SHIPPING.

J* POET OF LYTTELTON. 4 ’’ Arrived. is,, from Wellington. i‘ Mahinapua, s.B, from Dunedin and Oam am. ■ ■ Southern Cross, s. s , from Spit. * Rotomahana, as., from Melbourne, via /South. , ~ ' - Hawca, as., from Nelson, Pioton and Wallington. . ■••■-, * " r .Sailed. YsKSXKBDAY. . V- f 9 c &*■****> via Auckland and way porta Mahinapua,.-*-*» for Wellington and West Coast, A Southern Cross, s s , for Auckland and s.s., for Akaroa and Dunedin. Wakatipu, a s., for Port Chalmers Wellington, ship, for London. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. 1 . Arrived—Penguin, from Lyttelton. " ' Sailed—Emperor, for Newcrstle. Wklun*.t n, YeA.rday. "" Arrived—Charles Edward, from Nelson and the West Coast; Stella, from Port land Island and Castle Point ; ■ - Sailcd-rW anakarfp?. % g rll J. 5 Gwf ' : ton, for iCelioh arrd * the VS est Coast, ■ Wakatu, for Kaikoura and Lyttelton. • . ,DUNEDIN, Vesterday. 1 ‘ Arrived —-Esparfence, frcm-Maur:tins, t-ailed—Te Anau, for Melbourne-

COMMERCIA L.

Ashburton Guardian Office, ■ Friday Afternoon. ■ - ‘Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the * live stock market, etc., for the week ending Thursday, May Jst, 1%, as follows:—For yesteMay’S Aadmgtbn ; market an especially We entry of sheep again came to hand, and was represented fully up to '•trade- requirements, yet stores constituted a -i very large proportion of.the days total num ' here The of buyers was much ’ about as usual, and dull and dragging as busi ■ : qess in fersheep admittedly was, yet, con ! " adering the heavy supply, a very fair clearance ' was made, at prices about equal to last week s "rates. In quaity there was a decided im provemention the. previous market, hr more wethers-beidg penned thah for several weeks ■ ■ past This, fact brought out one or two ■ ' Wets for. shipment, thus helping to retrieve the sale, and give a slightly better ionc to ’ trade thdn / it>" otherwise .would have had, "We quote"the best wether mutton at -about 2#d per lb; medium quality, viz., crossbred ewes, ; mixed sexes, and light merinos at z}4d. In store sheep the keen inquiry noticeable a month or s x weeks since has considerably toned down for breeding ewes, from the fact-that nearly, every farmer has now supplied himself, while in grazing lines the near approach of ' winter is beginning to have its influence upon trade. Inferior as ' was in a measure a number of last week’s con - tributions, -many of yesterday’s consignments ' s were infinitely more so, and for .one or two oi J ' the worst lot,s of cull merino ewes it was diffi •x ■ cult to get an offer at all; More than one line ‘ of this class of sheep were sent out unsold ; in - fact, considering their age, low condition, and v the season of the year this Is not to be won dered aU *< On account of Mr J. E. Thacker, ;of Okain’s Bay, we sold 750 full-mouthed ” crossbred-, ewes ,at from, 9s 7d to 9s tod, a ■’ price as per head below what they would have 5 realised a month since—the culls of the 10l ‘ .Were sold at 7s 3d. Oh account of Mr A, ■ Chamberlain we placed ,220 full-mouthed merino wethers 1 at 7s 6:1, 179 'small half-bred / Jamba for other owners at 7s id, 440 cull dittc ■ . ’at Ss Bd, four-tooth crossbreds at 13s 6d, merine .... ewes at 6s, lambs at 10s 6d to lis 3d, and a ■ draft of 260 crossbred ewes at 13s pd. The . beef market was more heavily supplied than :• ; we have seen it for some months, in fact it * was overdone, a-prqfracted and dull sale being A;;' the result.' before 1 the ‘ completion of the ri- auction it was found necessary tp adjourn tc f the outside pens'lliat' buyeis might have the benefit of the waning daylight to conclude ■S their purohases. The sale throughout, al (hough showing no signs of improving values, pr seated more buyers than we have noticed for some lime. Very few rattle of an ■f, entry of 90 head submitted by ourselves being turned-but..unsold. We placed 14 head o( light weights at L$ to L 6 10s, IS head at L 6 « to Lfi -r?e-6d, 16 head. at L 5 17s fid to Lfi Js; cows, L 4 las6dto 1 5 12s 6d, 7 head at ; 4 L 6 15s, and 10 head at Ls 7s 6d to 16 -.'173 6d, also several small lots at pro- porlionate prices, equal to from 17s to 18s 6d •i/'ip to lOS per loolbs, according to quality. In ' stores there was perhaps a shade better cn- T ’quiry, and^t.unaltered values we quitted eveiyloi of our entry ; two to three ;*■' ,ear-old steers, Li 15s to L 5 ss; .yearlings to v ; two-year-olds, Lr-Iss to L 3 ; springers, L 6 to etc. The supply of pigs was in a great . measure made up of country consignments, ex from outside districts, and included some i-very well grazed lots. Although early in the K; season, all the curing representatives were pre ff "«nt, and the enquiry from that source, coupled -. with the demand from the local trade, brought ■" values higher than at any previous market this ' «««>«■ Owners of f t pigs of all classes can ' now getting a good return for the ' game, as those weights not available for export -J are readily taken rup by butchers and others. r. The totals yarded for the day comprised 14389 T*eep, 300 head of cattle, and 217 pigs, of jv- which our entry included 6,039 sheep, 175 U head of cattle, and 58 pigs. On Thursday, i 'April 24th, at Lavington, Kakaia, on account ' olMr C. N. Mackic, who has disposed of his ■./ farm, we held a clearing sale of , the whole of -Otthe live and dead stock on the estate. The at * represented the principal farmers and t Others of the district, and a satisfactory cleat ff - ance was made of all lots." Fresh condition jirwterioo wethers brought 7s, aged crossbreds 7s fed; fat merino- 18s 3d, 600 mixed age merinos fid, cull merino ewes 3s 2d. Horses, im- Iftements, furniture, etc-, fair values. On |s; monthly sale, and disposed of, ! oh account of If--, ‘various owners, Down lambs at 9®, merino ewes at 4s 6d, cull ditto at prices as per des : IsJSnption. { '\ • ’ *|fl 1 - The following is the Christchurch Com Ex report for the week ending Friday even 4, rig, the and inst v—The corn market for the has met with somewhat of a check. The ‘ f indifference.diQwri by buyers may be attributed *\j»ftly to the (ffifi'culty in finding a ready outlet /f&T wheat, and the large quantity of damaged main now in store that has been condemned as ' ;«mJit for Shipment, thus taxing : the capacity of Citbe various grain stores to the utmost, indeed, kr some instances it has been found necessary supplement the ordinary storage room by a « ifetnm to the ■ plan adopted a few years ago there was a similar block of building K itacks Outside and well covering them. Buyers .undesirous of. pntinuing this tl&kf 2°°.9’ fid.not- at *ll S-Wager to purchase, excepting for direct sbip- Sweat ‘to the neighboring colonies.. The tc«il!oWing are' the ' Peek’s 'quotations:— C yVheat t For sound dry samples 3s 3d, 3s axtd3s Sd, fo.b., fori "Hunter’s pearl and lyneran respectively, with a slightly easier mar yfcefc—Oats ; Milling, 2S 3d ; brisk demand fo> ./lir&hi: short feed at as idtq 2s 2d; inferior meet,with a - little more alten «|ih»a4te9d to 25, all Cab.—Barley ; Iti this p'SieMal the jonc of the market has been con ' Uifierably modified ; malsters being nearly sup plied nothing but first class mee's with inquiry 3sfidio 45,-althongh a very superior sample gpitfit- command a shade higher.—Grass Seed : «ar- et for rye grass is markedly* dull, buyers being very indifferent as to purchase, require considerable persuasioo to .main toin-quotations, viz., 3s to 3s 6d for farmers, f ijubd if machine dressed. Cocksfoot is fairly * raaaired for at to 4d, f.0.b, : lytteiton, hpght samples and well ’ dressed.— .^JEtotatoes: 30s to J2s fid at country stations ; f donand slackening.—Butter and Cheese ; gd Lag for the former, and 411 to $d for the

DAILY MEMORANDA.

f|f- AUCTION SALE . j"'-. S-’atckday, May 3. j 'XsSi Tfeofc Bollock, at the Arcade, fin met '■i: street —Horses and'Con true tors’ Plant jJBtV, Alfred Harrison, at hia "Rooms— and Fa cy Goods J

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1884.

The Ashburton hounds met for the first time this season yesterday at Charing Cross. Shortly after two o’clock Mr J. Smith, who is again officiating as hunts man, took his little pack on to the pro perty of Mr Denshire, and soon had a hare afoot and hunted her vary well to wards the Wakanui homestead. Mr Denshire had at considerable trouble re moved the wires from portions of bis fences, and the field had not much diffi culty in keeping with the hounds, but puss taking refuge amongst a flock of sheep baffled her pursuers, and the pack was lifted back to the starting point, Hares were very plentiful, and several were hunted a short distance, but ail Mr Denshire’s neighbours are not the same good sportsman as himself, and it w-s necessary to whip the hounds off when they forced their game on to these pro perties. Considering all the adverse cir cumstances the pack performed vary creditably, and as a farther draft of hounds is expected this week from .South we have no doubt that the hunatman will be able to show excellent sport «s the season progresses. Amongst those out yesterday we noticed Mr Denshire on Jester, Mr Winter on a bay, Mr Aldrod on Peter, and Messrs Thompson, Coffey and others.

A few kindly - disposed ladies and gentlemen assembled in the Hospital last evening and gave a very enjoyable enter tainment to the inmates. Mesdames Crisp, Branson, Nixon, Gamble, Wood and Jones, and Miss Kidd contributed a number of vocal items, and Messrs Hogg, Farley and Martin gave several humorous readings and recitations. A duett by Mrs Crisp and Mrs Branson was rendered in a very pleasing manner, and “The old arm Oliair” by Mrs Nixon, at the request of one of the patients, was given with much taste and feeling, the lady’s sympathetic voice being heard to great advantage in this favorite ballad. Two violin solos were very fairly played by Miss Wood, the little lady handling the instrument very creditably for one so young. The concert was an excellent one, and the patients appeared to appreciate the efforts of the visitors to relieve the monotony and weariness of their ordinary existence.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Board of Education a letter was received from the Longbeach School Committee, forwarding the names of applicants for the positions of masters at the main and side schools. The Committee recommended the appoint ment of a teacher whom the Board did not consider qualified, and it was decided to write to the Committee on the subject.

A report was read from the Wakanui School Committee of an investigation held by the Committee Into a charge of ill treating a pupil, brought against Mr the master, by Mr Brown. The Committee entirely exonerated Mr Oookson from blame. Mr Brown wished a further investigation. The Board de cided that there was no necessity for them to take any action in the matter. The Secretary of the Ashburton School Committee wrote, complaining of the un satisfactory condition of the fourth stand ard class in that school, and animadvert ing upon the apathy which the Committee considered the Board had shown in refer ence to tlie matter. It was resolved to have the school inspected at once.

We remind our readers that Dr Russell lectures this evening, at 8 p. m , in St. Stephen’s schoolroom on “ The Medical aspect of tho Temperance Question.” There will be no charge for admission, and all are invited.

A preliminary enquiry into the strand ing of the Oreii was held at Graym mth yesterday morning before the Collector of Customs, Mr Woon, and the evidence of Captain Robertson, the Harbormaster and Chief Officer, was taken. According to the evidence of Captain Robertson, when steaming in dead slow, tbo lowest cast of the lead gave thirteen feet. He did not take in a fuil load of coal in order that he might have no difficulty in getting into Hokitika, but as he was anxious to get there by a certain time, and thought there was an abundance of water on the bar, he went out about two hours before high which resulted in the vessel striking on the ridge, and in another quaner of an hour the roll set her on the north beach, where she still remains but little the worse for her mishap. Tenders have been called for floating the vessel. The brig Rio Grande has been driven well up on the beach at Gisborne, and is likely te become a total wreck. The crew have landed safely. There are 160 tons of coni on board, and is insured in the New Zealand office. The brig is insured in Sydney, where she is owned.

A new scale of foes under the Resident Magistrate’s Act and also under the Licensing Act appear in last night’s Ga zette.

Major Atkinson will address the Wel lington electors on Tuesday next. The Westport Colliery Company’s stea mer Wareatea, about which some anxiety was felt, has arrived safely at Westport from Melbourne yesterday. At the Dunedin Police Court yesterday, Mary O’Rourke, a married woman, was committed for trial for stealing Ll2O in gold from Mary Fitzpatrick. The prose cutrix had been keeping an hotel, and had gone to live with accused. She had L 124 in gold, which she Icept in a bag amongst the blankets of her bed, and one day she found it all gone except four sovs. The police were called in, and though the ac cused denied having more than L 3 in the house, LID in gold was found in one of her boxes.

Don’t use stimulants, but nature’s brain and nerve food—Hop Bitters. See.— [Advt.J Hop fitters has restored to sobriety and health perfect wrecks from intemperance. Per use all.— [Advt.] August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costivencss, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, waterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food aftef eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a' bottle of august flower. This valuab e medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known In dll civilised toun ries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, fid. — [AdVT.

An inquest was hold yesterday on Edgar King, who tvasdrownod through falling off the railway bridge into the Taieri river. He was with hia son, aged fifteen, at the time. The lad was walking in front, and hearing a splash, found that his father, who was over seventy years of age, had fallen over. It was not hia wife, but his daughter and her family (her husband being in Lo; don) who went to Auckland. A verdict of “ Accidental death ” was re turned.

The first Synod of a Roman Catholic Church of this diocose having been con voked sometime ago by Bishop Luek, was opened yesterday morning in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Auckland. Its proceedings were inaugurated by the celebration of Pontifical High Mass. The clergy as sembled in the Presbytery, and dressed in surplices, marched thence in proces sional order to the Cathedral, headed by the Bishop, who wore his Episcopal robes and mitre, and ca/ried a crozhr. The Bishop addressed a few words to the con gregation, explaining the nature of tho Synod, and congratulating the people upon the celebration of such an import ant event among them. Mass was rhen proceeded with, and at its close the laity withdrew, and the church doors wereclosed. The Synod was then constituted, and its first session commenced. The Bishop said the customary prayers, and intoned “ Veni Creator,” which was taken up by centers Fathers Luck and O Gara, O.S P , and Joined in by the whole body of priests. Prayer ended the Bishop as cended the throne, and having read a Latin allocution prescribed for such occasions, he briefly addressed them upon the matters to be discussed during the Synod. At tho close of the address the officers of the Synod were named by the Bishop. The roll of the clergy of the diocese was then called, and three were found to be absent on duty. After this the profession of faith which is found in tho Roman ritual, and which is commonly ca'led tho creed of Pope Pius IV. with additions required since the Tatican Coun cil, was made by all tho clergy. Other regulations concerning the conduct of clergy during the term of Synod having been made known, the Bishop gave his blessing and the proceedings terminated. Major Ropata writes to tho Poverty Buy Herald, saying—“l am much disturbed in thought about Te Kooti coming to this side of the island. These people (Wairoa natives), who have invited him were his soldiers, and helped in his murderous work. They have left traces of their evil

deeds behind them at Poverty Bay and

other places. Then let those who have not suffered ; who have not had relatives and friends murdered by this man and his minions, invite and cherish him. It would be the same as killing our own flesh and blood wore we to alow him to come here. If anyone wants him here they must li» his friends who were fighting for him. In 1863 it was the Ngatikahun.a fr -m Wairoa who wore his soldiers when lie made his raid on this place, and led them on to kill his own relatives with the Europeans ” After giving a Hat of Europeans and Maoris killed by Te Kooti, Major Ropata says—“ Now with all this fresh in our memory, are we to tolerate this man’s presence in our midst ? I should say not. Let Mr Bryce be ever so friendly with him, it is not to be supposed the relatives and friends of those enumerated above could endure his presence i>i these parts I would recommend the Government to advise their friend Te Kooti to keep at a safe distance from tho East Coast, other wise trouble may come of his presence hare.”

Scot 1- . Bros., ironfoundors, of Christ church, have contracted to supply the Lyttelton Harbor Bo&rd with a steam engine for the Gulcher electric light for L 929.

The Lyttelton Harbor Board have re solved to remit the wharfage on grain not actually put over the ship’s si le. The Bishop of Nelson sends by the i ongariro a frozen sheep (half-bred) to the Lord Mayor of London. Mr Montgomery speaks in Christchurch on Monday next.

Wells’ “Rough on Corns.”—Ask for Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” T'/zd. Quick re lief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. Don’t Die in the House. —“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flics, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers, The N.Z. Drug Co., General A-n his.

Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con dilions —Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-bilious cathartic. 5d and is. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. I

Holloway’s Pills.—Health or Wealth.— No sane person would hesitate an instant in the choice between these two conditions. Now is the season to secure the former either by restoring or confirming it. These Pills ex pel all impurities from the system which fogs, foul vapours, and variable temperatures in gender during winter ; this medriine also acts most wholesomely upon the skin by disgorging the liver of its accumulated bile, by ex citing the kidneys to more energci ic action ; ncreases the appetite for food and strengthens the digestive process. The stomach and liver, which most disorders originate, are fully under the control of these regenerative Pills, which act very kindly yet most efficiently on the lenderest bowels.—[Advt.]

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

AS BB ORTON. — To-dat. (Before H, 0. S. Baddeley, Esq , R M) Clark v, Plummer, claim of LIOO, for damages sustained through harvest work being improperly dona. —Mr Purnoll ap peared for the plaintiff, and Mr Wilding for the defendant. This case was par tially heard on Saturday last, an! Mr Wilding now called evidence for the de fence.—J. Seatl said that Clark had asked him to cut his crop, but witness was unable to do so, and recommended Plummer as a suitable man for the work. Subsequently Clark, Plummer and the witness met at iho Rakaia Post-i fSce and had a con . ersation about the work, dur ing which Plummer, said that he would not be bound by any agreement, as he had a crop of his own to cut. Could not say if a contract was then made. Clark’s crop was cut on the green side, and with m derate weather it would require to re main in stock for eight or ten days before it would be fit to stack. Clark’s crop was full of thistles and other weeds which he'd the moisture, delayed stacking and caused the grain to sprout. —E. W. Osborne said he had been in Kakaia district seven years, had not known a worse sea son than the last. All late grain was damaged Grain cut on green side should remain in stock a fortnight if Intended to be threshed soon. Crop cut this season on 12th February would not be a late one.—S. Saunders said the sample of Clark’s grain produced was not cut green. The crop had evidently been patchy, and the small grains should have been removed by the threshing machine. Thought throe weoks fine weather ample time to cut, stock, and stack 130 acres o c wheat.—David Thomas agreed with the previous witness. —Thomas Plumrasr, the defendant, corroborated Searla evidence in respect to the conversation with Clark. Told Clark would not bo bound by agree ment, but do bust he could. Clark raised no objection to -witness harvesting his own crop. Started work fur p!ai ailf on 13th February, had two stookers follow ing machine. Finished cutting 67 acres on'lO h February and no more being ripe moved to his own c*oo without any ob jection from Clark. Saw Clark’s crop on , •£3rd and 26th February, bur, the standing portion was st|ll ujiripe and that in stook unfit to stack. On 2nd March Clark told witness he had put Brady on to cut crop,

but said he might be stopped, and did not complain of neglect. Gave Brndy an order on Clark for payment for work done. Started to cut again on 4th March but could not stack on account of rain, and returned to my own p’ace on 9th and remained to 16th March. On 16th March was engaged re-stooking Clark’s crop, and on the 21st plaintiff ordered it to be stacked, and witnesa.put on 6 drays and did not leave the work until completed. [Laft sitting ]

THE TEMUKA TRAGEDY.

The fallowing are the main fact of the ( murder and suicide which occurred at the , Arowhenua Hotel yesterday as given by . the Timaru Herald :— About daylight , yesterday morning the deceased arose, ] and, slipping on hia dressing gosm, pro- i ceoded upstairs and called his man ser vant. After receiving no answer, he was hoard to go down stairs again, and before ! the servant had fully dressed two reports of firearms were heard. As it is not day light till about six o’clock at this season of the year, and our informant being posi tive that the day was just breaking, it is concluded that the time the reports were heard would be between 6 15 and 6.30. The man servant and the women servants paid no immediate attention to the oc currence, though more than one admit that they were a bit frightened. On one of the servants going to the room with some coffee for her mistress, as she had been in the habit of doing, about half past seven o’clock, she was rather sur prised and startled to find that the bed room door was locked, and still more startled on observing smoke issuing from the keyhole and round the door, the smoke smelling like burned gunpowder. She immediately called up her companions, and it was decided to send for the police, and not to break into the room themselves. A messenger was accordingly despatched to Temuka, and on arriving at the Police Station ho informed Constable Morton, the officer in charge, as well as he could of the circum stances surrounding the melancholy affair. Constable Morton went out at once, first sending tor Dr Hayes, and both arrived at the hotel about the same time, they at once broke in the dour of Mr Garland’* bedroom, and one. of the ghastliest scenes ever witnessed presented itself to their horrified view. On the floor, at the foot of the bed, lay on its right side the body of Mr Garland, and in the bed that of Mrs Garland. Mr Gar land was first looked to. On raising the body it was seen th t the right side of the face was blown away by a gun shot. Underneath the b dy lay the weapon with which the terrible deed had been accom plished,—a double-barrelled breech-load ing fowling-piece. The wound was of such a nature that death must have been instantaneous, and the position in which the body was foun t showed that it was so The deceased was dressed only in his night shirt, drawers, and dressing gown. In the bed she had slept in, covered with the bod clothes, lay the body of Mrs Garland, with a feorful wound in the back of the head vi&ib’o to those en tering the mom ; in her case, too, death ( must have been instantaneous, the whole 1 of the upper side of the head being blown away. On examining the gun a coil or plait of false hair was found fastened to the trigger guard, with a loop which was found round the left foot of the man. The bed and the room generally, as may be imagined, presented a sickening appear ance. Actually howjjjthe dead was done can only be surmised, but everything points to the supposition that the man de liberately shot his wife as she slept, pi ic ing the muzzle of the gun close to her 1 head, and then fixing the loop of hair to 1 the trigger, destroyed himself by firing off the second barrel with his foot. Dr Hayes having examined the bodies and pronounced life extinct, Constable Mor ; ton made search for anything that would throw light on this painful occurrence, - and in one of the pockets of the deceased’s i coat found the following letter, which, however, gives no clue to the ! motive of the deed. The letter, which was ia an unfastened envelope, was addressed to “ Mr Broom,” and Con stable Morton knowing that Inspector Brobam had been acquainted with Mr j Garland in Christchurch, and supposing it was intended for Inspector Broham, i sent it in to Timaru. The letter is as follows “ April 30fch. Mr Broom. Sir, —Thii letter is to let you know that I did this act of injustice to my wife and myself and my children and God, and may God forgive me. There is LlO in the cash box, which belongs to Mrs Swin ton, my siste», and a chepuo on the Bank of New Zealand, Christchurch, for L3O, for money I have put in the Bank of New Zealand with my own account belongs to Mrs Swinton, and I wish that am milt, L7O, paid to Mrs Swinton at once. There is Ll7O in the Bank of New Zealand to my account, and I wish it to be paid over to ray brother, Henry Garland, fur to see my children right according to law, and Mr Holmes, my solicitor, to act with my brother, so that my children get what be longs to me. If there is anything else, sell all you can, and divide it between the four children—three boys and one girl— now alive, let them all have the same. If what is written down by me is not right according to law, the law must put it right for my four children, —John Garl vnd. ” Mr and Mrs Garland, though com paratively speaking resident but a brief period in this district, wore universally respected, and the shock caused to the inhabitants of Temuka was of a most painful nature, and the most heartfelt sympathy has been aroused pn behalf of the four little children.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the County Council was held to-day, the folr lowing members being present, ;—Messia W. C. Walker (chairman), E G. Wright, J. Jackson, T. Taylor, J. Lambio, T. Bullock. A. Macfarlane and B. Friedlan der. The minutes of the previous meet ing were read and confirmed. chairman's statement. The Chairman said that the Govern ment had informed the Council that the Beach road, from the Town Belt to the sea, and the road from Winslow township to the R»ngitata ferry, have been pro claimed roads under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. The Upper Ashburton Road Board had calKd the attention of the Council to the damage done to the Ashburton river at Green’s crossing, and stated that t'ie Board and Mr Green would contribute a portion of the cost of turning the river more into the middle of its bed. The Longbeach Road Board had pointed out the urgent neces sity of clearing out part ot the Wheat stone drain, and the Chairman had sskad the County Engineer to report on the same and furnish an estimate' of the cost. Enquiries had been made since last (meet ing at the office as to whether the Council intend to supply poisoned grain this win ter. This matter would be placed before the present meeting of the Council. The amount of rates collected up to date was L 761 Bs. The resolution re riding repre sentation would be considered at this meeting. Mr Chapman had applied to the Council to fence off part of the concrete channel owing to the loss sustained by him by some of his sheep being drowned by falling in the channel. engineer’s report. The following report was read ; ggl have the honor to report as follows : Asliburton-Rakaia Plains Water Supply : I have levelled and staked out the authorised connections between D and E 5, and between 1.5 and E. These branches have now been formed, and the upper portion of D race is being enl irged, which will have the effect of . bringing down the additional supply required

for the races in Rakaia and Lower Acton dis trict. Having met those settlers situated be tween Lauriston and Caimbrae, who are served by the test channel, I find they are unanimous in the opinion that the transference of the channel from the road to the centre of their holdings would not serve their purpose, as' paddocks have been formed and cottages built to suit the location of that channel, but in the event of the Council authorising the extension of branch already made for Mr Adair and others, all of them are prepared to transfer the test channel from the road to field side of fence, and to defray the expense of branch line, with the exception of Mr Strachan, who has just come to the district, and vants fuller information and a little ime to consider the matter. The xtension from R.S. 47831 downwards vould be about four miles in length, as shown m map, and I have taken levels at such joints as were necessary to determine the •oute. With reference to the petition from Vlessrs Mollet and Laine, Messrs Ore, A. F. Somerville, and proprietors of Highbank for 1 branch race to supply their properties on Mount Hutt Downs. I have gone carefully nto the question and have taken levels nearly over the entire lengths. I find that in order to touch the lower comer of Messrs Mollet and Laine’s R.S. 31536, it would be necessary to connect with Chapman’s creek near trig pole 830, cross Dry creek, about 20 chains north of Broom Park by a flume 3 chains in length, thence through rural sections 17283, and 20234, ,'20919 and 26732 to lower end of said section 31536, and thereafter through Mr A. Orr’s property, to a point about 10 chains northwards of his house, from which it could easily be led through Mr Somerville’s property and upper portion of Highbank to connect with E 4 race as shown by red line on plan. The length would be about nine and a half miles, and the total cost, including flumes, fords etc., Ll9O. The properties on the first three and a half miles of race, via., Mr Chap man’s, Mr M ‘llwraith’s and Mr Aynsley’s, being already supplied from other sources would receive no benefit from proposed race, but would, on the contrary, be subjected to rather awkward severance. These owners would not of course pay any part of the cost, but would probably give a right-of-way on con dition that they should not be made liable for any charges for nuintenacc or otherwise. An alternative route I have shown by dotted red line. This would miss a considerable portion of Mr Orr’s property, and would leave eat Mr Mollet’s altoge.-her, but the expanse would be somewhat less. A third route, and the one which I should be inclined to recommend is shewn by doited blue line on plan. It would, leave E race at West Coast road, pass through Mr Holmes’ R.S. 20919, take in the lower end of Mr Orr’s property, and thence down wards through Mr Somerville’s and Highbank to E 4, on a line common to all the routes described. The cost of this would be a little under LSO. —Chapman’s Creek Extension; As requested by the Councd I have examined the route and invited tenders for such portion of the work as can be executed in the mean time, pending the arrangements of the Mcthven railway authorities for passing the flobdwater across that line neat Caimbrae.—Fencing Deviation Rakaia Gorge road: Tenders for this work will be placed before you to-dar.— Improvement Carter’s Creek: Tenders for the enlargement of this creek are called for to day, and the contract will be adjustable so that the expenditure shall not exceed L7S- —Waka-, nui Flat Water Supply : The main race from Wakanui Creek is nearly completed and will shortly be in operation.—Wakanui Protective Works : The accompanying plans and sections shew the nature of the proposed works. I have marked off on the ground the line of bulwark and site of proposed embankment. The clear ing of the spits in river bed at points indicated in red would give partial relief and facilitate the construction of bulwark and embankment, t estimate the cost of works as follows : Bulwark, complete, L6so; embankment, L 45 ; cuts in river, L9O ; three small groins, L 10 0; willow planting, LSS; total, L 940. —Ashburton Forks Protective Works ; The following points are those requiring protection: —l. At boundary between rural sections 14351 and 14655, gorse groin secured at end with piping repairs to prevent groin and 180 cubic yards of embankment, total cost LSO. 2. N'ear middle of rural section 14553- g° r3e embankment secured with piles and addition to present crate, L6O. 3. Lower end of rural section 14SS3, adjoining Winchmore road, one groin 70 feet long, L 45. 4. Clearing spit in river opposite rural section 14552, D 25. 5- Groin 20 chains £outh of rural section 14552, L 35, 6. Opposite reserve 1728, addition to present crate and connecting same with river bank ; embankment seven chains long with crate at lower end, L 65. 7. Cut in river bed near Digby’s bridge, Ll 5 ; 8. Below ford leading into Forks district, on R.S. 28629, two groins and embanking, L7O ; 9. Ford at Rule’s, south bank, two crates, L4O; 10. South Ashburton river, north bank, Green’s road, cutting new channel and plant ing willows, L 40 —total, L 445 (this is exclu sive of willow planting near Nos I to 9 and in termediate points, the expense of which I esti mate at L 124, making a grand total of L 565. I am of opinion that the expenditure of this amount will suffice to meet the present require ments, and when these are executed I should suggest the employment of a small staff for maintenance purposes, and to erect any minor works which may be necessary from time to time, owing to the continually shifting state of the river. The willow planting more espe cially should be started at once, so as not to lose the season and many portions of the river beds are now well adapted for this purpose. Wheatstone Main Drain : In accordance with your instructions I have insp cted this drain. It is much obstructed in several place with vegetable growths, etc. To clear it out pro perly to the original formation will require an expenditure of about L3O. RAKAIA PLAINS WATER SOPPIA. It was resolved to refer the drat para graph in the Engineer’s report re the above, to the Water Supply Committee. TERRACE FARM WATER SUPPLY This question was left in the hands of the Engineer, with instructions to tom municate with landowners and report to next meeting. RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE APPROACHES. The Council went into Committee on this matter, an 4 on resuming the follow ing resolution was adopted That the Selwyn County Council be informed that this Council is not disposed to baud over the balance of the special vote until (the approaches are aa ; isfactorily completed. IiVAKANUI PROTECTIVE WORKS.

The plans prepared by the Engineer, ( showing the property benefited by the proposed works, haring been considered. It was resolved— “ That the Protective Works Committee be re-appointed and meet the Engineer on the ground to fi* the position of the bulwark, snd that the plans submitted be adopted. That the plan marked A signed by the Chairman, the part tinted red, be the rating district under the Roads and Bridges Act." It was also resolved the poll of the rate payers be taken nnder section 49 of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act 1882 forthwith, the polling place to be the Wakanui Schoolroom, the Clerk of the Council to be the returning officer. ASHBURTON FORKS PROTECTIVE WORKS. A letter was read from the Upper Ash burton Road Board, drawing the atten tion of the Council to the protective works required at Green’s crossing, Ash burton Forks, where the road had been subjected to damage owing to floods. Mr Green and the Board would be willing to share a portion of the expense for carry ing out the required works. A conversational discussion ensued, and it was ultimately resolved that a Commit tee consisting of Messrs Bullock, Fried lander and the Chairman ‘be appointed, and that they report to next meeting of the Council on the matter of finance as regards the Ashburton Forks protective works. It was also decided that the work at Green’s crossing bo pqt ip hand im mediately, the same to be charged tp a separate account, the Reid Board tq bp informed of this resolution. WHEATSTONE DRAIN. A communication was read from the Longbeaoh Road Board pointing out the necessity for the Wheatstone drain being cleared out immediately, and it was decided that tenders be called for tbs work, the Chairman being empow ered to accept. SHEEP TRAFFIC BRIDGES. Mr Bullock presented a petitijn from j the settlers on the Rangitata plains, Ran gitata Island, and other pUcoa south of *

the Ashburton, calling, attention to the - necessity lor aheep traffic bridges in con nection with the railway bridges across the north and south branches of the Ran gitata river. The petitioners respectfully requested this Council to vote a sum of money towards supplying the want and also to. confer with other local bodies in terested, so that the work might bo car ried out with the least possible delay. The Tenvika Road Board had voted LIOO to wards the work, and the Geraldine bad favorably entertained the proposal, and the petitioners hoped the Athbnrton County Council would secede to their prayer. The petition contained twenty nine signatures. On the motion of Mr Bullock, seconded by Mr Wright, it was resolved— ** That this Council communicate with the Getal* dine County Council, and ask them what proportion they are prepared-to pay, and then confer with the several Bead Boards mentioned in the petition.'’

INSPECTION OF SHEEP. Mr Wright called attention to the ex pense incurred by settlers for the inspec tion of sheep, and it was resolved that the Council apply to the Government to reduce the tax for inspection of sheep to such sn amount as shall be sufficient to cover the expenses of the department in the Provincial district, as previously was the custom.

BIDINO BEPRESRNTAXION. The petition of Mr 0. J. Harper re the above, which had been presented at last meeting of the Council was again brought up, and on the motion of Mr Friedlandor, seconded by Mr Wright, it was referred to the Committee previously appointed, to report to next meeting. A DEPUTATION.

His Worship the *lsy<v waited on the Council for the purpose of bringing before 1 ; them the necessity of strengthening the embankment of the Ashburtoft river neer • the Alford Forest road. The Chairman said that the Council had spent a great of money on this particular work, and 1 perhaps the borough would now take the responsibility,, which was not a very large one. jho Mayor had not contemplated this view of the question, but thought that £rd or Jth of the amount would be a fair share for the Borough to contribute. After some further conversation" the suggestion that the borough should con* tribute one half the cost and the Council as a Board of Conservators the otherludf. was agreed to. If the borough agreed to this sod would communicate with the Chairman, the latter would call .for ten ders for next meeting. \ The Mayor expressed himself satisfied with this, and having thanked the Council , withdrew. WATER BOTE. Mr Bullock moved that the water rate struck oh May 7th be not collected at present He thought that as there was a surplus of L6OO, whioh might be used for water purpose, considering the bad har ' vest this year; and he wes of opinion that it would be only fair to hold over the collection till later. Mr Jackson and Mr Lambie opposed the motian on the ground that certain dis tricts had not benefited by the general rates that had been struck. Mr Taylor and Mr Wright thought that some limit should be fixed when the rate should be paid. Mr Bullock then asked leave to 'With draw his motion, and tne matter lapsed. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. - ' Mr Jackson moved—“. That the time has come wheu the Council should take into consideration the necessity of a more economical form of local government than now existed.” Mr McFarlane seconded this. . Mr Wrighc thought that Mr Jackson in biinging a motion of this sort should have funiahed them with some facta and figures to show the Council in what. direction he wished to move. He quite agreed that the time had come when either the County Councils or iloadßoard should be abolished. One question that met them wav as to the water-races, would the Road Boards he ebie to do the work of maintenance in such a way that the ratepayers of one dis trict would be benefited, while the inter ests of rheir neighbors would not be ma terially damaged ? He certainly did not see how the diffiuJty would be got over, by delegating the powers now held by. the County Council to the Road Boards. On the other hand he (Mr Wright)Jlid think that the County Council could undertake all the work now done by the Road Boards. At one time the County was s single Road Board district, supervised by one engineer. Now the principal work was completed, and maintenance was all that was necessary, and this would be better carried out by one good engineer than by seven or eight inferior men. If . anything was done in the matter the opinion of the ratepayers should be tested by some better means than by holding small meetings. The question should be determined by a ballot of the whole County, an i the Council or the Basel Boards should abide by the result. The Chairman was of opinion that t|ie. matter was scarcely ripe for discussion',, by the Council, It had been for the put month before the ratepayers, and no decision had been arrived at The Coun cil were the servants'of the ratepayers, an I whether or not the ratepayers con sidered they had done their diitv tbq power of dismissing them wav in their hands. Unless the Oonnctl was prepared to take up a strong position and lead public opinion either against, the Road Boards or themselves, he thought |t was undignified to take any action He tyas gather surprised to find this movetpenf being started in thq particular corner it had.' If it had not been for the existence of the Ooqncil Methven woqld never hay# known what a rate wm. That district cared nothing for the railway rate collector, and the road rqte collec tor they did qot knoiy, but the Council had furnished them with » new experience. Any Road Board . which had had to endure double rating might have had taken the initiative, but he could what Methveq had to complain of. Mr Friedlander agreed with the Chair man’s remarks. The question was alto gether too large a one to be disposed of in a half an hour or so.

Messrs Taylor and Lambie spoke in favor of the and Mr Jackson bar* ing briefly replied, a vote was taken, re sulting in the motion being lost on the casting vote of the Chairman. PAT SHEET. The usual monthly accounts were passed for payment. A DEFECTIVE CHANNEL. Mr E. Chapman wrote, pointing out that in consequence of the dangerous state of the concrete channel carrying the water from Pudding Hill stream, he had lost a large number of sheep by drowning, and he requested the Council to repair it. —‘The matter was left in the hands of the Chairman. ' J 4 SLAUGHTERING UOENSf. The application of W. & Holman fqr a slaughtering license for R.S. 2863§ waa granted. WAEAKDI HOAD. The Surveyors of the Wakpnu} Rood Board wrote pointing out that the ford at the junction of the Wakapui and Milton roads was dangerous, and suggesting the ’ patting in of a conore'-e culvert. It was T decided to reply that the County Engineer bad reported that the application bad come too late, as the work had been com pleted since ia&t me«t ng of ihe Council. ■ KIOXNG3. The special nrder alcaring the number, and re-adjusting the representation of; the seve -xl ri in the eOuntyj' already atv i rived., passed by thg Council.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1884.



Wanted \T7ANTBD, immediately Every one \ \ to read Hayes and Co. ’» adver tisement. 4 748 { I ITT ANTED—A young Girl, to assist VV in house work. Sleep at home Apply Guardian Office. 5 766 WANTED —Every one that was unsuc cessful in Hayes and Co.’s art union to read advertisement. 4 749 TX7 ANTED—General Farm H » » must be a good ploughman teamster. Hand. Apply C. M a >.tin, Winslow. 5 755 WANTED TO LET—Two front rooms, use of kitchen ; three minutes’ walk from post-office ; terms moderate. Apply, Z.T.X., Post-office. 5 757 WANTED to purchase Good Lard in any quantoy ; also, Sound, Small Pickling Onions. Apply, S. E. Poyntz, Novelty Emporium and Provision Store, “ 758 WANTED Known—Best Rice, 3d ; Sago, 4d ; Tapioca, 5d ; Cheese, 6d per lb.—J. McGiuoor, Tancred street, opposite the Arcade. 4 640 WANTED —To Sell 'i wo second-hand Breach-loading Central Fire Re bounding LocksFowliug Pieces,in splendid order. Apply, F. Ferriman, East street. 3 535 WANTED Known—The cheapest house in town to buy Millinery, Dolmans, Jackets, Dress Stuffs, etc., is £l. C. Segers’s, Sealy’s buildings, East street. First-class goods marked with a small profit. New goods now open. 2 234 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, , etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical r companies and others visiting Ashburton • should communicate with the above. - Orders by post or telegram promptly 1 attended to. 760 c WANTED Known—For sale cheap, a Three and Kour-Roomed House, 1 Half Acre of Land ; two frontages, • situated on East Belt, near Wakanui road. Terms easy. Also, 5 Acres in : English grass, with county water race * through it. Apply W. C, Davis, next ' Oddfellows’ Hall, Ashburton. 5 765 5 TTT ANTED Known—That Jones and > \\ Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s : butchers shop, East street, are now offor * ing Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horse Feed, et ~ etc , etc., cheaper and of ft better 1 class than any other in the tjwn. All 1 goods delivered free of charge in town. J : 4 752 t \\T ANTED —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 s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole f and heeling, 4s 6d ; women s do, 3s 6d ; - girl’s do, 2s 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot e Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107



VETERINARY SHOEING FORGE, ANTED Known—W. T. Kingston (late with J. R. Steel, Blacksmith) begs to announce to the public of Ash burton and surrounding district that he has commenced business in a new shop erected on the Wakanui road, next 0. Ray, Engineer; Millwright, etc. (nearly opposite Central Hotel), and trusts to re ceive a f, »ir share of public patronage. All shoeing done in his usual style, and guaranteed the best workmanship. Re pairs neatly executed. Estimates given for builders’ ironwork. 3 552 Special Advertisements. Wakandi Road (near Post Office), Begs to thank his customers for past favors and to announce that he is now prepared to execute orders for all classes of suites of furniture in tapestry, repp, velvet, leather and horse hair, and to suit every one. Furniture upholstered and polished. Mattresses le-mada and car pets re-laid. People from the country will do well to pay J. A. P.’s establish ment a visit before purchasing elsewhere. Notice— otice— SSgfc J. A. Persson CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER & SHOP-FITTER,



All work entrusted to him will be faith fully carried out, and his prices will defy competition. Agent for Walter Gee’s Venetian Blinds J. B. Mansfield, Monumental Mason FUNERAES CONDUCTED ON REASONS LE TERMS. Meech and Co. DO not, as a rule, cure to blow about the Excellence of their Goods, but when they find that they can offer induce* ments which no other house in Ashburton can possibly do, they feel justified in rushing into print to let the general public know that they will bo studying their own interests by purchasing from the makers. MEECH AND CO., CABINET MAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, UNDERTAKERS, &0., &c., &c., BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Being supplied with the latest improved Machinery, they are able to turn out Fur niture, &c., in all the newest designs, and at prices which defy competition. Farmers and others wishing to make their homes comfortable sV-u’d pay this Firm a visit, and they will find that MEECH AND 00. can supply every Household requisite at prices which, to meet the times, will really surprise them. Brackets and all other k nds of Cutting done for the trade. 2 376 ARRIVAL OF New Tweeds, FANCY COATINGS, Etc., ■piRST-CLASS MATERIALS ONLY. Full particulars will be given in a few days. CRAIGHEAD AND GO., TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisement (^TATIONERY. Commercial, Plain, and Fancy. ACCOUNT BOOKS PRIZE BOOKS SCHOOL BOOKS & REQUISITES (School|Committees supplied) TOYS & FANCY GOODS. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., ASHBURTON.



The undersigned is now landing prime N.'jvv castle coal for household purposes. Also on hand, BEST NATIVE COAL AND BLACK PINE FIREWOOD. Building Timber at Prices to suit the Times. ALPBEUs HAYES, Coal and Timber Merchant. WILLIAM COLLINS, Manage!.



INTENDIN'* PURCHASERS OF | CLOTHING ! FOR THE 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. The well-known reputation enjoyed bj the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AX WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, ann 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, ann ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still [Lower Rale op Wholesale Price SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS A CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. GRAIN SEASON 1884. riIHF. NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND X MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANY (LIMITED). Capital £3,000,000. Reserve Fund ....£210,000. RAKAIA, OHERTSBY, AND METH YEN AGENCIES. Mr 0. W, TURNER, the Company’s Local Agent, will be in regular attend ance at CHERTSEY: ON TUESDAYS’, from 11 a.m. till 2 p.ra.



METHVEN: ow THURSDAYS, from 12 till 4 p.m. RAKAIA: At all times during the week. Every information as to Cost and Arrangements for . SHIPPING GRAIN' can be obtained on application to C. W. Turner, AGENT, 2 358 Rakaia, Chertsey, and Methven. F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S JHEAP FURNITURE AND RED DING MANUFACTORY, 5A S T STli EE T SOOT H, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Ohristchnrch Pricks and guaranteed best of ‘naterial and workmanship.



funerals CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FtJKNISHED —— M JjJ-OTIGE TO FARMERS. The Undersigned are CASH PUR CHASERS of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Peas, Beans, Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Butter, Chease and Potatoes at HIGHEST MAR KET RATES. Liberal Cash Advances made on Grain sent in for Storage at our Brick Granary at Addington, where, if necessary, ar rangements can be made for Classing, i Cleaning and Grading all descriptions of Cereals at moderate rates. The machine in use for this purpose was specially se lected by Mr George G. Stead during his recent visit to Europe, and we can with the utmost confidence recommend this Grader, being similar to the one in use by the New Zealand Grain Agency Com* pany, Limited. To those who are de sirous of shipping to the European and Continental Markets on their own account, our charges md arrangements will com pare favorably with any other agents in Canterbury. No Commission or Interest! charged on advances against shipments. Prompt and original account sales ren dered. WOOU, SINCLAIR &CO., MilNrs and Crain Export Merchants. ®nt jfor Ashbujttop— | 3 340 J’.JF.WRRIMAN, I



Special Advertisment. Roberts, paxton & co. AUG CASH PURCHASERS OF WHEAT BEANS BARLEY PEAS OATS COCKSFOOT AND RYE GRASS SEED. They supply farmers with the best quality Large Cornsacks, at the lowest market rates, and will make liberal Cash Advances against Grain placed in their hands for shipment to London or else where. ROBERTS, PAXTON & Co. Late P. Cunningham and Co’s offices, Corner of Manchester and Lichfield Sts. Christchurch. 3 523