SHIPPING.

PORTOF LYTTELTON. Arrived. ,» ,;,'i 1 ■ • ■ Yesterday. ■ Wairarapa, s.s., from Melbourne, via the Southern ports. Wareatea, s.s., from Westport. Sailed. Yesterday Letterfourie, barque, for Newcastle. Wairarapa, as., for Sydney, via Auck land and way porta. i- SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Avokianv, Yesterday. •?,-■ Arrived —Hauroto, from Sydney ; Au- Sita, from Newcastle; Stanley, from muni.

- i Wwt.t.tnqton, Yesterday. Arrived—Hawes, from the South; Roto rua, from Picton and Nelson ; Omapere, - from Greymoath ; St Kilda, from Grey mouth. Sailed—Hawea, for the North ; Eeto rua, for the South ; Hinemoa, for Lyttol vioa and the Bluff; Omapere, for Dunedin; ..'Manawatu.fcr Wanganui and Greymouth; G. M. Tucker, barque, for Newcastle, y ,*• Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Eliza Firth, from Greymouth; To Anau, from the North. Sailed—H.M.S. Espidgle, for Lyttel ton.

COMMERCIAL.

r '.- Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday aftemosn. Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the .live Stock market, etc., for the week ending J.' Thursday, January 24th, 1884, as follows s Owing to the inclemency of the weather for the last few days, a limited supply of stock only came to hand for last Wednesday’s sale, .hafehr half an average entry of sheep being " 'permed. Fortunately the rain had ceased on the sale morning, enabling stock owners resi dent within easy distance to forward a few con signments, otherwise to day’s proceedings in ; sheep must have been a fiasco. Despite the TOTlimited quantity of mutton on offer there Was not the slightest sign of excitement or spirit ;.in the biddings, it being difficult in many in , to quit the few lines of fat sheep at any «bbie « ver “ st weelc,s declining rates. One or V - twwqn»ll but very 'prime lots of crossbreds : sold fairly well at from 16s to 18s, equal to : about 3d per lb; but for medium quality trade !w ‘ was very dragging, and 2j£d to per lb •nly can be quoted for such. Had there been -a fall market of fat sheep the result must have tist., <heen ' very discouraging, and a considerable £ •' dim in prices would undoubtedly have had to • tie recorded; as it was the day’s sale was in a ferekt measure made up of last week’s with- V ; jorawals, some of. which were again sent out * The only hope we can see of I f - averting a still further reduction in values, ; lies in the fact that the country is full of feed, and that owners will be able to ■■ < fa>ld hack their stock-for a time, during which period there may be an improvement y ' in’ the English maikcb That it is the ? . which is already affecting and causing the ’ taction in prices here there can be no 3 i doubt; 2nd if we cannot look forward to better S returns from Home it must prove a serious matterjiot only to shareholders and shippers f -in'our export companies, but also to those who id purchasing stores at high rates, have laid t themselves out to meet the anticipated demand ~ ■ far export lines. We sold on account of Mr I {-• tending a. line of crossbred wghers at 15s 6d ; ’ and 15s qd, ewes at 14s 4d, TOrrtooth crqss £ bred ewes for other owners at iss fid, merino }■' ! wethers at 10s fid, crossbred wethers at 16s. i r ?. mcrinosaccount the Acton Estate at 9s fid to 14s fid, four-tooth crossbreds at 14s gd, cross-, I breds for Mr Kinley at 17s, equaljto a quota ‘ rich. per lb as above. In beet there was no > k ;£dk ofsupply, good quality steers representing the bulk-.of what was on offer. The fact, -. however, seemed to afford but little induce ■ - went to the trade, who were most -apathetic in f '?/ their biddings, and' considering the quality on ; offer, the sale both in quittance and price was | r ~' atryifiing but a good one. We sold 20 head ;of- very superior bullocks at from L 7 15s to L 9 • tos, making an average for the line of over LS ’■ ’ - 's# per haul, heifers at LS 10s to L 6 Ss, etc. J - . For the light classes l?s to 19s per loolbs may be quoted, prime and light to gewt steers - 306, to 218 per loolbs. In store cattle K ' 5' there was a fair supply, and for any : ? thing like decent lines buyers were found ' 'i.'iai. xather . better terms than of late. ' Of an entry of nearly 200 head catalogued far ” ourselves we had one or two small lots unsold, -; alioeof 70 head of mixed sexes being sold at ' ■ L 3 10s each; 36 heifers at La 17s fid; dry cows at 50s toLS ; yearling* 30s upwards. In pigs there is no alteration to report; sufficient to say th t the supply still continues very limited, and totally inadequate to the demand. consequence higher prices are maintained, h?; and, with harvest close upon us, there must « be a great rush, with excessive rates ruling |br allclasses of store pigs, i - Mens Miled and Co. report upon the live stock markets for the week ending Thursday, p;. January 24th, as follows:—Addington ; As had been fully expected, the inclement effectually checked the supply of stock vj ,‘i» Wednesday last, a very limited number of fat sheep coming forward, and with but few ex - ceptions the quality was only medium. We quote mutton at from 2%d to 3d per lb, ac -.. cordingto quality. Fat cattle: Notwithstand , <fag the wet weather, a heavy entry of fa cattle eame forward, and at recent sales met - drooping market. The bulk of the fat cattle / were anything but good, a portion pf them ■ “- simply good fresh conditioned stores. Prominent /’mongst the exceptions to the above was a consignment of grand quality "’''’'-■heavy weight steers, from the Messrs ■i; Hay*’ Bros/ estate, Pigeon Bay, on ac £ count of Mr W. B.- . Clarkson, which were both as regards quality, fitness and weight, as ,i’ good a draft os we have seen from that estate. « ■. Notwiths‘anding this biddings were very dull, l and’prices anything but sa’isfactory, and we withdrew their lot at L 8 55, but succeeded in placing them privately at a slight advance on • 'i‘ ' the above rate. We quote beef at from 17s fid to mot exceeding 20s per roolb. Store sheep : .% Only oneor :two lots on offer, and prices re ’main as at last week’s rates. Figs : A fair S, „entry, and for porkers, the demand was both well maintained, prices showing no : diminution on late rates. Store cattle: A fair -S' ’ entry, the day’s transactions showing a slightly increased actirity, with a shade of improve *s’ ■ - ment in values.—-Tinwald; Owing. to the bad -weather which has been so severely felt in the Ashburton dii trict, no sale was held here on Tuesday last. Privately during the week we «jSh have; sold* on account ■of 'Messrs Chapman jpiJJros.; Springbank, 85 two-tooth merino rams, ft'’-'for shipment to Wanganui. m Thi following is the Christchurch Com Ex- I ■"•■change report for the week ending-Friday if evening, the 25th hist.-:—Th° grain market the past week has been void of any fea- worthy «f particular notice. With the ex h Option of a steady inquiry for oats, business in iW'grain has been quite neglected. The recent weather has hada most disastrous effect on the crops in many districts, more especially ranges. The majority of farmers, ffVtrU'entcrtain strorig hopes ofharvest ;jng a proportion of their grain, provided a la- fyomble change takes place within a week or * so. Quotations for the week are :—Wheat— , Sound milling winter, 4s to 4s 3d, f.0.b.; Tus *v>ca|)».3s9d 104 s, fo-b.; second quality, 3s 3d W\fo js fid; chick wheat, 2s to 2s 3d, at Cbrist churdr. Oats—Prime milling, 2s 2d to 2s 3d %;fier bushel; bright short feed, as; inferior and yf/masolarei, is Sato is tod per bushel, f.o.b. Barley.— Sone offerine; prices nominal. 2 Blitter—4#d to Sd|for ihe former, - wftb little,demand, and m - mmm

DAILY MEMORANDA.

f AUCTION SALE ' Saturday, January 26. p«Mee«ril Matson, Oox and 00., at Tatter- Horses and Sundries ■Pr: "ftatttDAT, January 29. BSljMp<»V.Cl«BC';and Co., at the*Aahburton pp^flaleyard*—Stock. AMUSEMENTS, Etc ' Fmdat, January 26 gj Lodge, Monthly Meeting in the Mm, at 7-30 p.m Bg^ l Monday, January 28. Road Board,_ at Road Ebidav, F»bbdabt 1. - Oonncil— \ t Council WmemSMiJU. a ia.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1884.

The Aorangi takes 5,000 carcases of frozen mutton from Wellington. She is expected to sail for Lyttelton to-night. Mr E. J. Von Dadelsen is gazetted Deputy Registrar-General for the colony. Mr J. H. Richardson has been appointed accountant in the Insurance Department. The Agent-General telegraphs, under date of the 23rd inst., the sailing of the following steamers with immigrants : Ruapehu, 132 for Auckland ; Florida, 248 for Otago. The funeral of John Heney, who accidentally killed by the overturning of a trap on Monday, took place at Geraldine yesterday, and was attended by a large number of the Masonic body and others. He was a very old settler. A meeting of the wholesale and retail Auckland grocery to test the V. aikato v Ashburton factory cheese decided unani mously in favor of the quality of the former. tix factories are working in Auckland, with a producing capacity of half a ton to fifteen cwt per day each. At the Dunedin Supreme Court yester day, the case of the Corporation of Dun edin v J. M. Massey, now a prisoner, was heard. The claim was for L 1 ,500, being the value of debentures stolen by Massey when Town Clerk, and for which deben tures the Corporation had assumed lia bility to the original holders. 'I he jury, after a retirement of two minutes, found for the plaintiffs for the amount claimed. Great dissatisfaction is expressed in In vercargill at the failure of the Government to appoint three members to the Waste Land Board, the term of office of that number having expired a month ago. Numerous appointments to other Land Boards have been made and gazetted, but no mention has yet been made of the local body. There is still a bare quorum, but one member resides about fifty miles from town, and would icquire to spend half his time in travelling to and from the meet ings. As a matter of fact he has only at tended one of four recent'y. As a conse quence the business of the Board is ac cumulating, and people are brought in from long distances only to find that their applications cannot be heard. What makes matters worse is that the members, when they are appointed, will have to go to Dunedin to be sworn in. The, term of the two remaining members expires in a month or two. So far as attendance i-i concerned the Druids have reason to congratulate them selves on the success of the entertain ment given by them in the Town Hall last night, nearly every available seat being occupied. Truth, however, com pels us to say that the performance was not of a very high class, to put it mildly, and the audience testified their disap proval at times by resorting to catcrils, bootings, and hisses. Ashburton people are pretty long-suffering in regard to amateuis, but their patience was fairly exhausted last night, and we must con fess we sympathised with them. The cur tain rose upon a group of eccentrically attired gentlemen, in long white beards, who proceeded to chant a somewhat monotonous chorus, which did not arouse any great enthusiasm. Au exhibition of supposed wax figures was then given, “ Signor Lichoni ” providing a description that was not noticeable for its wit or appo siteness, and seemed scarcely to have been properly rehearsed. An apology was made for the absence of Mr Davis, the ventriloquist, and the gap thus caused was filled up by one of the most melan choly negro farces we remember to have seen. The evening concluded with “Doing my Uncle,” in which the characters were entrusted to amateurs well-known in Ash burton, whose natural modesty caused them to aopear under false names. The piece was played under certain disadvan tages, as the audience frequently inter rupted with banter, which, however good natured it might be, could not fail to put the performers out. We refrain from criticising, except to say that the simple rules laid down by the late Lindley Mur ray in regard to the English language were not at all times strictly observed. Hop Ritters gives good 'digestion, active liver, good circulation and buoyant spirits. Read larger.—[Auvt,]

“ German Syrup.”—No other medicine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’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, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about in. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.— [Advt.]

The comet vaa distinctly visible from Ashburton l.,st evening. Ihe position of it in the sky is due west.

sfMr John Ollivier Kctured last evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Christchurch, in favor of nationalisation of the land. There was a large meeting, and the feel- 1 ing was evidently with the lecturer, who was awarded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr C. N. Bell, the Royal Commissioner appointed to determine the Mount Somers Railway extension question, has returned to Ashburton from Alford Forest. Ho will hold a sitting in the County Council Chambers this evening at 6.30 to take evidence, and again to-raor row morning at 10 o’clock. Two trials of reapers and binders are announced to take place next week. Messrs Reid and Gray’s machine will operate on a paddock belonging to Mr Rose at Wananui on Monday, and the following day a Johnstone harvester will cut a very heavy crop of oats at the back of the mill, and just above the / shburton saleyards. At the Wesleyan Conference yesterday the question of church property occupied the attention of the Conference. In the afternoon the report of the Rev John Crump was read and adopted. Buildings costing L 8.500 have been erected during the year. Debts amounting to L 2,400 have been removed. The District Secre taries of property were thanked and re appointed ; also, the Rev Mr Crump as Registrar < f Deeds. The President of the Conference reported that the follow ing amounts had been promised to the Church Building and Loan Fund; —Auck- land, L 2,217 9s ; Wanganui, L7BO 10s ; Wellington, L 6844 5; Canterbury, L 2,378 Is ; Otago, L 555 3s. The districts of Nelson and Westland have yet to be visited. The hearty thanks of ihe Con-' ferenoe were presented to the President for his valuable services as General Secre tary of Loan Fund, and he was re-ap pointed, together with the Central Church Committee. Twelve gifts of church sites were reported from several districts. The bowling match, Victoria v New Zealand, was played at Dunedin yester day in four rinks of four players each. The game was not made twenty-ono up, as is the custom here, but continued right on for two hours and a half, as is the Vic torian Rink No. 1, the Otago players, which included Mr Kingswell, from Invercargill, and was skipped by Mr MoDiarroid, of Dunedin, resulted—New Zealand, 32 ; Victoria, 22, In rink No. 2, skipped by Mr H. Thomson, M.H.R., Christchurch, the score was—New Zea land, 26; Victoria, 20. In rink No. 3, m which Mr Toomer, Canterbury, played, and Mr Morris, Dunedin, was skip, the result was—New Zealand, 28 ; Victoria, 18. In rink No, 4, in which Mr Williams, Christchurch, played, and Mr Hannah, Invercargill, was skip, the score was— >ew Zealand, 13; Victoria, 30. The visitors were thus the winners in only one rink, but in that by so many points as ! very nearly to balance the other three, 1 the total scores being—New Zealand, 99 ; Victoria, 90. At one period of the game, when in No. 4 rink the Victorians had scored to their opponents 5, the former were only one behind, there was a good deal of excitement. A dinner was given to the visitors last evening.

There was quite a large crowd of people at the Sports Ground yesterday to witness the quarter-mile foot hurdle race between Walter Prebblo, of Prebbleton, and J. McFarlane, of Ashburton. Comparatively fow, however, paid to come into the grounds, the great majority preferring to witness the proceedings from outside the fence. At about half-past six both men made their appearance, and Mr A. Harri son got them away to a good start. McFarlane, who was accorded ten yards start, wept .ahead from the beginning, and took his first hurdle beautifully- At the second obstacle he struck .the top rail and nearly came down, but he speedily re covered himself and soon made up what ground he had lost. Prebble ran a plucky race, but he was evidently not a match for his opponent, and McFarlane won the event rather easily. The visitor did not take the final hurdle, apparently recognising that he had lost all chance of a victory. The Ivin was a very popular one, and McFarlane was loudly cheered. Prebble was a strong favorite on the pre vious evening, but at the start the bet ting was level. After the hurdle race Kenny and Betts tried conclusions in a hundred yards match, the latter being given three yards start. Both men ran well, and the first trial resulted in a dead heat, amid great excitement, many people imagining that Betts had won. In the second attempt Kenny managed to beat his man by about a yard.

At the Dunedin Police Court yesterday James McDonald, M.H.R. for Bruce, was charged with having neglected to fur nish a statement of his property, as re quired by the Property lax Act. Some extraordinary evidence was given. The prosecution asserted that an understand ing had been come to that the defendant should plead guilty, and throw himself on the mercy of the Court. This was denied by the defendant’s counsel (Mr Macdonald), and the prosecution then proceeded to give evidence of the under standing having been come to. Mr Hag «itt and Mr Denniston, solicitors, and Mr Sperrey, of the Department, aware that on the 16th inst they mot the defendant fMr McDonald j M.H.R.) and his solicitor (Mr Macdonald) in Mr flaggitt’s office. For the defendant the request was made that an adjournment might be granted. This adjournment was granted in order that negotiations with the Government might be concluded. The defendant said to Mr Haggitt, “I am communicating with Mini ters, and I want to prevent the case coming on at all. It is not the penalty that I am afraid of, it is the exposure,” Ho also said, “ Through my stupid foolish ness I have not sent in that return. ” An agreement was then made that an adjourn ment would be agreed to, and that if the case then came before the Court the de fendant would plead guilty and do his best to get a reduction of the penalty. This version of what took place was dis tinctly sworn to by Mr Haggitt, Mr Den nisten, and Mr Sperrey. Mr Macdonald, the solicitor, on the other hand, asserted that his suspicions were aroused when Mr Denniston wished to get his client’s ad mittance put into writing, and he then put in the proviso that he should not be precluded from raising law points for the defence at the adjournment. A good deal of feeling was shown by the parties in giving this evidence. The defendant was not able to bo in town yesterday, and in consequence, after the evidence for the prosecution was taken, the Resident Magistrate granted an adjournment till Feb 5 th.

That weakness and lassitude so frequent in fast-growing children may be easily remedied by a few doses of Hop Bitters, Read.— Advt,] Wells’ “Rough on Cohns.”—Ask for Wells’“Rough on Corns.” Quick re ' lief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Holloway’s Pills arc strongly recom mended to all persons who are much reduced in power and condition, whose stomachs are weak, and whose nerves are shattered. The beneficial effects of these Pills will be percep tible after a few days’ trial, though a move ex tended course may be required to re-establish perfect health. Holloway’s medicine acts on the organs of digestion, and induces complete regularity in the stomach, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. This treatment is both safe and ccr .ain in result, and is thoroughly consistent with observation, experience, and common sense. The purification of the blood, the removal of all noxious matter from the secretions, and the excitement of gentle action in the bowels, are the sources of the curative powers of Hollo way’s Pills.—Advt.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON.— To-day.

(Before H. 0. S. Baddeley Esq, R.M.)

Drunkenness. — A fir.it offender was 1 fined 5s for this offence. I civil cases. • Bain v Horsfall, claim of Ll 4 9s 6d for | goods supplied.—The defendant objected i to certain items, wh ; ch plaintiff did not 1 press, and judgment was given for Ll 3 6s Gd, to be paid within two months. Abbott v Fe-riman, claim of L 49 13s for work done. —Mr Crisp appeared for plain tiff and Mr Wilding for defendant. Geo. Abbot, the plaintiff, gave evidence that he had done certain planting work for defendant at the Hinds and other places. Witness had received the whole amount owing with the exception of 20 per cent deducted for guarantee. Mr Ferriman had also paid L 27 7s for wages on behalf of witness, and some o'her monies, leaving the amount claimed as a balance. Defen dant had never said anything about the quality of the work done. lii June of last year asked defendant why he put men on witness’s contract before it was finished, and the reply was that plaintiff had said a mo. th previously that he had nothing t> do with the work. This was untrue. Mr Ferriman had premised to settle up when the work was finished, and defendant first disputed his liability in December last. Had never taken any instructions from any other person but Mr Ferriman. Mr Poyntz had advanced 15 to witness on the defendant promising to settle up. Cross-examined by Mr Wilding: There was a contract in writing, and it was in Mr Ferriman’s hands. The parties to the agreement were Raynall and plaintiff on the one side, ard witness could not say exactly who was on the other side. [The agreement was then put in by Mr Wilding ]—A legal argument followed as to whether the contract was binding, Mr Crisp contending that it had been broken by the defendant. MrWild -1 ing argued that the wrong plaintiff was suing the wrong defendant. Mr Crisp replied, and his Worship decided to hear evidence on the nonsuit point.—S. E. Poyntz gave evidence that the plaintiff came to witness and asked him to lend • him L 5 to pay Mr Ferriman an account • for interest. Abbott said he would repay i it when the defendant settled with him for some woik done at the Hinds, which ■ would be in a week or two. Was dubious about lending the money on account of a conversation with Mr Ferriman. Ulti mately lent the money on the understand ing that the plaintiff would complete his , contract and be paid within three weeks. -Cross-examined : Mr Ferriman had i never denied owing Abbott money for planting.—F. Ferriman deposed that the , agreement put in had not been departed , from except in one instance. Whatever • money had been paid had been on account >■ of the owner of the land, who was away i in Southland. The L 5 borrowed by i Abbott was to pay lawyer’s charges for a i second mortgage for some property. The ; case was adjourned on account of the i work not having been reported on by Mir I Sealey as being well carried out. —Cross- • examined: Had seen Mr White on this 1 matter, but could not remem er anything i that had been said. Witness had accepted an order on Turner in his own name,

without reference to his principal, because he thought the latter was safe for the money.—His Worship said that he was satisfied on the point that the wrong party was being sued, and would nonsuit the plaintiff. Welsh v. Saunders, claim of LG for

work done. There was no appearance of defendant, and judgment was given ac cordingly, but his Worship would not allow the costs applied for on behalf of a witness, on the ground that his evidence was not necessary to prove the case.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Jau. 18. The yield of gold for last year shows a falling off. Serious bush fires are raging in close proximity to town. The Council of the Rifle Volunteer Force in Adelaide is taking steps to secure a team from the colonies £0 visit Wimble don next year. A disgraceful scene has occurred in the streets at Sandhurst. The Salvation Army was attacked by a crowd of larrikins and pelted with stones and rotten eggs. With a view to facilitate the operations carried on by the Harbor Trust, it is in tended to extend Flinders street to the Melbourne gasworks. Sydney, Jan. 18

The weather has been terribly hot, and in the country districts the temperature is unusually high. The want of water was very badly felt. Yesterday a change took place and some rain fell, but very li! tie.

A good deal of sickness prevails in some paris of the country. The Hon. Jas. White has purchased a brown filly by Maribyrnong out of Fawn for 1300 gs, the highest price paid. Thirty-two yearling colts' fetched 3,850g5, and seventeen fillies 4,909g5. The Magistrates have determined to put down ruffianism in the streets by flogging.. The three larrikins who brutally assaulted a Chinaman received each a flogging, and were soon afterwards released. They were hooted by the crowd. The news of the alleged nomination of Archbishop Croke to the See of Sydney, was not received with unmixed satisfac tion.

Lord Rosebery, in reply to the City Council, hopes at no distant day, to renew his visit, having lefc a sort of pledge of fortune to New Zealand. Brisbane, Jan 18.

The Indian Immigration Act Repeal Bill passed through Committee. Mr Griffith said he did not think the time had yet arrived for a complete solution of the labor question. It might be many years before it was definitely settled. The Supplementary Estimates contain an item of H 6,000 for immigration.

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Mr Charles Pharazyn writes from Lon don to the New Zealand Times “ Sir, I fear the account sales of frozen sheep per Doric, which will be sent out by this mail, will be far from satisfactory to shippers. Having carefully watched the sales and obtained all the information I can, it ap pears to mo that many of your readers will be glad to have such explanation as can be given of the cause) which have led to so poor result. In the first place I may say that the condition in which the meat has arrived is all that could be wished. The sheep hanging in Smithfield market look quite as nice as the freshly killed English ones, and it seems at first sight most difficult to understand why there should be a difference in value in the open market of from 2£d to 3d per lb. So far as I can see there are two principal causes for this—the first, a most obvious one, is that when a new article like this is suddenly offered in such large quantities as it has been for the last month, it cannot be expectsd at once to find regular channels of consump* tion. This may safely be considered as a temporary difficulty, as if a steady supply of a good article is kept up, the markets are sure to be found for it. A comparative statement just furnished showed that English mutton is selling at about £d per lb less than at the same date last year. It is believed that any ship* meats which come up to the end of June will sell somewhat better than at present. After June prices generally fall again, and the hot we ther is much against frozen meat. The second cause of un satisfactory prices is the quality of the

meat. We have hitherto been breeding with a view to fat, as that for boiling down purposes. ' Now this class of sheep is just what is not wanted here. The sheep must be thoroughly fattened, but the breed must be such that, a large proportion of meat is formed, and notfat alone. I see groat difficulty inbreeding this class of animal, without sacrificing its wool producing qualities, and yet till this is done l am assured that our average prices must be considerably less than those obtained for English sheep, which have, of course, been bred, exactly, to meet the market. Looking through a large number of New Zealand sheep, it is evident that but a small propor tion are altogether suitable, and a very small difference in quality means a con-, siderable reduction in price. It is impor tant that this point should be understood, as, it it were not, shippers ate sure to form exaggerated estimates ef the values. At present we must be content to deal with the breeds of sheep we now have, I and try to ship them at a profit. It will be a great misfortune to the colony should the low price now being obtained tend to chock the shipments. Every effort should be made to keep up a steady supply, and thus cause a regular demand. If this is not done all ground we have gained will be lost, and when large supplies begin to come again there will bo some difficulty to encounter in finding a market. It is, however, obvious that shipments cannot be continued at a loss. The only course seems to be to clearly realise the fact that the high prices many have expected are not likely to be obtained, and that the only way to make it a profitable trade is to reduce expense. The only reduc tions possible are on the items of freight and freezing. If Mr Reid’s ex periment succeeds it will remove the difficulty, but in the meantime a great effort should be made to obtain reductions on these two items. The Shipping C®m pany will probably agree, in their own in terests, to a reduction of freight if it is shown by actual account sales that no profit can be made so long as present rates are charged. It will clearly bo bet ter for them to accept a lower rate.than to have their meat chambers empty, and when the trade is fairly established they, may possibly be able to increase the freight. The Freezing Company must also reduce their charges, even though the result may be a loss for a time. On these two terms it should be possible to make a reduction of per lb. I think we may calculate on the average prices being |d par lb better than at present. This difference of Id per lb would give a small profit and shipments would be con tinued. So much capital has now been sunk in freezing works and steamers that there is a large in teres-, in developing the trade. I firm’y believe that it will be made if persevered in, and my object in writing is to urge upon all the necessity of dealing promptly with the facts as they strike*one. A comparison oi account sales received by the various companies will show whether, on the vhole, prices are such as to encourage further ship ments, and, if not, united action should be at once teken to obtain a reduction in charges. __

A SERIOUS FIRE.

[bt telegraph.]

Auckland, To-day.

A fire broke out at three this morning in Kyber Pass, resulting in the destruc tion of four houses, forming part of the block in View road, off Mount Eden road. It originated in an empty house owned by Mr McDell, a warder in the gaol, and speedily spread to his own resi dence adjacent, a two-storey house. There being no proper appliances, for extinguish ing it, the fire rapidly extended' to the house of Mr Avery, a builder, in the occupation of Mr Matthews and hence to Mr Cooper’s. The fifth house in the row was that of Mr Stevens, and the sixth was occupied by Mr Martin and owned by Mr Reed, and these seemed likely to go. The former had caught fire, but the Brigade made use of the hand engine and the Baby engine, get ting water from an adjacent wall and also from the house reservoir of Mr Robert Pearce, and by this means ar rested the progress of the Himes, Stevens’ house only being partly damaged. The empty house in which the fire originated was insured by McDell for L2OO in the Union and his own residence in the South British for L 350. Part of the furniture was saved. Avery’s house was insured in the New Zealand for Ll5O and the furni ture of the occupant (Matthews) was also insured. Stevens’ house was insured for LIOO in the South British, but the furni ture, which was saved, was uninsured. The origin of the fire remains a mystery, but it originated in an empty house and it is supposed was* caused by an incen diary. .

NATIVE OBSTRUCTION.

[by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day.

Mr Stubbing, the surveyor, returned to Cambridge last evening from Te Awa mutu, having been forcibly obstructed in laying off the subdivisions of Waotu south block by the Whatuaio and the Ngatin garoua followers. About 4 o’clock on Wednesday Mr Stubbing started to run a line through the disputed territory, when the natives, who up to now had been sta tioned at intervals over the block, gathered in about him. On his putting the first pole in the ground, Nataura, who appeared to be the chief inciter, ordered two women to go and pull it up, which they did. Mr Stubbing then fixed his instruments, when at the command of Nataura two women came forward and after resistance on the part ol the sur veyors they took possession of it, and they still retain it. The survey party then returned to the camp. Whataera statss that the only way Harry Symonds can get possession of the land is by walk ing over his dead body. The natives wire not armed while the above scene was en« acted. The matter has bean reported to the Survey Department. It is thought that the obstructionists will be proceeded against in the local Court.

[advertisement.]

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

LAST NIGHT’S ENTERTAINENT.

To the Editor.

Sir, —I am instructed by the Com mittee of Management to tender to the ladies and gentlemen who have so kindly favored their entertainment with their presence and support, their apologies for the unsatisfactory manner in which some part of the programme was carried out. The inclemency of the weather on Tues day rendered it advisable to defer the entertainment until last evening, with the result that some of those engaged to take parts (the ventriloquist for instance) were unable to attend, and consequently, at the last moment, hasty substitutions had to be made. The Committee fully in tended, and believed that they would be' able to place before the public and carry out a really good programme, and they are as much disappointed as any of the audience can possibly be at the failure The least therefore they oau do is to offer this explanation—to thank those who honored them with their support, and to promise that the next entertainment they arrange shall be superior to the present one.—lam, etc., Charles Ward, Secretary, U.A.O.D. Jan. 23th.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[BKUTEB’s TKI.KOR iMB—COFYKICtHT.] Thq Mails. London, Jan. 23. The Australian mails, via Naples, per Orient steamship Cuzco, dated Mel* bourne, Dec. 15th, were delivered here to-day. .

Shipping. Arrived at Plymouth, the P. and O. steamship Indus, from Melbourne.

A Coronation Ceremony. London, Jan. 24.

News is to hand from Zanzibar re porting that the coronation of Queen Ranovalo the Third-of Madagascar has been celebrated with great rejoicings. Patriotic speeches were delivered on the occasion by the newly-crowned Queen and by her Prime Minister, both of whom declared their deter mination of preserving the integrity of the Kingdom against the French claims, and of refusing to yield an inch of territory at the demands of the be siegers.

A Fatal Storm.

A violent storm passed over Great Britain last night Many wrecks, at tended with loss of life, occurred, and several persons were killed by falling chimneys.

Soldiers for Tonquin. Pabis, Jan. 23.

Two transports sailed for Tonquin with reinforcements. Pending their arrival no attack will: be made upon Bacninh.

Oaibo, Jan. 23. Affairs in Upper Egypt. It has been definitely decided' to relieve the beleaguered garrisons of Sinkat and Tokar without further de lay, and active operations to that end are imminent.

[Received Jan. 26, 2.30 p.m.] The Cordon Mission. Oaiko, Jan. 24.

It has transpired that Colonel Gordon has been compelled to abandon the idea of proceeding to Khartoum by way of Souakim, on the Red Sea, owing to the roads by that route being in the possession of the rebels. He has con sequently decided lo go via Koroska, a town on the Nile, in North Nubia. This is actually .the only road that is open. It is expected that he will start on his mission in a day or two. The Emperor of Germany. ■ _■ m : Berlin,Jan,24 r ■ ’ Emperor William is confined through indisposition, and the state of His Majesty’s health is causing' some anxiety.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rEUTEE's TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.) The Wool Sales. Melbourne, Yesterday.

At their wool sales this week the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, catalogued 2,100 bales, being mostly scoured wbbls. There was a large attendance of Home and foreign buyers. There was little change experienced in the market which continues fairly active, and the compe tition was well maintained. Good wools .were anxiously desired. 1,900 bates were sold, and 200 withdrawn.

Shipping. Arrived, this morning—The Union steamship Rotomahana, from the Bluff, and the P. and O. steamship Ravenna, with the inwards mails via Suez and Brindisi, dated London, Dec. 14th. Sydney, Yesterday. Arrived, this morning—U.S.S. Waka tipu, from Wellington. , Sailed, this afternoon—U.S.S. Rin garooma, for Auckland. Bush Fires. Disastrous bush fires have been rag ing to-day in the neighborhood of Newcastle, and have caused great de struction to settlers’ property in the district.

Parliamentary. Brisbane, Yesterday. In the Legislative Assembly this afternoon, the Polynesian Laborers’ Bill was brought up for discussion, and read a second time. Arrived.

Adelaide, Yesterday. Arrived, this morning—Messageties Maritimes Co.’s steamer Sydney, from Marseilles (Dec. 19th). [Received Jan. 25, 1.5 p.m.] New South Wales Budget- Sydney, 'fo-day.

Mr Dibbs, the Colonial Treasurer, made his Financial Statement last night He stated the re venue for the present year at L 7,640,000, a million of new revenue being provided for to meet the falling off in the land receipts. He announced that a Property Tax of a penny in the pound would be levied, which is ex pected to yield L75©,000. A revision of the tariff would be necessary providing for increases in the duties on tea, tobacco, sugar, timber, spirits, etc. The present free trade policy would not affected by these in creases. The statement was well re ceived by the House generally.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.]

A Disturbance. Auckland, To-day. A row occurred in a Chinese gambling house in Wakefield street last night. Two Chinese, were severely, though not dan gerously, injured. The matter is in the hands of the police.

A Collapse. Wellington, To-day. The Te Aroha miners’ strike shows signs of collapse, many of the strikers ac cepting 8s per day. The Bowlers. Dunedin, To-day. The Victorian bowlers play at Inver cargill and Christchurch, and then separ ate, many proceeding to the Hot Lakes.

Immigrants. Seventeen domestics, ex Victory, have been engaged at 6s to 15s weekly, and fire ploughmen at L&2 to L6O per annum.

An Excursion. The Victorian bowlers were taken for au * excursion down the harbor.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1884.



Wanted W AM TED Known—That W. C. Page has commenced a Cash Grocery Business in East street, near S. Hardley’s. 1 175 WANTED— Apprentices to the Dress making. Apply to Mbs Hodge, Dressmaker, East street, near Mr S. Hardley’s. 1 172 SITUATION Wanted —By first-class camp Cook and Baker. Address or apply personally to "Frank,” care of Messrs Fowke and McEwen, Bootmakers, Ashburton. 1 171 WASTED—’ The public to know that extra value will be given at Okk ahd Co.’s in Drapery, Boots, and Cloth- | ing during the cheap sale 1 136 j WANTED to Buy—A small second hand fire-proof SAFE. t tate 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 wor h Is 9d at 6d per yard. WANTED Known —<?'or Sale, two COTTAGES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. C. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, 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 aby price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7a 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2a 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 Special Advertisements. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wist street



STATIONERY (commercial, plain and fancy), Account Books, School Books and Requisites, Prize Books, Chil dren’s Picture and Story Books, New Serial Volumes, Hymn and Prayer Books, Books on Gardening, Farming, Poultry, Sheep, Horses, etc., etc. ; Novels, Fire Stove Ornaments, Birthday Cards, Scrap and Photograph Albums, Scraps, Pictures, Tissue Paper, Purses, Card Cases, Diaries, Writing Desks and Oases, Work Boxes and Baskets, Toilet Sets, Fancy Ink stands, Wall Brackets, _ Ladies' Bags, Maori Photographs, China and Brass Ornaments; Toys of every description from a Penny upwards; Judson’s Dyes, Gold Payat, Concertinas, Accordions, Song Books, a job lot tf Music (very cheap), Journals and Home papers every English mail, Cricketing Good? at reduced prices, and a large assortment of other articles. All goods at Christchurch and Dunedin prices. Akdkewes Bros., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton.



t F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S OHEAP s FURNITURE AND RED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. fjIVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and beet of -naterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED si INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING POR 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, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still Lower Rate op Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. JASHION HOUSE 185, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. E. C. Brown & Co’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, PREVIOUS TO STOCK-TAKING. FOR ONE MONTH COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY sth. The Entire Stock, including several im portant purchases of goods at about HALF PRICE, will 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) comprises the latest and prettiest shapes and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweias Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 60 per cent reduction, 100 dozen Untrimmed Straw Hats in end less variety, nearly given away. WONDERFUL BARGAIN'S And splendid choice in COSTUMES, MANTLES, JACKETS, DUST CLOAKS, THE WASHING DRESS DEPARTMENT comprises— Bargains in Pompadour Sateens „ Fine Art Zephyrs „ Plaid and Check Ginghams ~ Plain Sateens „ Prints (Floral Designs ~ Brocaded Sateens An& a large QUANTITY OF REMNANTS In above materials, to be cleared at an IMMENSE REDUCTION. FRENCH MERINOS, at Is lid, worth 3s lid. SPECIAL. Black Silks, from 36s 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 sea circulars issued in Friday’s Press and Times.



Special Advertisement COMMERCIAL Stationery, Account Books, Presents, &c. H. M. ' JONES, East Street. 11 870 THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. Reapers & Binders. We have now Landing, ex Qamaru, at Poit Lyttelton, SAMUELSON & CO.’S TWINE ' BINDER For 1883, with all the latest improve ments. Owing to the great and increasing de mand for these Celebrated Machines at Home, we have been able to secure only a limited number, so that early application is necessary. A full stock of Extras and Binding Twine will be kept on hand during the Harvest at our Head Office and Branches. Binding Twine. We have now FOR SALE at low prices, MANILLA AND HEMP BINDING TWINE. We have FOR SALE, on EASY TERMS OF PAYMENT, A Complete Threshing Plant, By Ransome, including 8 h.p. ENGINE COMBINE ELEVATOR. Apply, WM. HORNE, 1 168 West street.



Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, consti* pation, piles, dyspepsia, headache,- cored by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” $d and Is boxes at druggists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney General Agents for Australasia. 1 ,