DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, April 4. Mr Tbos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett atreet—Blacksmith's Stock-in-trade MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Tuesday, March 81. Ashburton County Hunt Club— Annual Meeting, at Quill's hotel, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 1 Orange Hall—Star of the East, L0.G.1., meeting at 8 o’clock Thlksday, April 2 Orange Lodge—Regular Monthly meeting in the New Orange Hall : 7.30 p.m. Friday, April 3 Oddfellows’ Hall—Baptist Church Anni versaty Tea Meeting Town Hall—“ Messiah,” at 8 o clock Saturday, April 4 fiTakanui Boad Board, at Bond Board office, Moor© street, at 10.30 a.m. Tuesday. April 7 I O.G.T.—Tea and Public Meeting, in the Oddfellows’ Hall Friday, Ap il 10. Lonbgeach Road Board .at Road Board Office. Monday, April 13. Be rough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Tuesday, April 14. St Stephen’s Schoolroom —Tea and Concert Ashburton School Committee-Monthly Meeting, in the Schoolroom, at 7.30 Wednesday, April 15 Tinwald Annual Races Friday, Ap il 17 Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Kacing Club —Autumn Meet in« „ t

Friday, May 1 iailburtoD County Council —A.t Counoi Chambers, 11a.m. •

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows : For Christchurch and North at C a.ni. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsej[ Rakaia, &c. , at 10.30 a, ra. »nd 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. for Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a. in., For Tima-’u and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30*1.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 8«m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seavisw, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a,m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tulsdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashisn, Wbterton and Longbcach, ( it 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.tr. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post ■Jffico—- From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 i.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m- daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places St 5.3“' "\m. daily. From Temuka andTimaru at 10.40 a.m. p.JO p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, "Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 ».m. Bor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays it 5 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs iays, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyis bn Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat or fays, at 4 p.m.

BIRTH.

Thomas —March 29, at Ellimincok, Ash burton, the wife of D. Thomas, of a son

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1885. War Messengers.

Just now we are preparing to expend thousands of pounds in the defence of the harbors and towns of New Zealand, yet no military authority, no Govern ment official, not even one of the in numerable newspaper correspondents, ever so much as mentions a simple precaution for the safety of all New Zealand which would cost only a little forethought and preparation and which would be a convenience and security as well as a source of profit and plea sure, even though the calamities of war should never visit these islands. The first act of any well informed power that contemplated hostilities against our harbors and towns would be the very easy one of destroying the cable across Cook’s Strait, as well as the lines of telegraph crossing our equally undefended inland deserts. As matters now stand this would at once par alyze all arrangements for the command and movement of our defensive forces, without which no town or harbor could be effectually defended, no matter what expense is incurred. But if each tele graph station had a supply of carrier pigeons rapid and certain communica tion could be kept up, in defiance of the destruction of every wire. Besid.es this every outsettler on our coast, and every ship and boat on our waters, could be supplied with pigeons that would fly to the telegraph station at which they were stationed, and give prompt notice of any suspicious-looking vessel near our shores. The mainte nance of such a certain means of com munication is a simple, inexpensive and invaluable precaution that every coast ing vessel should take irrespective of war considerations altogether. How many lives would have been saved, how much anxious suspense prevented and prompt assistance procured if every vessel had only habitually made this provision. Nothing could be more certain to make our defence successful and frustrate the designs of an invader than for him to find that his appearance and his movements were known at every port in these islnnds. If well con ducted the expense of a pigeon post would be nothing, as the birds might be made to add to the re venue as well as to the usefulness and universal application of our tele graph offices, and to place our most re mote station in daily correspondence with the rest of the world. Although the ultimate cost to the colony would be nothing, and even the first outlay insignificant, it could not be done in a day at any cost, as the Parisians, among many others, have found to their sor row, when the services of these won derful birds have been sorely wanted. The birds must be bred in the homes they have to fly to, but they are remarkably prolific and thanks to the enterprise and care of our “ fanciers,” we have the parent stock at With hfs skill as a telegraphist, with his love for the work, and with the wonderful development of his art, Dr. Lemon . would probably lee\ as reluctant to connect Ins offices with a dovecot as Sir William Arm strong would have been to connect his guns with a cross-bow and arrows, but even without war he will probably live to see the day when he would Lie thankful to fall back on sixty miles an hour as a valuable temporary substitute even for electricity requiring, as the former does, no line laid for its convey ance.

Princess Beatrice’s future husband is 26, and very handsome. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh are strongly opposed to the match. Her Majesty’s wedding present will be a neck lace of pearls worth L 40,000. The energetic Secretary of the Wangi nui Racing Club (Mr P. R. Jackson) has to day sent us the following telegram— “ Nominations of yearlings for Derby of 1887 close Friday, 3rd April, at 9 p.m ” We commend this ingenious and inexpen sive method of advertising to the Secre taries of our local racing clubs, and trust that Mr Jackson’s enterprise will meet with the recognition it deserves. A numerous and influendal meeting of those interested in the present means of defence of the city and port convened by the Mayor wao held in Christchurch yes terday.. It was unanimously resolved that the Mayor of Christchurch, the Chairman of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, the Chairman of the Harbor Boar >, and Mr Harman, bq a Committee to confer with the Government as to steps that can be taken by the public in support of the Government scheme of defence, A num ber of those present put down their names as willing to form a Reserve Defence Corps, who should contribute L 5 each towards the purchase of rifles, accoutre ments and ammunition.

At a meeting of the Canterbury College Board of Governors, held in Christchurch yesterday, a petition was read from twelve lady students protesting against the works of “Terrence,” which have been selected by the University Senate as part of the Latin course for 1880, and which are of a jtnost immoral character. The Council requested the Board to havo the objectionable ■ books removed from the course, or alternative works be provided Professor Haslam said the books were of such a nature that ho felt compelled to decline to read them in hia class. It was decided to earnestly request the Univer sity Senate to provide alternative works, as several of the ladies were in the posi tion of having to read these objectionable books or fail in' their examinations.

At one o’clock this afternoon, the Go vernment had received no further infor mation from England, respecting the state of affairs between Britain and Ri>b-

Drowsiness, biliousness, pains and aches and ague, Hop Bitters always cures if made by American Co. Read.

Don’t Die in the House, "Rouugh on Rais ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers. The N,Z. Drug Co., General Agents. t “ German Svaur.” —No other medicine d the world was ever given such a jest of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countiie- are recommending it to their customers. Ci to your Druggist and ask what they knov- about it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size. 3s, 6d. Three doses will relieve any case, —[Advt.)

A skating rink will be held in Mr Zouch’s stora, West street, this evening.

Crs Quill and Thomas have been elected additional members of the Ashbur ton Borough Council Fire Brigade Com mittee A conference between the Com mittee and a deputation from the Volun teer Fire Brigade will take place at the Council Chambers, at 7.30 p.m., on Tuesday, April 14th. A large quantity of cable news appears in this issue ; that referring to the Anglo- Ruasian difficulty is of more pacific charac ter. We learn iust as wo are going to press that the Agent-General has cabled to tho Government that thestato of affairs between Britain and Russia is not so ominous.

The annual meeting of the Wellington- Mamwatu Kailway Company was held in Wellington yesterday. The Chairman said that a proposal had been made that the Company should pell their line to Government, section by section, as it was finished. It would bo to name the details at present, but ho might say that the proposal was merely in its .preliminary stages. He asked share holders not to discuss the matter at the present meeting. What had appeared iu the papers, while in substance true, was wanting in those details which would enable the shareholders to form an accu rate judgment of the transaction. The annual general meeting of the Ashburton County Hunt Club will be held at Quilt's Hotel this evening at eight o’eh. ck.

A telegram from Dunedin states that there is considerable disquiet in commer dal circles about Iho apathy of the Go vernment re the defence of that port. Nothing whatever has been done towards mounting the guns at Ocean Be.c’,l. A deputation from the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce will wait on Sir Julius Vogel to-day, in regard to the defence of the city.

Sir Julius Vogel addressed an audienca of about 2000 persons in the Garrison Hall, Dunedin, last night. His speech dealt with the questions of local govern ment and defence. He doubted whether there would be war, because ho took it that the very readiness England showed for fight was the best security that she would have no need to fight. He told them that the Government were doing everything possible to put the country in a complete state of defence. But what ever the defences, he believed a modern boat of war would be needed to assist in

guarding the coast, and the Government were taking sti ps to obtain one. He would remind them, however, that what ever iniury was done to the colony would be fully avenged. He also mentioned that Government intended to appoint a distinguished officer to the command of the Volunteer force. The Colonial Trea surer’s remarks in respect to local govern ment were in the main similar to those made at his Christchurch meeting.

Owi ers of traction and other engines will, from this date, cross bridges ana culverts in the Upper Ashburton Road District at their own risk.

The Upper Ashburton Road Board, following the example of our other local bodies, have determined to sue for all outstanding rates. Several important auction sales of stock are advertised in this issue.

A pauper woman named Mary Frances Dunn, the wife of a laborer named Pat Dunn, who, previous to being sent to the Lunatic Asylum, was, with his wife, suite a pest to the police, was charged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning with maliciously wounding a neighbor’s cow. Mrs Dunn is on bad terms, as she always has been, with her neighbors, and appears to have been guilty cf a gross case of mutilation. In Court to-day she was only kept partially quiet by the united efforts of all the police and the

threats of the R.M ; even then she occasionally burst out in wild abuse of the witnesses. Bis Worship sent her to

gaol for six months, ordering the police to bring up her lam'ffy in tba aUernoon to he dealt with as neglected children. The licensee of the Hinds Hotel, Thos.

Richmond, was final L 5 at the R.M, Court this morning, for allowing drunken nesa ai d disorderly conduct in his hotel.

on Sunday night, the 15th March The orgie had continued according to the evi dence, far into the morning of the follow ing di-.y. At fi ur oMock this ifternoon over one

hundred gentlemen had given in their

names as members of the Veteran Re serve Corps now being formed in Christ, church. The Borough Council’s management of the Fire Brigade does not appear to be completely successful. After the Brigade had signed the new rules drawn up by the Fire Brigade Committee of which Mr Harrison is Chairman, and everything was supposed to be going on as “ merry as a marriage bell,” the Brigade put on the considering cap and found that the rules were not altogether likely to work well. They, therefore, through their acting Secretary, wrote asking for some of the rules to bo amended, and the matter came before the Borough Council last night. At the Resident Magistrate's Court this afternoon, Mary Dunn, aged 9 years,

and Margaret Dunn, aged 4 years, were

brought up as neglected children.—Ser geant Felton said that the mother of the children, who had this morning received a sentence of six months’ imprisonment for maliciously wounding a cow, had stated that the Lady Prioress of the Con vent was willing to take charge of the children, but on enquiry this statement was found to be without foundation. The Resident Magistrate ordered the children to be sent to Burnham until they each attained the age of 15 years, to be brought up in the Roman Catholic faith. Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J, Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for ig or 44 stamps.

Holloways Ointment and Pills combine 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 reme dies at h«nd no invalid need be at fault to guide himself or hetsdf safely through the many trials to which everyone is subjected during our long and otttimes inclement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, diptheria, whooping cough, can be successfully treated by well rubbing this Ointment upon the chest, and by taking the Pills. During damp foggy weatherasthmaticalsufferers will experience the utmost possible relief from the inunction of the ointment on all tender chested persons will save endless misery by adopting this treatment.—[Advt.]

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

( ‘ Age ’’ Specials )

(Per 8.8. Australia.)

London, March 24 The troopship Tainai, convoying the seamen recently relieved on the Austra lian naval station, arrived at Plymouth yeaieiday. It is probable Earl Derby *vxll retain the clause in the Enabling Bill pgirßjitting any of the colonies to retire. In view of the probability of war Sir Dillon 801 lis convening a meeting of the Australasian 0 doilies to consider the matter.

Russia continues agge-sve, relying on Mr Gladstone’s weakness and believing that the Premier is not disposed to pro oed to extremities in connection with the frontier aifli'ulty.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

ASHBURTON —To-day.

(Before H, 0. S. Baddeley, Esq., R.M.) Convict's Forfeiture Act, 1871. —Mr J. C- Corr applied under the Convict’s Forfeiture Act, 1871, for leave to appoint the eldest sou of Henry Dud ley, who is at present undergoing a term of imprisonment, trustee of his father’s estate during the latters incarceration.— The application was granted. Abusive Language. —R. Fung, a Chinaman, was charged with having driven a ho se across the railway srossing in Tancred street, at other than a walking pace, and with having, on the same occa sion, used abusive language towards Con stable Beddek. Mr Crisp appeared for the accusod, who pleaded guilty. Constable Beddek gave particulars of the language employed by the accused, some of which was English and highly im proper, but the bulk was Chinese, a lan guage with which the witness was not familiar, but he thought the words em ployed by the accused were of a distinctly profane sound.—The accused was fined 20s and coats for the abusive language, and the charge of crossing the railway ina properly was dismissed. Offences Against the Railway By Laws— K.. Howarth, E. A. Scott, T. Mawson, 0. R. Bradley, James Osborne, T. Clothier, and W. G. Ross, wore each charged with having driven across a rail way crorsingat othsr than a walking pace. The defendants p’eaded guilty, were cau tioned and dismissed At the conclusion of the cases, in reply to Rev E. A. Scott, the Bench stated that it must be distinctly understood that travellers must stop and cross the railway at a walking pace.—Mr Scott —“ Then I shall soon be here again. It’s most preposterous.” Furious Biding. J. Cargill was charged with having ridden a horse in East street on the 11th instant at a furi ous pace.—Mr Purnell appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty.—Mr Purnell stated that although the offence was alleged to have been committed on 11th instant, his client had not received the summons till 28th instant. Counsel asked for an adjournment to Tuesday, 14th April, and the application was granted Drunkenness S. O. Larsen was charged with having been drunk in East street on 18oh instant while in charge of a horse.—David Amos, George Willocks and S. Saunders gave evidence as to the offence, which appeared to have been a most aggravated one. The accused was fined LlO and costs, with the alternative of two months’ imprisonment. Breach of the Canterbury Stage Carriage Ordinance. Neil Duff was charged with having driven a stage car riage between Methvea and Alford Forest without a license. The defendant ad mitted the offence, and was fined 10a and costs.

Brech of the Impounding Act, 1884. —P. McTeague, charged with having allowed certain cattle to stray, ad mitted the offence, and was fined 5s and costs. .

Breach of the Borough By-Laws Robert Free was charged with haring rung a bell in East street yesterday con trary to the Borough By-Laws. The accused explained that he had been em ployed by a “Cheap Jack” to ring the bell, and had no knowledge that the action was “ contrary to the rules of the city,” \Vhen spoken to by the police he had at once desisted. The Bench haring cautioned the accused, suggested that the police should withdraw the charge. This suggestion was adopted, and the Bench recommended (he offender to acquaint himself with the rules of cities that ho might subsequently visit. Breach op the Impounding Acr, 1884 —Leonard Price, the poundkeeper’s assistant, was charged with having al lowed two horses to stray at large. T'e accused admitted the offence and said that the wind had blown down the gate nf the padlock in which the horaoa had bewa co\\?vne.d. Tbs accvxaed. was 1 10j and costa. Breach of the Licensing Act. —Thos. Richmond, the licensee of the Hinds Hotel, was charged with having permitted drunkenness and quarrelsome conduct on hia licensed premises on the 15 th and 16th inst.—Mr Brandon appeared for the accu sed. —Patrick Duffy said that on the night of Sunday, loth inst ,he had seen men drinking and fighting at the Hinds Hotel. Witness could not define drunkenness ; the men appeared mure stupid than drunk. The accused had taken no steps to stop tho fighting, but had held the candle to facilitate the encounter.—Mary Higgie, wife of John Higgle, living near the Hinds Hotel, said that her husband had been at the hotel on the right of Sunday, loth inst. Witness’? husband re turned home about 2 o’clock the following morningundorthe influence of drink. Wit ness had previou-ly crossed to the hotel and had seen the accused holding a candle and coats while two men were fighting. Very bad langmgo was being employed and witness did not remain long. She had seen the accused trying to gain ad mission to the hotel ; hia wife iiad locked the door and he threatened to break it down if she did not open it.— John Higgle said that he had visited the hotel on the days mentioned, in the information, (This witness gave his evidence most reluctantly, and was severely cautioned by the Bench ) Wit ness had taken about six glasses of spirits. He had asked for brandy, but he thought the laudl rd had given him whisky. He could not speak positively. He was neither sober nor drunk. There were six other ijjen present, all in about the same condition. Ho thought a man was drunk “ when he fell down and could drink no more.’’—Thomas Richmond, tho accused, said that about half past eight on the evening of the day mentioned in the information ha had changed a cheque for three men ; a little later Higgio came to the hotel and asked for a drink, as he was suffering from dysentery. Witness supplied the drink and then locked up the house. Several men had shortly afterwards returned to the hotel, and a disturbance had arisen through Higgie mistaking the name of one of the in en. On the disturbance occurr ng witness had turned all the men out, and they had re mained outside quarrelling for two or three hours. Witness had gone out with a candle to send them away if possible, but had not been successful. The men were not drunk, but hardly sober. No fight ing had taken place inside the hotel.—Mr Branson said that his client had elected to plead guilty to one charge.—Sergeant Felton said that tho accused had borne an excellent character as an hotelkeeper, and ho would not press the other charges, —The accused was fined L 5 and costa. Maliciously Wounding a Cow —Mary F. Dunn was charged with having malici ously wounded a cow, the property of John Dippenheim. Sergeant Felton asked for permission to withdraw the present charge and to substitute one under the Police Offences Act for cruelly ill treating a cow. The permission sought was granted. Constable Beddek said tha" at the request of Mrs Dippenheim, he had accompanied her to her place of residence and had seen the Cow suffering from severe wounds on the back and sides.—Mrs Dippenheim described the character of tho injuries inflicted by the accused. The accused had beaten the cow for an hour with! a three-pronged fork. The cow was not trespassing at the time.—Charlotte Murdoch corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. Kllon Finlay, a child of twelve years’ old, said that she hud seen the accused chasing the cow with a stick.—The accused was ordered to be imprisoned for sis calendar months,

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held at the Council Chambers, Library Buildings, last evening. Present—Crs Harrison, Thomas, Nelson, Bird. J, Orr, Quill, and Sealy.

APOLOGY,

A letter was read from His Worship the Mayor apologising for his absence, and on the motion of Cr J. Orr, Cr Har rison was voted to the chair. chairman’s statement.

The Chairman stated that the debit balance at the Bank was now L 1,608 14a 9d. The following amounts had been re ceived since last meeting Removal of nuisance, 10s; earth, L 3 2s 6d ; Library account (subscriptions), lla ; rents of re serves, L9B 17s 5(1 ; rates, L 8 lls ; dog licenses, LlO ICb; Treasury (work < n rail way reserve), L3l 7s 4d—total, L 153 9s 3d- The Chairman congratulated Or T. Quill upon his election, and expressed a conviction that that gentleman would make a zealous and conscientious Coun cillor.

CORRESPONDENCE,

The following correspondence was read: —(1) From Mr W. 0. Walker, M.H.R., thanking the Council for their appreciation of his efforts in behalf of the Borough. (2) From the Ashburton County Council, advising that by the Im pounding Act, 1884, the Ashburton Pound was vested in the Borough ; and asking the Council to make arrangements for Its management. Consideration deferred till next meeting.—(3) From Mr J. E. March, of the Charitable Aid Board, Christchurch, with reference to Mrs Boucher’s application for charitable aid. The writer stated that careful en quiries had been made with respect to the applicant, and it had been found that she was by no means in necessitous circum stances. —On the motion of Or Thomas, seconded by Cr Orr, it was resolved not to entertain Mrs Boucher’s application.— (4) From Mr James Keir, offering his services as a member of the Fire Brigade. —'s) From W. Spence asking leave to burn rubbish on T.S 437 Granted sub ject to the usual conditions.— (6) From Messrs Scott Bros, inquiring if the Coun cil had iron p ; pes for sale, and at what price. The Mayor had quoted L 7 10s per ton, and his action was approved of.

FIRB BRIGADE.

The following letter was received from the Ashburton Fire Brigade ;—The mem bers recently enrolled in the re-organised Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade met the Fire Brigade Committee, as per sum mans, on Thursday, 19th inst. The rules which have bean before the Council were read by the Committee to the members present. The impression made on the members was that it was imperative that the rules should be tried for 12 months ; also that it would be useless to bring any alterations suggested by the members be fore the Borough Council. The menjjeis held a meeting on Tuesday, 24th inst., at the late Borough Chambers (the Bor ough custodian in the chair), all members being present except one The rules were laid before the members for their careful consideration. The following is the list of alterations which the members submit to the Council for their approval. (Sere follows the list.) The Chairman said that he had reason to believe that the difficulties between the Council and the Brigade were created by one or two members of the latter, he might say one—the Secretary of the late Brigade, Mr Higgins. That gentleman had raised very frivolous objections to the rules at the conference between the new Brigade and the Fire Brigade Committee. Later Me Higgins had said that the Mayor had stated that he (the Chairman) had no right to be present when the rules were being considered by the Brigade. The Mayor had informed him (the Chairman) that ho had made no such statement, and the Council were aware that the Fire Brigade Committee were present at the request of the Council. Cr Bird suggested that the letter from tbeßrigade should be referred to the Fire I Brigade Committee. Or Orr supported the suggestion, and Crs Sealy and Thomas thought the matter should if possible be disposed of at ones. After a desultory discussion, Cr Thomas asked that a seond letter received from the Brigade should be read. The letter was read enclosing the following resolu tions (1) “ That the Council give the Brigade the sum annually of LSO, and that the sum of L 25 be paid to the Brigade’s .credit as soon as convenient to meet cur rent expenses (2) “ That the Council supply the Brigade with new uniforms, comprising cap, tunic, trousers, and boots;” (3) “ That the Council build a new engine shed, with proper accommo dation for meetings, etc., on present Fire Brigade site.” Cr Bird proposed, and Cr Thomas seconded —“That the correspondence be referred to the Fire Brigade Committee to report upon to next meeting.” Cr Sealy thought the matter should be considered at once. The Chairman pointed out that the Bremen now seeking to amend the rules had indicated their assent to them by signing their names to the draft. —Or Thomas would not take advantage of the fact of the firemen having signed rules which they subse quently found were not according to “ Cocker.”

Or Sealy proposed, and Or Nelson seconded, as an amendment—“ That the correspondence from the Fire Brigade be considered at once.”

On being put to the meeting the amend ment was lost, and the resolution carried. On the motion of Or Orr, Mr Jas. Kerr, and on the motion of the Chairman, Mr S. Christie, were accepted as members of the Brigade. engineers’ kepobt.

The Engineers’ report was read as follows and adopted;—“Protective Works; We have obtained the rails and piles for the protective works, and they are now ready for driving, but we have been delayed through not being ab'e to get the pile engine. The work will be put in hand as soon as the engine is available, which we expect will be at the end of the current week. —Domain Water-race : We have ex amined the water course where it requires clearing in the Domain, and find that the work can bo done in two or three days, and have put on a couple of men to do it. —The labor gang have been engaged in shingling streets, lowering South-east Town Belt, forming footpaths in Aitken and William streets, cleaning cut water races, loading rails at Cavendish, plough ing in Havelock street west, and carting to sections, attending to water supply, etc.”

INSPECTOR OP NUISANCES,

The Inspector of Nuisances reported as follows:-“I have, as directed by the Mayor, intimated to the butchers that proceedings will be taken against them for tripe boiling unless provided with a license, and have now to report that none of the butchers in the town, with the exception of Messrs Lancaster and Tasker, intend to boil. A letter has been re ceived from the Sergeant of Police with reference to the discovery of a dead horse near the Ashburton Pound on March 10, I may state 'that the horse was buried at once by the scavenger, and I have handed to the Town Clerk the coat of same, which was paid to me by a gentleman on behalf of the owner of the horse.”

On the rpotion of Or Thomas it was re solved to take no action against the owner of the hcrse referred to in the Inspector’s rdport. LIBRARY COMMUTES REPORT.

The report of the Library Committee was road as follows:—Your Committee has the honor to report having met on Mon* day, the 23rd ina'ant, when it was re*

solved to procure the Lyttelton Times for the reading room. T his paper has been enquired for by a large cumber of those using the room. It was resolved that Hie Worship the Mayor and Town Clerk make arrangements for the delivery every evening of the Otago Daily Times. It was resolved to have a reading-desk for papers put up in the room. The Clerk was instructed to procure a sample file for papers. —Report adopted. ELECTION. The Returning Officer notified the elec tion of Mr Thomas Quill as a member' of the Council. DOG REGISTRATION. In reply to Cr Sealy, the Chairman said that about ninety dog collars had bsen issed for the current year. During last year about 250 collars were issued. On the motion of Cr Sealy it was re solved to request the police to summons the owners of unregistered dogs. DOMAIN BOARD. The Chairman called attention to cor respondence placed on the table at his request iu respect to the Council’s repre sentation npon the Domain Board. The Chairman stated that Mr St Hill, when in the Council, had been nominated by that body as one of its representatives on the Domain '-card. On that gentleman no longer occupying a seat at the table he (the Chairman) had been elected to take Mr St Hill’s place on the Board. 'Ur'S* Hill, however, retained his seat, and he (the Chairman) had not been allowed to have any part iu the deliberations of the Board. He would like the Council to say what action should be taken in the matter. After a conversational discussion it was resolved to defer the matter until next meeting of the Council, when, it was nn ( deratood, the Chairman would introduce ( a motion on the. subject, FIRB BRIGADE COMMITTEE. Cr Sealy thought that, as this Commit [ tee had many knotty points to discuss, three members were not sufficient to form s it. He suggested that the names of one or two other Gounoillora should be placed q on the Committee. Im It was resolved that Crs Thomas and a Quill be added to the Committee. _ NOTICE OF MOTION, k Cr Thomas gave notice that at the next meeting of the Conncil-he would move —“ That for the future the tees to be paid to the Returning Officer in all Borough elections be as follows, viz:— ( One guinea for non-conteated elections ; and two guineas for contested elections.” ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to L 95 lls were *. passed for payment, and the Conncil ad journed until Monday, April 13th.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Mbbboobnb, March 24

The Governor, on Thursday, forwarded, Mr Service the following despatch from Lord Derby:—“l acknowledge receipt of your despatch enclosing memorandum by Mr Service, respecting annexation of the northern coasts of New Guinea by Ger many. I would observe, in reference to the memorandum, that H*.r Majesty’s Government have at all stages 'of this question given the fullest consideration to the wishes of the' Australasian colonies with regard to New Guinea and the islands of the Western Pacific, but have also to consider the intention and reason able wishes of other Powers having large interests in that part of the world. There is no ground for a possible cause of ob jection against Germany in places which will beat a considerable distance from any British colonies, and in which there are no British settlers or traders.” A Conference in reference to the de fences was held on Thursday at the Pre mier's office. Present—Admiral Tryon, Messrs Service, Gillies, Sargood, and Dickson (Colonial Treasurer of Queens land) No definite proposals were made ; but it is supposed that there is a scheme to take combined action by all- the Aus tralian Colonies to form a navy for the defence ol the coast lino.

The South Channel Fort is rapidly Vevnq p'CQCvadftd. w\t\v. Wat mater \s.V \» being sent to the Heads, and the forts and armaments are being pat under proper

supervision. It is probable that Madame Modjeska, the celebrated actress, will be induced to visit the Australasian Colonies.

The Minister of Defence :has received advices from the Agent-General that a considerable quanti y of war material has been shipped to the colony. : The con signments include six four-ton guns on Vavasour carriages, with steel shields; a supply of fuses and ammunition ; four 45-cahbre improved Gatling guns ; a num ber of torpedoes ; 400 kegs of Enfield ammunition for the use of Rifle Clubs with Enfield rifles. Adelaide, March 24. A telegram from the Governor of Bom bay has been received, asking if contrac tors can send by the next mail 3£,0001b of corned beef. Mr PJayfordis arranging the purchase. Major-General Downes left for Mel bourne to-day. * He previously, sent the Government a report on what .was to be done in case of war, and promised to re turn in the event of war breaking oat before Brigadier-General Owen arrives to take charge of the military forces. The University of Music School will bo opened to-morrow, , Professor Ives, newly arrived, will deliver a lecture. Sydney, March 24.

Government have telegraphed asking permission of the Admiralty to secure the services of a naval adviser to the Govern ment for three months. A reply has been received that Captain Acklsnd, of the Diamond, and Lieut. Arnold have been appointed. Mr Dailey has received the following telegram from the Agent-General; “ General Graham will need all his mep. The Australian contingent on arrival will not find itself superfluous. Am sorry it was not in time for the first skirmish, but there will be plenty of fighting for them to share in.” The letter of thanks to the colonies has been numerously signed. The signatures' are headed by those of Lord Tennyson, the Duke of Argyle, Mr Gosohen, and Mr Forster.

UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD

The usual monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board was held at the Board’s Office, Tinwald, yesterday. Present—Messrs D. McLean (Chairman), 0. J. Harper, M. Stitt, and H. Fried* lander. ASHBURTON ROAD BRIDGE. The Longbeach Road Board wrote en closing copy of resolutions passed at their loaf nanofl ri nr mth vafaaanna Ino

do laSl* IUCOVLIIg WflUi iDIOiWUUO IU IHW3 posal of the County Council to raise a special rate from the Wakanui, Long beach and Upper Ashburton road district# towards the cost cf construction of the Ashburton road bridge, and asking the co-operation of the Board In protesting against the proposition. In reply to Mr Friedlander, the Chairman said it was at present impossible to state the amount the Board would be called upon to contri bute under this special rate, as tenders for the work had not yet been received by the County Council.—Mr Harper pointed out that this proposal was merely a re commendation of the Bridge Committee appointed by the County Council* After the acceptance of a tender, it would then be a question whether or not the cost of the work should be b«rne by the whole county, and this additional special rate dispensed with.—Mr Friedlander thought the Board should take no action until they learnt the amount required to be paid under this rate.—The other members concurred in this opinion.—On the motion of Mr Friedlander, the Clerk was in structed to acknowledge the letter

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1885.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



Advertisements for The Ashburtoh finiitni.s must be sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they jure to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 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 r ood faith. All advertisements and bnsino.fs isit ia ,o be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. _________



Groceries CHEAPER THAN EYER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Takcked Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf M per lb Best White Crysta., per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, 8d Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, la per hex Best (Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock's Jams, 6|d Herrings, 7d Keiller’a Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street. 12 2342 WAR WITH RUSSIA.—At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult tor any one exe pt a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia will lead to a general European war, or whether they will end in smoke. The absence of full information as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a storm. In either case, we ought to be prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other commodities wool and labor will go up. Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a ■took of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we bavejust purchased A Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which we are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, It Is almost needless for ns to repeat what everybody know#, viz , that by our eoien tific mode of and the care exer cised by ns in fitting the figure, a mis-fit is an Impossibility. — Craighead and Co,, llmbank Hallers, Tancred street.



Wantea. TTTT ANTED Known —A 'hop To Let, - VV in East street. Enquire T.VTay- LOR, Baker. 3 439 -| WANTED Known—Mr w. M. J Green (late M.H.R.) will Ad dres a Public Meeting in the Temperance Hall, Tinwald, on Tuesday Evening, at t 7 30. Adult members of the Gospel Tern- j perance Society will receive their cards . All invited. 3 474 TTT ANTED Known —Before buying Press Materials, Platers, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. 0, Segees, • ealys’Buildings, East Street. /"N BEAT Reductions for Cash at Tones VT and F eadsh.vw’s. Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50s per ton, Is 6i per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per oag ; new oatmeal 4s per bag ; good cheese 5d per lb ; (four, bran, sharps, and chick wheat at very cheap rates. TTTT'T' ANTED Known—Wertheim Sow- Vy ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 GLORIOUS NEWS. Andrew Orr will give away on Saturday ICO pairs men’s boots-at 6i 9cl; GO pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at Gs 61 ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11s Gd—every article at half-price. 1 2 237 TII7ANTED Known —Fresh Flounders » » are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. Ail orders I received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train, W. O. , Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 That Hayes and Co. are Clearing * a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s Gd; Men’s 1 Shooters, Pegged, 10s; Men’s Elastic 1 sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must > be cleared at once. 7 1278 0 .... 1 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at, la lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China 1 Matting at Gd, Ladies’ Hose at Gd, Cor- Y sets at 2s 31, Shirting at 4£ 1, Towels 3£d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. o Andrew Orr’s Cheap Sale 2 185 e WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, - etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical f companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above, s Orders by post or telegram promptly y attended to, 760 Special Advertisements. ANY Person TRESPASSING on the Properties of the undersigned will be prosecuted. DUDLEY & NORTHEY, 2 302 A. PATERSON, Junk. Money. f m i ’ OEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold security, at current rates of ' interest , Principals only dealt wjth. 3 428 CH AS. W. PUS NELL. jQOMESTIC PATT ERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Steebi’, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Drossesand Underclothing made at tho shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, i STATIONARY, Ac. I Must be sold oven if at a loss i To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. , Andrewes Bros., I Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton. * R. Reran R. Bavan ■ R. Be van H. Bev.n ■ R. Bevan R. Bevan ■ R. Bevan R Bevan K. Bevan R. Bevan I K,Bevan * R Bevan R. Bevan * R. Bevan R. Bavan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER. Cut ery, Jewellery, Concertinas, and Fancy Goods Dealer. BEVAN Young Ladies’ Journals (Mar. No.) for la 3d. Subscribers wanted. Country stores supplied at special rates. SAUNDEES’ BUILDING NexiQuili’sHotel. R. Bevan R. Bevan H. Bevan E. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan Read, mark, learn and INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten your inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home), You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received 1 be ieve it was Lord tVolseley who said (he happens to be tho most popular mar, of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget his news papers;’ and I say tho same 1 Read ! Real 1 Read ! When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only fin'sh by saying - Come and see for yourselves, and if you arc disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. fpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Eire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure iu informing the public of Ashburton that MeS'Rs WILDING, LEWIS & OA STGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All riski taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER. TO FA.RMERS and Others about to Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first cost and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, ex s.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Bates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, and Building supplied 1 throughout. *#,■* Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), , TIMBER, COAL & WOOD l MERO H ANTS, East street, Ashburton. 25 Branches Now . Open 25 THE NEW ZEALAND ! Clothing Factory ’ Are now Showing ! NEWEST STYLES t in 3 SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, ' Manufactured s from the renowned a Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar -5 ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while " the large production and increased busi » ness enables the proprietors to offer » special advantages as to price. n Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing ' in every variety at I Wholesale Prices. m Sh’.rts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and _ every requisite at e WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address InEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25 JO” OTICE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To fanners desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special B facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we have erected a large Verna warehouse, j This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and Co. and now leased to us, enables us to offer to farmers extra facilities for the storage and classification of grain at nominal rates. f We are prepared to make liberal cash advances on grain sent in for storage, or will ship same under advance on grower’s account or otherwise, as may bo arranged. 3 454 t TUMN AND WINTER. H. E. May & Co., ' Are now showing their i NEW SEASON’S GOODS, | Which are well worth your inspection. | They comprise the Newest and ( Best of every kind of 1 MILLINERY, DRAPERY, UNDER- J CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, i GIRLS & LADIES. MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cadi Price,



If you will trouble to think for a minute, we feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the beat pro curable for money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts vVE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally by •he proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense cost of an Extravagant Establishment with manager, sub-manager and au expensive staff ; therefore we will not allow any house or company to undersell us. So if they should advertise or make a special lead or draw of any particular article, w-s will give you the same at their price or lower, unit an teeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the best. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attenlim, and be sent free of carriage (by rail) to AFY PART OF C \NTEKBURY. BL E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January 16th, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES ! GLARING REDUCTIONS ! ! Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windowa-^Si Dimant and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c., In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co,, Corn East and Tapered atre