SHIPPING.

POST OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Rotomahsna, s.s, from Auckland and wav porta. Wakatn, b.b., from Boat Harbor. Wanaka, a.a., from Dunedin via Aka roa. Soiled. n - Yesterday 'Mabinapua, aa , for Greymouth. Wakatu, aa, for Kaikoura and Wei- Hmrtan. Rotomahana, aa, for Melbourne, via Hobart and Sydney.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Yeaterday. Arrived—Kate McGregor, from Lime Inland; Ringarooma, from Sydney. galled—Penguin, for Fiji; Orowaiti, for Westport; Fawn, for Thames. Wblunoton, Yesterday. Arrived —Takapuna, from Lyttelton. Sailed Koranui, for Timaru and Oamarn; Grafton, for Lyttelton and Oamatn; Takapuna, for Onehunga and Taranaki. _ . , Dunkdin, Yesterday. Arrived—Waihora, from Bluff. Sailed —Planter, barque, for Auckland

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, , Wednesday aftemoen. Mr E. G. Staveley, for the New Zealand loan and Mercantile Agency Company, limited, reports os under on the Ashburton EvcstOClrmarket at ijth January Shee p; An average entry came forward. The attend ance Was only limited, and business somewhat Fat mixed crossbreds made 12s yd, 14s gd and 16s; merino wethers, 10s 3d- We quote best mutton at per lb. Merino owes, shorn and in lamb, brought 9s 8d; ditto ifl Wool with heavy percentage of lambs, lis Ad; Several lines of sheep, both fat and store, were withdrawn. Cattle : The prevailing nor’-weiter appeared to have a depressing effect on buyers, who were very languid m their biddings, and urade in this department was no better than usual. Fat cows, I 4 5 s » IA and L 6 ss; two-year-old steers, L 3 10s to L 4 ss; dry heifers, L 3 18s and L 4; dairy cows and heifers, L 3 10s to L 5 15 s -

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE-J. Thursday, January 17. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company at Rakaia, Wheat; 12.30. Messrs Matson, Oox and 00., at Rakaia . Threshing Plant Saturday, January 19. Mr Thoa. Bollock, at the Arcade, Burnett street —Town Sections Tuesday, January 22. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Saleyarda—Stock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday, January 21. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. Monday, January 28. Upper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Board Office Friday, February 1. Ashburton County Council— vt Council Chambers, 11a.m. Longboach Road Board, at Road Board office, Longbeach. Saturday, February 2. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Ohrist ; church and intermediate stationsat7.lo «.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m. tWt** Leave Ashburton for Tmabu 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 1 Christchurch at 10 15 a.m. (Express), 435p.m., and 7.15p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from ‘Tjoumu and South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 p.m. (Express), and 8 D.tn.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office • follows: For Christchurch and North at 6 a,m. 10.30 aim., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertse^Rakaia, 4c., at 10.30 Im. Winslow, Hinds, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. in. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.,

For Tima.‘U and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, 0B Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 P 'p 0 r Jlount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, «t43ojp.m- daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes iws,and Fri(»y^at4Mp.aj. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. .For Hewlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 •an., 4i38 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and i. 36 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at *>.m. daily. Fro»**Tomuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. Bjßo p.m-, and 8 p.m. daily. Vtoax Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 •km. -From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays,,at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and liong fewch at 10 Am. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and J£yle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, *nd Sat ordays, at 4 p.m. , _ . Prom New lands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at-9.30 a.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1884.

The Primitive Methodist Conference has filled up the vacancies in Geraldine and Waimate by the appointment of Henry Clarke and Robert Freeman, probationers, espectively, to those places.

The Rev. Father Yaugban has handed to the Secretary of the Wiamea Plains Railway Company the sum of L 22 10s, being the amount embezzled some years ago by a person whose name has not been disclosed.

The United Methodist Free Church Assembly met at Auckland yesterday. The Rev S. Macfarlane acted as repre sentative of the Oonnexional Assembly in England. The Rev 0. Worboys was elected Chairman and the Rev E. O. Terry Secretary. Votes of thanks were passed to the Revs Taylor and Perry for their services as Chairman and Secretary for the past year. The Maori Creek murder case has oc cupied the Magistrate’s Court for the last two days at Greymouth. Over two dozen witnesses have been examined. The evidence was mostly circumstantial, but very strong of its kind. The de meanour of the prisoner throughout was very quiet and unmoved. He pleaded not guilty, and reserved his defence, He was committedjfor trial. A divorce case was on at the Auckland Supreme Court Civil Sittings list, but the hearing did not eventuate. The petitioner was William Swanson, a clerk in the Native Lands Office. He sought a decree for the dissolution of his marriage on the ground of his wife having commuted adul tery with Pirripi Wirihu, at Kopuru, in March last. The necessary evidence and documents not being before the Court the case could not be taken.

At the meeting of the Primitive Metho dist Conference held in Dunedin, it was resolved that in view of Methodist Union, as few changes of ministers as possible take place this year. The proposal to re move the Rev. J. Nixon from Ashburton was discussed at the afternoon sitting, and it was finally carried that he temain a fourth year. It is understood that a grant will be made to help the Ashburton station in its financial difficulties.

The wrestling match, Hudson v. Dinnie, came off last night in the Queen’s Treatre, Dunedin. Hudson threw Dinnie in the Border style twice, and Dinnie threw Hudson j twice in the Scotch style In the style called the Huggio, or ancient Cumberland, Hudson threw Dinnie twice out of three. In the Greco-Roman style, Dinnie threw Hudson very heavily, and hurt him so severely that he was unable to continue, and it was arranged that the match stand over till to-night, when the stakes will be doubled. The directors of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company have ac cepted tenders in England for 6,000 tons of 531 b steel rails, and the first instal ment of 350 tons are on board the Ao rangi. Five engines, of special design, and a complete equipment of rolling stock for the railway, have also been contracted for. The passenger cars are being im ported from America, and will be about 38ft in length, and similar to those in use on the Southern railways. Some of the waggons required will be manu factured in the colony-

An inquest was held at the Wellington Lunatic Asylum on the body of a patient named William Dryden, who met with his death under somewhat peculiar cir cumstances. Be was taken to the bath room for the purpose of having a bath. The warder turned on the hot water, and while his back was turned Dryden jumped into it. Before he was taken out ho was so badly scalded that his death ensued. The jury returned a verdict of “ Acciden tal Death,” and added the following rider attendant ought in future to be respon sible for strictly carrying out the bathing rules. ”

These old people whose blood has become thin and steps feeble are praising Hop Bitters for the good they have done them. See.— [Advt.] Mother Swan’s worm Syrup. —lnfallible, tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation, is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents, 3 “ German Syrup.” —No other medicine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschec’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asfhma, Crojjn, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup wilf c\tre them. The re sult has been that Druggists jn every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. .Go to yo«r Druggist and ask what they know about in. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.—[Advi’.J

A programme of an unusually intoress ing |nalure has been prepared for the monthly meeting of the Wedeyan Tem perance Society to he held in the Cameron street Church As will be seen by announcement in another place, the proceedings are open to the public, and no charge is made for admission. A man named Edward Kemp was brought before the Court this morning charged with fce'ng drunk and dis rderly, and a fine of 20s was inflicted with the alternative of three days’ imprisonment. On a further charge of having resisted Constable Smart the same man was ordered to pay 20s or go to prison for four days. The adjourned sitting of the Ashburton District Licensing Committee was held yesterday for the purpose of considering the advisability of granting licenses to the Wheatsheaf and Waterton Hotels. Mr Caygill appeared on behalf of Mr Mager, landlord of the Waterton Hotel. A letter was read from the Minister of Justice, stating that the Governor would be ad vised to validate the action of the Com mittee, should the latter decide to grant the licenses- After discussion the Com mittee decided to grant the licenses in both instances, and also to write to the County Council advising that body to re mit one-third of the license fee in con sideration of the short time that would elapse between now and the annual meet ing. A singular case was heard at the Wel lington Magistrate’s Court yesterday. A laboring man named John Collier was charged with failing to support his wife and five young children. A plea of “Not Guilty” was recorded The prosecutrix, who appeared in Court with her face ban daged and with a young child in her arms, told a most wonderful tale to his Wor ship. She declined to recognise the ac cused as her husband, although the man asserted that he was married to her at Christchurch eleven years ago. In the course of her evidence the woman said she had not seen her husband for some time. Defendant was something like the man to whom she was married, but she was positive that he was not her hus band. Collier, she said, did not posess any marks on his body like those pos sessed by the defendant, and in other respects there was no resemblance. His handwriting, for instance, was quite different, and the letters which he sent were like those of a man who was courting. Her husband was an affectionate man, but he never committed himself in that manner. And she was convinced that the letters were not those of the per son whom she had married. In reply to questions from the Bench, Mr Collier admitted that she was now cohabiting with accused, but denied that she regarded him as her husband. Accused xplained to the Court that the woman was his wife, and expressed his willingness to look after her and her children. .Sergeant Ander son stated that shortly after the arrival of the woman from tho South she was examined by two doctors, only one of whom pronounced her insane, and she was accordingly allowed to ba at large. In dismissing the information, Mr Warded remarked that the case was one of the most wonderful he had ever heard.

THE POLK COMPANY.

“ An Arabian Night,” which was played by the Polk Company last evening, be longs to the same school as “ The stra tegist,” but we are inclined to think that the incidents are more probable, and the plot more clearly worked out. The hero of the piece is one Alexander Spinkle, a retired stock broker, who had formerly an tambition to rival the Caleph Haroun- Al-Baschid, of Arabian Night’s fame, in his midnight excursions and searches after romance adventures. During the tem porary absence of his wife, Spinkle has relapsed into his old habits, and has be friended a bare-backed circus rider, who rejoices in the name of the Rose of Yuca tan. This lady, however, has an inordi nate sense of gratitude, and comes on a visit to her benefactor, who excuses her presence in his house to his mother-in law by passing the Rose off as his niece, who is expected from France, As it hap pens the real niece arrives a few minutes afterwards, and Spinkle finds himself in volved in a very unoomfortab e predica ment. He has to keep his mother-in-law in ignorance of the real character of the circus rider, and at the same time to pro tect his niece, the consequence being chat a game of cross-purposes is kept up till the close of the play, when everything is set right, and the mother-in-law is discomfited. Some pathetic interest is thrown into the comedy by means of an underplot in which the neica and an artist act the lovers, and the other characters have a good deal to do, although they do not interfere with the main incidents of the play. The acting throughout was well worthy of the repu tation of the company. Mr and Mrs Polk, had, of course, the lion’s share of the work, and it need scarcely be said that they were quite equal to the task allotted to them. Mrs Polk, as Rose Maybloorh, the circus rider, acted with an abandon which carried all before it. With out in the slightest degree touching on vulgarity, she represented the free and easy Bohemianism of the class she was supposed, to belong to, and the scene where the barebacked riding was simu lated created roars of laughter, for which the clever acting of Mrs Polk was in no slight degree responsible. The part of Spinkle does not give Mr Polk the same chance of showing his versatility as the character in “The Strategist” fforded him, but he kept those present thoroughly amused, while he was on the stage The manner in which the different feelings were depicted by means of facial expres sion was marvellous, and stamped Mr Polk as an actor of the highest class. Mr H. W. Emmet, as La fayette Moodle, an American fop, made a decided hit, the inane laugh with which he accompanied his foolish talk causing great merriment. His appearance in the final scene, after he has been mauled by the cannon ball performer, was the signal for bursts of laughter, and all through the play Mr Emmet fairly shared the honors with the “ stars. ” Mr Boothman as the artist who wishes Spinkle to allow his wife to sit as a model, and who after wards falls in love with the niece, played his part satisfactorily, especially in the sentimental episodes. Mr Harry Power was well suited as Hercules Sexmith, and brought down the house with his admir able fooling in the circus scene, and Mr E. C. Calvert deserves a word of praise for his careful rendering of the minor part of Uncle Major. Mr Stewart and Mr Norman gave satisfaction in the cha racters which fell to their lot. Ms Bryer had an arduous part as Mrs Weebles, Spinfele’s ipother-in-law, and she certainly acted that obnoxious lady to the life, while Miss Lena Ellis, as thg niece, and Miss Lillie Bryer as Mrs Spinkle were all that could be desired. We are glad to say that the visit of this company has been so decided a success that they comtemplate returning to Ashburton on February 2f?th, when “The American” will be performed. The crowded houses Which attended on both evenings are proof tfie second visit of the company will be as well received .as the first, and the announcement made fast evening by Mr Emmet was received with hearty ap plause. _________

A MASSACRE.

Captain Hayward, of the Kate Mc- Gregor, who arrived at Auckland yester day from Line Islands, reports that the Julia, a vessel belonging to Honolulu, landed on the island of Narouiti, one of the Gilbert Group, twenty or thirty re turned people of Apiang and Tarawa, two islands south of the equator in the same group. These men were armed with Win chester repeating rides, sixteen shooters. “ From accounts I could obtain these Apiang and Tarawa men were constantly causing trouble, both at Honolulu and on board the ship. On their drat arrival on the island they behaved themselves for a little while ; their ambition, however, be came awakened, and knowing their power they showed themselves in their true colours. Ten young girls of very tender years were publicly assaulted, and when two old men went to expostulate with the offenders they were shot down. Then fol lowed a scene of butchery of the most re voking kind, men, women and children sharing the tame fate. Mothers cast their children from them, and with their hus bands took to small canoes, preferring to trust to the mercy of the elements in their frail vessels rather than to the pitilessness of these fiends. Some natives of Narouiti had, through fear, joined the Apiang people. They were inflamed by drink, and emboldened by the possession of arms procured either with the concert or through the negligence of a white trader, who said on enquiry that he had some nuns, but they were in an old store, and probably had been given away by his brother-in-law. The same man sa'd that there were eighteen killed to his know ledge, besides some who died in the bush and were eaten by dogs. The people who escaped after the massacre in small canoes, without water and under a tropical sun, made their way to Kurea and Apamara, where they besought Timbunaka, the king, to give them succour, telling him that certain subjects of hia own who were on visit to Narouiti along with a mission ary and two white traders, were in con stant danger of their lives, if they were not already butchered. The king having chartered a vessel lying at Apamama, requested the master to take off his people to Narouiti. The master, after some deliberation, and having received the King’s promise that there should be no bloodshed, but that the Chief Caliooa and his adherents should only be disarmed, acquiesced, Th® vessel, with Timbunaki on board, arrived of Na rouiti on the morning of Dec. 6th, and was boarded by a canoe containing two men, these were taken on board by the King, fed, and then entrusted with a message to Calicoa to the effect that; Timbunaka had not come to make war but only to succour his people and to disarm the mur derers, and compel their good behavior, and that if they quietly laid down their guns no harm should come to them. At 4 a.m. on December 7th, three boats were sent away from the vessel, but before a landing could be obtained a volley was fired at them, which had the effect of killing two and wounding one. The Apa mana people then landed and requested those of Apiang to lay down their arms. This demand was not complied with, and a fight ensued, the result being a victory for the King. On the side of the Apiang people seven were killed and one wounded, whilst on the side of the Apamamas, there were three killed, including the two killed in the boat and nine wounded, several severely. Some prisoners were taken on to Apamama on the following day; amongst them was ona Pano, second in command, and a notor oualy blood thiisty man, of a moat repulsive appear ance.” Mr Gleeaon gives full details of the shocking scenes enac ed on the island by the returned labor people. He states that if Timbunaka and hia men had not come the lives of two European traders and a missionary woulc have been sacri ficed.

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Mr Charles Pharazyn writes as follows from London to the New Zealand Times : —“ The following information on the above subject will, I am sure, interest many of your readers, and may perhaps be of use to some of the Companies now in process of formation. Mr John Reid, of Ellerslie, who is nowin Loudon, seeing clearly, as I have always done, that the present charges on meat are too high, has entered into the following arrangement— A large steamer is to be built by certain owners on their own account and fur nished with three of Bell Coleman’s machines, and under contract with Mr Reid will make six consecutive trips from Oamaru, at intervals of si* months, the first load to be shipped in August next, 25,000 sheep, which will be frozen on board, to be taken each time, the steamer lying thirty-five days for this purpose, and allowing fifteen days for discharging without extra cost. Every detail has been carefully attended to, and splendid arrangements have been made for selling the meat. On arrival it will be distributed all over England and Scotland by a firm largely engaged in the American meat trade, and who have numerous depots. There is no reason to doubt their ability to dispose of each cargo satisfactorily within the fifteen days allowed. I have seen the contract, and though not at liberty to state the actual amount payable for freight, I may say that I have taken out the figures carefully, and find that, as compared with the total expense of freez ing and shipping, insurance and sailing under the arrangements made by the Wel lington, Ohiistohurch and Dunedin com panies, Mr Reid will affect a saving of at least 6s per sheep of 721 b weight. Of course the principal saving effected will be the cost of freezing on shore, but in addition to this there will be a difference in the rate of freight in consequence of employing a slower and leas expensive vessel, and giving her a full cargo. There will be also a very material saviqg pn this side by qsing the steamer as the store ii.stead of incurring the cost of double ha dling and rent of cold stores. It is easy to see that in this way the saying may be shown, and yet such a pate of freight be paid as to bo very profitable to a steamer costing probably about L4Q,000, and worked at small expense, which would probably do the passage in a little oyej? 50 days. The owners are so satisfied with their contract that I understand they are quite ready to build a second vessel on the same terms. Had I authority to do so, 1 believe I could at once make a similar ar rangement for a steamer for Wellington, and so add 6s per sheep shipped from there. It may perhaps be said that ship ping a large quantity in one ship is a dangerous experiment, but it must be re membered that these three machines an 1 the chambers will be separated so that, though in one vessel, the shipments really will be as much divided into three as they would be in separate ships, with the great advantage that in case of accident to one machine the other two can do the work. In any case it must be admitted to be a bold experiment and deserving of success. I feel the greatest pos able confidence in the plan. Since ray arrival in England I have always advised the Directors of the Wellington Meat Export Company that all the information I could obtain pointed to the gi eat economy of sending large cargoes by special vessels adapted for the purpose. They, in common with the Directors of all other companies, have differed from ifje, and a very large capital has been sunk in works in which, if this new plan proves successful, it will be found that a great mistake has been made, and it would be well riow to consider this point before further papitalis sunk in this direction by other companies. It is obvious that: it will be impossible to subiqit to a con tinued loss of 6s per sheep, and the corm

pany which first arranges to carry the I meat at the reduced rate which is now 1 shown to be possible will command the trade. It may perhaps be considered necessary to wait the result of Mr Reid’s first cargo before following his example, but even if so it would clearly be foolish to invest further capital in shore freezing works which may no longer be required. For urging th s new scheme I am aware that I am liable to be again accused of over caution, but I am accustomed to this, and am content to be judged by ultimate results. My object is to do all I can to aid in the development of the trade as a whole. I shall, therefore, be glad to give any assistance in my power to any company which may decide on making arrangements for a special steamer for Wellington. This may bo done either by one of the existing companies, or by a new one formed for the purpose. In either case but little called-up capital will be re quired. All that is necessary is a suffi cient share list to form a g )od security on uncalled capital for the charter. The meat can be insured and drawn against in the same way as wool, and the vessel can be chartered to load at any port or ports required. I hardly think it necessary now to say anything about the Quality of the New Zealand m itton, or of the certainty of there being a market for it. These points are so securely established that it may be considered as almost as safe a shipment as wool. Though no doubt for a time there will be considerable fluctua tions in value, the system of selling will be gradually improved by experience, and then the market will become steady. The one important point to consider is that expenses of transit must be kept down to a minimum. At present these are so high that unless a good price is obtainable re sults are unsatisfactory to shippers What is necessary is to reduce them to a point which will leave a profit on even a low price. This is what I hope to find Mr Reid will succeed in doing."

JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLER’S JOURNAL.

[specially WRITTEN FOR “ THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.”] CHAP. XXIY. The Weather—Prudence and Consol i xjoN—Sx Franc krba Di Paola—Some Fine Paintings and Statues—The Cherished Purpose Abandoned— My Companion’s Disappointment and Her

Remonstrances—An Obedient Slave. The weather continued boisterous—dur ing the night it blew a hurricane, and the rain came down in torrents. By break fast time, however, it had become more moderate, the wind was not so violent, and instead of incessant rain we had inter mitting showers, with gleams of sunshine between. But it was very provoking, trying to ore's temper, to look out upon the far-famed bay, and descry notiing corresponding with the balm surface of deep blue tint it usually wears when pre sented to the view in pictures, to see only rolling waves with angry white crests, and to know that they were rougher in reality than they seemed, and utterly unsym pathetic with the travail of a tourist’s spirit. My brave companion cast many wistful looks at the clouds, and for a while seemed to hesitate between open air defiance of the elements and quiet indoor sul mission to temporary restra nt. Pru dence prevailed over Daring’s desire : re linquishing the idea of sight-seeing for the day, she sat down meekly, armed with a needle, to find consolation in employment which e, of the sterner sex, know very little about, and with whioh if we meddle we are almost sure to prick our fingers I ventured abroad, however, having some business to transact with a shipping firm. On my return I entered (he Church of St. Francerea di Paola. I begin to weary of describing churches ; and almost shrink from* employing so frequently, words of grandiose meaning. But what am Ito ! If I describe them at ail, I must describe them truly. Grand, splendid, gorgeous, ornate and similarly significant sonorous words, seem to drop naturally from the point of my pen, when an at tempt to convey to the minds of my readers an adequate idea of these noble shrines. The Church of St. Francerea di Paola is not an exception to the rule, it mav be termed a splendid edifice. The guide books say it is an imitation of the Pantheon of Rome. But I cuuld not sae much resemblance, except in its circular form It is flanked by Colonnades ex tending as wings, something like the ap proaches to St. Peter’s, only, in this in stance, the ground floor is mostly occu pied by shops. Thirty ma r ble columns of the Corinthian order adorn the interior of the church, and the high altar is inlaid with lapis lazuli and jasper. Statues of the four evangelists stand conspicuous. I don’t pretend to the acnmoo of a con noisseur, as works of art they may lack the mystic grace of the chisaeled produc tions of the ancients, but to my un tutored eye they seemed to be worthy of highest admiration, Besides the statues, there are many fine paintings; but these are by modern artists, and therefore, I presume, must not be too highly esteemed. One of them, representing Francis di Paola, the patron saint of the church I suppose, raising a young man from death to life, struck me as evincing great powers of design and execution. The next morning the weather was not much more promising ; there was but little wind, but the sky was cloudy, and the sea what the sailor calls “lumpy.” I consulted the proprietor of the hotel and other authorities about the practic ability of a visit to Capri and the grottoes, but they all said it would be foolish to attempt it. I might get to the island, perhaps, but to enter the grotto would bo impossible. Very reluctantly, therefore, I abind med the cherished purpose. But I had before me the difficult task of recon ciling my travelling companion to the disappointment. “ Well, cm we go to Capri to-day?” was the eager question as soon as I re turned from my mission of enquiry.

“Patience,” I oracularly replied “is tho Christian grace usually the tardiest in attaining perfection. The weather is adverse to the desired excursion, but favorable to the display of the perfect work of the rare grace of patience in you. ” “ Come, sir, none of your sarcastic inuond'iqs” was the quick response. “ I am sure you are not more patient than I am.”

“ Wo can leave that an open question,” I meekly suggested. “ Meanwhile I must tell you that qualified judges have pro nounced the expedition to be impract able. ” “ I declare I would not have come to Naples, had I known the weather would have been so unfavorable ; and I don't care how soon we go back to Rome. Are there any places we can visit without too much exposure!” “ Yes,” I replied, secretly rejoicing in the savety valve that obviated an explo sion. “We might go to San Martino and the royal palaces.!’

“ Very good,” was the contented re joinder; “let us go at once.”‘ It did not take long to summon Gui seppe and his equipage; and off we started.

He had noticed a great falling oS in the administration after the secession of Sit John Hall, si oca which time there had been no good or hor.est Government in New Zealand. On its becoming known that he intended to contest Inangahua he received a telegram from Wellington, asking what his platform was to be. He had replied that his platform was the same as it had always been, leaving it to the Government to sty wether there was alteration or not. He had then been asked if he required assistance, to which he replied he would wait till he had con sulted his constituents. The Government at once took to mean that he was no sup porter of theirs, and they put Mr Shaw into the field against him. He had no confidence in the present Government, and would go to Wellington as a supporter of the Opposition. He then proceeded to explain his political opinions in detail.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[rkuter’s TELEGRAMS —COPYUTGHT. 1 Monetary and Commercial. London, Jan. 14. Consols remain at and New Zealand securities as follows ;—Five per cent 10-40 Loan, 105; Five per cent 1889 Loan, half per cent 1879-1904 Loan, Four per cent Inscribed Stock, Adelaide wheat, ex store, is quoted at 445. At this afternoon’s grain sales the highest bid for Adelaide wheat was 435. New Zealand wheat, ex store, is quoted at 36s to 435, according to quality. Adelaide flour, ex store, 31s. Australian tallow—Best beef, 39s 6d ; best mut ton, 44s per cwt. The Chinese Ambassadors. Paris, Jan. 14 Marquis Tseng, the Chinese Am bassador, returned to this city to-day. Egyptian Affairs. Cairo, Jan. 14. It is currently rumored here that the Egyptian Government has almost de cided to retain Khartoum, on account of the great difficulties which have arisen in connection with the proposed evacuation of the town by Egyptian troops. The matter is understood to be still under consideration by the Cabinet, but it is expected that a decision will very shortly be arrived at, [Received Jan. 16, 11.15 a.m.] The Calcutta Exhibition. Calcutta, Jan. 15. The International Exhibition up to date has been visited by 507,600 per sons, and the interest taken in the dis play shows no sign of abatement Frozen Meat- A movement is on foot with the view to the importation of frozen meat to Calcutta in connection with the pro jected line of direct steamers between India and Australia, and it is very probable that the necessary arrange ments will shortly be completed. Safely Floated. London, Jan. 16. The steamship Duke of Westminster, which went ashore on the Isle Wight on the 3rd inst. has been successfully floated and brought safely to port The Soudan Rebellion. Cairo, Jan. 16. Intelligence is to hand from Khar toum that the tribes inhabiting the districts of the White and Blue Niles in the extreme south of the Soudan have openly declared their allegiance to El Mahdi, and are joining his ranks in large numbers daily.

AUSTRALIAN

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPVRIOHT.] The Markets. Melbourne, Yesterday. The Melbourne Manager of the National Mortgage Agency of New Zealand Company, Limited, reports of the local grain market as follows : Wheat, per bushel, 4s id to 4s 2d. Market weaker. Malting barley, 4s to 4s 6d. Quotation nominal. New oats in fair demand ; feeding qualities, 3s id to 3s 3d; milling do., 3s 3d to 3s sd; in bond, 2s 4d to 2s 7<i per bushel Shipping. Sailed, this afternoon—-The Union steamship Wairarapa, for Bluff

TELEGRAMS.

[PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Serious Fire. Auckland, To-day. Two houses in William street were de atroyed by fire at three this morning. The fire broke out at a two-storey dwell ing house, owned and occupied by Mr Robert Kelly, moulder. The fire was discovered by Mrs Kelly, who awoke to find the bedroom filled with smoke and the dames illuminating the apartment. With difficulty she roused her husband, and together with their young children they effected their escape at considerable risk. The house was insured for L 250 and the furniture for L 75 in the Imperial. The adjoining house, owned by Mr P. Fergusson, baker, and occupied by Mr Alfred Ellis, was to-ally destroyed. It was insured in the New Zealand office for Ll5O. Mr Ellis was not insured. Charge Against a Salvationist. Wellington, To-day.

At the Salvation Army meeting last evening Detective Walker arrested a Sal vationist named Harry Goodwood, on a charge of rape, on the sworn information of a girl named Ellen Paine, who alleges that the offence was committed in the d 'tnain last Friday night under the fol lowing circumstances :—They had met that evening at the Army meeting at the Temperance Hall The complainant, who is a single woman and a recent arrival in the colony, is in the service at a place at the Kyber Pass road, and the accused after the meeting volunteered to escort her home, and suggested, as the nearest road, they should go through the domain. Miss Paine, who was not acquainted with the lonely character of the route, con sented to go that way. The offence is alleged to have been committed in the domain on the road home. The accused, who is well-known in Auck land, is a sailor, about 30 years of age, engaged as a driver of a donkey en gine on the Queen street wharf. The captain says he had constantly attended at the meeting, and was formerly a mem* her, but for some months he was not re cognised, owing to his general misbe haviour. He had been turned out of the Good Templars lodge lor misconduct. The girl is unknown to the Salvation leaders. She is a recent arrival, and only casually attended. • “ .

A Now Company. The prospectus ‘of ‘ the Raiqo Colliery, Whangarei, is issued. The capital is LlO.',OpO in shares of L 26 each. Shipwreck. The cutter Agnes, Captain Berg, ownej at Kaiapoi, has been totally 'wrecked on Manai island. The crew escaped with great difficulty. The vessel was boqqj Ml Hay clock.

Dixqct Steamship. hftvb Wen * receivej that the Shaw £aville- Albion Company's chartered stpamer Florida, 3,138 tons, was to leave uondon for Wellington and Otago on tho 10th January.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1884.



?g>AI<L PROGRAMME CARDS in r~S vary neat styles, with Pencils and |phh»n«, printed at the Gcabdiah Office, W<wt street PAPfR THIS Con Advenuta* tnptsftrltouu GOOD mem other newspapers ea&tenadseftrai flmeehto most Ad the terms - ■ ■ i'tNttttidcajr ■■ Ageoey 1 lfw,p. atrenaios, now aam coamiSvMiaxt



Wanted TFTANTED—At once, a good Plough » • man, used to double furrow. Apply W.Obojt, Ashton. 1107 WANTED— By a respectable young girl, a light PLACE in a small family; good references. For apply to Guardian Office. 1 45 TITAN TED—TENDERS for Cutting, vV Binding, Stooking, and Carting 100 acres of wheat. Tenders close on SATURDAY, January 19, at noon. Apply to R. LANCASTER, 1 86 Butcher and Baker, Ashburton. WANTED TENDERS for pulling 15 acres of Linseed. Tenders will close on Thursday evening next. Dudley and Nobthet, Riversdale, Tinwald 1 72 WANTED to Buy—A small second hand fire-proof SAFE, fctate price, maker and size to Box 45, Post Office, Ashburton, 1 44 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin worth Is 9d st 6d per yard. WANTED Known —/or Sale, two COTTAUBS on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 Wanted tenders For cut ting and TYING 200 Acres, more or less, of Wheat. Tenders re ceived up to 15th inst., stating what reaper used. John Embbson, Epperston Farm, Hinds. 1



WANTED KNOWN— Robbkt Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Aobnt, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 c WANTED —The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we are determined not to be excelled. Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2s 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 rrTANTED Known —That in conse- W quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality > in the town in order to meets the demands of. his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as [ to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207



Special Advertisements.



STOP THAT COUGH I PONT DELAY.—How can you atop it? Where, a the Remedy. Bennington's PECTORAL OXYMEL OF OaBRA 6EUN or IRISH MOSS (registers i), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonnxngton, Christchurch. COMMERCIAL Stationery, Account Books, Presents, &c. H. M. JONES, East Street. 11 870



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. !► m 3 oo t) „ W W *5 S bo U g, ° 03 3 5 §3 3 I HI. fi N S- « B Pfl ~ 03 .. *T rrj -- I-* 1 a w o o Htf ? w M ” W as o 03 P S' s K) as ts 3 w t> w § > C P g H W W Hi ► 3 O Q H SO M 03 g ► xn DIMANT AND COE beg to notify that they are REMOVING Into Shop lately occupied by ORR AND CO. (opposite union Bank), which they will open on SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY sih, with a specially selected Stock of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS, &c VICTORIA HOUSE, Dimant and Coe, Ready Money DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Exc., Corner East and Tancrbd Streets. 9628



INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOE THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY - OP FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AT WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twenty - One Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, 1 economising both material and labor, and 1 ensuring to their patrons a further benefit j in the shape of a still I Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices, j SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & j CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price, i Ashburton Branch : BLAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. |1 ASfl IO N HOU E 185, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. E. 0. Brown & Go’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, PBEYIOUS TO STOOK-TAKNO. FOR ONE MONTH COMMENOINO SATURDAY, JANUARY sth. The Entire Stock, including several im portant purchases of goods at about HALF PRICE, frill be sold at such prices as must com mand speedy clearance. UNPRECEDENTED BARGAINS in all Departments.



MILLINERY DEPARTMENT. Our Beautiful Stock of Millinery (en vied by all) compriaea the latest and prettiest shapes and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweiss Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 50 per cent reduction. 100 dozen Untrimmed Straw Hats in end leas variety, nearly given away. WONDERFUL BARGAINS And splendid choice in COSTUMES, MANTLES, JACKETS, DUST CLOAKS,



THE WASHING DRESS DEPARTMENT comprises— Bargains in Pompadour Sateens „ Pine Art Zephyrs „ Plaid and Check Ginghams ~ Plain Sateens „ Prints (Floral Designs „ Brocaded Sateens And a large QUANTITY OP REMNANTS In above materials, to be cleared at an IMMENSE REDUCTION, FRENCH MERINOS, at Is lid, worth 3s lid. SPECIAL. Black Silks, from 35s the dress Nun’s Cloth Fancy Beiges Summer Homespuns Diagonal Mohair Dress Materials, at about half their value SIMILAR REDUCTIONS In all Departments. For further particulars see circulars issued in Friday’s Press and Times.



Special Advertisement. F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP; FURNITURE AND RED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. INVERT article Sold at Christchurch Prices and g-iaranteed best of ‘material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED *1 NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.



Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up lo 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett s to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to Tee Editor,



Flies and Bugs.—Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleofecj out by “ Hough on Rats.” 7^4cl. Moses, hfo'ss and Co., Qeij,?ral Agents, Sydney Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup —lnfalli^k ? asteless, harmless, cathartic ; 'tor feverishness, restlessness, woims, constipation., is at drug gists. hfpsgfy Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents.



THE SELWYN ELECTION. , : [by tebegraph.] Chbistohurch , To-day. Mi Wakefield the electors of Selwyn last night. ' Beginning with a re trospect of his political experience, he gave his story of hjs opposition _to Sir Ci Gorge Gpy and his connection with the party at present fn power. Hp then dis closed the secret of the Government op position to his candidature at Inangshnh.