rakaia.