COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Fiiday afternoon The fallowing is the Christchurch Corn Ex change report for the week ending Friday, 20th inst The experience of the past week m the grain market has proved conclusively that the ] prognostications in regard to sprouted wheat | have been too amply verifie ■. The number of , samples damaged by the late rains brought in I quite depress t uyers, who fear to purchase for shipment, dreading the -disputes and reject O is certain to ensue from the forego ng cause. Other cereals, owing to earlier ripening, have scarcely suffered so much, a though large percentage has met the same fate Altogether the prospects of farmers are _ not as bright in this province as could be wished. Values to date are fairly well maintained, and the fol lowing quotations are the ruling prices* Wheat : 2s 6d to 2s gd for prime milling; fowl wheat, is gd *o as, f.o.b. Oats : Mill ing, is rid ; short feed, is gd to is lod ; long oats, is yd to is Bd, f.o.b. Barley ; Malting, 33 fid to 4s ; feed, is gd to 2s, Christchurch. Grass Seeds ; Farmers’ parcels, rye, 2s gd to 3s; machine-dressed, 3s gd to 4s, f.0.b,; in ferior samples, 2d to 2%, f.o.b. Dairy Pro duce : Dull. Butter, fid to yd ; cheese, 4d to 4j£d per lb, f o.b. Messrs Miles and Co. (per Mr Geo. Jame son) report on the Ashburton live stock market for the week ending March iyth, as follows: On Tuesday there were 10,246 sheep 'nd 33 cattle yarded, the former showing a much larger entry than has appeared for some months. There was also a fair attendance of buyers, and a large proportion ef the lots penned changed hands, although we cannot note any marked advance in prices over those lately prevailing. Fat merino wethers sold at from 8s to gs each, and fat crossbreds ?t 12s . fid ; two-toothed crossbreds, mixed sexes, at from gs fid to ios gd each. There were no good lines of crossbred ewes yarded, and the inferior lines brought very low prices. Lambs were more in demand, and sold at from 5s each to gs fid each, according to quality. One line of first-class lambs, about 1,000 brought 8s 8d each. We quote mutton at 2d per lb; beef at from 16s to 18s per loolb. We sold on account of several owners at the above quotations 5,135 sheep, of which the prin cipal sales were as follows ; —234 fit merino wethers at 8s gd, 123 ditto at 8s ; 67 fat cross breds at ns fid; ig3 crossbred lambs at ss, 752 ditto at ys yd. A good line of 1,000 half-bred lambs. Border Leicester rams, re alised 8s 8d ; 600 merino wethers at 4s ; 337 half-bred ewes and wethers at 10s gd ; 237 half-bred ewes, at 12s, 63 ditto at 13s ; merino ewes at 2s 4d to 6s.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUOTION SALES. Saturday, March 21, Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street —Town and Suburban Properties Tde?dat, March 24 Messrs Matson, Cox and 0)., at the Tinwald Saleyards—Stock Thursday, March 26 Messrs Miles and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Sheep Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Sheep MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Em Monday, March 23 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 30 Wednesday, March 25 .Ashburton Building and Investment So ciety—Annual Meeting, At cade Cham bers, at 3 o’clock Oddfellows’ Hill—Miss Wa d and Com pany, at 8 o’clock Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0.G.T., meeting at 8 o’clock Thursday, March 26 Tinwald Saleyards Annu d Ram and Ewe Fair Friday, March 27. isftburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. fi atuijja y, M arch 28. Ashburton Caledonian Society—Annual Meeting, at the “ Lyttleton Times ” office, at 7-30 Monday, March 30. Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Friday. April 3 Oddfellows’ Hall—Baptist Church Anni versary Tea Meeting Town Hall—“ Messiah,” at 8 o’clock Saturday, April 4 /fakanui Road Board, at Load Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Friday, r 10. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mnilw dose at the Ashburton Post Office follows; — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p. m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at ID. 30 a. m. ind 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. yor Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 •.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.46 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For ifount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Friday'2; at 4.30 p. in. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburtoii Office From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 а. 4.36 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.16 a.ui. and 4.36 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.<Pn.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. б, p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. For Mount Some s and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays aid Saturdays, at 6 «,m, and 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays »tl» pjn. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays aid -1 tur •days, at 105 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and L ug %each at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri •days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat-1 fitft, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1885.

At yesterday’s sitting of the South Rakaia R.M. Court the presiding Magis trate, Mr H. O. S. Baddeley, R.M., stated that the Kakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Co. cases would not be taken on the Gth April, that being Easter Moudsy, but would be heard on 20th April. Shortly after six o’clock last evening, Dr Ross met with an accident while driv ing on the Belt road, Allenton. The front axle of the buggy in which the Doctor and hia groom were seated broke, and the oc cupants of Jthe vehicle were precipitated to the ground, ihe Doctor fell in danger ous proximity to the horse’s heels, but with admirable coolness extricated himself un scathed. The groom, too, beyond a slight shaking, sustained no injury. The horse attached to the vehicle, although a young one, was fortunately well broken and ap peared little discomposed by the contre tempts. Messrs Horne and Tucker, who witnessed the accident, promptly rendered assistance ; the former gentleman -placed his buggy at the disposal of the Doctor to continue his journey. The annual four-oar outrigger contest between the Union Rowing Club of Christchurch and the Star Boating Club of Wellington, which has been postponed from day to day since last Friday, was rowed yesterday afternoon and resulted in an easy win for the Christchurch crew by three lengths. The following were the crews Union Rowing Club—Messrs W, A. Styche, J. G. Rule, F. D. Keate ven, S. C. Kosteven. Star Boating Club —Messrs E, C. Batkin, A. O. Gibbs, H, S. Pollen, A. H. Stock. Sir William Fox delivered a temper ance addiess at Aberdeen on the 15th of January, and was euthusiasJcally ap plauded. The Mayor of New Plymouth is being proceeded against by the police for a breach of the borough by-laws in driving over railway crossings without pulling up. The following gentlemen were to-day nominated as candidates to fill the ex traordinary vacancy in the Borough Council, occasioned by the resignation of Mr William Leggatt, viz :—Messrs Wm. Henry Collins, Thomas Quill and loshua Tucker. Immediately on the nomina tions being announced, Mr Collins gave the Returning Officer notice of hia with-

drawal from the contest, and we hear there is a probability of one or other of the remaining candidates withdrawing Should an election be required it will take place between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wed nesday, April Ist. The annual meeting of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held in Christchurch last evening. The Committee’sYepoit showed the income for the year to have been L 2,073, including L 23 brought forward from last year, and the expenditure L 2.718. The members on the books numbered 324 exclusive of 139 life members. The Hon. J. T. Paa-

cock was elected President. It was de cided to purchase new grounds near Ad dington, of about 20 acres, at L2OO an acre, from J. Twigger, who has agreed to give 5 acres as a tree gift. It is stated that the present grounds at Sydenham will sell for L(i,000. The following particulars of the Build ing fund of the North Canterbury Board of Education have been supplied to us : Amount applied for, L 20.918; amount available for buildings and repairs for the year, L 7,000. The following grants are likely to be made :—Dppar Rangitata. L 760; Woodstock road, L 725 ; Annat, L9OO ; Kaiapm, LI.COO ; Papanui, L7bo ; South Kakaia, L3OO ; Fendalton, L3OO ; Trevorton, L 250 ; Opawa, Ll5O ; Kai koura, Ll5O, Pigeon Bay, Ll5O ; Lake side, L 125 ; Little River, L 12 0; Okain’s Bay, L 12 0; Kimberley, L 10 0; miscel laneous repairs, L 400; furniture and plant ing, L36o—total, L 6.600.

Early next session Mr Gladstone, who has had much experience in this kind of work, will, it is rumored, propose an annuity of L 6.000 ft year to Princess Beatrice, in view of her forthcoming mar riage. This ja the Bum annually paid to Princess Louise and the Princess Chris tian, the Crown Princess having LB,OOO, the Friocejjs of Wales Clo,ooo. It is not likely that this vr.te will bo so iouily op • posed, though doubtless the little band of economiits who have always taken objec tion to these ever-increasing disburse ments will record their protests as ’ usual. But since ,t,hfi principle has been ostab-. Hshed it would be manifestly unfair to vary it jn) the case of the Princess Bpa who concludes the p> ssibility of ii— "’'cation. — B- Mail. further « Pt ,. aches. Drowsiness, biliousness, _ “mineby and ague, Hop Hitters always cures .. American Co. Read. Wkm.s’ “Rorr.it ox Corns.” | Ask for Wells’ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, buncos, The N.Z, Drug Co., General Agents. i 1 *• I i Indigestion and Liver Complaints—For 1 ■ these complaints Baxter's Compound Quinine Pills have [uoved a specific, acting powerfully I on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold ' everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, r Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps. C

A deputation, comprising Messrs Crisp, Sealy and Moss, from a large section of the householders of the Ashburton School district, waited upon the North Canterbury Board of Education yesterday in reference to Mr Dempsey’s dismissal from the headmaster s’ Ip. A full report of the interview ap pears in another part of this issue.

The volunteers to the now Fire Brigade I met at the Borou_h Council Chambers. Library Buildings, last evening, to con sider the rules framed by the Council for the governance of the Brig .de. Ora Harri son and Jameson, meinrera of the Conn i.’sFire Brigade Committee, wore also pre sent, and the former gentleman 1 ccupied the chair The rules were considered seriatuu: and approved of by the volun teers, although soma dissatisfaction has since been expressed at the manner in which they were submitted. An opinion prevails that the volunteers should have been alio wad to Consider the rules and to suggest any amendments they thought advisable without the intervention of the Fiie Brigade Committee.

A deputation from the Christchurch I Chamber of Commerce, cansisting of j Messrs Cooke, Chrystall, Meares, Stead, and the Hon J. T. Peacock, waited on Sir Julius Vogel in Christchurch yesterda,; respecting several matters connected with ] the railway, etc. The haulage rates on the Lyfeltou and Cli 1 c u ch railway, aiff-r omial rates, labor charges on grain, coal, and timber, passenger rates, night trains between Christchurch and Dunedin, tolls on the West Coast road at the Gtira Gorge, defence, Customs duties charges for telephones, and several minor matters were d-scusaed, and the Colonial Treasurer promised that th t attention of the several heads of Departments should he given to the different subjects - . —Mr Chrystall reminded Sir Julius that he was

member for Christchurch North, as well as a member of the Government. The deputation approached him in his dual capacity. Sir Julius Vogel said he would be sorry to think that his being Treasurer should be thought to be a misfortune to his constituents. He must be loyal to his colleague, Mr Richardson, who was making us much progress with the ques tions that had been raised as he could.

Twenty years ago the Danes importe. nearly all their sugar. Now they raise i from beets.

Twenty-two Italian cities now have crematory furnaces.

The Pall Mall Gazette recently offered a prize of LlO 10s for the beat list of the ten greatest Englishmen, Ea-’h coupon was treated as a ballot paper and the ten notables who gained the greatest number of votes were regarded for the purpose of settling the competition as the ten greatest men. There were 1,450 c upons sent in, and the prize was divided by two ladies, the only competitors who suc ceeded in naming all the ten favorite se lections. The following distinguished men wore placed at the head of their re spective classes—English Statesman (after Mr Gladstone), Lord Salisbury ; Journal ist, George Augusta Sala ; Painter, J. E. Millais ; Soldier, Lord Wolselev ; Man of Science, Professor Huxley; "Writer, John Ruskin ; Novelist, Wilkie Collina ; Preacher, Onion Liddon ; Actor, Henry Irving; Humbug, The Claimant. Mr Gladstone was excluded from the States men’s class, but was selected by a few competitors in the Writers (6), Actors (4), and itumbugs (44)5. One voter re turned Mrs Langtry as the greatest painter.

During a thunderstorm in Northern Queensland, recently, 27 sheep were struck dead by lightning.

It is stated that General Gordon was a Freemason.

On January 21 Mr Parnell addressed his constituents in the Cork Theatre. A charge of from 6d to LI was made for ad mission, notwithstanding which the house was crowded in all parts. Mr Parnell said he looked forward to the future with a light heart, for he was convinced that 500,000 Irishmen enfranchised by the new Act would be even truer to Ireland than those who went before them. Having briefly touched on the land and labor question, he referred to that of Irish in dependence. They could not, he said, ask for leas than the restoration of Grattan’s Parliament and its privileges. They could not under the British Constitution ask for more ; but no man had a light to fix the boundary of the march of the nation, and no man had a right to say, “ Thus far shalt thou go and no farther.” Whilst going thus far, they were doing nothing which would prevent better men who would follow them from gaining better things than those they sought. The Woodville Examiner, without

giving its authority, says it learns that sir John Hall, who has been travelling a good deal lately, has expressed himself inclined to leave New Zealand and settle down in Brazil. His reasons are that land is to be' obtained there at a cheap rate, and that grazing pays much better than in New Zealand. He thinks that the country affords a grand opening for enterprising young men. The Bank of England now covers three ac~es of ground. Mr John O’Leary, formerly editor of the Irish People who was sentenced to twenty years’ penal servitude in 1865, on a charge of treason felony, attended a public meeting of the Young Ireland -So ciety in the Round Room of the Rotunda, Dublin, on January 19th. Ha was pre aented with an address, and Mrs Red mond handed him a bouquet of flowers, amid a scene of great enthusiasm Mr O’Leary said he came back from exile with the same feelings which he carried into prison. He would have to wait to see how far men and things had changed in Ireland, and he would then be able to see how far he could put himself In har mony with the current course of events and the practical action of public men.

e I The Queen’s omission to congratulate e I Mr Gladstone upon hia seventy.fifth birth , day is much remarked in England. ’ A very singular communication has been ’ received by the Government of Victoria ' (says the Argus ) from a company in Lon ' don professing to be concerned in the ' frozen produce trade. It is in the follow -8 ing form ; —“ The people of this country ' petition, through this company, that the ' Government’of Victoria will do their ut most to satisfy the hunger of thousands of 3 parsons starving in this land (while there f is abundance and to spare in the colonies), i That is to say, will the Government catch j Australian have them frozen and . packed inside the “bean ( i There would be a good demand for them . and their skins, and they could come free , of carriage. Waiting your Excellency’s i reply to this petition.—Your most humble servants, etc.” The copy of an adver tisement proposed to be inserted in the Melbourne and Sydney newspapers is attached, and runs as follows :—” The people of England are anxiously waiting . —waiting with tears in their eyes and 1 their mouths watering—the arrival of frozen rabbits. Surely these rabbits can be caught, and the(r bodies frozen and packed inside the sheep to economise apace. The carriage would cent very little, and the rkins will fetch a good price Wanted, 20.1,C00 frozjn rabbits, ’■ "»n he sept inside the sheep to whm:i - save carriage in Ccmomiiß apace ’ *ind other transit. Trusses of r.ibhiisK.... . * furs wanted ” The papers hive been . passed on by his Excellency to the a Premier. Don’t Die in the House. “ Rouugh on Rats ” dears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, f ed-bugs, flies, ams, insects, moles, jack- * rabbits, gophers. The N.Z, Drug Co., P General Agents, i <-

A deputation waited upon Sir Julius Vogel yesterday in reference to the Kaka a and Ashburton >■ orks Railway, but, in reply to an enquiry, the Colonial Trea surer has courteously telegraphed to us this afternoon that the deputation did not desire proceedings imparted.

“ German Syrup.” —No other medicine n the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou- ' sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending ,it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.— [Advt.]

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURTS.

ASHBUII TON— I’o-day.

(Before H. 0. 8. Baddeley, Esq., R.M.) 1 Drunkenness William Morris was fined 20i and costs, with the alternative of 48 hours imprisonment, for drunken- 1 ness —Richard Jone", for a similar of- I ence, was lined 4is and costs, with the 1 alternative of 5 days imprisonment.—An other inebriate, Edwin Maccabe, was fined 60s and costs, with the alternative of f days’ imprisonment. I CIVIL CASES. Ashburton Guardian Company, v J. B Sutton, claim L2 —Mr Purnell for the I plaintiffs. Judgment by default for the amount claimed and costs. Dimant and Coe v Thompson, claim L 4 3s.—Judgment by default for the amount claimed and coats. Duncan v Kellahan, claim L 3 5s 3d.— Judgment by default for the amount claimed and costs Parham v Saunders, claim L 9 15s 2d. I Mr Branson for plaintiff, Mr Purnell for I defendant.—Adjourned on the application lof Mr Purnell until April 24. h to afford I the defendant, who resides in Southland, I an opportunity to appear. I Beecher v Finlayson, claim LI 15s J Judgment by default for the amount I claimed and costs I Beecher v Mason, cl im LI 15s.—Judg- I ment by default for the amount claimed I and costs. I Olliver v Tilson. —Judgment summons. I Mr Wilding for plaintiff ; Mr Purnell for {defendant. The Bench ordered the I amount of the claim to be paid into Court Iby Wednesday next ; in default six I weeks’ imprisonment. I Reid and Gray v Holmes. —Judgment I summons; Mr Branson for plaintiffs. It I transpired that the defendants travelling I expenses had not been tendered to him j by plaintiffs, and on the application of I Mr Branson, an adjournment was granted I for a week, in order that this might be I done.

SOUTH RAKAlA—Yesterday,

(Before H. C. S. Baddeley, Esq., R.M.) Rowae v Jones, claim L 5 16s 6d for board and liquors. The plaintiff having given evidence as to the accuracy of the claim, the defendant stated that he was only indebted for four bottles of whisky. The Magistrate pointed out that under the present Act a publican could only re cover for a moderate amount of liquor supplied to a bond fide lodger with meals. But although the Act did not provide for the recovery, any honorable man would pay for what he had received. Judgment for 12s and costa LI 13s

Patton v Fox, claim Ll2 18s 9d for board and liquors. This was a similar c ise to the foregoing, and the Magistrate having again referred to the provisions of the Licensing Act, gave judgment for Lll 4i 3d and coats L2.

Gilchrist v 0. Lake, jun., claim L 3. Judgment for the amount claimed and costs, LI 2s.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Deputation of Householders to the Board of Education. A deputation, cimprising Messrs Crisp, Sealy and Moss, appointed by the parents of children and householders who signed the petition to the Board of Education in reference to the dismissal of Mr Demp sey, the Headmaster of the school, waited upon the North Canterbury Board of Education in Christchurch yesterday. —The deputation was introduced by Mr Alfred Saunders, After reading the petition, Mr Crisp spoke at some length in reference to it, quoting largely from figures, to show that the last examination revealed an im provement in the condition of the school; that there was a wide spread feeling in Ashburton that the Headmaster had not been fairly treated,

of which the petition presented, containing the signatures of the parents of 355 chil dten attending the school besides a large number of householders, was an evidence, as it also was of the satisfaction of the parents with the conduct of the school. Mr Crisp, in an exhaustive address, dealt with the petition and salient points of the case, concluding by asking the favorable consideration of the Board to the former.

Mr Sealy was unable to understand how the Inspectors could reconcile the report made to the Board with the state ment made to himself as the then Chair man of the School Committee Just before the completion of the inspection one of the inspectors had said that he saw nothing to prevent them reporting favorably upon the school ; adding that the Headmaster would probably receive “ a rap over the knuckles, - ’ in conse quence of some school furniture having been improperly treated. These state ments were made in the presence of two other gentlemen. Mr Sealy referred briefly to the prayer of the petition Mr Moss, as one who had signed the petition and had three children at the school, looked upon the contemplated dismissal of Mr Dempsey as a personal calamity. His children had bean at school both in Lyttelton and Greymouth, but the progress made by them at the Ashbur ton School was far beyond anything pre viously attained. Mr Moss also referred to the opinion held by a majority of the parents, as evidenced by the petition The statements made in the latter were borne out by his own experience. Some questions having been put to the deputation by members of the Boaid, the former thanked the Board for its courteous reception withdrew. After the withdrawal of the depu. lon a letter was read from the Ashburton t-'uh iol Committee, requesting the Board to hold an inspection of the school on or about the last week in June

Having considered this letter and the petition presented by the deputation, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Chrys tall, seconded by Mr Cunningham—“ That the Board having heard the statements of a deputation from the householders of Ashburton, advocating that the Board should reconsider its decision with respect to the notice to be given to the Head master us to the termination of his en gagement, sees np reason to alt j r its decision, supported as it is by a maj irity of the Committee ;but in compliance with a recommendation of the Committee the Board agrees that an inspection of the " take place ja June next,” school biiiii. ..

THE UNEMPLOYED COMMISSION.

The Wellington correspondent of Ihe I Otago Daily Times wri es as under . I “Observing from the Christchurch 1 papers that an opinion has been expressed I [ as to the desirableness of publishing the 1 Jj views of Mr Maopherson, Chairman of the 1 Unemployed Commission, form ad- I donda to the report of the Commission, I ] , I have very carefully looked through his I 1 report forwarded as a separate contribu- 1 - I tion to his Excellency the Governor. So 1 J j far as I can unders f and that document, 1 . I it is very similar to the report of the I Commission —about word for word, in 1 I fact. In no very material sense does Mr I Macpherson differ from the views < f his J brother Commissioners. The only point 1 j of difference of much importance is that j j Mr Macpherson does not mention the I 1 raising of the grain rates last year as one J I cause of the unemployed difficulty, I I though he agrees with the other Coramis- I I sioners as to the otiier causes. He assigns j las the reason that Canterbury farmers I 1 are not sowing the same breadth of grain 1 1 this year, the enormous reduction in I I the price of grain last year, and makes no I I reference whatever to the raising of the I * I grain rates, as does the report of the Com- j i missionera. Mr Macpherson refers to I ■ the constitutional unfitness of many men 1 • j employed on the Government relief works j - j for hard manual labor, and as an example I 3 j states that the superintendent of works in J - Addington railway yard had to take a | s number of men off stone-breaking and I f give them other work, as their hands had 1 I swollen to the size of boxing gloves. Mr I j Macpherson expresses the opinion that 1 . 1 unless some speedy remedy is provided j e I (and he suggests the same relief as the e report of the Commissi->n), the same I scarcity of employment will recur year by 4 year in the winter months after the har t vesting is over. He lauds the village settlement scheme, and thinks three or four acres sufficient for each man, calcu kt I lating that it would cost about L2O to house each settler. He argues that it will pay the State better to expend this >r amount on each settler than continue to m be an employer and charif.ahlo benefactor, d ■■ ..a ..

THE CASTLEDOWN-ROCHE MURDERS.

Auckland, Last Night. At the Police Coart, the depositions having been read over to William Shee han accused of the Castledown-Roche murders, the prisoner was warned in the usual manner, and, in response to the customary challenge, said he had nothing to say, Mr Napier addressed the Court in defence on the question of the juris diction of his Worship. Commenting on the evidence, he raferred to the fact that the only statement upon which the accused would be remanded to Ireland was that of the lad David Dwan. He discredited the evidence of this yoiith, who was, he said, “a poor demented creature, whose word was not reli able,” Mr Napier proceeded to suggest that be had concocted the story, and he hoped that any service he rendered in clearing up the mystery might lesson his own sentence. He quoted authorities to show that very clear evidence was neces sary before a prisoner could be remanded to another country under the Fugitive Offenders Act, and held that in this case the evidence was not nearly sufficient. His Worship (H. G. Seth Smith) said that the prisoner would be committed to Mount Eden Gaol to await his return to Ireland on the charge of murder. He would not, however, be surrendered for fifteen days, and in the meantime he might apply for a writ of habeas corpus and teat the questions raised before a Judge of the Supreme Court. Prisoner was then removed from the dooV, It is understood that Mr Napier has decided to apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of hxbeas corpus in order to further test the points raised. During the readingof the depositions describing the finding of the bodies Mrs Sheehan fainted and had to be removed frcm Court.

NEW GOLD FIELDS.

Wellington, Last night. The following are the amended condi tions respecting the rewards offered for the discovery of new gold fields (Ist). The maximum sum offered as a reward tor any proved discovery of a new gold field in accordance with these conditions is LSCO, but if the total sum claimed as rewards in any year exceeds the Parlia mentary vote (1.2,500/, the amount avail able only will be divided equally. (2nd) A newly-discovered gold field, if alluvial ground, must be situated not less than ten miles from the nearest alluvial gold working, or if in quartz, not lees than five miles from the nearest existing quartz mines. (3rd) No grant will be paid upon any application until it shall have bean proved that not less than 20,000 ounces of gold have been extracted from the new gold-field within two years from the registration of the discovery, if at alluvial workings; and if in quartz workings, proof of a similar yield from these sources within three years from such registration will be re quired, (4) Any person discovering new gold workings and being desirous of ob taining rewards, shall immediately for ward a written report of such discovery, with full particulars, to the Warden or Resident Magistrate of the district with in which such discovery shall be situated. (5) No prospecting is allowed upon Native land without the approval in writing of the Native Miniate -, or of some one appointed by him in that behalf. Pros pectors being upon native land without the consent of the owneis are liable to penalties imposed by Acts relating to gold Gelds, and will forfeit all claim to a re ward.

SHOCKING INHUMANITY.

(Fkom the “ European Mail,” Jan. 23 ) Some horrible disclosures have just been made at Chalons, in France. The attention of the police at Chalons was lately attracted by a little boy, with one arm, and another child, a cripple, wheel ing himself about in a small wooden box. Both children appeared so utterly miser able and pain-stricken that they were taken to the station, where they told a sad story of suffering. About two years ago, it transpired, that the boys, who are cousins, aged eight and ten, were living with their parents at Barcelona. Whilst returning from school together they were accosted by a man and woman, who enticed them to the railway station and brought them to Perpignan. There, and subse quently at Chalons, one of the boys was made one-armed, the other a cripple, the limbsit was requisite to suppress being bent and strapped up 13 * most cruel manner. After a time the little lad who wheeled himself about in the box was cut about the loins with a knife, corrosive liquid being poured on to his wounds. His legs were further attenuated by ropes tightly wound found them; in short, for upwards of two months the |litt!e martyrs were operated upon daily, and success having attended the horrible process, they were sent out to be.; in the streets of various French towns. Happily, the man and womeh who tortured them have been arrested, and will be tried for their iphinipin offence.

SPORTING.

HAWKE’S BAY SAGES. The following are the results of the concluding events of yesterday’s races* Tradesmen's Handicap, of 300 soys second horse to receive 25 sovs from the stake ; one mile and a half. Mr Martin’s oh f Pearl, 3yrs, Bst 21b (Clifford) 1 Mr Butler’s hr c Fusilier, 3yra, Bat 41b (Decritt) 2" Mr Redwood’s b jf Clogs, 3yra, 7at 21b I (Woods) 3 Ugly Buck also ran. Time, 2min 44sec Totalisator divi dend-inside, LI its ; outside, LI 14s. Autumn Handicap, of 125 sovs; three I quarters of a mile. I Mr W. Douglas’s bk f Christina, by Javelin—Cascade, 7st 101 b... ... 1 Mr P. Martin’s ch f Pearl, by Bolton J Green —Pearl Ash, Sat 51b 2 Mr P. Butler’s blk o Talebearer, 7st 51b ... ... 3 I Soudan, Alpine Bose, Derringer, Pasha ] and Clogs also ran. J Time, Imin 16 2-stha sec. Totalisator I dividends —inside, LlO 6a: outside, Ll2 2a. Consolation Handicap, of 60 sovs ; one I mile. IMr P- Butler’s blk o Talebearer, 3yrs 1 IMr Ruddick’s hr h Emir Bey, 6yrs ... 2 Mr P. Tancred’s b c Ugly Buck, 3yrs 3 | Kincraig and Clo »s also ran.

V.R.O. AUTUMN MEETING. The following is the result of the steeplechase run at the Y.R.O. Autumn Meeting ; Steeplechase of 10 sovs each, with 300 sovs added; second horse to receive 50 sovs, and the third horse 25 sovs out of the stakes; about three miles, i Mr R. G. Talbot’s ch g Echo, by Cer vua, aged, list 101 b ... (Corrigan) 1 Mr M. Loughlin’a b g Morven, aged, , lOat 121 b (Scobie) 2 I Mr J. Pilbrow’a b 'g Clarence, aged, 12st 121 b (M'lvor) 3 J Fictitious, lOst 101 b (Williams); Mem* I dec, 10it 71b (Mr fcf. Watson); Beresford, j 10st 4lb ( Malone); Hector, 9st 121 b (Map- I Leod); Pemberley, Oat 71b (Casey); and I Trickett, Oat 71b (hima worth), also nn. * I Referring to the race the Melbourne 001 eapondent of the New Zealand Jte/eree says Your crack chaser, Olar- I eaue, was among the nine saddled for the | Steeplechase, and he came in for a good I deal of scrutiny, the general verdict of I the cognoscenti being that he was a capital I cut of a cross country horse, but would I have been all the better for a bit more I work. Echo, who had the services of I Corrigan, was installed favorite, and I Morven and Mernder were next in de- I mand, but Echo had a big call over I them, for 2 to 1 was the beat price on I offer about him, while 5 to 1 could be j obtained about either of the other pair named. When about half the journey had been got over Mernder, who was leading, blundered at a fence and came down, Echo also falling. .Corrigan, how ever, stuck to the latter and was soon up and in pursuit of the others. Olarencs then went on with the lead, Mor ven lying second and Echo third several lengths away, the last-named going much the faster of the trio; and balf-a-mile from home Clarence and Morven had almost come back to him again. Clarence was in trouble just be fore reaching the home turn, round which Echo led and going on won in I canter, Corrigan receiving a great ovation on bis return to the scales as a recogni tion of his splendid horsemanship. It appears that in the Australian Cup, won by Ring wood, a son of St Albans end Deception, Welcome Jack was cannoned against about half-a-raile from home, and stumbled, causing his rider, Ivimy, to leave the saddle, and the son of Traduoar went on riderless and finished seventh.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

rKBtITBR’s TRLBGR4MB—COPYRIGHT.] Emperor’s Birthday. London, March 19. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Albert Victor started to-day for Berlin to attend the festivities to be held in connection with the celebration of the Emperor William’s birthday. Weak. It has transpired that Mr Gladstone, in November last, demanded that the Russians should withdraw their troops from Sarakhs, on the Afghan frontier, but that the Russian Government re fused, and the demand thereupon lapsed. An Invitation. Sou a kim, March 18. General Graham has summoned Osman Digna to surrender, in order to avoid bloodshed. Mining Accident. Berlin, March 18. A disastrous mining explosion oc curred to-day at Saarbruck, in Rhenish Prussia, by which 200 miners were en tombed. Monetary and Commercial. London, March 19. Consols are quoted at a de cline of %. New Zealand securities remain at last quotations;—Five per cent. 10 40 loan, Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 loan, ex div.; Four per cent, inscribed stock, 98. Colonial breadstuff’s Adelaide wheat, ex store, remains at 36s fid; New Zealand, 28s to 32 s. Australian tallow of average quality—Beef, 325; mutton 335. The market rate of dis count has declined to and is now yl below the Bank rate. Wool Sales. Wool—A quiet tone prevailed at to* day’s sale The catalogue comprised 9,300 bales. (Received March 20, 11.20 a.m.) Bank Bate. London, March 19. The Bank of England has reduced the rate of discount to per cent France and China-

I An authoritative denial has* been t given to a report current, yesterday - that Germany had offered to mediate * between France and China, and *it is announced that M. Patenotre, the , French Ambassador at Pekin has been authorised to negotiate With the Chin ese Government for an amicable settle ment of the difficulty. The Soudan Bebela. . Soakim, March 19. A force, provided 'with a diy|s rations and a hundred rounds of am munition per man, started from Siiakim this morning in, the direction of Hashura. (Received March 30,1 p.m.) The 18. MS- Kaihoura. Tioiipofc, March +9* The New Zealand' Shipping po.’jj H.M.S. Kaikoura left Teneriffe thi| morning for Wellington via the Cape. 4 Skirmish with the Rebels. SuAKUf, March J. 9. The fores despatched from here this morning merely made a reconnaisance in the direction of Hashum. It was * nlace bad been evacu* found uwu v..- .

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1885.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



AdvfYtiEemsnts for The Ashburton Guardian must he sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can bo 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 busuiefs lettr.rs *o he addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



Wanted. ANTED Known—Furnished apart ments for two !adies or two gentlemen, with or without Board. Apply 1 O,7'ANTED K :iown—Before buying V T i : r< as Miiierialti, Ulsve •«, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first class Drapery an’’ Mulinery h sinbishmeut in Ashhnrlon —H. C. ceqers, ealys’ Buildings, East *rev*t. for C ».th at Jones A*D BADSHvW’s - oaten shea chaff irom 60s per ton, le <» I per bag ; prime oat straw chaff ribs per ton, 9d jei bag ; new- oatmeal 4i per bag ; good cheese 5d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates, Known—VVertheim Sew- V V ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton LOKIOUS NEWS. Andrew Orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6s 9J ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lls Gd—every article at half-price. \,V ANTED 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. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W, o. Bags;, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 Office of this Paper. 3 412 2 276 2 237 AXrnnti'rv r> i u i



Special Advertisements. SELLING DEE FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION!' RY, &c. Xgf Must be sold —even if at a loss sstf Valentine ci ALBNI'INEO To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros,, Booksellers, .Stationers, &c. , Ashburton. TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER HIO FARMERS and Others about to i. Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first coat and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, ex s.s.S Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in StocK, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes). TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MEROH ANTS, East street, Ashburton.



VT7 ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 Vt That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4a 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s ; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2a 3d, Shirting at 4£ 1, Towels 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. Andkkw Obk’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 Special Advertisements. MB. J. TVESS begs to inform his debtors, and all persona desirous of transacting any business with him, that he will be in attendance at his Office, Burnett street, every TUESDAY and SATURDAY. Office hour* ; 10 a. m. to 6 p.m. 2 188



pOMESTIC PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodg^ DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Stbeet, near Lancaster's butchery. Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413



26 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW” ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING jfc SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. SL'jts,»Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. Wo have much pleasure iu informing the public of Ashburton that Messrs WILDING, LEWIS & CAIfGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risks taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. JJimant and Co e,



ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer's SEWING M A CHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply i f Machine extras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANORED STREETS, ASHBURTON. II 2181 R. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan K. Bev.n 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 BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER. Cutery, Jewellery, Concertinas, and Fancy Goods Dealer. BEVAN Young Ladies’ Journals (Feb. No.) for la 31. Subscribers wanted. Country stores supplied at special rates. SAUNDBES’ BUILDING NextQuill’sHotel. R. Bevan R. Bevan R. 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 B. 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 itpported 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. I be'ieve it was Lord Wolseley who said (he happens to be the most popular man 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 the same ». Read ! Read 1 Bead ! 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 finish ' - saying—Come and see for yoyrsalves ; and if you * re d'fiapP oi » te(i come Nothing like J Thomas F. Farle\’?;* BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, I Saunders’ Buildings, East St., I Ashburton.



Davis’s gURPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURE Now Belling off at HALF-PRICE. Must be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 Pbk. Cent. BY PUOHASING AT W. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



EBRUARY LIST. Union Shirting, Wince Checks, 4'i d. Window Muslin for Short Blinds, Unbleached Table Damask, Reduced to 10|d. White Twilled Calico, a Bargain, 6|d. Women’s White Hose, 2s Ud dozen. Black Dress Fringes, quaner price, OR Women’s Lisle Gloves, 4-buttons, 4£d. Scarlet Merino, all wool, 3a 6d, reduced to la lid. Black Velveteen, a great Bargain, 10|d. Black Persian Cords, usually Is 6d, now 9^d. 47 Men’s Tweed Sac Suits, 27s 6d, now 17s 6d. 37 Boys’ and Youths’ Trouser Suits, 20s, now 12s Gd. 34 Pairs Men’s Trousers and Vests, a Bargain, 10s lid. Small Boys’ Tunic Suits, pjreap, 6s lid. Dress Goods, A useful Line for House Dresses, 4|d. Black Lappet Lace, for Ties, etc , Id. American Leathers, regular price la 3d, now 10|d. 50 Dozen Men’s Socks, j s|d. 75 Dozen Men’s Merino Socks, B|d. Men’s Har<J Felt Hats, New Goods, | 6s Gd, now la lid. 200 Dozen Turkey Epd Handkerchiefs, 3|d, H. B. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. REASON SALE COMMENCING ON JANUARY 16m, & CONTINUING O FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES ! GLARING REDUCTIONS ; ! Convincing proof and Special Prices See Wiudowa*tS2^ Dimant and Coe, READY-MONET DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, An, iu pieminea la.ely occupied by Or* and Co,, Coro |Eaat and Tauctod stra ASHBL RTON»



Special Advertisements. C 1: Caution. ‘ SOME unscrupulous firms are trying to I fume on the Now Z;* ; and people a s Nostrum, order the cloak 'hat it is made j in the Un'ted States — WHICH IS NOT THUS. Under this pretence they are trying to deceive the Public and Incautious Pur chasers into the belief that they are the * Genuine AMERICAN HOP BITTERS. Wo wish to warn all honest and unsus pecting people against this DECEPTION, i and to call the attention once more to the facta that the Genuine American Co.’s BOP BITTERS Are put up in Squre, Panelled, Amber colored Bottles, with White Label on one side, printed in Black Letters, and Green Hop Cluster ; and, on the other side, Yellow Label, with Directions in Bad Letters, in English and German, and the name of “Dr Soule” blown in every Bottle. This is the only form in which Genuine AMERICAN HOP BITTERS are put Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tanckbd Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf R d per lb Best White Trysts.., Sid per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is fid, 2s, 2a fid, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s fid per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, 8d Mixed Biscuits, fid Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, fid Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is fid Oysters, fid Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6|»d Herrings, 7d Keiller’e Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, fid per lb English Pickbs, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street 12 2342



Skinny Mem. —“ Wells’ Health Reuewcr lestores health and vigor, cutes dyspepsia, im potence, debility. The N.Z. Drug Co, General Agents, I



A-other unfortunate.—Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a stock of Clothing and General i)ra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Crislchurclj, npw bauk r ■not, was purchased by H. E. May it Co., of tlii Dal), High street, for ,£954, or only a ■— ovie,third of its value, H, E, M, uuie uw. , " ■** half the marked j and Co. are now selling ~ * price, which surely ought to secure a clearance, 11