SHIPPING.

PORT 07 LYTTELTON.

|i v -p^; : • Arrived. Ysbxbbdat. Havea, 5.8., from Port Chalmers.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

AVCO.AWO, Yesterday. Sailed—Takapuna, for the South ; Wa naka, for the South, f ■> ' Gbetmouth, Yesterday. Sailed—Charles Edward,' for the Nor thern jterfs; ‘

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE-?,

* Jakuaby 26. MeesrsAlatson, Coz and Co., at Tatter *alla’—Horse s and Sundries Tuesday, Jajtuaby 29. Mat#oe, Goi£ iuad Co., at the Ashburton t. { Saleystrda—Stock.

'' AMUSEMENTS. Etc i - Thursday, January 24. \ fii|l—-Grand Variety Entertain ; ment, at Bp. m. , .-.Xhij Mo»»AT,JaNUABY 28. Opoer Ashburton Bead Board,’at Roac [xWi.Office ' F >'!:■ ! Friday, February 1. itohburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. **' BitiimpaY, February 2. Wikanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, February 4 BdritafiM at Borough Council M&anTbers, at |T.3O. .

TRAVELLERS' GUIDE.

.‘Ashbtotoh fob obbi3t ' ! iniermediate stations at 7.10 «.n., 10:g8 iLau, and (Express) 5.37 ASHBURTON FOB TIMAKU am> Booth, at 6.60 a.m., 10.25 a.m. • Trains ' Abbots at Ashburton from * altlO IB a.m. (Express), TBIntBXjABBXBB -AT- ASHBUBTOH . FROM Timiutt asto South at 10.40 a.jpa., 5.27 . g and 6 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

__ f» close at the Ashburton Post Office «*£sßowb: — , rE«R.ChJiJtehurch and North at 6a.ro. and 6 p.m., daffy. For Ohertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 6 n. at- daffy.,; 1 FjwDiAedmiTmwald, Winslow, Hinds, Orari, Winchester, - aJtdpGtaaldine, at 10 a.m. daily. : at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., t’■ > a *u:i (*'*•?> * ' - 7 -' ITor and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a,m., and; p:ra., daffy. Qtpenstseet and Ashburton Forks, an .jßfedofedays and Saturdays, at 3,30 Somers, on Tuesdays and ' - - For Mayfield,-on Tuesdays and Satur iays, at 6 aim., For Aahi=a, Waierton and Longbeacb, at toffy. . - For Ffemingtbn, on Mondays, Wednes * SSEjtod Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, '. and Kyk, on 'Tuettclays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.80 a.m. . -iJfopnßefclandi, on Tuesdays and Fri dtpsiii&SOtaiD. at the .Ashburton Post - From Christchurch and Bahaia at 10.16. ’i s.hl, 4k35ip.m., and 7.30 p.m. From, Ohertsey, &c- at 10.15 a.m. and Uarielin and intermediate places - atf daily. . -Fioti. Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 5.30 pi.nL, and 8 pirn. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton : Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 ■ , From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.16 p.m. From Mayfield, oriTuesdays and Satur ‘ dnaMO-Aam/ From Ashton, 1 Waterton,and Long tteach at 10 a.m. daffy. Froiq Elgin, .Wakanui, Seafield, and . Kyle, oh Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 p.m- From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.308.jriL/ - From Flernington on Tuesdays, Thurs . days, gnd at 10 a. m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1884. The Weather.

The weather is, as we all know, the conversational refuge of small minds, a topic to be seized upon with avidity by denizens of the ball room, whose intellect may be said to be concen trated in their feet. But there are times when the subject rouses greater interest, and the present is certainly one of those. In a colony like New Zealand, so largely dependent upon agriculture for her prosperity, a bad grain season is es pecially disastrous, and if the signs can be read aright, our farmers will this year experience the worst harvest that the typical oldest inhabitant will be able to call to mind. Some weeks ago the prospects appeared to be bright enough, and an excellent yield was fore shadowed, but during the past few days we have been visited by heavy hail and rain storms, while the temperature of the atmosphere has been as cold and bleak as in the middle of winter. No wonder that the coun tenances of the farmers wear an anxious and worried look, for to many of them the anticipated loss will prove almost utter ruin. The terrific hailstorm which passed over a portion of the Ashburton County on Thursday last did more damage in two hours than it will take that number of years to repair. Hun dreds of acres were laid low and in some instances cockatoos will find that they have no crops to gather in at all. Since then a continual downpour of rain has set in, and although it had ceased at the time of writing, the heavy clouds show that we have not yet seen the last of the unseasonable weather. It will of course be the smaller settlers who will feel most acutely the effects of a bad harvest, but the whole of the community will suffer more or less. Merchants and store keepers willingly give credit to farmers until after their grain is in and sold, and where a good season is the princi pal guarantee for payment of accounts, it is easy to understand how much an unfavorable harvest means to everyone. It would be some consolation, though we admit a small one, if the rain had been merely local. The reports, how ever from all parts of the colony tell the same melancholy tale. In the North Island, especially in the Wanganui and Wellington districts, the elements have caused such havoc among the crops that it is considered more than doubtful whether it -will pay to reap them. The outlook in New Zealand* is certainly an |unpleas ant one; we have passed through a long time of trade depression, and just when we were looking forward to a good grain season to compensate us to some extent, the weather has played us false. We can but hope for the best, but any body who journeys through the country and sees the harm caused by the recent rains must ad>.ait that sanguine expec tations are not justified.

In reference to a letter which appears in another column we have to express our sincere regret that an incorrect report re garding'the information against Mr Quill was given in yesterday’s issue of the Guar dian. The charge had nothing to do with gambling, the information laid by the police being simply for “ keeping a li censed house open during prohibited hours for the sale of liquor. ” The error arose out of a misconception on the part of our reporter, which nobody can be more sorry for than we are ourselves. At the Wesleyan Conference yesterday afternoon, the examiners of the minis terial candidates were appointed for 1384 Scandinavian and Maori work was re viewed. Revs E. Nielson and Hetriaka Warihi addressing the Conference. The report of the Rev. Mr Best on Chinese work was read and received. The Rev. J. Lewis brought up the annual pastoral address, which was adopted after some discussion.

Hop Bitters gives good digestion, active liver, good circulation and buoyant spirits. Read larger.—[AdVT.]

Flies and Bugs.—Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, iack-rab bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats. ’ Moses, Moss and Co., General Agents, Sydney Town Hall, to-morrow night.—The Druid variety entertainment comes off in the Town Hall to-morrow night, and we would advise everybody who can possibly do so to go and see the Chinese giant, Siamese twins, Indian Cannibal, Little 80-peep, Chinese Dwarfs, Old Mother Gum, the Fat Boy, the Circus Lion, the Electric Light, Crocodile island In Sambo’s Town, and Sambo’s song and dance. To coiv elude with the comedietta ojf “Doing my Uncle.” New scenery, specially obtained for the occasion. 'lhis class of: entertainment ought certainly to be well patronised.—Adv t. To-night there will be a full dress rehearsal of the above variety entertainment in the Town Hall.— Advt,

The entertai mont got up by a number of cricketers in aid of the Ashburton Cricket Club, which takes place on Feb. Ist, promises to bo a success. The farce, “Whitebait at Greenwich ’’ will be played and a number of solos will be given by Ashburton and Christchurch amateurs.

Our Waterton correspondent writer : The weather in our district has been very unpropitious, and in consequence of this the harvest will be late. Luckily the hay has been well got in, and we were fortun ate in escaping from the hailstorm which visited other parts of the county last week. The crops are, taken altogether, the best ever known in the Waterton district, especially those of Messrs Grigg, Bell, White, Sargisson, Donaldson and Moses. The cold weather experienced in Nel son has seriously affected the hop crop, and while one large grower estimates his yield will be less than half the average crop, some expect to pick not more than a fourth of that last year. The first pocket was sold on the 15th February, 1883, but this year the crop is very back ward, the poles not being covered in many places. The city authorities in Christchurch have taken away the license of the Great World Circus engaged by the Exhibition Committee as an attraction, but the tent has been pitched within the quadrangle, and performances given in defiance of the Council, who consider the circus unsafe 1 near steam engines and in so confined a spot should a panic arise There is some talk of an appeal to the law. The forty-fourth anniversary of the foundation of the colony was celebrated at Wellington last evening by a dinner, at which about 300 old colonists who arrived in the colony before the grarting of the constitution in 1853 were present. Sir Wm, Fitzherbert occupied the chair, and the Hon Major Atkinson was present, and apologised for the unavoidable ab sence of Mr Bryce. A number of excel lent and interesting speeches were made. At the annual meeting of St Matthew’s Church, Dunedin, Bishop Nevill made reference to anonymous correspondence which had been going on in the Press, which he said gave him considerable pain, as he thought annual meetings were the places to discuss such questions, but he felt sure the views expressed were not those of the majority. He was unable to report any progress towards making St Mathew’s a Cathedral Church. The revenue for the year was L 930 ; expendi ture, L 1,260, showing a deficiency of L 330. On Monday a trial of the McCormick twine binder was |held at Waterton on the estate of Mr William Moses, but un fortunately an accident happened to the machine. The horses attached to it took fright and bolted, jumping the fence round the paddock. The pole was torn aw >y and the binder with the driver was left behind. The local blacksmith, Mr Miller was, however, equal to-dhe emer gency, and the machine was soon put into good working order. The crop operated upon was of oats, about 50 bushels to the acre, and those who saw the work done by the reaper and binder were thoroughly satisfied. At the Otago Presbyterian Synod meet* jng yesterday, the Rev J. Lothian pro posed—“ That this Synod express their satisfaction that a movement has been originated in several branches of the Presbyterian Church in Great Britain and the colonies, having for its object the careful revision of the Westminster Con fession of Faith and other subordinate

standards of the Church, with a view of ascertaining whether some brief and more available compendium of fundamental doctrine may not be secured, which shall be more suitable than the existing for mula for office-bearers affirming their ad herence to the Church.” Themotionfound no seconder. 'I he question of union with the Northern Church came up in the form of a motion —“ That in view of the vote taken at the previous sederunt it is not advisable to proceed in Committee, and resolved to discharge the Committee on union at present, in the hope that a more favorable opportunity may arise for re opening the negotiations for union. ” An amendment, “That the Synod deem it inadvisable to amend the scheme in Com mittee, but agree that it be carried as it stands to the Presbyteries and Kirk Ses sions for their consideration,” was car ried by thirtymne votes to twenty-two. It was resolved to send the scheme of union down to Presbyteries and Kirk ses sions, the report to be given to next Synod. The case of Walter Searle and Francis Fulton v. the New Zealand Insurance Company came before the Dunedin Su preme Court yesterday, being a claim of LI,BOO insurance on the cargo of barque Ulysse and interest. The declara tion alleged that Captain Pelison, master of the Ulysse, insured at Oamaru in July, 1878, a cargo of wheat and flour valued at L 3,800, with the local manager of the defendant Company, and paid a premium «f L 76 on the same. That the vessel sailed from Oamaru on the 27th July, and in the course of the voyage struck and became stranded upon a reef near Torres Strait. After failing by ovary other means to float the vessel, it was resolved for the common safety to jettison a portion of the cargo, which was accordingly done, and part of the goods, covered by insurance, were thrown overboard and totally lost; it further alleges that the vessel was got off the reef, and on October the 23rd put into Pott Louis, Mauritius, Jor the pur pose of being examined. It was then found that a portion of the cargo was damaged, and in accordance with the sur veyor’s recommendation it was '.sold in order to enable repairs to be executed to the vessel, so that she might proceed on her voyage. The whole of the cargo had to be discharged, and loss and expenses wet e incurred in discharging and re-load ing the same, and the cargo became so injured that the plaintiff, W. Searle, was unable to dispose of it, and it had to be sold by public auction in Capetown to the loss and damage of the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs had performed all conditions entitling them to recover from the defen dants the ameunt claimed in this action, but the defendants had refused and still refused to pay the said amount. The defendants pleaded denying all the mate rial allegations in the declaration, and for a further plea alleged that after the com mencement of the risk in the policy men tioned, and before the loss, the ship without sufficient cause or excuse did not proceed on the said voyage but deviated therefrom. A quantity of evidence taken on commission in Mauritius, France and the Gape was read. The case was not concluded yesterday. That weakness and lassitude so frequent in fast-growing children may be easily remedied by a few doses of Hop Bitters. Read.— Advt.] Mother Swan’sworm Syrup. —lnfallible tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation, is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 3

Mother Swan’s Syrup —lnfallible tasteless, harmless, cathartic j for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation., is at drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. “ German Syrup.”—No other medicine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that Gerpnan Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries arc recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about in. Sample Bottles 6d, Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve an y case,—[Advt.]

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. -To-day.

(Before H. 0. S. Baddeley Esq, R.M.) Larceny —Hugh Weir ]and John Daria, alias Pat the Thief, were brought up charged with the larceny of L2 from the person of Albert Bingling. The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and the following evi dence was taken :—Albert Rinigling, a laborer, deposed that he slept at the So merset on Monday last. He heard two men in an adjoining room talking about getting money, and planning to rob the witness should be allowed to fall into his first sleep, and the latter determined to keep awake. Sleep, however, overcame him, and on his awaking he found his candle alight and the two prisoners in hie room. Had felt water being poured down his back, for the purpose, he presumed, of causing him to turn over, and We r afterwards fumbled in his (witness’s) pocket. When witness woke the prisoner Davis was unlacing Ringling’s boots a id Weir “ shied ” out of the room. Missed the money in the morning, and found one shilling in the pocket where he had two one pound notes and a quantity of loose silver on the previous night.—The bar man of the Somerset Hotel, sworn, gave evidence that he saw Ringling take his money out in the presence of Weir in the bar on Monday. Weir spent half-a crown on that day, changing a Half-sove reign with witness, and remarking that “ that was the last of the family plate.” Davis did not spend any money in the bar on Monday. Witness understood that he had none.—Mr Hill, licensee of the hotel, said that the prisoner Davis asked for a bed, but said he had no money. Witness told him that ho could have a shakedown if he had his blankets with him. Subse quently Davis was accommodated with a bed, as witness did not like to turn him out on such a bad night. As to the prisoner Weir, Mr Hill only know that he had come from Dunedin recently, and had been promised employment in the Somer set Hotel, but it was found that he was given to drinking, and witness had ar ranged to pay his fare to Christchurch. Had not given Weir any money, but knew that the latter had borrowed some. —Con- stable Smart deposed to arresting the prisoner Weir yesterday in the Somer set Hotel, and found the sum of 23a on him. Subsequently arrested Davis in the Central Hotel, and on se roll ing him discovered 13a 6d in his pockets.- Neither of the prisoners made any state ment regarding the chaige. After re calling the prosecutor and questioning him as to the money he had in his posses sion on Monday, night, his Worship said he-had no doubt from the evidence that the prisoners had committed the robbery, and he would sentence them to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor. Drunkenness. —Catherine Driscoll, tor being drunk in a public placa, was ordgred to pay 20s or go to gaol for forty eight hours. This was her first appearance in Ashburton, but several convictions had been recorded ogainst her i.i other places

THE MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY COMMISSION.

Mr 0, Napier Bell, C. E., the Commis sioner appointed by the Government to report on the Mount Somers Railway extension, proceeded to the township on Saturday, and on the following, day made an inspection of the ground. On Mon day he also examined the neighborhood and yesterday, a sitting was held in the Road Board office for the purpose of tak ing evidence, on the question beinj put to the Commissioner as to whether the reporters present would be allowed to take notes of the proceedings, Mr Bell said that he had no objection. The bad weather prevented a large attendance. The following witnesses were examined; — Mr A. E. Peache, Chairman of the Mount Somers Road Board, in answer to questions put by the Commissioner, said that the line was always intended to come to Mount Somers. The original vote was for LIO,OOO, and the terminus was meant to be at the township. The next step, witness thought, was vtr Triphook’s sur vey, which came to within three miles of the township. Mr Triphook was engaged, to the beat of witness’s belief, by the General Government, under the super vision. of the County Council. The Royal Commission appointed to report on the South Island railways recommended that the line should be carried but he did not think the route was decided at that time. He thought that it was understood Mr Triphook’e route would be followed. That route crossed the river about six miles below the present traffic bridge. The terminus was indicated in section 29,573. These plans were very partially carried out, and the line was continued on the South bank past the point intended by Mr Triphook. Witness explained that L 16.000 had been allotted out of loan for the extension of the Mount Somers rail way, and of that L6,0u0 had been already expended. He would like to know be fore proceeding further exactly what the Commissioner was appointed to determine. The Commissioner then handed the commission to the witness. Mr Peache said that he asked the ques tion because he understood a third party was coming forward to advocate a fork lino, and he wished to know if the Com mission would include a consideration of this. The Commissioner said that all that could be done by the third party was to give evidence. All the present witness had to do was to say why he wished the railway to go in a certain direction. Mr Peache 'said that if the railway was extended northwards it would open up a valuable bush country and would develops the stone quarries in the dis trict. A large timber traffic was carried on in connection with Methven, and also by the present line, although the latter was a long day’s work. The coal was about seven miles north of the township, and the seam was at present over four teen feet. All the lime used at Christ church came from Bunedin, and witness thought that quite as valuable lime could be found at Mount Somers to undersell that obtained from Otago. The witness then showed the Commissioner a statisti cal table of the agricultural produce of the district, and indicated the land included in the calculations on the map. Statis tics had also been prepared t > show what land would be benefited by the other ex tensions which had been surveyed. Good land could be found on the south of the river, but witness maintained that the ex tension would not make any difference to the settlers there, as they could-use the present Anama station. The bridge across the river was built by the Mount Somers Road Board and the County Council, be fore the railway was made. A small part of the area marked in the map was served by the Methven line, and timber was sent there. Some of the produce is carted in differently to Ashburton, Methven, and Anama. The traffic on the railway was not large at present, but witness had no doubt if it were extended further aTarge timber traffic would come immediately. The reason why produce was carted to Ashburton was that a bad riverbed had to be crossed. It was also doubtful whether the goods sent by train would reach their destination, owing to the carelessness of the railway authorities and the inefficiency of the arrangements. The sum of L 15,000 had been allotted out of the three million loan, and of that about L 9,000 was st;ll unexpended. The traffic bridge coat L5,00d, but Mr Blair and Mr Austin had estimated the cost of a railway bridge at | about L 3,000. Mr Andrew McFarlane said that he was engaged in sheep-farming in the Alford Fbrept, and also in the timber trade. The timber was principally biroji, and the de-

mand was greater than the supply. The timber was only used locally, because there was no means of getting it to other places, on account of the cost of cartage and railway freight. There were about 5.000 acres of available bush in the Alford Forest, and part of it ouly had been affected by fire. The portion burnt was geod grass-growing land. The agricultm al land was magnificent, though rather hard to work. There was a great deal of culti vation in witness’s part of the district, and there would be more with better faci lities for transit. Sections 30624, 30589, and part of 30520 were ready for cropping at present in wheat. Coal of good quality existed in the district, and Mr Cox and Professor Hutton thought it was as good brown coal as any in New Zea land. The mineral had been found on both aides of the river. The distance to cart to the terminus of the extension sur veyed to Bowyer’s stream would be seven miles, and people would be quite satisfied if they got that. Produce would be carted up hill to Bowyer’s stream station instead of down hill to Valetta on account of the bad river crossing, which was one of the worst in the county. To use either the Methven or the Mount Somers lines was | inconvenient at the present time. Mr John Hood, yrho had been 17 years in the district, said he thought that the township would benefit, though not to so great an extent as the district generally, as the terminus was fixed three-quarters of a mile away from Mount Somers. He thought that if the line was extended the agricultural produce would greatly in crease. The, lime which had bee t dis covered in Alford Forest would be a source of revenue. Not a pound of coal was exported, although he believed there would be a demand fer it in Ashburton, as it was similar to that found in Malvern. The Stour deposit was the only coal now being worked, but no doubt more would be opened out. The actual distance would not be lessened by the extension, but the road would be much easier. The Malvern coal was sold in Ashburton for about 25s per ton, and he thought, that the Mount Somers product could compete with that. It might be used in specially constructed locomotives. The township had not in creased in size since the line was made, but the determination of the much vexed question of the extension would influence settlement. If the suggestion of the Committee of the County Council to carry the lino over thdtraiio bridge:were carried out, no doubt the township would extend in that directibh. The original in tention of the Rakaia-Methven line was to take the; line‘ by the Mount Somers railway, but he ‘ thought that that was abandoned. This line would not, in his opinion, benefit , the district so; much as the extension of the Tinwald line, although is might not make much differ ence to the grain and wool traffic. The plan of Mr Triphook was not carried out for economical reaaottaj as the line was t iken by Tinwald because it obviate! the necessity of crossing a river for a long dis tance. The witness rVad an extract from the Royal Commission’s report recom mending the construction of the Tin wald-Mount Somers line. This was the present extension, except • that it did not cross the river where Mr Triphook suggested. Mr Dugald McFarlane, manager of the Buccltugh estate for the N.Z. L. and M A. Company, said that the estate was about 10,000 acres. The chief produce was wool, but the Compaq intended to let portions of the land for cropping. The extension would considerably enhance the value of the property. Sent his produce to Methven because there was no con venience at Anama, although the latter was only about four and a half miles from the homestead. The timber in Alford Forest was of good class, but witness knew nothing of the minerals. There was a great deal of land in the district not yet cropped. More than half of the Buc cleugh estate was not under cultivation. There was a fair number of small farmers in witness’s district, as the Company had recently sold several portions. Towards the middle and northern part of the dis trict was the better land. The reason why there »as so little traffip on the line existing at present was the absence of a goods shed. If the station at Anama was to be used there certainly must bo a goods shed there, and some person to take charge of what was sent there.

In answer to the Commissioner, Mr Peache said that the County Council en gineer had given his opinion that the pre sent traffic bridge would do for the rail way if it were strengthened. There was a conflict of.opinion, but he (Mr Peache) understood that Uie objection of the Go vernment engineer was that there was a terrace on one side of the bridge which would necessitate a sharp curve in the line.

Mr T. E. Mcßae gave evidence to the effect that the extension would benefit the district where he resided. At present it made very little difference whether pro duce was carted or went by train. Were the terminus made at Bowyer’s stream it would make a difference of three miles to the carters, as now they had to go round by the Mount Somers traffic bridge to reach the Anama station.

Mr Wm, Edson, member of the Road Board, considered that great injustice had been done to the settlers on account of the railway being taken in the present direction. He and many others had pur chased land on the understanding that the line would be carried out according to the Triphook survey. Witness did not wish to be personal, bur. his firm impression was that the line had been extended to suit Mr Wright. There had been a counter petition to ask that the line bo carried fuither an the south side of the river. This petition represented 65,000 acres, but witness maintained that the only per son signing it who would be benefited was Mr Peter. They had reason to believe that had it not been for the petition the line would hare crossed the river so as to have come by witness’s corner. Thought that the district would be benefited from the extension to Bowyer’s stream, and was of opinion that this would be but scant justice. The extension of the line on the south side would benefit the lands through which it passed.

The Hon W. S. Peter said that he opposed the extension of the line in any direction whatever. He felt sure that the Methven line would ultimately fall into the hands of the Government, and that it would be extended. Indeed, the original idea of the company to take the line to Gough’s crossing would have been carried out had it not been that an un derstanding with the Government was not arrived at regarding the erection of a bridge. He considered that the Methven line would be the best for the Mount Somers district, as it would save 23 miles to Christchurch. The distance of the terminus from Ashburton is 23£ miles. He understood that the line was surveyed from Methven to Mount Somers, but did not know whether it was done by Govern ment or not. Was ilearly of opinion that the line from Methven was the best, and he would be in favor of the money voted being used for that purpose. Wit ness thought that when the line he re ferred to was made the present railway would not be used at all, as the produce WQuld naturally go to the port of ship ment. .Any farther extension of the line on the south side would be a great mis take, as it was not wanted. Traffic from the Gawlcr Downs would be accommo dated by the Cavendish station, but would not be served by the line beiug extended further.' Did not think that the extension would do much good to the minerals. Witness sent his produce to Ashburton by train and could 'hot understand the evidence that it did not make much dif ference whether goods were carted or sent by train. There was some very good lan§

to the south-west of the line, although I was somewhat hard to work on account of its [sternness. The land at thfi back of the range on the south aide was good and fit for agriculture, but would not be affected by the extension, as the produce would go to the Cavendish station. The space marked on the map as representing the land benefited by thn present railway was fairly correct, though ha thought if anything it showed too much. Mr Dugald McFarlane wished to add to his evidence that if the line were extended from Methven, every ton of wool and grain would go by that route to Christ* church. The only benefit of the present line would be for passengers and small goods. Mr Peacbe sa : d that the inquiry seemed to him to have drifted into a discussion as to the comparative merits of the Tinwald and Methven linos. As he understood, the Commission was for the purpose of deoid* ing in what direction the present railway should go. The money had been veted fora specific purpose, and it would be un fair to devote it to anything else. He would protest against the Commissicn. not limiting its inquiries to the extension of the existing Tinwald Mount Somers rail way. #■

No other evidence being forthcoming the Commission rose at about 1.16 p.m.

A MISSING YACHT.

[by telegraph. ] Wellington, To-day. The yacht Iris, which was competing in the regatta yesterday, is missing. During the 3rd class race the master of the leading yacht, the Greyhound, noticed that the Iris had disappeared off Point Halsvell, but concluded that owing to.the heavy gale blowing she had run into Raw bay. Although the weather had moder ated this morning the missing boat hag not turned up. She was manned by four youths named J. and C. McKeegan, Hare and Bristow. Lateb. . The crew of the Iris have arrived safely* It appears that the peak and thwart hal yards were carried away and the vessel took shelter under Soames’ island. She lost both her anchors, and the orew beached her and came home in a dingy.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ALLEGED GAMBLING.

To this Editor. Sib,— Under this heading appears a re port in year notes of yesterday’s business in the RM. Court, end as such a i report is entirely false, and may by your reporter to mislead .|he public,| will, therefore, feel obliged by yaij giving the true particulars in your next issue.— l am, etc., Tnoa. Quilx.. Quill's Hotel, Ashburton. . ... ; J»n. 23,1884. ~ '.„ t>

CABLE NEWS.

Altai FHuWI EUROPE.

[rKDTKE’s IBfeEGBAMS —COPYRIGHT,] An Outrage Frustrated. London, Jan. 22.

Five packages containing dynamite have been discovered in the tunnel of New Euston Square railway station; His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was about to travel northwards by the London and Northwestern line. The discovery was made prior to his depar ture. It is believld that it was intended to wreck the train by which the Prince proposed to travel, and it is thought that the projected outrage is the work of Fenian emissaries, but up to the present time no arrests have been made by the police. The discovery caused much excitement and indignation.

Monetary and Commercial. Consols have declined to x.oifg. New Zealand securities are unchanged at last quotations. There are no changes to report in markets for colonial breadstuff's and tallow- The Soudan Rebellion. Cairo, Jan. 21.

News to hand from the Soudan states that Baker Pasha, since his arrival, has „ been parleying with the Sheiks £>f the desert Arab tribes, and with consider able success, several of them who have been in rebellion having submitted to the Egyptian Government [Received Jan. 23, 1.25 p.m.] The Victorian Loon. London, Jan. 22.

Tenders for the Victorian loan of four million sterling at 4 per cent and par minimum were opened to-day. The total amount offered was found to be L 5,5 50,000. Tenders at 100545 will receive 9 per cent, and above that price in full.

Obituary.

The death is announced to-day of Earl Grosvenor, heir to the dukedom of Westminster, aged 3?.

A Bank Dividend.

The English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bapk has declared a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent per annum, and places 14 per cent to reserve. AUSTRALIAN. [rEUTKr'B lELEGEAMB—COPY BIGHT.] Skipping. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed, this afternoon—Union steam ship Manapouri, .for the Bluff. Murder. A case of suspected robbery and murder is reported to have occurred near Geelong. Francis Beech, farmer, living at Pettavel, was found to have been murdered in his house, and his wife was in a dying state. The house had been ransacked throughout. No arrests have yet been made. The Markets.

The Melbourne manager of the Na tional Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited, reports of the local grain market as follows :—Wheat is in moderate inquiry at 4s to 4s idj malting barley, 4s to 4s 6d, quotation; nominal] New' Zealand oats, feeding sorts are in favor of buyers, at as ifd to 3s id ] milling ditto are in request at reduced prices, 3s id to 3s ad; New Zealand oats, under bond, as to as 6d, prices being barely maintained. [Received Jan. 23, 1.25 p.m.j - New South Wales’ Expenditure. Sydney, To-day.

The New South Wales Estimates *of expenditure were tabled in Parliament last evening. They show a total esti mated expenditure of L 7, 710,000, against L 6,810,000 last year] an In crease of L 899,000.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNEDAY, JANUARY 28, 1884.



(9 B XT Y E R f*-„ OF . Bright Milling Oats f., sod t'Jmrr i-zp’r >■■ ■•■ ALBERT ROBERTS, si W West street, Ashburton. i>A&HBURTON GUARDIAIN fjVEBB MSHBURTC £R*GE - ONE PENNY. FCBUBHISD EVEBY EVENING. ffilrVilftfiifif 1 Reminded that The Ashburton Guabmak is. the ONLY DAILY pPAPER. imbliahocl between ChrisCefi&rch and. Timaru, and com mands a LARGER CIRCULATION tiuwstthfttbt the. County of Ashburton ■ than any - Tm Ashbcexon Guaedian will be forwarded to any address in the colony forjMppitf Jtnhmn (jfaid*is advance), or tfe 6d per quarter, postage extra. ; jfoj _ ICdaftmiSraw GniihlAN circulates . in''tho .Town and Suburbs, and also lifeßwaia,'Ohertsey,' Seafield, Meth- VMk. Alford Mount Somera, Wakaapi, Longbeach, Ashburton Forks, Watertoh, an every naiib£f*XßeiConnty ,o£ Ashburton within the reach of postal' communication, thus being the best general as well • local lor Advertising HKALTfi: FOR ALL. HOLLOWAY’S PHLS AND OINTMENT tiffetfc&'Pnrify the Blood, correct all the-User, Stomach, Kidneys »rc Isvalnableia all com, ■tUl to Fcpales. ■ TStf tOtonOO? IS the only nliabls remedy for BM LogaOld Wounds, Bone, . igri tneent 'For' Bronchitis, Diphtheria " ‘QOat, Rheumatism, and Diaeaeee it hoSuo equal. ■ -V"-’- 1 by' the . Proprietor, Tvo*u» io, fe Oafssd attest. London, Msdfclm Testae throughout



Wanted TTT’ANIED —A thorough general Ser vant. Apply to Mbs A. Cuktis, Tinwald. 1 162 TJS7 ANTED—Situation as general Ser » » vant, town or country. Apply Davison’s, Fruiterer. 1 148 WANTED— The public to know that extra value will be given at Okr and Co.’s in Drapery, Boots, and Cloth ing during the cheap sale 1 136 WANTED to Buy—A small second hand fire-proof SAFE. State price, maker and size to Box 45, Post Office, Ashburton. 1 44 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Go. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin worth Is 9d »t 6d per yard. WANTED Known—For Sale, two COTTAGES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 VTJ - ANTED Known—Girls’ Colonial VV made Boots, 2a; Women’s Kid Boots, 2s lid; Women’s F-mcy Slippers Is lid; Meri*s Bluchers, 7a. Andrew Orb’s Cheap Sale. 1 163 WANTED Known—Men’s and Bojs’ Felt Hats, Is; Boys’ Shirts, Is and Is 6d ; Boys’Tweed Suits, 20s; Youths’ Blue Cloth Coats, 10a. Andrew Ork’s Cheap Sale. 1 16i WANTED Known—China Matting, 6d per yard; Towels, 4£d ; White Calico, 3s 6d per dozen ; beat Black Al paca, 6£d; Black Cloth Jackets, 3s 9d. Andrew Orb's Cheap Sale. 1 165 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 WANTED —The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we are determined not to be excelled. Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s fid ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s fid ; womens d0,.3s fid ; rgirl’a do, 2s fid. Nok.es, Leicester Boot i Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 Special Advertisements.



Ball programme cards in i very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, W-wt street COMMERCIAL Stationery, Account Books, Presents, &c. h. m.Tones, East Street. IJ. 870 STATIONERY (commercial, plain and fancy), Account Books, School Books and Requisites, Prize Books, Chil dren’s Picture and Story Books, New Serial Volumes, Hymn and Prayer Books, Books on Gardening, Farming, Poultry, Sheep, Horses, etc., etc. Novels, Fire Stove Birthday Cards, Scrap and Photograph Albums, Scraps, Pictures, Tissue Paper, Purses, Card Oases, Diaries, Writing Desks and Cases, Work Boxes and Baskets, Toilet Sets, Fancy Ink stands, Wall Brackets, Ladies' Bags, .Maori Photographs, China and Brass Ornaments; Toys of every description from a Penny upwards; Judson’a Dyes, Gold Paint, Concertinas, Accordions, Song Books, a job lot of Music (very cheap). Journals and Home papers every English mail, Cricketing Goods at reduced prices, and a large assortment of other articles.- All goods at Christchurch and Dunedin prices. Andbewes Bros., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton, F YOD WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S JHEAP S FURNITURE AND BED .DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON.



f7l VERY article Sold at Ghriatcharch Prices and guaranteed beat of Tiaterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED Si INTENDING .PURCHASERS OP CLOTHING FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Glotbtnjg Factory’s BR A N 0 H, 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 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. ( ! - I pASHION HOUSE I 185, 186. 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. E. 0. Brown & Co’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, PREVIOUS TO STOCK-TAKING. FOR ONE MONTH COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY stk. The Entire Stock, including several im portant purchases of goods at about HALF PRICE, will be sold at such prices as must com mand speedy clearance. UNPRECEDENTED BARGAINS in all Departments. MILLINERY DEPARTMENT. Our Beautiful Stock of Millinery (en vied by all) comprises the latest and prettiest chapes and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweiss Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 60 per cent reduction. 100 dozen Untrimmed Straw Hats in end less variety, nearly given away. WONDERFUL BARGAINS And splendid choice in COSTUMES, MANTLES, JACKETS, DUST CLOAKS, THE WASHING DRESS DEPARTMENT comprises— Bargains in Pompadour Sateens ~ Fine Art Zephyrs ~ Plaid and Check Ginghams ~ Plain Sateens ~ Prints (Floral Designs „ Brocaded Sateens 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 36s the dress Nun's Cloth Fancy Beiges Summer Homespuns Diagonal Mohair Dress Materials, at about half their value SIMILAR REDUCTIONS In all Departments. For further particulars see circulars issued in Friday’s Press and Times.



Special Advertisement STOP THAT COUGH 1 DON'T I DELAY. —How can you stop it? Where, s the Remedy. Bennington’s PECTORAL OXYMEL OF CUIRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (registered}, can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. G Bonninoton, Christchurch. * M a E o § s rQ 03 s ® ■ f cc M S * S*P 5 P H 3 •p, - 4 50 © o n §w £ SH s » ►»£ C 8 cuts » ® £•§ g so g e 3 a a ►i H ® , PS 02 ? P 5 oOrt r/S <h P o CS U2 H PS 2 MH Z» H m H.B "qx oH it 9 < C 6 P 3 C Ad Hi C ft s Pi o NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number ef 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 rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett 1 s to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



Holloways Ointment and Pills combin* both sanitive and sanative powers in,a high degree—by the’former term is understood their ability to preserve health, by the latter their capability to restore health. With these rente; dies at hand no invalid need be'at fault to guide himself or herself safely through the many trials to which everyone is subjected during our long and ofttimes inclement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, diptheria, whooping coughj can be successfully treated by well rubbing mi£ Ointment upon the chest, and by taking During damp.foggy weather asthmatical sufferers will experience the utmost possible relief from the inunction of the ointment on all tender* chested persons will save endless miseryby adopting this treatment. —[Adyt. j