SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON, Arrived. Yesterday Grafton, a.a., from Oatnaru. Banroto, a.a., from Dunedin. Binamoa, 0.G.5.. from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. i«mi« Wilson, schooner, for Kaipara. Grafton, a. a., for Wellington and Weak Coaafc~ porta. : - OHEPPING TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed— Barque Embleton, for London. Wellington, Yesterday. Arriped—Wanaka, from the North ; Taiaroa, from the Sooth; Charles Ed ward, from Nelson. . Sailed—Wanaks, for Lyttelton ; Taia roa, for Auckland, via the East Coast; Fusilier, larqne, for Adelaide; Charles Edward, !or Nelson; Wanaka, for Lyttel ton.

*. Timabu, Yesterday. Sailed— Ooorong, for Adelaide; Beauti ful St|*,<or Dunedin; Crest of the Ware, for Bids Moon Bay- ' . ’ Dttitkdin, Yesterday. Aniyed—Botorua, from the North. Sailed—Waiararapa, for Melbourne, via the Bluff and Hobart.

COMMERCIAL

:•Ashburton : Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon,

Messrs Friedlander Bros., in conjunction With Messrs 'K. Wilkin and Co. (per Mr F. C. Tabart 4«cttdneer), report of last Mondays market as foUowsAt the Ashburton Se dation yards'a fair entry of sheep and cattle forward. The Attendance of buyers was less than an average one, and consequently a dragging sale was the result at prices a shade below late quotations. In fat sheep there were only aJew pens yarded, and taking the average sold, we quote mutton from 2#d to 2% per lb, Jjustore sheep a fair business was trans acted, and qmst of lots found buyers at satisfactory rates to Vendors. We sold a line of 539 dry merino ewes at jjs Bd, 100 do at 5s tod, 100 do at 6s, 750 merino ewes with lambs at foot at 9s 6d,«to. Fat cattle : Only a small entry came to hand; the demand was not very great,.,several being passed in unsold; best quality steers sold at an average of 20s per 100 lb, Several pens of stores were yarded, but most qf.tbem were turned out unsold. f Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. report upon the life stock market’ in the Ashburton dist. ict far Che week ending January 2nd, as follows: On Monday, 31st December (the date being . altered because the usual day of sale was New ‘ "Scar's Pay) at the .Corporation yards, Ashbur ton, Sre*held our usual weekly sale of cattle, «t»—pavd pigs. There’ was a fair catalogue in sheep-and cattle, but very few pigs. The at tendance of ; farmers, dealers and others was belowiftbe average, and salesmen had great difficulty in effecting sales at late rates; this was especially .noticeable in cattle. Fat sheep realised from- 2d to ! per lb; best bqefoannot .be.quoted;above 16s to 20s per ' In. sheep our principal sales were ~-86 faf tapssbreds, mixed, at 14s fid; 35 do. at J 4S c 2d, ! 67 do al 14s, Ssdo at 13s id, 120 culls, i 2 and 4-tootht crossbreds at Hssd, IS 2 crossbreds at 13s id, 471 merino wethers, full mouth, shop/at 6s 9d; 139 merino ewes and lambraigsrSdi etc. In cattle we sold—2 at IX loCi it I 4 I5 S > lat L 3 *Ss etc -, Durin S the wrote':We have sold privately—36s cross bred "hoggets at ijs rod, 184 do at 12s fid, and 904 ' merino ewes and lambs at ns. In cattle we have sold— 24 forward three-year-old steers at L 5 12s fid. In properties we have had several enquiries, but owing to the holi days no business has as yet resulted. We hare sold 13 acres, part of Tancred and Allan s land, at;L24 lbs per acre, equal to cash.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

.i' AUCTION SALE '. ? £!•> Tuesday, January 8. Matron, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald IWeyards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Saturday, Ja- uary 5. Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board office* Mooro;alreet, at 10.30 a. m. ■halt Monday, January 7. Upper -Ashburton Road Board, at Road Baud Office Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. »i vv. January 13. Masonic /Service in the Masonic Hall, at 2.30 p.m. Friday, February 1. Ashburton County Council— it Council Chambers, 11 a m. Longbeabh Road Board, at Road Board office, Longbeach

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Lbavb Ashburton bob Ohrist- OHUBOH arid intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 6.37 ' p.m. Trains Lsave Ashburton for Tiku.ru and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express), arid 446 p.m, —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arbivb at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 15 a.m. (Express), 435;p. s 7.15 p.m. TeadtS ; Arrxvk at Ashburtos from Tdcaru and South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 p.m. (Express), and S p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

,r* 4 C f (-1 • Maxis, close at the Ashburton Post Office foHOTrt:— For Ghristohrirch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30;MP., Rnd 5 p.m., daily. For Chertse^Bakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. wad 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Col Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, .at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., • v For Tima.*u and Sonth, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m.y*rid43o p;m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays arid Saturdays, at 3.30 For llount Somers, on Tuesdays and katurdsya, ] at 6 a;m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur- Waterton and Longbeach, - at 430 <wily.: For Memington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. in. Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kylp, 'on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Satuimyir,Rt6.Bo a.m. For Newlauds, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.ro. Malls arrive. at the Ashburton Post •>ffioe— From Christchurch and Bakaia at 10.15 s.m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 a. m. and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places •t da|ly. Frorii Temuka and Timaru at 10,40 a. m. 5.30 p-m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks) Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 *.in.

Froig; Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at a.tn. and 8.15 p.m. Fiona Mayfield; on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Watertun, and Long- Ueach at 10 a.m. daily. ' FVom Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle. on Tuesdays. Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 n,m. V Fiona Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.nu ■' From JTemington on Tuesdays, Thurs day*, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m.

BIRTH.

Djsllow —On January 3, 1884, at Mra Pauling’s, Beach road, the wife of James Dellow, Mayfield, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 1884. The Selwyn Seat.

For the second time within a year the seat for Selwyn in the House of Representatives is vacant, and the names of three candidates are before the electors. The late Mr Lee has left no reputation as a politician be hind him, for the reason that almost from the time he entered Parliament up to the day of his death he suffered from bad health. His single effort was to second the Address in Reply to the Governor’s Speech, and in that not very difficult task he acquitted himself satisfactorily. There is no reason to suppose that the late member for Sel wyn would have developed into a bril liant ornament of the legislature, but had he been spared, the knowledge he had gained as Chairman of the County Council might have stood him in good stead, and made him something more than an average representative. At the time of the last election for this con stituency Mr Lee had to meet a very strong opponent in Mr Richardson, and the general opinion was that the latter would secure the seat. The event proved the incorrectness of this view, but it must be confessed, without showing the slightest disrespect to the memory of thelatemember, that the least able of the two candidates gained the vic tory —a result by no means unique in Parliamentary elections. As to the other aspirant for political honors on the oc casion referred to, Mr McLachlan, it was recognised that he was altogether out of the running, al though he created a good impression by the moderate tone of his addresses to the electors. Probably the chief thing which led to Mr Richardson’s defeat was the feeling he showed to wards the Ministry. That he had been treated scurvily by the Whitaker- Atkinson Government can scarcely be denied, but that was certainly no reason why he should have forsaken his former principles and allied himself to a party with which he can have no real sym pathy. Without possessing much political intelligence, the people of New Zealand instinctively fight shy of one who is ready to change his opinions for reasons that appear to be engendered by something very like personal spleen, and when the day of polling came the Selwyn electors preferred to pin their faith to the less able candidate, simply because they regarded him as sound. Whether Mr Richardson will benefit from his experience and contest the election as a candidate who will give the present Ministry an independent support, instead of throwing in his for tunes with that very ragged regiment which constitutes the present Opposi tions remains to be seen; but at any rate

he will be called upon to fight against heavier metal than the late Mr Lee. Mr Kdward Wakefield intends to come forward, and we have no doubt that the battle will be hardly fought on both sides. The ex-member for Geral dine has long been recognised, even by those who do not coincide with his views, as one of the ablest politicians in the colony. He is a skilled debater, and not only possesses great oratorial powers, but his opinions on public questions are always worthy of careful consideration. There is indeed little to choose between these two candi dates, both of whom are exper ienced politicians, and Selwyn ought to esteem itself lucky in being afforded a choice of such men. It would, how ever, be absurd to attempt to prophesy that either of them will be returned for the constituency. The bucolic mind is distrustful of anything like brilliancy,

and the fact of Mr Wakefield and Mr Richardson having proved themselves clever men in the past, may really mili tate against them. Local prejudice is so important a factor in parliamentary elections in the less populated districts, that weshould by nomeans be astonished

to see Mr McLachlan at the top of the poll, however deplorable, from a colonial point of view, such a result would be. No doubt the latter is an admirable gentleman in private life, but we have already enough and spare of such representatives, while the addition of a Richardson or a Wakefield is sadly wanted in the present Parliament.

It h intimated elsewhere that a public trial of the Hornsby twine binder will take place in the Ashburton Domain on >: aturday next. As the paddock selected la centrally situated, there should be a large gathering of farmers and others to witness the trial. A gospel temperance meeting wis held in the Templar Hall, Tinwald, last night, the Rev. Scott, of Ashburton, in the chair. There was a very large attendance. Earnest and able addresses were given by the Revs. Mr Garbett, Nixon and Mr Sawle. and the chairman. Several songs, recitations and readings were creditably

given, Mrs Tippetts presiding at the piano. After several had signed the pledge and

donned the bit of blue, one of the most successful and interesting meetings ever held at Tinwald, was closed by singing the Doxology. A meeting of the Winslow Sports Com mittee took place on Thursday evening last at tho Winslow Hotel. Present — Messrs James (chairman) Jansei, Corri gan, W. Harris and T. Hicks, hon sec. The Secretary reported that the sports and races had been a financ : al success, and that after all tho accounts owing were paid there would bo a balance of LlO left in the hands of the Treasurer, to be car ried over to next year’s sports This was considered very satisfactory, and after votes of thanks were passed to the gentle men who had kindly acted as starters, judges, etc, tho meeting adjourned. The London correspondent of the Dun edin Star has the following: “Mr Alfred Saunders, who announces himself as ‘ an Englishman many years resident in New Zealand,’ has just issued through Messrs S-unpson, Low, Marston and Co., ‘ a practical poultry book for England and New Zealand,’ entitled ‘ Our Domestic Birds.’ The papers unhesitatingly declare this work ‘ worth any dozen of the best on the subject,’ and add that ‘ Mr Saun der not only knows what he writes about, but is able to make his readers under stand as well. Independent of poultry, the book is worth reading for tho infor mation it contains on food digestion, hereditary influences, and evolution.’ ” English people have (writes the Geelong Times ) queer ideas of Australia, and they can never appear to divest themselves of the conviction that we aro a lot of wealthy barbarians, living in the most extraordin ary fashion and subsisting on the very gold of the earth itself. And indeed, for that matter, not only aro these peculiar ideas entertained amongst the lower or ignorant classes, but amongst the wealthy and well-to-do. This is well exemplified once more in a letter sent by a leading London house, the centre of a large firm doing business all over the world. Writ ing on the subject of frozen mutton, the commercial scribe says :—“ I have dined to-day oft the meat, and find it good indeed, as it always ia. The meat trade would pay here, as it fetches a good price, and profits might be made if we could only buy cheaply. Could you not see some of the farmers—‘Cockatoos ’ you call them—who kill tho sheep for the sake of the wool and hides, and buy the car cases ? They would sell cheap, as they are no use to them, and a mutual profit might bo made.” The same gentleman states that he has been informed that “ brandy is consumed in large quantities by the diggers, who find by taking it in large quantities that they in time become impervious to the bices of venomous creatures with which the country is filled.” That sort of thing may be accepted in England, but for us people out here well, we can only smile at the de ise ignorance of things colonial displayed in it. A meeting of the Flemington School Committee was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday evening last. Present— Messrs Dunn (chairman), Davies, Smith, Anderson and Fleming. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and con firmed. A letter was read from the Board of Education, requesting the Com mittee to vote for three members of the Board. The Committee decided to sup port the election of Messrs Inglis, Perry man and Fraser. Accounts to the amount

of L 3 18s 7d were passed for payment. The following report was received from the Inspector :—“ Although the percen tage of passes is not quite so high as in former years, there are abundant proofs that good progress has been made during the nine months that have elapsed since the last examination. The failures in Standard I[l. are rather numerous, but in several instances those who failed were either very irregular or considerably below the average age. The unsatisfac tory subjects in Standards IV and 111 are noted in the examination schedules at tached to this report. The papers handed in by the scholars were neither neatly written nor well arranged. Singing and drawing are not taught. As on the for mer occasions the pupils were orderly and attentive.” The number of scholars on the roll is 75, with an average attendance

for last quarter of 50. Presented in stan dards, 38 ; pissed, 26 ; failed, 12; not presented to pass a higher standard than that previously passed, 10 ; percentage passed, 80; percentage of roll number presented, 50; below Standard I, 25 The report was considered satisfactory by some of the Committee, as the school had actually been open 169 days since the last examination. Other members of the Com mittee thought the report unsatisfactory. On Mr Cape Williamson, the master, devolves the whole duty of teaching in the standards ; Miss Fechung has charge of the infants, and Mrs Willianjison is sewing mistress. Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup —lnfallible, asteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation., is at drugr gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, consti palion, piles, dyspepsia, headache, cured by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” 5d and is boxes at druggists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney General Agents for Australasia. 2

'he following stakes have been paid over for the various races at the Winslow sports : Mr T, Quill, L2O ;Mr Cotton, Ll2 ; Mr Jansen, L 5 ; Mr Appleton, L 5 ; Mr Ranger, L 5. Mr Quill in addition lakes the Winslow Cup.

A gospel temperance meeting was held in the Methven schoolroom last evening. The attendance was about 50. Mr D. H. Brown, president of the Ashburton Branch of the Canterbury Temperance Union, presided. Addresses were de livered by the Rev. Alexander McLenan, Messrs Kiilworth, Isaac Scott and Gavin, and a recitation was given by Mr Beau mont. Music was discoursod by an effi cient choir very creditably. The blue ribbon was donned by 34 persons, and seven took the new pledge. The meeting was pleasant and quite successful as a first effort in the district.

Liver coughs often taken for consumption are cured almost instantly with Hop Bitters. Find.— [Advt.]

“ Rough on Rats.” —Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. Drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board was held this morn ing at the Board’s offices, when the;e were present—Messrs F. T. Mayo (Chair man), J. Megson, M. Bruce and f. Walsh. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. PETITIONS. A petition was read from settlers in terested, asking the Board to reconsider their decision on the matter of the bridge over the creek on the Wakanui township road. The bridge was in the opinion of the petitioners, much needed, and they were willing to postpone the carrying out of the work until money was available, provided the intention to make the bridge be recorded. Mr Bruce said that the only objection to the bridge was that only a compara tively fow people were benefited. Mr Megson said his views had been considerably modified on this question, from what he had heard and seen of the district. He thought that the bridge was wanted, aid if No. 3 Ward contributed one-third of the cost that would be fair. At present money was not available, and he would move the following :—“ That it be a recommendation to the incoming Board to have a bridge erected over the Wakanui Creek, on the Wakanui town ship road, in accordance with petition presented, No. 3 Ward to contribute one third of the cost. ” Mr Walsh seconded this and it was car ried.

A petition was read from ratepayers and owners of property in No. 1 Ward urging the desirability of forming McLean street, or in the event of the Board not boii.g able to form the whole street to make a footpath through from the bolt to Princes street, to give residents the means of reaching the shingled path ou the belt in wet weather dryshod. It was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the Chairman and Surveyor, with power to act. WAKANUI SCHOOL KOAD. The attention of the Board having been drawn to the almost impassable state for traffic on portions of the Wakanui school road, it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of Mr Walsh and the Sur veyor. EXTRA work. Mr Doak wrote asking the Board to allow him L 6 for extra work done on bis contract, owing to the river overflying. —lt was decided to allow Mr Doak L2 10s as compensation for extra work. SURVBRORS’ REPORT. The following report was rea l.

I. Cochrane’s road : The contractor is pro gressing with the reformation, etc, of this road, though not at a very expeditious rate, we have had occasion to remind him that the work in some instances is not being done in accord ance with specification.—2, Chertsey road re formation of sides : We must still withhold from the contractor the final payment on this road, as the work, though he has been over it a second time, is not up to the specification.— 3. Ploughing of Seafield road : This work is close upon completion, as it was found after completion of the first road that the ploughing of the whole width of the road was inconveni ent for traffic, we have had a portion in t e centre of the other roads untouched.— 4. Maintenance of roads : The contract for main tenance expired on the Ist inst. Most of the roads are in fair repair, but as some still re quire attention wc withhold a portion of the contractors’ final certificate till they have been done efficiently.—S- Ford, Smith’s road :As authorised we have had the ford on this road cleared out and repaired, but unless the creek just below it is widened and cleared out we are afraid that it will most likely silt up again. We have given the Messrs McLean notice, and they have advised us of their intention to attend to the matter.—6. Ford, Wakanui township road: We have had this ford repaired, as instructed at last meeting.—7. Princes street : The formation «f this street is being satis factorily carried out, and is dose upon completion. ling : As author ised at last meeting tenders were called and one accepted ; the work is being satisfactorily carried out.—9. Green Lane : The metalling of ilrs road is just upon completion.—lo. Footpaths, Hamp stead roads : Tenders were procured for put ting these footpoths in order, and one accepted at is lid per chain ; the work is being pro ceeded with.—ll. Wakanui School road : The metalling of this roaL which we were in structed to invite tenders for and accept, is just completed.—l2. Milton road : The ford in the Wakanui creek on this road being i n a bad state, we are having same attended to.— 13. Water-races : We have drawn the County Engineer’s attention to the manner certain of these races are taken across the roads and in others damaging the roads, and he has pro mised to have them seen to. —14. Road be tween Mrs Gibson’s and Mr David Wilson’s : We have inspected this road with regard to the dispute of whose fence encroaches on the road, snd according to the last Government surveyor, who pegged the road, Mrs Gibson’s fence, no doubt, encroaches on it. This last survey she disputes as not being identical with the pre vious one.—ls. Beach road: On account of this road being fenced in near the Beach it was impossible for traffic of any sort, and a seri ous inconvenience to the public visiting the Beach. As the cost of making approaches good was only small we have had the neces sary work done. Tho report as read was adopted. ADVERTISING.

Mr Megson moved—“ That ‘he Board’s advertising be distributed between the two local papers, each taking the adver tisements for three months in turn.” Mr Walsh seconded, and it was carried, the Guardian to have the first throe months. ROAD MAINTENANCE. The following tenders were accepted for road maintenance . —Mo. 1 Ward, J. Grif fin ; No 2 Ward, R. B nnott ; No. 3 Ward, Allan and Clements. ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly accounts wore passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned.

THE DUNEDIN TRAGEDY.

The inquest on Matilda Hancock was resumed yesterday. The first witness was Annie Feidal, a neighbor, who had gone to see tho woman after she had received the wound. The woman told her Pearce had stabbed her. Witness bathed and dressed tho wound and told Pearce ha ought to go for a doctor, but he did not. Witness asked Pearce about the stabbing, and he said they had a few words and he did it in a passion. Sarah Boyd, also a neighbor, next gave evidence. In her examination in chief she said Mrs Pearce told her she got the wound by falling in the yard on a piece of glass. To Inspect tor Weldon : Witness said after tho Po-

lice Sergeant had taken the deceased’s clothes away several women were in Pearce’s house, and one of them, pointing

to a knite on the mantelpi.co, said.—“ I wonder if that is the knife.” - said, if it was it should be put away. Pearce then went tc the mantel-piece and put somethin'; in his pocket, and coming over to witness, whispered, “ Can I put this in your house?”- Witness answered, “Oh no, nothing in my place.” Pearce went out, and did not return for fully half an hour. Thomas Lawson de posed that on the Saturday night prior to deceased’s death, Pearce and she were quarrelling about the back of the house. r Both were very drunk. On Sunday afternoon he heard the woman had been stabbed, and on Monday ho was told she was dead. Witness 1 ' wife took a shilling’s worth of beet into the house, and witness went in to get a share of it. He (witness) was then pretty “tight ” There were several knives on the mantelpiece, and some one said the knife should be done away with. There was a general knowledge that the woman had been stabbed, and a fueling that as she was dead it would be a pity to see Pearce get into trouble. One of the knives which was on the mantelpiece when ho went in was not there when he went out. The knife was lying there after the police took away the deceased’s clothes. Another neighbor, \.nn Proven, deposed that the deceased had told her she Was stabbed by- iJidy (Pearce). After the death Pearce said to witness “I may be taken up for this case. Will you take charge of my fish knife 1" But witness replied “ No. ” The further evidence given was corroborative of that previously taken, and Drs Coughtrey and Copland also gave evidence. Dr Gop’and stated that he had been called in within an hour after death, which occurred about midnight, and told Pearce he co aid not give a certificate, but recommended him to communicate with the police. Pearce did so about fivo or six o’clock. The jury returned a verdict equivalent to wilful murder, and theCoronercom uit'.ed Pearce for trial.

[by telegraph ] Dunedin, To day. The jury returned a verdict of “ Wilful murder ” against William Pearce, who was committed for trial.

THE TRIUMPH ENQUIRY.

The following evidence was tiken yes terday : ' - Archibald Granderson, carpenter ; F. J. Sanderson, shipping and Custom house clerk to L. D. Nathan and 00. ; George Henry Ootterill, passenger by the Triumph from London ; Captain McKen zie, deputy-harbormaster ; the purser and Dr Menzies, surgeon of the. Triumph ; gave evidence as to Captain Brotherton being sober the night of the wreck. The latter said that the captain was then suf fering from neuralgia He had scan the captain that day working ia the hold with a capstan bar. 'lf neuralgia is severe it is accompanied by the deprivation of sleep. Having lost his night’s sleepj it was very likely that he should have gone to sleep on the bridge. Throughout the voyage the captain displayed the qualities of at tention to duty and good seamanship. Witness never sailed with a better skip per, and ho had travelled in many ships besides the Triumph, and once as sur geon. He saw no reason to doubt the statement that he had gone to sleep,on the bridge from worry and exhaustion. By Mr Williamson : Brandy and other alcoholic stimulants are often’ resorted to for relief in neuralgia complaints, but ha never prescribed them for Captain Bro thorton. Was in the saloon reading whan the ship struck. Cannot say what sent Thompson, passenger, to sleep on the bridge. Lawrence David Nathan, of the firm of L. D. Nathan and Co, agents for the triumph, remombared ihe 29th Novem bar last. Saw Captain Brotherton several times that day; list time in his own cabin about a quarter-past six. Up to that time there wis not the least appear ance of drink about the captain. Their interviews then and earlier in the day wore on business matters of such a kind that he would have been able to judge whether or not the captain was sober, Ho noticed th it the captain seemed con cerned or troubled, as if he had some thing on his mind. That was particu larly on the afternoon of the 28th No vember. After the vessel struck ha saw that he h\d his face bandaged up, and prevailed on him to come to town to see Hr Haines. That gentleman extracted a tooth at once, and gave a sleeping draught after a shock of the electric battery, to the captain. By Mr Williamson—He had communi cation with the owners of the Triumph on behalf of Captain Brothe”ton. Can’t ray a syllable as to the amount of insurance ; made no inquiries. The sale did not take place by direction or with the knowledge of the owners, but at the request of

Lloyd’s agents and of the agents f»r the Associated Insurance Companies of New Zealand, and instructions were to sell as soon as possible on behalf of whom it may concern. The captain was told by Dr Campbell to follow the instructions of Lloyd’s agent and the surveyor (Captain Clayton), or otherwise he would have been blamed for any accident that might have occurred in carrying outthair instructions. Captain Brotherton applied to witness for funds, appliances, etc., which he had supplied all along. There was some diffi culty about the divers. Ha was sorry to say that he had not an agreement with the diver. All he could say was that he was on a stranded ship when a pigeon gram was sent ashore by Captain Nearing asking for a diver. Among othjr things that message was delivered to our ship ping clerk, who di 1 not well know what to do, but made some private agreement. When he left for there Captain Nearing asked mo to send a diver. Asked him how much he should pay. and he said L2 per day on landing. Our clerk said the diver would not go for less th in L3O a day. The diver was patting his things on board the steamer, but he at once stopped him, and told him there was a great difference between L2 and L3O, though ho would not object to pay L 4 per day. The diver went to consult Cap tain Haddock, who threw cold water on the matter. He quite expected his offer would be accepted next morning Afterwards lie made a more favorable agreement with the diver t) take out cargo at so much per bar and bundle.

Capt. Nearing, re-called and examined by Mr Heskoth, deposed to assisting to get the Triumph floated. Captains Clay ton and Worsp were there, and about fifty laborers. The men remained on board with witn ss till the day before the vessel was sold, and used every endeavor to get her off. Every meant that could be got was used, with the exception of the divers. Mr Nafha- offered witness and Gouk LSOO a-piece if they succeeded in getting the vessel off. We gave up our efforts to float her because we had done all we could, and the tides got bad, while a North-East gale altered the position of the ship.

Mr Williamson—Were not all appliances which were afterwards used to be got in Auckland at the time you were working on the vessel?

W.itness —They were here, but could not be got. People who have these things are nqfc willing to let them out. Wo applied for a pulaomefcer pungp, and could not get it. This closed the evidence on behalf of Captain Brotherton. [UY TELEGRAPH.] Auckland, To-day. It has not yet been deeded what }s to be done with the Triumph, except that the coal cargo is to be taken out imme diately. The list is caused by 200 tons of goal being stowed on the starboard side.

All the vessel except the forehold is kept dry. The cargo aboard consists of 200 tons of railway iron and 200 tons of genera? cargo. The vessel will be ready fur docking in about a month. Nothing has been decided re lengthening the dock, but it is proposed to erect a coffer-dam, and after the vessel’s condition is ascer tained to send to England for the plates necessary to repair her, the vessel boin» left at anchor till their ar rival. It is estimated that the purchaser has spent L 2,000 exclusive of purchase money in saving the vessel, and that including the purchase money she can be made as good as new tor between L 15,000 and L20.00J. Her esti mated value is L 60.000 ; the ref rigerator, which was saved uninjured, is estimated to be worth L 6.000, was purchase! by the Auckland Refrigerating Company.

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

The first meeting of the creditors of Messrs Loudon Bros, farmers, of Kyle and Methven was held in the Courthouse to-day. There was a large attendance, representing in all seventy-four creditors, Mr R. Alcorn occupied the chair. MrC. W. Purnell watched the proceedings on behalf of the New Zealand Loan and Mer cantile Company and Messrs McKerrow and Co., and Mr Branson appeared for the bankrupts. The statement of assets and liabilities put in showed that the liabilities amounted to a little over L 10.030, and the assets were, in round numbers, L 13.000. The New Zealand Loan and M u-cantile Com pany and Messrs McKerrow and Co. were the largest creditors, the former being L 4.000 and the latter L 3.000, both being secured. After some dis 'Psion is to whether a trustee should be chosen previous to the examination of the bankrup s, and the chairman ruled that the latter course should be taken.

Mr John Loudon, being sworn, said in answer to Mr Purnell, the item L 1,435 Is represented bills in hand for the sale of sheep, horses, and threshing machine, disposed of to various persons. The sheep and horses were sold for L 1,200 to Mr J. Bell. The bills were not endorsed. The sheep were sold about Dec. 18th, and the firm at that time were not contemplating bankruptcy. Did not make the sale to Mr Bell in consequence of an interview witness had with Mr McKerrow, Jbuton v _ account of being pressed at the time for money, and he cons : dered he had a per fect right to sell the stick. Had not a’ked the Bank to discount the bills. The stock was saleable in the onen market, but the reason witness did not sell it in that way was because the firm was afraid Messrs MoKerrow and Co. would seize. The stock was sold with the view of coming to terms with Messrs McKer-; row and Co. Witness thought they would' be in a better position by selling .the , ,tock to Mr Bell on bills than by. placing it .'in the open market. The threshing machine was sold to Messrs H; ■, Roe and T. Arnold on bills. Roe's bill l , was not endorsed, and witness owed him for over two years’ wages. Roe’s name did not appear on the list of moneys re quired to meet engagements, which was submitted to Messrs McKerrow and 00. Remembered getting a 1 irge sum of money from McKerrow and Co. about Septom- ■ ■ ber last, but it was not on the faith of the list referred to that L 2,000 was advanced. The reason of Ro ;’s name not appearing ' was that witness considered he would not ‘ press for payment. Arnold’s bill was also endorsed; The price obtained for the-, threshing machine was L2OO, and witness did not think its present value was more than Ll7O. The equity of redemption of the farm at Kyle was sold to Mr Bell . about the middle of December. At that time there was Ll6O coming due for in terest, and Mr Ball became respsnsibl* for that sum, and gave witness LSO in . cash. The farm consisted of l,oooJacre« on which there was a mortgage of L 4 per acre, and witness considered that that was the full value of' the pro petty. Did think the equity of redemp tion was sold at the time the list was handed to McKerrow and Co. Witness paid LI6O for the entire Dick Turpin, and afterwards sold it to Mr Bell for L6O. This was at the end of the season. Did not know whether Mr Bell had paid what was due on the mortgage on the farm. By Mr D. Thomas: 2,000 sheep were sold and some 30 horses and an entire, together with 1,000 acres of land, for LI ,200. The horses averaged Ll 5 a head, and the sheep (oartly ewes and partly hoggets) averaged about 8s per head. The sheep were in a very poor condition. The bills received from Mr Ball are not guar anteed. Witness attributed the bank ruptcy of the firm to the action taken by McKerrow and Co. Witness had wages -

and other aoc mats to meet, and Mr Mann (of the fir n of McKerrow and Oo.) promised :o provide a certain sum of money to meet these payments, but failed to do so, and instead made

a demand on witness for money due to McKerrow and Go. The latter also dis-

honored orders given by witness to the workmen as wages, and sent down men to seize the stock and plant on the farm. McKerrow and C > afterwards wanted to compromise the matter and asked witness to give a fresh bill of sale. On this being refused McKerrow and Co stepped in and aeizid eveiy thing, and this was the reason of the bankruptcy. Witness owed Me Bell Lll3, and at the time of the seizure the sale of the farm and stock already mentioned was being negotiated with that gentleman. McKerrow and Co hai two reapers from witness, and others were seized by the bailiff of the Court. By Mr John Orr ; Witness obtained several sums o f money from McKerrow and Go. to pay rents, bat the money was drawn out in orders. A lien of L 2,500 was obtained from the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and this w?s handed over to McKerrow and Co.

By Mr Cookson ; Some of the horses sold cost from LlO to Ll2, and witness did not think they would have realised more at public auction than the sums for which they were sold, as they were in very poor condition. The following letters were then put in: Rakaia, 24th December, 1883. To Mr William Loudon, Kyle.—Dear Sir,—l here by authorise you to hold on account of Messrs K. McKerrow and Co the goods and chattels seized by me this day on Messrs Loudon Bros.* farm, as per inventory.—Yours truly, Law rence Oxley, bailiff. Rakaia, 24th December, 1883. Messrs Loudon Bros, Kyle.—Dear Sirs, —We have sent down Messrs Oxley and Murray to take an inventory of your stock. We wish to con- , duct the inventory as privately as possible. Mr Murray will count your sheep and lambs ; if the lambs are not branded please brand them to-day with yovr own brand. The implements you need not number, as it might lead some one to suspect something was wrong. After taking the inventory you will please sign the document enclosed to hold the stock and im plnnents on our account. —Obediently yours, R. McKerrow and Co.

£y a creditor: The amount owing to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company less wool account would . be about L 3,700. By another creditor: Witness paid LOQ . for the entire Duke of Edinburgh, and at . the end of the season sold him for aboqt L3O. The season would represent to tl}e estate about L9Q. The horses sold were not classified, bqt were qn different parts of tl)e estate. There are no horses oq the estate but what have been sold or seized by McKerrow and Co. Mr Ball and McKerrow and Co are the only persons. . who have got horses from witness siqce - the middle of December. After Mr Loudon had answered some ■ questions of minor importance, the meet ing proceeded to the election of trustees. Messrs D. Thomas and J. Lambie were appointed.

THE ASHBUETON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 1884.



Wanted WANTED To LET a 6-roomed HOUSE in Moore street ; rent moderate. Apply to W. 0. Page. 130 WANTED— A good general SER VANT. Apply to Mbs Homer sham, south Ashburton. 1 29 WANTED— COOK for men’s hut; must be a good baker. Apply to B. H. Dobson, Lowoliffe, Hinds. 1 2 W~ ANTED Known—That STRAW BERRIES and other Fruit for preserving can now be had cheap at A. W. Randbll’s, East street. 1 4 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin wor h Is 9d at 6d por I yard



WAM TED Known—'/or Sale, two OOTTAuES on East Belt. Cheap, easy: terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED TENDERS—For HAR VESTING hOO Acres of Wheat. Tenders to be in by 12th January. H. T. Winter, 1 17 WANTED— To hire by the week with 1 the view of purchase, quiet HORSE, must be good in harness; state terms. 46 private box, Post-office, Ashburton. r| He EWE SHEARING will com | menue at Coldstream on Thursday, 10th January, 1884. A few extra HANDS wanted. 0. fcf. Dowdino, 1 16 \%T ANTED Known—That H. Jambs Vy has taken over the market garden from E. Ling, Hampstead, and intends carrying on a RETAIL BUSINESS in the Triangle. Vegetables and Fruit sup plied fresh daily. 1 6 ANTED Known—That, a GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MEETING will bo held THIS EVENING, at 8 p.m., in the Temperance Hall, Tinwald. Ad dresses will be given by the Revs. Scott, Nixon and Mr isawle. The public are cordially invited. John Smith, Seore- ] tary. 1 18 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. 7600 I\tANTED —The public who are in W 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



WANTED Known—That in conse 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. 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



WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance -fns; —Bvmjr kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets — monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344 Special Advertisements.



Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wsst street ORINOE ALBERT BOARDING IT HOUSE AND TEMPERANCE HOTEL C. TRUCKLE begs to return thanks to his friends and the public for their patron age since he has taken over the Prince Albert Boarding House, and trusts by always keeping a good table and accommo dation for boarders and travellers to re ceive a continuance of the same. Private rooms for families. 0. TRUCKLE, Prince Albert Boarding House and Tem perance Hotel near Cookson’s Stables, Wills street, Ashburton; next Odd fellows’ Hall, and one minute’s walk from the Railway Station. Charges strictly INTENDING PURCHASERS OP CLOTHING SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OF FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. moderate. 944 FOB THE 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 of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. A SHION HOUSE 185, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. E. 0. Brown & Co’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, rKKVXOUS 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. I i i t MILLINERY DEPARTMENT. r Our Beautiful Stock of Millinery (en



vied by all) comprises the latest and prettiest thapes and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweiss Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 50 per cent reduction. 109 dozen Untrimmed Straw Hats in end less variety, nearly given away. WONDERFUL BARGAINS And splendid choice in COSTUMES, MANTLES, JACKETS, DUST CLOAKS,



WASHING DRESS DEPARTMENT comprises— Bargains in Pompadour Sateens Fine Art Zephyrs Plaid and Check Ginghams Plain Sateens Prints (Floral Designs Brocaded Sateens And 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 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 farther particulars see circulars issued in Friday’s Press and Times.



Special Advertisement. STOP THAT COUGH! DON'T DELAY.—How can you stop it? Where, u the Remedy. Bennington's PECTORAL OXYMEL OF CARRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (registerc 1), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonninoton, Christchurch. Stationery, Account Books, Presents, &c. H. M. J O N E S ; East street. 11 87C MERRY OHRISTMAf COMMERCIAL AND



HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT ANDREWS S BROS,, East Street South, IS NOW OPEN. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. TP YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, JHBAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. tjIVERY article Sold at Christchurch J Pkxces and , xaranteed bes. of •Material and u crkmanship. |~ FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FTTKNISHED GO 0 TO DAVIS’S



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashburton Gu ahijian must ba sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m,, but will be charged double ra 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 - a to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to Tub Editor.