COMMERCIAL.

AshburtonJGuardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T, Bullock reports on the horse market for the week ending Saturday, April nth There was a large entry of horses (39), and about an average attendance of farmers and oraer settlers. Biddings at the commencement Of Ike sale were rather languid, and prices ob tained were scarcely so high as at previous sales, nevertheless a large proportion of the day’s entry were sold, viz. 21, and more would have changed hands, but some settlers placed a reserve of more than market value on a number of light draughts, which were considered by intending purchasers too light for general work. For really good draughts the competi tion was very spirited. For a five-year-old, on account of Mr Robert Millar, L3l was ob tained. I may mention that any really good draughts that have been brought forward lately, and which could be really depended upon, have sold readily at remunerative prices. Out of the total ent.y of 39, 21, as above, were sold at the following prices, viz.;—Medium draughts, aged, a pair at Li 1 each ; ditto 6f a rather better stamp, Ll2 to Ll 3 ; superior draughts, Lao to L3l; two three-year-olds, Ll 3 and Ll 4 1 os; ditto five-year-old, Lao. Young horses: A number changed hands ; four three-olds of a light description, L 9 each ; three-year-olds, just broken in to plough, up to Li 7; young fillies suitable for a carrier’s cart, 1.9 10s to Lio. Hacks : Ko really first class Were sold ; inferior, price nominal, Ls to L 6 10s, Sundries: Second-hand drays, L 6 15s to Lit los ; harness, etc., at market rates.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, April 14 Messrs Matson, Cox and C j., at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock Mr Alfred Harrison, at hia Salerooms — Furniture and Sundries MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Eto. Monday, April 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.80 Oddfellows’ Hall Professor and Mrs Baldwin, at 8 o’clock Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Tuesday, April 14. StStephen’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 1,7 Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Meet ing Friday, May 1 tsaburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, May 2, Afakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton •* GuabdiuN must be sent in not later than S p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. • . All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of ood faith. AU advertisements and business tetters t o be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follow® For Christchurch and North at 6 a,u .. 10.30 a. m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Ghertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. m. *nds p.rb. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. If or Temnka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.ra. t For Tima-’u and South, at 0 a.m., 10 *.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstfcet 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 Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. . For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. m. For Howlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m> Mttlla arrive at the Ashburton Post •Office "■ From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 *.m., 436 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 436 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate place* daily. Frou« Temnka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. e.dO p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and A»hburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 4.m. lor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays St 5 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.6 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Howlands, 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 urdays, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1885. Mount Somers Railway.

To-day the new timetable in connec tion with the Mount Somers branch railway came into operation, and we cannot allow the occasion to pass with out congratulating the residents in the Hill district upon the more regular communication established between their terminus and the main trunk rail way. The bi-weekly service maintained on this line for several years has, un- j doubtedly, been a great convenience, but it has not been sufficient to mono polise nor to materially increase the traffic between the two centres. The new arrangement by which a train will leave Cavendish each morning for Ashburton at 8.45 a.m. and return from the latter place to Cavendish at 5.5 p.m. will meet the present require ments to a much fuller extent, and it is strange, considering it will be no more costly than the bi-weekly service, that it was not inaugurated when first sug gested to the Department by Mr E. G. Wright sometime ago. While refer ring to this matter we may again ask— when is the extension of this line to be undertaken ? It is now some weeks since His Worship the Mayor was as sured by the Minister for Public Works that tenders for the completion of the line would at once be invited, but up to the present we have seen no move towards the redemption of that promise. The line was originally proposed with a view to the development of the tim ber and mineral wealth of the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts ; the present traffic, passengers, grain and wool, was expected to be only sub sidary to the other, and cannot for many years be sufficient to produce the favor able results which we believe would at once be obtained if the line were com pleted and active steps taken to utilize the natural riches surrounding the ter minus.

A considerable rise has taken place in London in the price of wheat. Adelaide is quoted at 39s qer quarter, New 'Zea land at 32s to 38s per quarter, according to grade. The Committee of the Tinwald Races met at the Tinwald Hotel on Saturday evening. It was arranged to engage the Excelsior Band to provide music at the races on Wednesday next, and to have the usual race card printed. Having transacted a large amount of routine business the Committee adjourned until to-morrow evening. The Ashburton Rifle Volunteers will

parade in drill order on Wednesday next at 7 p. m. The Committee cf the Ashburton County Hunt Club will meet at Quill’s Hotel to-morrow evening to arrange de tails in connection with the forthcoming hunting season. The Resident Magistrate at Oartiaru has not yet given his decision on the railway crossing cases heard before him last week. We remind our readers that the tea meeting and concert in connection with St Stephen’s Church takes place to-morrow in the schoolroom. Gifts of provisions may be sent to the schoolroom at any time to-morrow. Pending further arrangements the Mount Somers mails will be despatched from Ashburton as at present on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons ; the morning mails being of course discontinued. Mail* for Buapana will henceforth be sent on Tuesdays and Fridays.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, Mr Robert Alcorn, J.P., re manded a young man, charged with drunkenness,.till to-morrow. There was no other business before the Court. By an advertisement in another column it will be seen that the Choral Society will resume practice at St Stephen’s schoolroom. It having been decided to produce jointly by the Choral and Or chestral Societies the comic opera U.M. Pinafore at the Oddfellows’ Hall on the race nights (April 29th and 30th) all the vocalists are requested to be present at the schoolroom this evening, when the first rehearsal will take place. The following particulars of the Mahdi’s camp are quoted from the Mubashir : “ The Mahdi’s Council of War consists of the Ameers of El-Basher, El- Ais Gumer, El-Obeid, and Tendelti The first is named Ali Musa. He is a former E£y tian officer, and enjoys the Mahdi’s com plete confidence. He, it is believed, forms all the war plans, and gives orders to the other Ameers. The soldiers are paid every Friday by an uncle of the Mahdi, and the provisions are under the care of the Ame ;r of El-Ais. Seventy four Dervishes act as prayer reciters, and the camp includes eight hundred women, besides many children.”

The powers delegated to (he Ashburton Domain Board under The Public Domains Act, 1881, are re-gazetted in the currant number of the Gazette. This course was rendered necessary by an error that oc curred in the former notice: Mr Donald McLean was gaze .ted as “Donald Mc- Dougall. Use American Co.s Hop Bitters once and you will use no other medicine. Test it. Take no other. Be sure and read. Skinny Men. —“ Wells’ Health Renevver restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potence, debility, The N. Z. Drug Co. General Agents. I 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, bold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps. A> other unfortunate. —Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a ,£2,424 stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and CristcUurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. E. May ik Co., of the Hall, High street, for ,£954, or only a little over one-third of its value. H. E. RJ., and Co. are now selling it at half the marlo d price, which surely ought to secure a speedy clearance.

The adjourned quarterly meeting of the Mount Hutt 1 icensing Committee was held at the Road Board office, Methven on Saturday. Present—Messrs J. Jack son, D. Cameron (Springfield), J. Pocpck and O. Quinn. Mr J Jackson unani mously elected Chairman for the ensuing year. The police report on the licensed houses in the district was read and con sidered satisfactory, It was decided to take the local option poll on June Ist next. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned. The usual monthly meeting of the Ash burton Borough Council will be held at the Council Ohambjra, Library Buildings, this evening.

Swon, the pedestrian, finished his walk at the drillshed, Christchurch, at 11.30 on Saturday night, having covered 481 miles 293 yards in 143£ hours. The score for the l~cil men was 470 miles—McGrath, 70miles; Anderson, 71; Cox, 85; Me- Court, 65 ; Muhreison, 95 ; and Cusack 92. The attendance with the exception of last night was not very good. A subscrip tion was made for Swan, and realised LlO, which Mr Arenas, the starter, sup plemented with another LlO. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Ashton School Committee was held in the schoolroom on Saturday evening. Pre sent—Messrs G Gilmour (Chairman), J. Oroy, W. Croy, Taylor, Bell, Shearer, and Orosaon. The master’s report stated the average attendance for the past quar ter as 37, the number on the roll as 55 As '.he Bo >rd of Education has granted provision for a mistress, it was decide I (o advertise for applications for the position. The Chairman was authorised to have iha gymnastic apparatus erected and supplies of fuel and other articles procured After passing several accounts for payment, the meeting adjourned. Attention is directed to a large quantity of late cable and telegraphic mat.ee ap pearing in this issue A petition to tho Mayor of Ashburton, requesting him to proclaim a half-holiday on Wednesday on account of the Tinwald races, was in course of signature this morning, but His' Worship has notified that he wi : l be unable to comply with the request.

Wo understand that quite a number of contractors have been enquiring about the new traffic bridge, and it is probable that the bridge will be tendered for con siderably under the estimated cost. The regular monthly meeting of the Methven Domain Board was held on Pridiy. Present—Messrs J. Jackson (chairman), R. Patton, W. McMillan, R. Alexander, and G. Coward. A letter was received from tho County Council, advising the Board that L 43 had been placed to the credit of the Board at the Bank of New Zedand, Rakaia. It was resolved that the Chairman and two members sign the cheques. It was re solved to apply to the Ashburton County Council for an assortment of trees to plant portions of the Domain during the ensuing season. It was resolved that the Chairman and Mr McMillan be ap pointed a Ground Committee, with authority to call for tenders and let the Domain for grazing. In the Supreme Court, Christchurch, on Saturday, William Burton, charged with indecent assault, was acquitted. John George Templeton, for larceny from a dwelling house a Kaikoura, was found guilty and sentenced to six months hard labor.

The regular monthly meeting of the Mount Halt Road Board was held on Friday, at the Board’s office, Methven. Present—Messrs J. Jackson (chairman), R. Alexander, Gr. Coward, R. Patton and W. McMillan. The minutes of the last meeting of the Board having been read and confirmed, the Overseer’s report was considered. It was resolved that all the roads liable to damage during floods be only temporarily repaired until some pro vision is made for a permanent storm water scheme.—A further extension of one week was granted to one of the Board’s to finish his work, and the Overseer was fnstrueted to in form the contractor that if he did not comply with the present extension the Board would complete the works at his expense, in accordance with the provisions of the specification.—lt was resolved that Mr Braddell be appointed presiding officer for taking the local (option vote at the triennial poll in Jane next. —The Over seer was instructed to write to the Re turning Officer re election of members The Overseer laid the books of the Boird on the table duly audited by the Provin cial Auditor and certified to as correct.— It was resolved that the annual meeting of ratepayers and the annual monthly meet ing of the Board be held on Tuesday, May sth next. —lt was resolved that the

Chairman take the necessary steps to have the Board’s plantations inspected by the Inspector of Forests, so as to claim compensation under the Forests Improve ment Act Amendment Act.—Accounts amounting to L 34 3s lid having been passed for payment, the Board ad journed. Mr W. Hale has been appointed Post master at Greenstreet, as from March 1. The alterations in the boundaries of the Mount Somers and Mount Hutt Road Board Districts, and the dissolution of the Boards, are gazetted. The election of a Board for the new Mount Somers District will take place on May 4; for the Mount Hutt District on May 6. The current number of the Gazette con tains the following notice :—His Excel lency the Governor has been pleased to revoke all commissions in the New Zea lane Militia held by officers of such Militia under the rank of Major, with the ex ception of those holding appointments on the Permanent Staff of the Volunteer Force and those serving in the Armed Constabulary. Acceptances for the South Canterbury Jockey Club races are due at 9 o’clock this evening. We again remind our readers of the entertainment to be provided at the Odd fellows’ Hall this evening by Professor S. S. and Mrs Clara Baldwin. The Committee of the Ashburton Club will meet this evening at Fowler’s Build ings at eight o’clock. Don’t Die in the House. “Rouugh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. I “ 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 Jree 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 i it to their customers. Go to your Druggist j and ask what they know about it. Simple , Bottles fid. Regular size 3s. fid. Three ( doses will relieve any case.—f Advt.] ,

Holloway's Pills, Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot be long so seriously disordered without the de rangement being perceptible on the counten ance. These pills prevent both unpleasant consequences ; they improve the appetite and with the increase of desire for food, they augment the powers of digestion and assimila tion in the stomach. Holloways Pills deal most satisfactorily with deranged or diseased conditions of the many organs engaged in ex tracting nourishment for our bodies from our various diets—as the liver, stomaoh, and bowels, over all of which they exercise the most salutary control. By resorting at an early stage of this malady to these purifying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored to health and strength, and his sallowness gradually vanishes,—[Ad vt.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

By Telegraph, Bluff To day,

[“ Age ” Special ] Suakim, April 1,

It ia rumored that Osman Digna has fled, hia followers having deserted him. A. body of British cavalry has been des patched to and ascertain whether the report ia correct. Suakim. April 2

The cavalry force sent out yesterday discovered the whereabouts of the enemy t and were fired at by the Arabs near Tamai. The New South Wales infantry and the guards form the front face of the square. The enemy is reported to be in great force at Tamai, and have sent their women away.

London, Aprils. A force of 250 men of the New South Wales contingent has bean loft behind to garrison Suakim.

London, April 2. It Is expected in the event of war be tween Great Britain and Russia, that Turkey will remain neutral.

It is now found that Russia demands that the Afghan frontier territory, now under consideration, shall be extended southwards.

The Commission appointed to deal with European claims in the Pacific and pre pare a scheme securing the neutrality of the unannexed islands in the Pacific, have commenced their labors. It is understood that a defaulter named Goldsraid has defrauded the Queensland National Bank of L 20,000. London, April 5

A special Cabinet meeting was held to day (Sunday) to consider the reply re ceived from the Russian Government in reference to the Afghan frontier question. It is suspected that Russia’s pacific reply and acceptance of a commission to settle the frontier difficulty is only a device to gain time, and that an attack will be made upon Herat as soon as her military pre parations are more advanced. The Com | mission appointed to settle the frontier difficulty will, it is thought, bo certain to disagree, and general fears are enter tained that the crisis will recur and that war is imminent. Extensive na?al and military prepara tions in England and India are being hur ried forward with the utmost despatch I Suakim, April 3. I The greatest effort made by the British forces during the present campaign has, I instead of resulting in a desperate engage- I ment, ended merely in a slight skirmish I with the enemy. Nothing decisive has j resulted, and General Graham ordered an I advance on Thursday morning upon I Tamai, where Osman Digna wasjexpected Ito be posted in force. Only a skirmish I between the outposts took place. A few I of the New South Wales infantry were en- I gaged, and they behaved admirably. The I hottest fire of the enemy was directed I against the ambulance, and orders had I in consequence to be given to lower the J flig, in order to divert the enemies fire I Tamai was entered and burnt after the I Arabs had been driven to the mountains. J The wells were found choked. The British j troops returned to Suakim, using the rail- I way now in course of construction. I The New South Wales infantry and I artillery will be employed to-morrow in I the construction of the railway, which is Ito be completed from Suakim to the j mountains in the neighborhood of Tamai with the greatest expedition, j London, April 7. I The Times this morning states that I peace is conclude I between France and J China. The former power having con- I sented to abandon the claim which they j formally made last year, for a war indem- I nity of ten millions.

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS.

Auckland. The Premier, Mr Stout, at the invita tion of the Liberal Association, went a trip round the suburbs of Auckland yester day, accompanied by the leading members of the Association and the Mayors of Auckland and Parnell. Among the places visited was Onehunga, where they were received by the Mayor, Mr Jackson, and luncheon took place. The Mayor proposed the health of the Premier, which was heartily drunk. Mr Stour, in reply ing, said after his visit to the North his opinion was that the land everywhere could be turned to good account The people in the North had not sufficiently magnified the value of their land and the varia'y of the district. He had come to Auckland to see for himself. The Premier visited Onehunga ironworks. The Premier addresses the citizens of Auckland on Monday at the Theatre Royal. The authorise j are largely increasing the working parties on the harbor de fences. Wellington. Up to the p -esant 400 applications have been received for space in the home in dustry branch of the New Zealand Ex hibition. It is stated that the lowest tender for the first section of the North Island Main Trunk Railway from the southern end is that of a Wanganui firm, the amount being in round numbers L 27.500. Greymouth. The coal export for the week is over 3,7u0 tons. The Paroa Ri ling election, which was recently upset, was contested again on Saturday by the same two candidates, when Mr Guinness, member for the dis trict, was returned by a larger majority than on the previous occasion. So far as the returns are in, the majority is 45, and will probably be more. Dunedin. Large accessions have been made to the ranks of the Volunteers during the past day or two, and an “ Otago trained band” is proposed to be formed of men who have been members of any disciplined force.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible lor the opinions expressed by our correspondents. To the Editor. Sir, — A week or ao ago I was asked which was it moro correct to say, in speaking of gloves, two pair, or two pairs, to which I replied two pairs, giving the following reasons : Where a word. — meaning an exact number of persons or things, more than one—can be used in the singular number its plural would be the same, and I instanced—pair, couple, brace, dozen, score, gross, hundred, thousand, etc. ; the plural of which would in all cases remain the same, Where, however, a word meaning a number of persona or things, but not an exact num ber, the plural would be formed by the addition of s or ies, viz.:—army, armies; fl-et, fleets ; covey, coveys ; crowd, crowds ; multitude, multitudes, etc. ; be* cause in none of these instances does it take an exact number to form an army, fleet, covey, crowd or multitude, etc. The same question appears to have been asked and answered in your columns, and the answer was the reverse of mine, viz.;— That it was correct to say “ two pairs.” As one or other of us must be in the wrong, may I ask you to say whether mine was not the correct ans wer. lam. etc,, J.W.J. Ashburton, April 9.

[Our correspondent's conclusion is better than his argument. Pairs is certainly the plural of po.ir and must in many instances be employed, but it is not in correct to say “two pair of glovs ; perhaps’ it is more euphonious than “ two pairs of gloves,”—Ed. CL]

THE ACCIDENT ON THE ALFORD FOREST ROAD. To the Editor. Sir, — Id your account of the accident which occurred on Friday night last, and which appeared in Saturday’s asue, I have to state that you have been misinformed as to the cause of the accident. It would infer that ray trap caused the accident, whereas the rider of the injured horse, through careless riding, crossed over the wrong aide to the right side of the road, and came into contact with my vehicle, in which were my wife and son, fortunately doing no other damage than killing his own horse. I am etc., W. 0. Page. [We did not intend to attribute any blame to the driver of the trap, but even after Mr Page’s explanation we think the vehicle bore a very prominent part in the catastrophe.— Ed. G ]

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACES. The following acceptances for the Tin wald races were received on Saturday evening:— Hurdle Race. st lb st lb Captain ... 12 0 Dick ... 8 6 Bill Allan ... 9 7 Jasper ... 8 4 Wrangler ... 9 0 Fox... ... 8 4 Tinwalo Cup. Frantic ... 7 4 1 Madam ... 6 0 Primrose ... 6 5 | Trotting Race. Larrikin ... 400yds Blygo ... 600yds Alma ... 500yds Rosie ... 600yds Nellie ... 550yds Pollie ... 650yds Maiden Plate. Louie Redwing Madam Miss Lysle Frolic Phoebe Little Wonder Wrangler A.J.O. ATJTUMS MEETING.. [Reuter’s TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Sydney, Saturday. The last day’s races of the Australian Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting took place to-day at Randwick. The various events resulted as follow ; Rous Handicap, a handicap sweepstake of 5 sovs each, with 100 sova added. For three-year-olds. One mile and three furlongs. Mr A. Frater’s ch f Highland Mary ... 1 Mr S. Barnard’s ch c The Broker ... 2 Mr J. Mayo’s ch c Prince Imperial ... 3 Place Handicap, a free handicap sweep stakes of 10 sovs each, with 300 added. One mile and a halt. Mr S. Knight’s b or hr c Moonshee, 3yrs 1 Me Brackenreg’s hr h Tom Spy, 4yrs 2 Mr T. Jones’ hr h Corlolanus, 6yrs... 3 Nursery Handicap, a handicap sweep * stakes of 5 sovs each, with 160 sovs added. For two year-olds. Six fur longs. Hon J. White’s hr c Matchlock ... 1 Mr D. S Wallace’s bc Abner ... 2 Mr J. Wilson’s hr c Ringmaster ... 3

A splendid race ; won by a head. Steeplechase, a handicap sweepstakes oi 5 Isovs each, with 200 added. Aboul

three miles. Mr 1 Deceiver ... 1 Mr J. Phillips’ br g Fingal, 6yra ... 2 Only these two horses passed the post, the remainder having fallen or retired. Australian Jockey Glue Plate, of 350 sovs. For three-year-olds and upwards. Weight fur age. Three miles. Mr S. Martin’s b c Reginald, 3yrs ... 1 Mr G. Davis’s b c David, 3yrs... ... 2 Hon W, Pearson’s b h Commotion, 6yrs (... ... ... ... ... 3 Kingship made the greater part of the running, but was unable to keep up the pace, Reginald winning easily. Free s Handicap, of 100 sovs. One mile and a quarter. Mr Key’s b h Rapid, 6yrs ... ... 1 Messrs W. and J. Lee’s hr h Fernlea, 4yra ... ... ... 2 Mr F. Yeoman’s b h Lord Olifden, aged 3

DUNEDIN BIRTHDAY MEETING.

Dunedin, Last Night. The following are the nominations for the Queen’s Birthday Meeting of the Dun edin Jockey Club; — Provincial Handicap Black Boy, July, Lady Emma, Marion, Sou’-wester. Kingask, Adamant, Tim Whifflrr, Captain Webster and Taiaroa Hurdle Race— Rocket, Maggie, Gari baldi, Hector, Matipo, Trapper, Qlenara, Modesty, Mokarakara, Gang Awa, Little John, Moody, Mokoreta and Foreman. St Cl me Handicap— Leopold, Marion, Matanaka. Russley, Sou’-wester, Kingask, Tim Whiffler, Talebearer, Taiaroa, Capt. Webster, Ouida, Borderman, Don Jose and Trumpeter. Birthday Handicap —Black Boy, Leo pold, July, Blue Jacket, Lady Emma, Marion, Sou’-wester, Kingask, Adamant, Tim Whiffler, Taiaroa and Captain Web ster. Tkadbsmbn’s Handicap —Leopold, Blue Jacket, July. Matanaka, Marion, Russley, Sou’-wester, Kingask, Tim Whiffler, Tale bearer, Taiaroa, Captain 'Webster and Don Josd

THE RUSSO-AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

[keutbr’s teleg rams—copyright. ] London, April 10. The panic which prevailed for some ! time on account of the threatening / aspect of foreign affairs, has now in a 1 great measure subsided, and business 1 has resumed its usual course. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Gladstone stated, in reply to a •. question, that General Komaroff has > been requested by the Russian Govern > ment to furnish an explanation of his I conduct in attacking the Afghan troops. London, April 12. It is not expected that the reply of General Komaroff to the demand of . the Russian Government for an ex planation of his action will be received for fully a fortnight. Intelligence is to hand that Ayoub Khan, late Ameer of Afghanistan, attempted to escape from custody, and has been conveyed to the citadel of Teheran. (Received April 13, 10 a.m ) St. Petersburg, April 12. A telegram, dated April Ist, from General Komaroff to the Russian Go vernment has been published, which explains that he summoned the Afghans to evacuate their position. This, however, acting under the advice of British officers present, they declined to do. In order to support the de mand Komaroff ordered his troops to advance, still counting, however, upon a pacific issue of the difficulty. Qn the approach of the Russians the Afghans opened fire upon them and followed this with an attack by cavalry, where upon Komaroff felt compelled to order his troops to commence hostilities, with the result that the battle was fought as : already reported. (Received April 13, 10 a.m.) St. Pbtersbuoh, April 12. , A semi-official organ of the Govern- [ ment, the Journal de St Petetsbourg, f commenting on KomeroflPs explanation ] of the Afghan incident declines to allow that the action of the Russian 1 commander was prompted by aggres-1 sive motives, p

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[bEDTER’s TKtKORAMS—COPYRIGHT. ] The Mails. London, April 10. The San Francisco mails from Auck land (March 3) were delivered here to-day. Shipping London, April 11. The New Zealand Shipping Com pany’s R.M.S. Tongariro left Plymouth this afternoon for Port Chalmers, via Teneriffe and the Cape. The Revolt in Canada. a , - The American Indians are joining the rebels in the revolt amongst the Indian half-breds in North-West Canada. Pending the result of the parleying on the question, the Canadian Government have despatched 7,000 men to the scene. Lloyd’s War Bisks. Lloyd’s Australian war risks have in creased ss per cent. Royal Mint. Mr Geo. Anderson, deputy master of the Royal Mint, Melbourne, sails for Australia on May 7th. The New Governor’s Staff. Captain Alison proceeds to Sydney as aide-de-camp to Lord Garington, the new Governor of New South Wales, and Hon Josceline Amherst, a barrister, will be private secretary to His Excel lency. The Markets. The shipment of beef ex the steamer Liguria, has realised only 3j£d. The meat arrived in an unsatisfactory con dition. The shipment ex the West minster brought per lb. The wheat market is excited, and the prices are unsettled, April and May cargoes have been sold at 36s 6d, and February shipments at 37s 3d. Holders, how ever, demand a higher price. ' The Wool Market. The wool market is weaker, and is especially low in greasy sorts. Since [ the commencement of the series 178,000 bales have been catalogued, of • which number 25,000 were withdrawn. ! An Intimation. ’ Sir Gerald Graham has issued a pro clamation, calling upon the rebel Arabs to submit to him,. and furnish provisions and camels for the use of L the British, otherwise they must be pre -2 pared to take the consequences of their resistance. 1

Disaffected Mahdites. Cairo, April 11. News of the rising by disaffected fol lowers of the Mahdi is confirmed, and it is believed his forces have been com pletely destroyed in fighting at El Obeid. Indian Massacre. Intelligence from North - West America states that the insurrection fomented by the half-bred Riel in Manitoba is growing gravely, and the Indian tribes have surrounded several outlying stations, and massacred a number of white settlers at Frog Lake. Obituary. The death is announced of the Right Hon George Swan Nottage Lord Mayor of London. (Received April 13, II a m.) Monetary. London, April 11.

Three per cent consols remain at 95; Bank rate unchanged at ", market rate 2*4 per cent. New Zealand Go vernment securities 5 per cent; 10-40 loan has fallen to par; per cent 1879-1904 loan to 99^; and 4 per inscribed stock 10^94 %\{sic).

Breadstuffs. A considerable rise has occurred in breadstuffs. Adelaide wheat in store, per 4g6lbs 29s ; New Zealand ditto, 32s to 38s, according to grade. Ade laide flour, 28s per 28olbs. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the United Kingdom is 2,760,000 quarters, a de crease of 150,000 quarters during the week. Frozen Mutton. Prime New Zealand mutton has realised an average of 6d per lb. ‘ Wool. Ten thousand four hundred bales of wool were catalogued yesterday and nine thousand one hundred to-day. The market is quieter, but still steady. (Received April 13, 10 a. m.) [Per Merchant Shipping and Underwriters Association.] Shipping. . London, April 11. Arrived—Ship Pleiades, from Na pier. [per ebetbr’s special correspondent.] , Arab Submission. Suakim, April 12. The native Sheiks in the neighbor hood of this place iq consequence of General Graham's proclamation, are rapidly tendering their submission. It is expected when the British advance is completed as far as Tambouik, nearly all the tribes will have owned allegiance to the British authority. AUSTRALIAN. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Fatal Encounter. Sydney, Saturday. Intelligence from Coonamble states that the two men, Angel and Thurston, who escaped from Coonamble Gaol on March 19, and have been at large since attacked a storekeeper, named Stewart, yesterday and shot him dead. The police shortly appeared on the scene, and, after exchanging shots, wounded Angel mortally, and shot Thurston dead. War Bisks. | Melbourne, Saturday. The Merchant Shipping and Under writers’ Association announce the fol lowing scale of war risks for insuring vessels between. England and the Aus tralian colonies :—Outwards: steamers, % per cent; sailing vessels, per cent. Homewards ; steamers, % per cent; sailing vessels, per cent. Shipping. Hobart, Yesterday. The Shaw, Savill and Albion Co.'s 3.5. Coptic arrived here yesterday morning from London, and sailed m :he afternoon for New Zealand. (Received April 13 10 a.m.) The Mails. Melbourne, Apri| 12- Arrived, this morning—The Mar iillia, with the English mail. DdffiucO’ It is intended by the local military luthorities to make considerable addl ions to the strength of the artillery orce at Port Phillip Heads. (Received April 13,11 a.m.) The Markets. Adelaide, To-day. Wheat has a firmer tendency, ship* iog being quoted at 3s 6d at outpoits

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1885.



WAR WiTH RUSSIA. —At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for 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. Row is the time, therefore, to lay in a stock of clothing, before the 'general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught'napping we,have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds end other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which we are prepared to offer at unusually low prlreai for cash. Regarding style and fit, it is almost needless for us to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of cu;‘ing, and the care exei* oised by us in fining the figure, a mis-Ct i« an impossibility.— Cb.aighea.ij and Co. , Jlerehaat Tailors, Tattered street.



Wanted. WANTED —A correspondent for the Guardian, at Mount Somers. Apply to the Manager. TXT ANTED—For Rakaia, a good gene * ' ral Servant. Apply Mrs John Oer, Alford Forest Road. 4 524 ' WANTED —The Committee of the Ashburton Club to Meet This Evening, at Fowler’s Buildings, at 8 p.m. Business of importance. 4 533 WANTED Known—Found a yellow and white Greyhound Sint. Owner can have same by paying expenses. 0. Ryeix, Alford Forest Road. 4 520



TTJANTED Known—Before buying W Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc., call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Seoees, t ealys’ Buildings, East Street. BEAT Reductions for Cash at Jones and Bkadshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50s per ton, Is 6d per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag; new oatmeal 4s per bag ; good cheese 5d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates.



VX/’ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew v ? ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. LORIOUS NEWS. Andrew Okr will give away on Saturday ICO pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s ,6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11s 6d—every article at half-price. 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, Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2161 2 276 2 237 XIX 7 ANTED » » are da NTED Known—Fresh Flounders are daily despatched direct from



IT/"ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 Vt That Hates and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 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 st 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shitting at 4£ 1, Towels 3£ d, 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. Andrew Obr’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Thkatpical 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,



Money. SEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold security, at current rates of interest. Principals only dealt with. 3 428 OH .VS. W. PURNELL. y-jOMESTIO PATT ERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Stkebt, near Lancaster’s butchery.* Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413



SELLING GEE B’ANOY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONERY, &c. Must bo sold —even if at a loss To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton.



Canterbury Mills. fj\o FARMERS AND OTHERS, CORN SACKS, he eiz3 and weights. At lowest current rates, 3 292 0. W, TURNER.



Machine Shop, WAKAKDI ROAD. OH ARLES RAY Repairs Engines, Combines, Chaff-cutters, Reapers and Binders, and all classes of maoninery. Special attention given to Bicycles, Tricycles and Sewing Machines. Lawn Mowers repaired, sharpened and adjusted. Model work. General repairs. 3 384



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 largo case of books personally selected, and just received. I be'iove it was Lord Woiseley 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 I 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 fiu'sh by saying— Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saundeus’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. I rpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Messrs WILDING, LEWIS &CA EGILL g j have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risks taken at lowest current rates. C LEWIS & GOULD, B 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. Timber Timber TO FARMERS 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 > throughout. ; *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. ’ MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. 1 (late A. Hayes), > TIMBER, COAL & WOOD j MERCHANTS, a East street, Ashburton. 1 I 26 Branches Now Open 25 - THE NEW” ZEALAND * Clothing Factory P Are now Showing I 1 NEWEST STYLES in 1 SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, g Manufactured 0 from the renowned s Wear Resisting c MOSGIEL TWEEDS it 8 The fit and workmanship of every gar " ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while ia the large production and increased busi r. ness enables the proprietors to oiler j special advantages as to price. *5 Men’s, Boys’and Children’s Clothing ~ in every variety at Wholesale Prices. a j Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, m Portmanteaux, and 0. every requisite at 0 WHOLESALE PRICES. an ■■ . i Note the address— “ NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton , n 25 Branches Now Open 25 af ———— N OTICE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch,



Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Bye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we have erected a large iron warehouse. 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. 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 be arranged. 3 454



AND WINTER H. E. May & Co., Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection. They comprise the Newest and Best of every kind of MILLINERY; DRAPERY, UNDER CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cash 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 best pro curable for • money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally _ by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving tho immense cost of an Extravagant Establishment with manager, sub-manager and an expensive staff ; therefore we will not allow any house or company to undersell us. So if they should advertise or mako a special lead or draw of any particular article, we will 'ive you tho same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the best. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attention, and be sent free of carriage (by rail) to ' ANY PART OF CANTERBURY. H. JS. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. SEASON’S ADVERTISEMENT & INTIMATION BE FINE ART GOODS, CREWEL SILKS, INGRAIN COTTONS, TRANFER PATTERNS, &c., To appear in our Next. DIMANT & COE, General Drapers, Clothiers, &0., East and Tancred Streets, Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancked Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf per lb Best White Crysta., SJ>d pet lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12a 6d yer box ] Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 6J Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6id Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street, 12 2342