DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, April 11. Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Barnett ■treet—Contractor’s Plant Tuesday, April 14 Messrs Matson, Cox and C)., at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock ..MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Exo. ‘ Thcrsdat, April 9 St John’s Lodge—Monthly Meeting, m the Masonic Hall, at 7.30 Friday, April 10. , Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, April }} . ffakanul Road Board, *1 £“l,® 4 office Moor© street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, Apbi h 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 , ircade Chambers—Slat of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Tuesday, April 14 St Stephen’s Schoolroom—Tea and Concert Ashburton School Committee— Monthly Meeting, in the Schoolroom, at 7.30 Wednesday, April 15 Tinwald Annual Races Friday, Ap il 17 Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Meet icg Friday, May 1 isaburton County Council —At Counci; Chambers, 11 a. m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mail* close at the Ashburton Post Office follows; — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m, 10.30 a.m., and sp. m. .daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, TinwaM, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Eangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. ' Ifor Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a. m., for Tim&.-u and South, at 0 a.m., 10 ».m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 "* 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 6a. nutfe , , For Ashtsn, Waterton and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. »i<ui at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 s.jn., 436 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. , From Chertsey, &o. at 10.15 a.m, and 436 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at m daily. Froiu Temuka and Timarn at 10.40 a. m. (‘.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. lor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m., and on Wednesdays jt 6 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. . From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs 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 THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1885. The Railway Crossing.

By direction of the Minister for Pub He Works the police throughout the colony are enforcing, or attempting to enforce, the railway by-law that re quires persons when approaching the rails to stop and look out for the en gine, and when riding or driving to cross the line at a walking pace. In the local Court some days ago a num ber of gentlemen were charged with having offended against this by-law; they admitted the offence, were cau tioned, not, however, with much auste rity, and dismissed. But we are pleased to notice that in some other localities the by-law is being vigorously resisted. A number of defendants before the Oaraaru Court yesterday employed legal assistance, and their counsel has 1 impugned the right of the Minister to place unnecessary and ridiculous re strictions upon road traffic. The Magis trate before whom the cases were heard reserved his decision until to-morrow, but we hope his judgment may be such as to lead to some modification of the obnoxious regulation. The provisions of the Public Works Act give the Minister very large powers in respect to the issue of by-laws, but we cannot believe that the legislature ever in tended that those powers should be employed in the direction they have been by Mr Richardson. Sub-section 144 of the Act provides that the Mi lister may make laws dealing with the infernal management of the De partment, but we question whether it conveys sufficient power to support the regulation under notice; it certainly does not support that part of the regu lation requiring every person before crossing a line of rails to slop*and look out for the engine. The Minister has taken upon himself to dictate what a person shall do before he reaches the jurisdiction of the Department; a dictation he has no power to enforce. But it is'to be hoped that the matter will not resolve itself into a litigious contest between the public and the Department, The pre sent by-law was probably suggested to Mr Richardson by the fatal catas trophe that occurred near Woodend some months ago; it is a fact that since that deplorable calamity the Minister has framed most stringent re gulations in his desire to secure immu nity from accident. But, while lecog nising the advisableness of removing, as far as expedient, all risk to life and limb, we cannot forget that devices for protection are not alone to be con sidered. If it were otherwise the matter would be comparatively simple ; crossing the line at any place and in any manner might be prohibited ; but the difficulty lies in the fact that any safeguards must not retard, or at most but slightly retard, the ordinary traffic. The by-law under review does unnecessarily retard the traffic, and consequently will be very largely disregarded. The Public Works Act itself distinctly prohibits any per son crossing the line if an engine ap proaching is within quarter of a mile of such crossing. This provision, if en focred,. would have been an ample safeguard, and in our opinion there was no need for the Minister to frame a re gulation which, by meeting with con tempt, will lessen the effect of every by-law issued by the Department.

Sir J alius Vogel has arranged, aubjeo 1 . to ratification by the Cabinet, Parliament, and the shareholders, for the Govern ment to purchase the Rakaia-Aahburton Forks railway.

A polo match between the Christchurch and Otaio Clubs , was played in Christ church yesterday, and was won by Christ church by six goals to one. The Hon J. Ballance, Minister of Defence, is expected to arrive in Christ church to-morrow.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning His Worship the Mayor fined two first offenders o vch 5s and costa for drunkenness, with the usual alternative Later in the day a young man named W. DeOlair was b 'ought before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., charged with having ob tained board and lodging by false repre sentations. (he accused was remanded until Tuesday next. From Christchurch we learn that Swan, the long distance pedestrian, had com pleted 250 miles at 10 p in. yesterday, two hours fifteen minutes before the half of iho time (six days). He has to accomplish 500 miles.

Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly cured by using Baxter’s “Lung Preserver,’. This old-established medicine is pleasant to the palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and clerical profession. Read ad vertisement.

Another unfortunate. —Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a 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 or oaty a little over one-thiid of its value. H. E. M. and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secure a speedy clearance.

“ 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 abided with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles fid. Regular size 3s. fid. Three doses will relieve any case,—{Aovx. J

Mr William Hutchison, member for Wellington South in the last Parliament, has consented to contest the seat for Oamaru, vacated by Mr Shrimski. Sir Julius Vogel will leave Christchurch for Wellington this evening.

Mr Gudaell reports that the following f ( water races are dry ;— Between Dobbin’s 8 j Ford and Kyle, all ; between Kyle and d SeafieH, 13 and D 4 ; between Seafield e and -Seaview, P. tl The. criminal session of the Supreme h Court opened in Christchurch yesterday b before Mr Justice Johnston, who in his h charge to the jury, alluded to the serious t nature of the calendar. There were a twenty-three persons charged and eighteen r cases, some of which would require rather l minute investigation. He found great g difficulty in making out the bearings of t the evidence from the fact th“k in many a cases the exhibits were not with the de- t positions. There were several cases of £ forgery, also two cases of arson, and the ! usual variety of cases of larceny, etc The f Grand Jury found true bills in all cases ( except those of Samuel A’Oourt, accused j of committing grievous bodily harm, and i Charles Hawker, aiding and abetting , Richird Hawker In arson. Three pri soners tried yesterday were acquitted. They were James Swanson, charged with larceny from the person at Dunsindel ; Elizabeth Ireland, accused of committing arson at Leeston, and Edward Vaughan for larceny. Robert Day, indicted for forgery and stealing title deeds, was duly summoned to come forth and re'eve his bail, but made no response. Hii Honor deferred forfeiting his recognisances iill he should have been again called at the close of the sittings. A meeting of the Ashburton V In >t er Fire Brigade was held last evening. A full report of the proceedings appears in another part of this issue. Professor Baldwin, the well-known i anti-spiritualist, will probably give one * of hia popular entertainments at the Odd* ’ fellows Hall eirly next week. There is some probability of a small I fire engine and plant being secured at an . early date for use in Mothven. The session of the Grand Lodge, ; 1.0.G.T., was brought to a close at the j Orange Hall this morning. Several of the delegates left for Christchurch by the 3 10.55 am. train, and most of the other 5 visi'ors will leave this evening. The next * annual session of the Grand Lodge - will be held in Christchurch. At a sale of thoroughbred stock held in > Christchurch yesterday by Messrs Miles i and Co. (Mr J. T. Ford, auctioneer), the ; following lots were disposed of On ac ; count of Mr S. Nosworthy, Malice by. . Traducer, to the Hon G. McLean, for 95 . guineas ; colt foal by Cadogan, to Mr P. 1 Campbell, for 50 guineas ; Telltale by Traducer, to the Middle Park Company, * for 65 guineas ; filly foal by Albany 5 Telltale, to the Middle Park Company, 2 for 20 guineas ; Tara by To vton—Hara j ktke, to Mr John Henderson, for 14 a guineas ; Nettlerash with filly foal by Albany, to Mr W. J. G. Bluett, for 18 1 guineas; Mignon by Korari, to Mr H. Westmacott, for 80 guineas ; Nugnoon by t Albany, to Mr H. Westmacott, for 8 t guineas ; Water Color by Albany—Water y witch, to Mr L. Walker, for 13 guineas ; brown filly by Apremont —Miss Kate, to Mojor George, for GO guineas ; bay colt, , two years, by King of Clubs —Forget-me- not, in training, to Mr Souness, for 40 s guineas. On account of Mr R. Alexan t der, chestnut filly, four ye vrs, by Perkin e Warbeck— • inneliaha, to Mr S. Higgott, e for L 33.

Important new advertisements from Messrs Matson, Cox and Co, Mr T. Bullock, and Messrs McOallum and Co appear in this issue.

A practice of the Western Fire Brigade was held last evening under the direction of Superintendent Fooka. There was not a large attendance, but highly satisfactory work was done by the members present. We have to-day received through the agency of the Press Association the fol lowing interesting telegram from Christ church : —About 1,000 peoyle arrived by excursion train from Ashburton this morning. After the meeting of householders held at Winslow last evening for the purpose of electing a School Committee for the district, Mr Charles Martin, who had rendered himself obnoxious to a number of tho residents by his action with regard to schi ol m itters, was somewhat roughly handled. It is rumored that the matter will be further ventilated in the Resident Magistrate’s Court.

A. meeting of householders for the pur pose ot electing a School Committee for the Winslow District was hold last even ing at the local schoolroom. Mr Harris occupied. the chair, and there were twenty-one honsehol Ors present. The following gentlemen were nominated and receive d the number of votes set opposite their names : Mr Bell, 39; Mr J. Hay man, 31; Mr Denman, 22; Mr Harris, 18; Mr Lovett, 17; Mr Rainey, 10 ; Mr Wil liamson, 10; Mr Melver, nil. The chair man accordingly declared the first seven gentlemen duly elected and the proceed ings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair. Subsequently the new Com mittee met and elected Mr Harris chair man for the ensuing year. Our review of the Addington live stock market and a number of commercial reports will appear in to-morrow’s issue. The Tinwald School Committee will meet this evening. The children attending St Andrew's Church Sunday School held their annual school treat at Tinwald on Tuesday. Mrs Carter kindly lent one of the paddocks attached to Grove Farm for tho gather ing, and a most enjoyable day was spent by the young people, the sports being con cluded with the usual lusty cheering. Teachers and scholars met at St Andrew’s Church about 10 a.m., and then marched to Grove Farm, returning about 6 p.m. to tho church, where the Rev R. F. Gar bett diatri buted the prizes, taking the op portunity to express his acknowledgments to MesdameaTippet. Lowe ant Biggs, and Miss Stalker for their constant attention t>> the interests of the school. Tho Rev A, Blake, who kindly atloaded the prize aiatribution, gave an interesting and in structive address which was received with much attention and evident appreciation.

That husband of tpitfe is three times the man he was before he began using “ Wells Health Rer.ewer.” Druggists. The N.Z Drug Co., General Agents, ? The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. This is es pecially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of ihe highest value. As soon as it has been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop ] Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the country had expressed the merits of H. 8., and in very way trying to induce suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and goad name of H. B. Many others started nostrums put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or “Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name is, and especially those with the word “Hop” or “Hops” in their name or in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeit?. Beware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the white label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in the glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and chemists are warned against dealing in imita tions counterfeits,

THE RAILWAY EXCDRSION.

The long-looked for and earaerly con- I templated railway excursion from Ashbur ton to Christchurch and Lyttelton eventu ated to-day. The weather was perfect, 1 and half an hour before the time fixed 1 for the departure of the train the railway station was thronged with expectant holi day makers. A large proportion of the excursionists were country residents, al though the town was well represented 1 largely by commercial men, and ladies on 1 business and shopping intent, attracted I by the reduced fares. Great credit is due to Mr Arthur, the popular stationmaster at Ashburton, for the excellent ar rangements he had made for the I issue of tickets and seating of the great number of travellers. There was 1 not the slightest hitch or delay! and punctually at half-past eight the long I train moved out of thestationwlth itsbuoy ant freight. The following are the exact number of whole tickets issued at the re spective stations Tinwald, 60; Ashbur ton, 710; Ohertiey, 20; Rakaia, 50; total, 840, Allowing for half tickets, of which ' there were a great number issued, we estimate that nearly 1,000 persons travel led by the train. We have received the following telegram from our special cor respondent with the excursion ; —The ex cursion arrived here at noon, the bulk of the excursionists remaining in Christ church. The weather is magnificent, and large numbers of the visitors are enjoying trips round the harbor by steam launches, and others are inspecting the steamers Tainui and Ruapehu. The excursion leaves Christchurch at 5 15 p.m , and should reach Ashburton about 8.3 Jp. m.

THE GRAND LODGE, 1.0.G.T.

Yesterday.

The following business was transacted after we went to press yesterday:— An animated and interesting debate took place on the presentation of a report on the finance of the Grand Lodge. . Ul timately the recommendations of the G. W.B. were adopted as contained in his official report. In accordance with a resolution the Grand Lodge previously adopted, the fol lowing address was presented to Bro, Samuel Capper:— To Bro Samuel Capper, P.R.W.G.00., G.W.O.T. of N.W.G.L. of Eng land. Dear Sir and Brother, —This Grand Lodge, now in session assembled, rejoices to see you in their midst, and hereby ten ders to you a hearty and cordial greeting. We remember, with sincere pleasure, your long connection with the order in Great Britain; your earnest labors as an eloquent exponent of temperance princi ples, both by speech and by song ; and your energetic and indefatigable labors in connection with the Order of Good Templary at a period of special difficulty, and when the very existence of the Order in Great Britain seemed to tremble in the balance. All these long and faithful services, rendered to our beloved Order, have ma ie your name well known, although until the present your face was personally un known to us. We are delighted to have you in our midst at this our Grand Lodge Session, and hope to benefit by your special expe rience, and to be aroused to greater ac tivity by your stirring addresses. We would also take this opportunity of expressing our high regard for your part ner in life, our Sister Capper, who, as a life-long abstainer, and an energetic worker in support of our cause, and as a member of an illustrious colonial temper ance family, merits this slight recognition at our hands. Trusting that your visit to New Zea land may be the occasion of much plea sure to yourself and of great benefit to the Order, we are, dear Sir and Brother, on behalf of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, John Hakdikg, G.W.O.T. D. C. Cameron, G W.S. William Carr, G.W.T. Ashburton, April 7, 1885. On resuming for the evening sitting the Grand Lodge degree was conferred on five candidates, after which the Grand Lodge immediately proceeded to the election of officers, which resulted as follows : G.W.0.T., Bro John Harding, Napier (re-elected), G. W. Counsellor, Bro John W. Jago, Dunedin; G.W.Y.T., Bro Simpson, Kaiapoi; G.S.J.T., Bro Robins, Hawera (re-elected); G. W.S., Bro Came ron, Dunedin (re-elected); G W.Tr., Bro Wm. Carr, Dunedin (re-elected) ; G. Chaplain, Bro M. W. Green, Christ church; G. Marshall, Bro Stead, Inver cargill. Ihe officers elect were installed by Bro Capper, assisted by Bro Davis. Omiatchurch was fixed upon as the next pla.ie of meeting.

To-Day.

The Grand Lodge resumed business this morning at 9 o’clock.

It was resolved that the hearty thanks of the Grand Lodge be recorded to the Reception Committee and friends who have so kindly entertained the represen tatives.

The Temperance Herald was appointed the official organ of the Grand Lodge, and the best thanks of the Lodge were pre sented to Bro J, W. Jago, P.G. W.0.T., for the valuable services rendered by him as honorary editor. The following gentlemen were ap pointed as deputations to Church Courts in the various parts of the colony:—Bros Rev Roseby, J. W. Jago and J. A. Adams (Dunedin), Bros J, A. Efford, J. T. Fraith and M. W. Green (Christ church), Bros A- J Beunott, M. Real and T. H. Fraser (Wellington), Bros W. Gibson, Israel Pickard and W. T. Bond (Nelson), Bros Ward, A. Cook and G. W. Andrews (Ashburton), Bros J. Harding, R. O. H irding and F, Cook (Napier). Other formal business having been dis posed of the Grand Lodge was brought to a close at 10.30 a. m.

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS

Auckland. Colonel Lyona notifies that all Volun teer Companies will require to be made up to the full strength of sixty-three. At the present some only have forty, Tauranga. Major Swindley has withdrawn from the contest for the Tauranga seat. W ELLINGTON. Owing to the detention of the steamer Mr Ballance does not leave for the South until to-morrow afternoon. Dunedin. Mr Larnach arrived at Lawrence to-day on his return tsip to the goldfields. He will arrive in town on Friday, 'almost directly leaving again fori a visit to the Wilhertorce reefs, in Canterbury, thence going to the Thames goldfields. An excursion train to the city from Lawrence to-day brought about 1000 people. At a somewhat dangerous part of the line the brake broke, and some of the carriages ran off the line, and a good deal of alarm was felt. The guard jumped off immediately the accident occurred, and the engine driver, catching sight of him, stopped with all possible rapidity. The City Council has an overdraft of L42,7C5 at the expiration of its financial year, compared with 1 3d 000 last year.

ASHBURTON VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.

A general meeting of the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at the old Borough Council Ohambers, Burnett street, last everting. There was a good attendance, and Mr W. E. Dolman pre sided. Before reading the minutes of the last meeting, Mr Higgins tendered his re signation as Secretary to the Brigade, but at the request of the members consented to retain office till next general meeting, at which officers will be appointed. The Chairman reported the interview that had taken place between the deputa tion from the Brigade and the Fite Brigade Committee of the Council. The report of the interview appearing in the Guardian was read as the report of the deputation. A discussion followed in re ference to a proposal made by the Council to the efiect that the Brigade should vacate the present station site and occupy the old Council Chambers. An opinion was generally expressed that the present site was the more suitable. One member essayed |to attribute sinistruus motives to the Council in seeking the change, but he was promptly called to order by the Chairman.

On the motion of Mr Keir, seconded by Mr Wilmshurst, it was resolved — “That the Brigade remain at their pre sent site.”

The question of now uniforms was dis cussed at some length. It was stated that the uniforms-had been promised by the Council sometime ago, but only part of the requisites had been received. Mr Davis thought it would be wise to accept a promise made by the Mayor that the uniforms would be supplied in three months' time; under any circumstances they were not likely to secure them earlier. It was ultimately resolved to defer consideration of the question until after the next meet ing of the Council. The report of the deputation was then

adopted. Mr Keir said he had joined the Brigade with the intention of being useful, but his efforts and those of other members would be stultified unless they could remove the present unsatisfactory relations existing in the Brigade. At last meeting of the Brigade certain resolutions had bean passed without any apparent opposition, but when the deputation waited upon the Council he was surprised to find that seve ral members had signed documents directly contradictory to those resolutions. To his mind that was not manly, not even honest, He thought any member disa greeing with the resolutions should have declared his opposition. It was not con sfstent for a person to support a resolu tion and then contrad ct it. —Mr Heffotd supposed Mr heir’s remarks wer directed against himself. He had not spoken on the resolution, as Mr Higgins had pre vented him doing so. Mr Hefiord pro ceeded to impugn Mr Higgins’s veracity. —Mr Stephens said he had signed the document stating that Mr Harrison had been courteous to the members of the Brigade at the Conference. He had not been present during the whole of the meeting. —Mr Harrop expressed himself to the same effect. The Chairman was of opinion that the persons who had signed the documents procured by Mr Harrison had deliberately perjured themselves, or did not under stand what they were signing. Mr Higgins said that he regretted any offence he had given to Mr Hefford at last meeting. It had not been his wish to prevent Mr Hefford expressing his views upon the resolutions. Mr Keir said he wanted to thoroughly sift the matter, and as some members ap peared to have an objection to Mr Hig gins, he would move that that gentleman be requested to retire from the Brigade Personally, he knew of nothing against Mr Higgins, in fact their acquaintance was a slight one; but he advocated straightforward niauiy action, and moved the resolution to test the feeling of the meeting. Mr (Hefford seconded the resolution, and Mr Higgins retired during the dis cussion that followed. Several members spoke very highly of the services renderei to the Brigade by Mr Higgins, and on a ballot being taken the resolntion was re jected by a large maj arity. On returning to the room Mr Higgins thanked the members for their expression of goodwill. Mr Keir expressed a hope that those members who hitherto had opposed Mr Higgins would now either retire from the Brigade or endeavor to work harmoniously with the Aoting-Seoretary. The following gentlemen were then nominated for the offices to be filled at next meeting: Captain, Messrs W. Roberts and W. E. Dolman ; Lieutenant, Messrs W, E. Dolman, Keir and Davis; Foreman, Messrs Wilmshurst and Keir; Deputy-Foreman, Messrs Sandoe, G. Par kin (jun), and Stephens ; Treasurer, Messrs G. Parkin (sen), R. Christie, and Keir; Secretary, Messrs R. Christie and Keir. Mr Higgins was nominated for the office of secretary, but declined to stand It was resolved to recommend Mr P. Walker to the Borough Council foi ap pointment as a member of the Brigade. The roll was called, and the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, April 7. Vary active defence preparations have been made. The land force has been doubled, and measures have been taken to lay down torpedoes in the harbor at Botany and Newcastle. If necessary the ranks of the contingent at Soudan will be filled up. Ministers) have adopted ener getic measures, and have had the advice of General Scratchley and Captain Ackland. The patriotic fund is being gradually in creased.

For Argyle, Sic EL Parkes was only elected by a majority of 41 oyer John Gibson. Parkes received the Orange and teetotal votes. The Beach-Hanlan exc'tement is sub siding. About L 1,600 has already been subscribed for the champion, and LI,OOO for Hanlan, who leaves by the next San Francisco mail. Beach is now taking a spell. He will not row anywhere except on the Parramatta River. The crowd at the race was very dense, and some acci dents happened, but none of a serious character.

At the Fernhill stud sale yesterday some good prices were obtained. The highest for yearlings was GBOgs for the chestnut colt by Grand Flaneur—Lady Chester. Darebin was passed in at L 1,500. He is said to be sold to Queens land at that tigura. The total of the sale was over ll.OOOgs. The weather continues fine and dry. Brisbane, April 7. No reply has yet been received from Mr Garrick, Agent-General, to the offer of the vacant Supreme Court Judgeship. Some fears are entertained for the safety of the new Government steamer Lacenda, which left Suez seven weeks ago, and has not yet been reported. The Customs revenue continues to show an increase. Melbourne, April 7. The death is announced of the Hod. J. M. Grant, who played a prominent part in Victorian politics for many years. The quarter's revenue shows an increase of L 40,000 over the corresponding period of last quarter.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE EX-POLICEMAN IN WELLINGTON GAOL.

To the Editor. p IE) —I was at the public meeting held in the Oddfellows' Hall In this town under the auspices of the Good Templars, ( on the night of the 7lh instant, and hearing the Rev Mr Green in his graphic account of a certain prisoner in the gaol in Wel lington, who : was pointed out to him 'a*, having done more good than all the' ministers who bad visited the prison, 1 was considerably pained to hear so con torted an account given of the cause of the incarceration of this human wretch. I am perfectly acquainted with' the whole facts of the case—was a neighbor of the parties—knew the villian, also the un fortunate woman who suffered murder from his cruel, cpld-blooded and fiend; ish hands. She was neither a drunkard nor given to drink intoxicants ; on the contrary she was sober, virtuous, kind and chriatianlike in her conduct and general deportment. Whilst being mur dered by piecemeal for a considerable length of time, she consistently concealed the barbarity of her treacherous husband. She died a martyr for the cause of virtue (as only can in a virtuous woman's bon' duct shine) and maternal love as eihibited ' in the life and death of the mother who could not * foiget her suckling child.” Let me tell Mr Green he is wrongly in-, formed, and that I as one of the com munity hope never to hear another word of reference to this sickening tragedyi which can only create pain for which there is no remedy. l am, etc., ■ J. P. Oliver.

A QUERY.

To THE EDITOR. Sib, —Can you, through your column of answers to correspondents, inform me the name of the member of the' Borough Council who proposed and the name of the seconder—That Thursday, 9th inat., be observed as a public holiday in view of the excursion to Christchurch and Lyttelton. I am, etc., One Who Had to Stay Behind. 1 [Cr Jameson proposed and Or Harrison seconded the resolution.— Ed. G.]

SPORTING

SOUTH CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB MEETING. The following weights have been de* dared:— Welter Handicap; six furlongs. st lb st lb Rubina .. 11 0 Prince ssßoyal 810 Sou’-Wester 10 7 Grand Duke .8 8 Nelson ... 10 7 Matanaka... 8 8 Wapiti ... 10 2 Mokoia ... 8 8 Taiaroa ... 10 2 Conundrum 8 8 Oapt. Webster 912 Yibing ... 8 2 Administrator 9 10 Ouida ... 8 0 Talebearer... 9 5 Pirate ... 8 0 Ugly Buck... 9 5 Keep-it-dark 8 0 Billy ... 9 0 Spofforth ... 7 7 Leopold ... 9 0 Hurdle Handicap; two miles. Ravenswood 12 0 Secretary ... 912 MasterAgnea 11 4 Bill Alien ... 9 7 Borderman 11 4 Garibaldi ... ; 9 3 Linwood ... 10 7 Rocket ... 9 0 Moody ... 10 7 Hector ... 8 7 Azim ... 10 0 Kate Kelly 8 0 Berrington... 10 0 Mitapo .... Bfio8 fi o ■Faust ... 10 0 Timaru Cup ; one mile and three quarters. Vanguard ... 910 Wapiti .... ,6 10 Tasman ... 910 Tim Whiffiar 6 7 Oudeis ... 9 2 Lady Evelyn 6 7 Sou’-Westor 8 0 The Poet ... 6 5 July ... 8 0 Grand Duke 6 2 Liverpool ... 8 0 Ugly Back... 6 0 Nelson ... 7 8 Matanaka ... 6 0. Lady Emma 7 7 Billy ; ... 6 0 Fusileer ... 7 5 Makarakara 6 0 Administrator 7 5 Take Miss... 6 0 Taiaroa ... 7 0 The Barb ... 6 Q Capt. Webster G II Flying Handicap, 6 furlongs. Vanguard... 10 5 Billy ... 7 0 Oudeis ... 10 2 Grand Duke €l2 Rubina ... 9 7 Princessßoyal 6 9 July ... 9 0 Conundrum G 7 Sou'-wester 812 Ouida ... 6 0 Nelson ... 810 Mokoia ... 6 0 Wapiti 8 5 Matanaka ... 0 0 Taaroa ... 8 5 Spofforth ... 6 0 Oapt. Webster 8 0 Barb 6 0 Talebaarer 7 9 Jessie ... 6 0 Uglyßuok... 7 9 Timaku Steeplechase, 3£ miles. Ravenswood 12 7 Waverley ... 10 0 Borderman 11 7 Faust ... 10 0 Linwood ... 11 7 Garibaldi ... 910 Moody ... 11 0 Hector ... 9 7 Kosciusko ... 11 0 Kate Kelly 9 0 Berrington... 10 7

TINWALD RACES.

g The following weights have been de e dared for the Tinwald Races : Cup. st lb st lb Princessß’y’l 11 0 Primrose ... 6 6 Frantic ... 7 4 Madam ... 6 0 Dagrid ... 6 7 e Hurdles. a Why Not ... 12 3 Jasper ...' 8 6 a Captain ... 12 0 Dick ... 8 6 t Bill Allen... 9 7 Fox... ... 8 4 e Wrangler ... 9 0 i Trot. - Kate ... sor Nellie ... 550yds f Larrikin ... £ooyds Rosa ... 600 ~ _ . Jess ... 400,, Sly Go ... 600,, - Alma ... 500,, Polly ... 650 ~ Acceptances must bo made to the t Secretary, Mr J. Heseltine, at Scott a i Hotel, Tinwald, by 9 pm. on Saturday . next, " A.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. I Sidney, Yesterday. , The second day’s races of the Austra ; Han Jockey Club’s Autumn Meeting took place to-day. Flying Handicap. Three quarters of a mile. Edington 1 Marie Louise... ... ... 2 Mascotte ... ... ... 3 Twenty-two starters. Won by pwo lengths. Time, Imin 15|aeca. Maiden Stakes. One mile and a quarter. Angora 1 Clarendon ... .•». ... 2 Faro 8 Won easily. Time, 2min 19£aec.. Sydney Cup. Two miles. , ■ Normanby ... '... i ' v '- Velocipede ... * Lord Lake ... Twenty-three started. Betting at the post—s to 1, Reginald; 7to 1, Sheet Anchor and Normanby ; 25 to 1, Veloci-. pede. Lord Lake and Velocipede led the Add until the distance was reached, when Normanby came with a rush, and won Oil the post by a head. Time, 3mm 35seos. Sires Produce Stakes. Seven furlong*. Uralla ••• ••• J Cardigan Cairo ••• ••• ••• ••• ” Won easily. Monte Christo, Algerian, and Eva also started. Monte Christo was the favorite. selling Plate. One mile and a quarter. Rainbow ... X' Florida 8 Paul ... ... ,v #• ... $ Sapling Stakes. Five furlongs. Abner ... ... 1 Magnifier ... ... ... 2 .. Discord ... ... Sjar

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1885.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



Advertisements for The Ashburtoh 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 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must, be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. , , , „ All advertisements and business letters m be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should b© addressed to The Editor.



Canterbury Mills. JJJO FARMERS AND OTHERS, CORN SACKS, size and weights. At lowest current rates, 3 292 0- W. TURNER. ASHBURTON COUNTY STOCK AND SALEYARD3 COMPANY (Limited), Is prepared to Dip Sheep IN large or small lots at the following scale of charges: — For the first 500 sheep, one penny each For the second 600 sheep, one half penny each Forjtbeseoond 1,000 sheep, one farthing each For flocks of over 2,000 special arrange ments will be made. The material used will be charged for in addition to the above. GEORGE JAMESON, 3 207 Secretary. 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. Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a stock of clothing, before the general ad vance begin* In order .that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, wh:ch we are.prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, It is Almost needless for ns to i epeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of cutting, and the care exer cised by us in fitting the figure, a mis fit i* an impossibility. — Ckaighead and Co. , Merchant Tailors, Tanored street,



Wanted. WANTED— A Nurse. Apply Mrs . Fc Tr, Tinwald hotel, 4 515 ■'nr/ANTED Known—Before buying _ \\ Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery ( and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Segebs, ealya’ Buildings, East - Street. 1 /T BEAT Reductions for Cash at Jones ' and Bradshaw’s.— Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50a per ton, Is fid per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag; new oatmeal 4s per bag ; good cheese 5J per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chiokwbeat at very cheap rates. WANTED Known—Wertheim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 GLORIOUS NEWS. Andrew Oeb will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at fis 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s fid ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at fis fid ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lla fid—every article at half-price. ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders • » are daily despatched direct from oar own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight I 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 2151 TTJ - ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 That Hayes and Co. are Clearing c a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to 1 wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4a fid ; Men’s > Shooters, Pegged; 10s; Men’s Elastic > sides, 9a, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 10,78 I TXT ANTED Known-—Umbrellas at Is 7 VV Hd, six’odEißuttona for Is, China Matting *t fid, Ladies’ Hose at fid, Cor ) sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£l, Towels d, 3 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. Andrew Orr’s Cheap Sale. 2 186 r ——— WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Towd Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical s companies and others visiting Ashburton j should communicate with the above. ) Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 Special Advertisements.



Excursionists TO PORT LYTTELTON. On the day of the Excur sion to Lyttelton the steam launches CANTERBURY and LYTTELTON will run trips round the Outer plarbor, affording visitors an excellent opportunity of viewing the Forts now in course of erection. No war risks Fare# Is. 4 502 God save the Queen. AGAR if ROBERTS, Proprietors.



W. Fowke, BOOTMAKER, BEGS to inform his friends and the public generally that he has slatted 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—BUßPETT STREET, In premises occupied by Mr J. Meech. 4 486



PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Modge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Sxbeet, near Lancaster's butchery. Ladies’ Dresseaand Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413



SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONARY, &o. -?£S~ Must be sold even if at a loss To “-uit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton.



GRICULTURAL Machine Shop, 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. WAKANCI ROAD. CHARLES RAY 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 be'ieve 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 read incessantly, and never forget his news papers; ’ and I say the same ! Read ! Read ! Read 1 When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only finish by saying—Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saundbks’ Bdildings, East St., Ashddbton



Special Advertisements. J fjIHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Messrs WILDING, LEWIS & CASTGILL g have been appointed AGENTS for the ! above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risks taken at lowest current rates, LEWIS & GOULD, 1 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, tx s.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and 1 obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND 00. (late A. Hayes), . TIMBER, COAL & WOOD , MERCHANTS, > Fait street, Ashburton. t 26 Branches Now Open 25 J THE NEW” ZEALAND - Clothing Factory » Are now Showing : NEWEST STYLES ? in , SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, , Manufactured 1 from the renowned a Wear Resisting MOSGIfiL TWEEDS 7 I n t d n e The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Sh'tte, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



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 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. UTOMN AND WINTER. NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection. They comprise the Newest and Best of every kind of MILLIN ERY ;<| DR APER 7, UNDER CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. 3 454 H. E. May & Co., Are now showing their 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 Beat Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOB CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the 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 make a special load or draw of any particular article, we will give you the 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. E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. Sjeason sale commencing on January igth, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIEsI GLARING REDUCTIONS Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windows'®^ Dimaut and Coe, RE iDY-MONEY DRAPERS, OLOIHIER3, &0., In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co., Corn Eaat and Tanored atre ASHBURTON,



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancred Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf- per lb Beat White Crystal, 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 12a 6d per box | Canterbury Oakes, lOd each. Rice, 8d Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, fid Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6|sd Herrings, 7d Keillor's Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 64 per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES MoGREGOR, Tancred Street 12 2342



“ Rough ON Rats,” —Clears out rats, mice, roadies, flies,' nits, b*J-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack rabbits, gophers. Druggists, The N.Z. 1' i f Co., General Agents. a Buchu-Paiba.” —Quick, complete cure, all annoying kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases. Druggists. The N.Z. Drug Co. General Agents. 2



Hop JLJitters gives good digestion, active liver, good circulation and buoyant spirits. Get the only genuine American’s Go’s. Bead. Drowsiness, biliousness, pains and aches and ague. Hop Bitters always cures it made by American Co. Read,