DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, May 19 Messrs Matson, Cox and C j., at the Tinwald Saleyards—Stock Messrs Miles and Co., at the Tinwald

Yards—Sheep The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, at the Tinwald Yards —Sheep •/

MOERTTNGS, AMUSEMENTS, Em Wednesday, Mat 20 Oddfellows’ Hall— Lecture, at 8 o’clock Orange.Ball—Star of the East, 1.0. G. T., jpeetlng at 8 o’o'ock Thursday, May 21 Hall—-Mr Grigg's Address to the Electors

■>.. Friday, Mat 22 St’Stephen’s Schoolroom—Concert, at 8 .. Monday, May 25. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Friday, June 5 Ashburton County Council—At Counci: Chambers, 11 a. m. Lonbgeach Hoad Board at Road Board Office.

Saturday, June 6. Vaksmui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. tO.SOa.xa., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. Tin wald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, arid Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. or Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 am., for Timva and South, at 0 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p,m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays,.at 10.45 a.m. Far Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Ryle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.in. For ifount Somers, daily at 430 p.m. jpqt Mayfield and Kuapnna, on Mon d&yZapd Thursdays, at 430 p.m. Fc* Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at p.m. duly. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri flays at 10.30 a.m.

Mifo* arrive at the Ashburton Poa From Christchurch and Ra,kaia at 10.16 *.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From CheEteey»&!V at 10.15 a.m. and 4,35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin wad intermediate places ‘ at Froiu Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. U.dO p.m-, and 8 p.m. daily. From Greer street, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10. aju from Mount Somets, daily at 10.5 im. Front Mayfield and Ruipona, on Wed nesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. _ From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat unays. at 4.45 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1885. The Sheep Act.

A number of sheep owners appeared at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning charged under the sth section of the Sheep Act 1878 Amendment Act, 1884, with being the owners of sheep infected with lice. Few of our farmers possess even a superficial know ledge of law, and we doubt if any of them have taken the trouble to make themselves acquainted with the numer ous statutes bearing upon their daily operations. This is an omission ot which many other members of the com munity are guilty and, except by the eyes of the law, it is not regarded as a very culpable offence. The law, how ever, for obvious reasons, is compelled to assume that it is known to the com munity at large, and Mr Baddeley had no other course open to him than to inflict the minimum penalty upon the offenders who appeared before him this morning. The Sheep Act 1878 Amendment Act, 1884, which is to be read and construed with the Sheep Act, 1878, was passed during the last ses sion of Parliament, and came into force on the first day of the current year. It provides that if any Inspector shall be satisfied that any sheep in a flock are infected with lice, he shall give the owner a written notice to dip such sheep forthwith ; if the owner neglects to comply with this notice within a period of one month he will render himself liable to a penalty of not less than five pounds nor more than fifty pounds. The Act further provides that in case the owner after conviction fails to dip his sheep he will be liable to a fine of not less than twenty pounds, and the Inspector may clean the sheep at the expense of the owner. The fifth section of the Act, the one under which the charges re ferred to were laid reads—lf any sheep infected with lice shall be found in any pound, or in any public yard or yards, or in any yard or yards at which sheep are offered for sale, the owner of the sheep so infected shall be liable to a penalty of not less than one pound, nor more than five pounds.” The Inspector stated, in evidence this morning, that the infection was wide spread and highly detrimental to the sheep infected, and as the authorities appear, very properly, determined to enforce the provisions of the Act, flock masters should at once take the neces sary steps to rid their sheep of a pest which will be found more costly to maintain than to destroy.

The Master of the Old Men’s Home wishes to acknowledge the receipt of five hares from Mr 0. G. Hawdon, of Wester field, and also two overcoats from the Rev Mr Beattie, for the use of the inmates. A meeting of members of the Methven Racing Club will be held this evening. Amongst other business an application for the removal of the disqualification from the horse Marmion will be considered.

The Queen’s Birthday falling on Sun day next, Monday, the 25th instant, will be observed as a general holiday. The Post and Telegraph offices will be opened only from 9 a m. till 10 a.m., and from 7 p.m. till 8 p.m. Mails will be despatched by the early morning and express trains only. Trains will run as usual, but re turn tickets will be issued at single fares. The office of the Resident Magistrate’s Court will be closed all day, as also will the office of the County Council. The Borough Council office will be closed all day, and the usual fortnightly meeting of the Council will be held on Tuesday, 26th instant. The Banks will be closed on Monday and Tuesday The Guardian will ba published as usual. Mr O. Digby, of Winchmore road, is the owner ,of a pony that has shown itself to be an adept ratter. The animal kills with its teeth any rat that ventures within its reach.

The initial concert of a series to be held in connection with the St Stephen’s Sun day School will place on Friday even ing, and promises to he a marked success The St Stephen’s choir will contribute glees, and the songs and readings will bs of an exceptionally attractive character. A special feature on the programme will be “ The Old Flag,” Mr Vincent Pyke’s patriotic sons, the chorus of whioli will be sustained by the choir. Flies and Bugs.—Beetles, insects, roaches ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rnb bits, cleared out by “Rough on Rats." The N,Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 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 Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. E, (May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for £954, or only a little over one-third of its value. H. E. M, and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secure a speed clearance.

There was a most satisfactory muster at the inspection parade of th«i Ashburton Ride Volunteers last night, 54 of all ranks being present out of a total strength of 53. We learn that the four absentees were temporarily absent from the district. After inspecting the Company in the usual way, Major Newall called on the various officers and non-commissioned officers to exercise the Corps in company and battalion drill, sword-bayonet exercise, etc. , most of which were fairly well exe cuted, though it was manifest that some of the members had become slight’y rusty—doubtless owing to irregular atten dance. Now that the weekly drills have been resumed the Company will, we feel sure, soon recover its usual form. Before dismissing the men Major Newall said ha should have pleasure in reporting favor ably to the Colonel as co their smart ap pearance, and he was especially pleased to see the full attendance.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning Mr Baddeley, R.M., announced his determination in future to visit acts of cruelty to animals with the severest penalties. The racehorses Sou’-wester, Talebearer and Tim Whiffler, and a trotting horse belonging to Mr P. Butler, passed through Ashburton by the express this morning en route for Dunedin, where they will take part in the Queen’s Birthday Meet ing of the Dunedin Jockey Club, In Christchurch on Saturday, Matthew Keane, at present undergoing a sentence for stealing a saddle and bridle from Mr Walsh, and who stands committed for trial for stealing a horse from Mr S. Wright, was charged with stealing a watch, valued at L 6, the property of David Douk. Inspector Pender said the offence had been committed at Huruuut in October, 1884, and asked for a remaud which was granted till Friday next. The friendly attitude of America during the present crisis in Anglo-Russian com plications, has invested the home of “ Brother Jonathan ” with a new interest. The lecture to be given by the Rev Jos. Berry to-morrow night on the United States is therefore very opportune, and as the price of admission is within the reach of all none of our readers should miss the chance of hearing something new about the commercial, social, and other features of American life. It is expected that O. W. Turner, Esq., will occupy the chair, and several selections of music will be rendered at intervals by a party of singers under Mr Gamble’s leadership. The United States make one-Sfth of the iron and one-fourth of the steel in the world. Of the gold supply that coun try furnishes one-half, and of the silver, one-third. The United States represents 36, Great Britain 33, and all other nations 31 per cent of the mineral industries of the world. A meeting of the 4shbnrton Rifles, in

plain clothes, ia called for Thursday even

ing, to consider matters in connection with the proposed field day at Christ-

church on Monday next, in honor of Her Majesty’s Birthday Wo understand that the Ashburton men will go hence by special train early on Monday morning The Christchurch City Council decided last night to invito the looel bodies in-

terested in sanitary matters in and around Christchurch to attend a conference to

discuss the advisability of continued action in the direction of medical super vision and proper sanitary inspection. This action has been taken in consequence of the moribund condition of the Christ church District Board oUHealth.

A woman named Barbara Hialip, a widow living in Christchurch by herseif.

committed suicide by hanging herself last evening. She had been suffering from melancholia for some time past, and was known to be not in her right mind. Captain (Douglas has received a letter from Mr O. J. Harper, J. P., enclosing subscription as a honorary member of the Ashburton Rifle Volunteers. Mr Harper expresses his approval of the objects of the corps, and wishes it success.

The Justices of Hastings appear to have a keen appreciation of thesubleties of the law. .Last week (says the Law Journal) a man in a st*te of intoxication was found being wheeled about in a bath chair, and brought before the Bench for jurisdiction. But, said the Justices, he was not found drunk in the street, as the Act requires The bath chair was in the street, and he was in the bath chair, but he was not in tho street. This very pretty distinction would carry the severe logician far. A man in a pair of top boots is not in the street, wherever his boots ace ; and it would go hard if anyone should ba con victed of drunkenness unless he went barefoot. Still, no one, looking at the man’s discretion in exchanging legs lictle to be relied on for tho smooth-rolling wheels of a bath chair, and at so pleasing

a display of magisterial acuteness, wil grave at the escape. A private cable massage has been re

ceived stating that the racehorses owned by the Hon. W. Robinson have arrived at Sydney in excellent condition. 313 The annual meeting of the C J,O. was held in Christchurch yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended. The Treasurer, Mr G. G. Stead, in his report stated that notwithstanding the large amount spent this year in improvement, and the great increase in stakes, the financial position of the Club was satisfactory. L 9.624 16s had been paid in stakes during the past season, as against L 7,710 3s and L 6,676 8s in the two preceding years. The total receipts were L 12,123 12a 7d, excluding LSOO for insurance on the Stand burnt down, against L 11,243 3s 6d for 1884.

The assets,of the Club were estimated at L9,36t, and exceeded the liabilities by L 8 970. The Committee were instructed to revise the rules for consideration by a special meeting. This was done. The mover, Mr Stead, stated, with a view to endeavor to prevent the black-mailing on the drawers of sweeps, to provide more stringent rules for the control of jockeys, ahd in connection with the naming of horses. On the motion of Mr Stead, the following resolution wos adopted— f ‘ That the Committee bo requested to take into consideration the practic ability of provid ing regulations to control racing at coun try meetings in the Provincial District of Canterbury.” The following officers were elected: —Stewards; Messrs J. Brabazon, G. Clifford, P. Cunningham, L. Harper, M H. R., J. D. Frankish, 0. Hawdon, J. D. Lance, M H R,, H. H. Prins, Hon. W. Reeves, M.L.0., Lancelot Walker, A. C. Wfison and H. Wynn-Williams; Committeemen; Messrs T. Acland, J. m, P. Campbell, J. D. Frankish, ,S. Garforth, J. B. Gresson, P. J. Kira bell, Hon. B. Parker, H. H. Prins, G. P. Williams, C. H. Williams, A. 0. Wil son and H, Wynn-Williams ; Judge ; Mr F, J. Kimbelt; Hon. Trea-urer: Mr G. G. Stead; Clerk of the Scales: Mr S. Gar forth ; Clerk of the'Course : Mr Dundaa ; Starter : Mr P. Campbell ; Handicapping Committee : Messrs Gresson, Brabazon, Cotton and G. P. Williams.

Parents do not use yile drugs or nostrums in your families, but use pure Hop Bitters, made only by American Co. See and read.

Holloway’s Pills.—Health or Wealth.— Np sane person would hesitate an instant in the choice between these two conditions. Now is the season to secure the former either by restoring or confirming it. These Pills ex pel all impurities from the sysfeip which fogs foul vapours, and variable temperatures en gender during winter ; this medicine also a:ts most wholesomely upon the skin by disgorging the liver of ifs .accumulated bile, end by ex citing the kidneys to more energi ■ ic action; increases the appetite for food and strengthens the digestive process. The stomach and liver, which most disorders originate, are fully under the control of these regenerative Fills, which act very kindly yet most efficiently on the tendered bowels.—[Ad vt,]

It is interesting; to know what is the penalty exacted from a Freemason who betrays the secrets of his order. M Andrieux, late Prefect of Police, has been expelled from the Lyons “ Lodge of Per feet Silence ” for making too free with Masonic mysteries; and by way of adding insult to injury, he announces that by their laws the lodge are bound to have his throat cut, his body disembowelled, and his mutilated remains laid out on the seashore at low water. M. Andrieux is awaiting the execution of this sentence with philosophical resignation. — Truth. An eagle has just died in Vienna which has been kept in confinement 114*years. It probably was a young bird when caught, so that its age must have not been far from 120 years. A record of the eagle’s condition was made from year to year. There are swans on the River Thames that are known to be 150 years old. For five centuries the Vintners’ Company there have kept a record of cer tain swans, and the ages of the specimens of this long-lived species of water-fowl are known to a day. Catarrh of thf. Bladder. —Stinging .rotation, inflammation, all kidney and similar complaints, cured by “ Buchu-paiba.” The N Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 All your own fault if you remain sick or out of health, when you can get Hop Bitters made by American Co. Rea d.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASHBURTON— To-day.

Before H. C. S. Baddeley, Esq., B.M, Breach of the Licensing Act, 18*1 —James Patterson was charged under the 158th section of the Licensing Act, with having falsely represented himself to W. Power, landlord of the Royal Hotel, as a traveller, and thereby inducing the said W. Power to supply him with intoxicat ing drinks during prohibited hours.—Mr Crisp appeared for the accused, who pleaded guilty and was fined 40s and costs, with the alternative of seven days’ imprisonment. Breach of the Licensing Act, 1881.— J. 0. Bell, the Deputy Official Assignee, was charged with a breach of the Licen sing Act. The information alleged that the defendant had, while holding a tem porary transfer of the Methven Hotel, absented himself from the hotel for a longer period than fourteen days.—Mr Purnell appeared for the defendant.— Sergeant Felton said since the summons was issued he had obtained further infor mation in reference to the case, and wished to withdraw the charge.—Mr Purnell asked for costs. His client had been put to considerable trouble and ex pense by the precipitate action of the police.—Sergeant Felton opposed the ap plication. He said he had given the de fendant notice of the withdrawal.—After argument, Mr Purnell called the follow ing evidence in Support of his application. —J. O. Bell daid that upon the bank ruptcy of R. Patton ho obtained a tem porary transfer to himself of the license of the Methven Hotel previously held by the bankrupt. Witness had placed Patton in charge of the hotel.—R. Patton said he had acted for the licensee of the hotel. —The application for costs was not en tertained, and the police were allowed to withdraw the charge. Breach of the Sheep Act 1878 Amendment Act, 1884 A McLeod, Isaac Sargent, John Brown, George Cole, David Thomas, G. T. Dudley, James Dwyer, Thomas Walsh, James bland, and John Bell were charged on the informa tion of W. tiolderness, Sheep Inspector, with being the owners of sheep infected with lice and found in yards at which sheep are offered for sale contrary to the Sheep Act 1878 Amendment Act, 1884. —The defendants admitted the offense, and were each mulct in the minimum penalty, 20s and costa. —L. E. Oofabie, charged with being the owner of ninety eight sheep infected with lice, pleaded not guilty.—W. Holderness, Sheep In spector, said he had examined the sheep in the Tinwald yard and found them to be infected by Hoe —To the defendant : He had never been mistaken in respect to scab and lice.—L. E. Corabie, the de fendant, said he purchased the sheep on the day preceding that mentioned in the information. Tie bad handled every sheep, and remarked that they were particularly free from insects- He had had fourteen years’ experience with sheep. The defendant was fined 20s and costs.— W. Strachan, charged with being the owner of 780 sheep infected with lice pleaded “ Not guilty.” Evidence having been taken, the defendant was fined 20s and costs Breach of the Borough By laws.— Meredith Wilson was charged with having left his horses and dray unattended in Moore street, contrary to ths Borough by-laws, on May 4.—Constable Latimer said he had discovered the horses and dray in Moore street on the day men tioned in the information. The team had been left unattended for some time, and witness removed it to Scott and New man’s stables. Constables Neill and Beddek stated that the defendant had been in town drinking about the time of the offence.—The Magistrate said the accused was incorrigible, and indicted a penalty of L 5 and costs. Cruelty. Thomas Blackburn was charged with failing to provide a horse, his property, with proper! shelter. —Constables Latimer and Smart stated that on the evening of May 9 they had seen the horse tied to a fence in West street. It had been there for about seven hours exposed to heavy cold rain when removed by the police.—The accused was fiued 20a and costs.' Larceny.—J. H. Roberts, on remand, was charged with the larceny of two cheques, value LM 5s 9d, from Robert Patton, of Methven.— Robert Patton said, on March 31 he had given the cheques referred to in the information to the accused to change at the Bank of New Zealand, Rakaia. Witness had not re j ceived the proceeds of the cheques nor had he since seen the accused till his ap pearance before the Court. Witness re ceivod a telegram from accused on April 7 stating—“ Your money lies at Bank, Rakaia. Cheque sent your order. ” Wit ness had applied at the Bank, but the money was not there.—John Fitzgerald, barman at the Methven Hotel, said on March 31 he saw R. Patton give accused two cheques to change at Rakaia. The amount of the cheques was entered in the day book as Lll 5s 9d. The cheque pro duced was one of those given to the ac cused The accused represented that he would return to Methven after changing the cheques. He had not returned, and witness had not seen him until his ap pearance before the Court.—J. O. Shep pard, manager of the City Hotel, Christ church, said he had known the accused for a long time. Witness could not swear that he had cashed the cheque produced. He did nott remember seeing the accused early in April. On the average from LIOO to Ll5O worth of cheques passed through his hands during a week, and it was impossible for him to recollect the individual cheques. The police had told him he had paid the cheque produced into toe account of the City Hotel.—Vincent A. Pyke, manager of the Rakaia branch of the Bank of New Zealand, said he re collected no money being paid into the Bank for Patton by the accused —The accused reserved his defence, and was committed to take his trial at the next criminal session of the Supreme Court The Court then rose.

CHORAL SOCIETY.

The first annual meeting of the Ash mrton Choral Society was held in the St. Stephen's schoolroom last evening. There IS vas a goDd attendance, and Mr W. H. g Sundry presided. I The Chairman congratulated the Society ipon its success during the past year, and t upon the fact that there was a balance in 1 hand after payment of all expenses. He ] hsked the Hun. Secretary to read the Be- c port and Balance-sheet. ANNUAL RKPORT. ( The Hon. Secretary (Mr J. W. Jones) < read the Report and Balance-sheet as fol- ] lows :—" In laying before you the Ba- 1 lance-Bheet of the Society at this the close i of the first year of its existence, we beg to i give you an account of the work done by the Society, and how the balance now at its credit has been arrived at. The first effort of the Society took place on August 7th, when the "Lay of the Bell" was performed, resulting in a small profit of 18s lid. The next in order was "H. M.S. Pinafore" in November, on which occa sion a profit of LlO 15s lOd was added to the funds of the Society. At the produc tion of the " Messiah " in April, there was a loss of Ll2 lis 6d and on the oc casion of the reproduction of " H.M.S. Pinafore " a further loss was sustained of LI 16s 6d, after receiving a similar amount from the Orchestral Society. The Society, however, has still a balance of L 4 lis Id, besides outstanding subscrip tions amounting to L 3 2s fid, which we hope to receive to-night or at an early date. Had we been enabled to collect these before the meeting the Society's true balance after the year'B work would have been L 7 13s 7d. We take thts oppor tunity of thanking the gentlemen who have kindly sent donations to the Society during the year, thus enabling it to meet its liabilities, and retain the small amount now at its credit, which we trust will be deemed satisfactory." RECEIPTS FOB TEAE.

The Chairman moved the adoption of the Report and Balance-sheet. He re gretted the production of the " Messiah " had resulted in a loss to the Society, but | he thought members would agree with him that financial success could hardly be | expected to attend the production in Ash burton of music of that class. The So j ciety was greatly indebted to the Hon. Secretaries, Messrs Paul and Jones for their efforts on its behalf.

Mr Rose seconded the adoption of the Report and Balance-sheet, which was unanimously agreed to.

VOTES OP THANKS. Mr Paul aaid that before going further into the business of the evening he would like to propose a very hearty vote of thanks to their able conductor Mr S. W olf. That gentleman had worked very hard, and with the result that a very creditable Society now existed both in point of numbers and efficiency. Several other members spoke in eulo gistic terms of the services rendered by Mr Wolf to the Society, and the resolu tion on being put to the meeting was carried amidst applause. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the ladies who had assisted at the recent “ Pinafore ” performance. ELECTION OP OFFICERS. The election of officers was then pro ceeded with, and resulted as follows President, Mr J. Grigg ; Vice-Presidents, Dr Ross and Mr E. G. Crisp ; Conductor, Mr S. Wolf ; Secretary, Mr J. W. Jones; Librarian, Mr Pickford; Committee, Messrs A. Fooks, D. Thomas, J. G. Rose, T. F. Farley, A. Craighead, W. H. Gun dry, E. J. Paul, H. Zander, W. H. Zouch, H. Stephenson and J. H. Clayton. NEW MEMBERS. The following ladies and gentlemen were elected members:--Mrs C.O, Fooks, Mrs Crisp, Mrs Saunders, Mrs Ireland, Miss N. Graham, Mias Davis, Miss Dick, Mias Greener, Messrs Hart, Crawshaw, and Seymour. NEXT PER FOE HANCE. It was resolved that the “Sorcerer" should be produced at an early date. The “ Chimes of Normanby ” will follow. The meeting then adjourned with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

DISASTROUS FIRE.

. [By Telegraph.] 1 New Plymouth, To-day. 1 The largest fire known for years oc t correct here shortly after one o’clock this s mornino', in a block of buildings of which i Courtenay’s auction mart formed the centre, and in the shop connected with * which the fire is supposed to have com* i menced. When the alarm was given the fire had a good hold of the buildings, and i Stohrs (jeweller), the two empty shops 1 on either side of him, Tola Bros, i (butchers), New Zealand Clothing Fao i tory, Mrs Callaghan (grocer and baker) i soon followed, the fire being stopped at i that end by a railway line separating it from Braaoh and Co.’s fancy warehouse on the opposite aide. Ford (draper) and > Jackson and Lightband (shoemakers) i soon followed. The backs of the houses in Broughton street on the other side of the railway line, also at times caught, but were extinguished. The Imperial Sotel was saved by the great exertion of the Fire Brigade. During the fire it was pouring with rain, so that most of the goods that were saved, but not housed, were damaged. The wind was blowing a gale from the sea, which caused the fire to extend, notwithstanding the efforts of the Fire Brigade and the supply of water being good. Later. In addition to those mentioned before the following buildings were burnt : Mafflin and Dinglet, furniture warehouse, in Brougham street, caught from the back of Owen aud Graham’s sample room at the back of Cord’s, draper, Mr Sartens two-storied house in Currie Lane, Calson’s two cottages, Mrs Callaghan’s bakehouse and stables, and (the Courtney Hall, which till lately was used by the Salvation Army as a meeting house. The insurances as far as can be gathered are— Callaghan’s building, LBOO inthoOolonial, stock, L6OO in the New Zealand and L 250 in the South British ; Courtney buildings, LSOO in the New Zealand, L4OO in the \ Union and LIOO in the South British ; ! Jackson and Lightband’s stock, L4OO tn the New Zealand, LIOO in the Firelnsur- ] ance Association and LIOO in the Lon- i don and Lancashire; Ford, draper, I about L 1,400 in offices not named; i Hucke (Ford’s buildings), National, L50O; Walker, Imperial Hotel, LI,OOO in Nor- j wioh Union ; Avery, tobacconist, LIOO in Norwich Union ; Stohr, L3OO in London * and Lancashire, LIOO of which has been * re-inaured ; Harris Fords, saddler, L2OO C in South British on stock which has bean C damaged; Mafflin and Dingle, not in- 8 sured. Total amount said to be insured, 1 LIO.OOO ; property worth about L20,000’ J destroyed. ;

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS.

Auckland. The Hon Mr Laraach, Minister of Mines, left to-day for the Coromandel goldfields, accompanied by Mr Cadman, M.H.R. The contract for the completion of sec tion "Wo 1 of the Thames Valley,, an^,.,.., Rotorua railway was signed to-day by Mr Fallon. The price is L 27,043. Operations commence immediately.. . , , .. A public meeting was held in the Choral Hall to celebrate the anniversary of the Auckland University College. The Mayor presided. Addresses were given! by Sir George Urey, Sir Maurice O’Rorke . and Professor Tucker. There was a fair attendance. The Austrian corvette Saida has sailed for F-ji. Stephenson’s Dew play ‘lmpulse” was played for the first time in the colony in the Opera House on Saturday night to a good house by Wybert Reeves’ Dramatic Wybert Reeves, made a capital hit in the" character of Captain ' Oritcbon. Sir George Whitmore is much pleased with the progress made in the defence works, and the forward state of the newly enrolled Volunteer Corps. Wellington. The argument in the Appeal Court; * ? National Bank v Mea and Reid, was.con-'. ' eluded this afternoon, their Honors re- :> serving judgment. It is allaged by two < Captains oJE steamers who left here on Fridayriight that there was no light exhibited alPoh oarrow Lighthouse. The Harbdr.Bbtttl intend holdings strict investigationitifo. the matter. ■ . The Council for the New Zealand Rifle" Association, in the action brought against them by Lieutenant Parnell, of Wan ganui, have filed a statement of defence. The statement contains a general denial of plaintiffs claim, inasmuch as the. . decision of the Executive Committee being final the plaintiff could not quos- • l tion it. ■ . • i The following telephone exchange, rates ■ are to come into force on and after the Ist i July, 1885 :—First 100 subscribers to any - new exchange—First year, L 9 ; second ' year and subsequent years, L 8; every * I new subscriber after the 'first 100, LlO, and L 8 for every second connection or . more. Tha first and subsequent year, L 7. t The above rates a-e for connections.within i half a mile of the telegraph office. For every additional quarter of a mile or por -3 tion, first year, LI; second and L quant years, 15s. . Dunedin. 3 No less {than seven charges of shop*, f lifting were heard at the Police Court, i. most of the cases being against' throe . : women. Being first convictions, they > t ware ordered to come dp for sentence , i whan called on. ■ ' : a A trial is to be made of a powerful . electric search lamp which has been made . here by a local firm to the order of the Government, to be need in connection with r the defence of Auckland. INVERCARGILL. 9 Mr MacMillan, of the great London s publishing firm, arrived to-day by the Te Acau from Melbourne. He is accompan-' ied'-by Mrs MacMillan, the pair being r on their bridal tour. They go north to il morrow. d Mr Hatch, M.H.R. for Invercargill, 1. addressed a large meeting of his opnstitu y eats ‘to-night, and was well received. He y condemned the Otago Central railway, n saying the traffic on it would not pay for waggon grease. Speaking of Mr Shrimp >. ski’s Bill to amend the Licensing Act, he y said it principally affected Osman), . i- which was tha moat villainous town iff ■ s the colony in respect of sly grog selling: He propounded a schema by which the d Government Insurance - Department e should grant in Britain. He was accorded a vote of thanks and confi dence.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, May 12.

The Premier has received a cablegram from the Agent-General stating, with re* yard to the Afghan difficulty, that there is still a feeling of doubt with regard to the permanence of peace. The Victorian loan of four millions was offered with accrued interest since Ist April. The loan is principally required to redeem the debentures issued under the Railway Loan Act of 1857. Mr Service has taken steps to insure the views of the Australian colonies which object to clause 31 of the Federation Bill, especially the amendment made by the House of Lords to that clause, the effect of which will enable any colony to with* draw from the proposed Federation, and to that providing that any legislation passed by the Federal Council is to be fully made known to the House author!* ties.

A new trial has been applied for in the divorce suit Malpas versus Malpas, on the grounds that the verdict for the petitioner was against the weight of evidence. A block of laud in Collins street, which in 1840 was sold for L 313, realised on Saturday LBB,OOO, or LBOO per foot. The appointment of Mr Alison Smith, of Christchurch, to the position of Assis tant Locomotive Superintendent on the Victorian Railways, will probably be con* firmed by the Executive to-day, whan the formal recommendation by the Railway Commissioners will be sent In.

Sydney, May 12.

The cruiser Maasilia was taken for a trip outside the heads yesterday, for the purpose of testing her qualities in her new character. The result was regarded by the authorities as successful. The guns were tested, and firing was carried out with remarkable precision. The Acting Colonial Secretary has issued instructions that, though peace may continue, the moat perfect and complete torpedo plan will be prepared of the various harbors along the coast. These will be accompanied by a report upon each. Should war at any future time be declared, the plans will be immediately available, if necessary, and torpedoes will be then filled and laid in proper positions.

TRADE WITH THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

Wblli gton, Last Night.' Sir Julius Vogel has received the fob lowing letter from the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce ;—" Dunedin, 15th May, 1885—Sir, —I have the honor to acknow ledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th ‘ instant, intimating that the Government have established a regular steam com munication between New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa and Tahiti with the express object of fostering and extending the'trade of New Zealand with those islands. In answer I am requested to say that the Committee highly appreciate the efforts? of the Government to extend the trade to. the colonies, and that they will be pjco*'- pared in every way that they dan to en courage the operations in the new field thus opened np for the commerce of v New Zealand. The establishment of a direct line of steamers to these islands should lead to the extension of the trade of this colony; and though Dunedin is not so favorably situated as the more northern ports, the Committee fe«l assured that the enterprise usually ascribed to her mer chants will not be slow to take advantage of the opening thus presented to it. Any suggestion you njay offer for ,the attain ment of the object sought will receive the most careful consideration from the Chamber.—£ have, etc., E B. Oaboiia, Chairman."

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1885.



£ 8. d. Subscriptions working members 16 2 6 Donations ... ... ... 6 5 0 Profit on H.M.S. Pinafore in November „. 10 15 10 Profit on Lay of the Bell 0 18 11 £34 2 3 EXPENDITDKB. £ s. a. Working expenses ... ... 15 3 2 Loss on Production of Messiah 12 11 6 Loss on second production H.M.S. Pinafore , , 1 16 6 Balance ■ , , 4 11 1 £34 2 3



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS- Advertisements for Thb Ashburtom Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the. copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 p.m., but will be charged double cates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of ood faith. All advertisements and business letters obo addressed The Manager; literary communications should be addressed to The



W. Fowke, 'BOOTMAKER, BEGS to inform hia friends and the pnblio generally' that he has started business on his own account. He hopes by strict attention to business and making a good article, to secure a share of public patronage. Address— BUßKETT STREET, la premises occupied by Mr J. Meech. 4 486 JpUBLIO ANNOUNCEMENT. OPENED MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 18S5. MESSRS BAYLIS * CO. (late of Orr and Alcorn), have Commenced Busi ness as Family Grocers and Tea Dealers, in Saunders’ Buildings, next to Mr Far ley’s, Bookseller, on above date. Messrs B. and Co. beg to announce to the public of Ashburton and District, that as they Buy for Cash and in the cheapest markets, they are in a position to Sell at the lowest possible prices, and trust by punctuality and despatch to receive a fair share of the public patronage. 4 584 BAYLIS & CO. Cadbury’s Cocoa. fJ|HE PUREST AND BEST. Shonld be Used by Everyone, ON SALE AT ORR AND ALCORN’S, Ashburton Agents. To Arrive, a Grand Assortment of Cadbury’s Fancy Goods, comprising— FANCY CHOCOLATES, CHOCOLATE ' CREAMS, Etc. ORR AND ALCORN 4 605 rAR WITH RUSSIA—At the P re sent juncture it would be difficul* for any one except a prophet of tht 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 fail information as to what u transpiring between the two countries tnay indicate that the political breeze ie blowing harmlessly past; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a Storm. In either case, we ought to bi prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks ont tbe price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other commodities wool and labor will go up. Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a Stock of clothing, before the general ad ranee begins.* In order that we may. no! 1)0 caught napping we have just purchased S Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds Inn other materials necessary to a we!i equipped tailoring establishment, which ■re are prepared to offer at unusually low mines for cash. Regarding style and fit. •-verybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of cii ting, and the care exer lised by us in Hi ing the figure, a mis fit .a an impossibility.—Cbaighead and Co. Ksrchsot Tailors, Tailored stmt.



Wanted. WANTED by a young man, age S 3, a Situation to drive a baker’s or storekeeper’s cart ; can assist in shop. Apply, N., Cookaon’s stabbs. 5 1 VST ANTED Known Just arrived, " “ The Old Flag,” music and words. Great success. R. Bevan, Bookseller, next shop to Quill’s Hotel. 5 777 WANTED TO LET or FOR SALE, Suffolk Butchery Premises, con sisting of shop and dwelling house, sausage factory complete. etc. Apply to J C Duncan, Ashburton, 5 785 WANTED Known that it. Lancaster’s Pork Sausages at 6 per lb excels any other in the Canterbury province. Cash buyer of bacon pigs. R. Lancaster Ready-money Meat Mart, Bullock’s Ar cade. 5 774 WHAT I saw in America in 1880.— Popular Lecture on Wednesday next. Oddfellows' Hall, at 7.30, by Rev. Jos. Berry, President of the Wesleyan Conference. 5 735 WANTED Known The undersigned is prepared to Drill Seed with Reid and Gray’s drill or sow with broadcast sower, on moat reasonable terms. Apply to Martin Griffin, Newlands. 5 730 LIFE among the Mormons.—Oddfel lows’ Hall, Wednesday, 20th May. Admission—oho shilling. Tickets every where. 5 736 WANTED Known—That T. Houet has commenced Bacon Curing, and having purchased a first-class sausage machine, he will be able to supply the wants of the inhabitants of Ashburton with a real good Pork Sausage. Fresh every day. Only good corn fed pigs bought. 5 711 WONDERFUL Fire Brigade Scene, as depicted by Rev. Jos. Berry on Wednesday next. To commence at 7 30. Proceeds in aid of Ashburton Wesleyan Church Building Fanes. 5 737 TIT ANTED Known—Before buying YV Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc., call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Segees, ealya’ Buildings, East Street. WANTED Known— Jones and Brad shaw are offering a superior blend ->f Nelson, Moate and Co’s Tea, at 20s per box ; Flour, 18s per sack ; Chaff, 35s per ton ; Wheat, seconds and crushed, equally cheap, for Cash. Known—Wertheim Sew jng Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. CHINESE Quarters, the City by Night, Farming in the West, Niagara, and other topics connected with America, will form part of Rev. Jos Berry’s lecture at the Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday, 20fh May. 5 738 Glorious news. Andrew orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6a 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s fid ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lls fid—every article at half-price. 'CT7'ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V Y That Hates and Go. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit. Ladies’ Leather, 4s fid; 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 la lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at fid. Ladies’ Hose at fid, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£d, Towels 3£d, 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles 1c 4d. Andrew Obr’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. ARRIVED. new goods. Wholesale and Retail. Books by various authors Stationery in great variety Toys and Fancy Goods of every de scription Jewellery, Cutlery, Concertinas, Accor dians, etc. Photo and Scrap Albums, Is Tobacconist’s Sundries, etc. Specially low rates to Country Stores. “ Young Ladies’ Journal,” May number, Is 3d. R Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDING, (Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel. )s 692 GKIOULTURAL Machine Shop, WAKANDI ROAD. CHARLES RAY Repairs Engines, Combines, Chaff-cutters, Reapers and Binders, and all classes of macninery. 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 large case of books personally selected, and just received. I beLeve it was Lord Wolseley who said (he happens to be the moat popular man of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should reao incessantly, and never forget his news papers;’’ and I say the same 1 Read ! Read 1 Read I When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. No having room to give a detailed list o' the contents of my shelves, 1 can only finish oy saying— Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance 1 Thomas F. Farley's, BOOKSELLER AND STaTIONER, Sadndkks’ Buildings, East St,, Ashbukton.



Special Advertisements. rpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mes>ks WILDING, LEWIS & OASTGILL hare 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. MAOPHERSON, FILMBR AND CO. (Late A. Hayes) TIMBER, COAL AND FIREWOOD MEROH AN TS, East street, Ashburton. STUDY your Interests, and get quota tions for every requisite for the Building Trade. Study your Comfort and try our PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, Just landed, ex Candida. Doors, Sashes, Mouldings, Roofing Iron, Gates, Hurdles, &o. On Sale, in any quantities par- WE ARE PRODUCERS And can sell to suit the times W. H. COLLINS, Manager.



gTUDY THE FOLLOWING Quotations AND BEFRIEND YOURSELF s. d. All Wool Welsh Fannel, very heavy, suitable for men’s shirts 0 9f Saxony Union Flannel, fine, suit able for babies’ we»r ... ... 0 8| Scarlet Saxony Flannel 0 8| Grey Calico, per yard ... ... 0 2 Slate Silesia, per yard ... ... 0 2f Heavy Brown Holland, per yard 0 4$ Forfar, for aprons, per yard ... 0 5| One Yard Wide Forfar, per yard 0 7| Cotton Tick, per yard ... ... 04| Turkey Red, per yard 0 5$ Heavy Twill Cretonne; this is well worth Is 0 Reversible Cretonne, usually sold for la, per yard 0 9f All Wool Crimean Shirting ... 1 3 Warm Wincey Shirting ... ... 0 4| Union Crimean Shirting ... ... 0 71- White Blankets, suitable for chil dren’s beds, per pair ... ... 7 11 No. 2 Quality White Blankets, per pair ... ... ... ... 9 6 No 3 Quality White Blankets, per pair ... ... ... ... 12 9 Double-bed Size, per pair ... 13 9 Extra Large Blankets, per pair ... 19 6



See our 21s and 25s BLANKETS They will really astonish you. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. All Tweeds well shrunk. Fit Guaianteed. Charges cannot be beaten. MEM’S CLOTHING To meet these hard times. Men's Tweed Trousers—3s 9d, 5s lid, 7a 6d, 10s 6d Men’s Tweed Irousets and Vest—7s lid, 10s 6d, 12s 6d Men’s Tweed Suits—l7s.6d, 255, 30s Men’s Oil Coats, leather bound—lss 9d See our 21s OYERO O A T. A very special line. BL. B, May & Co., THE HALL. N OTICE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we hare erected a large iron warehouse. This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and Co. and now leased to us, enables ua 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. IJIHE NEW ZEAL ND Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS To Ab. 3 New Zealand Government Rail ways, Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &c. Ac. Ac. Are now prepared to enter into contracts for the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditious manner. ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shortest notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN, .'JOTE -Measures for all uniforms may oo entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the follow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth Oamaru Greymouth Napier Waimate Reefton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland



Victoria House. 17MRESIDE EMPLOYMENT, AMUSEMENT, & INSTRUCTION J FOR, WINTER EVENINGS. NOW SHOWING—A Splendid Assortment of Fine Art Goods nnd Traced Work in Slippers, Cosies, Antimacassars, Tidies, Ladiei’ and Children’s Aprons, Brackets, Drapes, Splaikers, Nightdress Bags. A Nice of Crewel and Washing oilks, Ingrain Cottons, Berlin Fingerings, Transfer Patterns, Designs for Jross Stitch worn, &c. Also—A Nice Variety of Homespuns, Ladies’ and Children’s Ulsters, Jackets, Gloves, etc,, and a few Parcels of Manufacturers’,'amples in Men’s, Youths’, amt Boys’ Cloth ing, bought at 20 per cent under the regular prices, and offered accordingly. ; Dimant and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &o. East and Tancred Streets, Ashburton. Victoria House,



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancred Street. Sugars—English Out Loaf K d per lb Best White Orysta., Sjd per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Cnrrants, 6d Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6sd 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 (JRIANGLE BAKERY. B. MORRIS being the first to RE DUCE the Price of BREAD In Ashbur on, takes this opportunity of thanking hia customers for past favors, and has now the pleasure of informing them tha prompt monthly customers ate waited upon at CASH prices, viz., 41b Loaf sd, Also, that Gristing of farmers’ lots is re ceived at the Triangle Bakery, for the Westerfield Flour Mills. B. MORRIS, MILLER, WESTERFIELD. 5 712



Wells’ "Rough on Corns.”—Ask f r Wells’ “Roughen Corns.” Quick relief complete, permanent cure. Corns, wail? bunions. The N,Z, Drug Co., General Agents, I



TioDoloureux, Toothache, or any other neuralgic pain speedily yields to Baxter’s Anti- Neuralgic Pills,



Use American Co.s Hop Bitters once and yo« will use no other medicine. Test it, no other, Be sure an 4 read.