DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Thursday, March 26 - Messrs Miles and Co., at the Tmwald • Yards—Sheep Messrs Matson, O-x and Co., at the Tinwald Yard s—Sh rep ; Tuesday, March 31 Messrs Mats-.n, Oox and 0)., at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Fto. ThcrsDay, March 26 i pinwnld Saleyards— Annual Ham and Ewe Oddfellows’ Hall-Miss Ward and Com pany; at 8 o’clock Friday, March 27. ■Asuburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11a.m. Binds Schoolroom — Concert and Dance Saturday, March 28. Ashburton Caledonian Society—Annual Meeting, at the *' tyttleton Times ’ office, at 7.30 Monday, March 30. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 30 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 1 Orange Hall—Star of the Best, 1.0.G.T., meeting at 8 o’clock Friday, April 3 Oddfellows’ Hall—Baptist Charob Anni versary Tea Meeting Town Hall—* 1 Messiah,” at 8 o clock Saturday, April 4 Aakanui Road Board, at Bead Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Friday, Af il 10. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office.

Tdksday, Aphid 14- St Stephen’s Schoolroom—Tea and Concert Ashburton School Committee— Monthly . Meeting, in the Schoolroom, at 7.30 Wednesday, Aphid 15

Tinwald Annual Kacea Friday, Ap jl 17 Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Mee jpg

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., -with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30'p.m., but will be charged double refer. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be. accompanied by the sig natuie of the sender, as a guarantee of l ood faith. All advertisements and business »ett is .o be addressed The Manager ; literary cbramunications should bo addressed to The Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

M»ils close at the Ashburton Post Office ■ follows: For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p. m., daily. For Ohertsejrßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. tnd 5 p.m. daily. , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, »nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. Jor Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima.-u and South, at 0 a.m., 10 a.m, and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenatreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.46 ft. yp- For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6,30 a,m. Tor tfouut Somers, on Tuesdays and iturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4,30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a. m. For Ashtsn, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p-m. daily. . For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes- and Fridays, at 4.30 p. id. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.80 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Pott Office- Prom Christchurch and Bakaia at 10.15 am., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertaey, &c. at 10.15 a. m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at *>.m, daily. From Temuka andTimaru at 10.40 a.m. v.dO p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Green street 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 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat u >aye, at 4 p.m. •

BIRTH.

Anduewes —At Ashburton, on March 23rd, the wife of Lancelot Frederick Andrewea, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1885.

Pressure on our space compels us to hold over leading matter from this issue. The ordinary weekly meeting of the 1.0. G.T. Star of the East Lodge was held at the Orange Hall last evening. There was a good attendance, and three new members were initiated, and two candi dates for election* proposed. In conse quence of the railway excursion to Christ church and Lyttelton being fixed for Wednesday, April B.h, it was decided to alter the date for the tea and public meeting in connection with the visit of the Grand Lodge to Tuesday, April 7th. A crowded meeting was held at Timaru last night to consider the best means of providing for the defence of the port. .Resolutions were passed urging the Go vernment to provide two .guns to be erected at certain points to defend the harbor, and a Committee was appointed to interview Sir Julius Vogel on Ids re turn from the South, with a view of fully explaining the matter to him. There was a full house at the Odd fellows’ Hall last evening, to witness the production of “ Forget-nie-Not,” by the Ward-Vernon Company, and we venture to say that net one of the large audience left the hall dissatisfied with the excellent entertainment provided. Miss Ward was preceded by more than a colonial reputa tion, but her success last night exceeded the expectations of the moat sanguine; the play went excellently from beginning to end, and the result was a complete triumph. Miss Ward’s represantation of Stephanie, was a .most finished interpre tation of a diflicult character, and the fidelity with which she pourtrayed the au dacity, aspirations and repentance of the aristocratic adventuress, indicates how well this popular actress deserves her great reputation. As Alice Verney, Miss Watts-Phillips acquitted’ herself moat creditably, and earaed a large stare of the plaudits which greeted the company at the conclusion of each act. The part of Mrs Foley, was entrusted to Miss Veitch, and this young lady made an excellent spinster of an indefi nite, age. -be part of Sir Horace Welby was well filled by Mr Vernon. He is one of the few gentlemanly gentleman we have seen upon the stage. Prince Maileotti was capitally represented by Mr Lawrence, and Mr Fenton had a small part as Barrati to which he d d full justice. The small orchestra was an acquisition and not a mere stop-gap, the company as a whole being far superior to any previously seen in Ashburton. A second performance wil be given this evening, when “ Nance Old field,” a charming comedy, the sleep walking scene from “ Macbeth,” and the farce c£ i‘‘O’Callaghan on his last legs ” will bo produced. This programme should attract, as we have no doubt it will, a “ bumper ” house. A case of robbery with violence, evi dently the result of a concerted p an of action, the victim of which waa a farmer living on Banks Peninsula, named Wil liam Craw, came before Mr Beelham, R, M., in Christchurch yesterday. Craw was at the Theatre, and afterwards got very drunk and called a cab and asked to te driven to his hotel. Lilly Garland, a wo nan of ill-fame, followed him into the cxb and the cabman drove to. her hou e. Three young men overpowered Oraw and robbed him of a gold witch and chain, value Lit 10s, and L 3 in money. Another young man was acting the part of policeman pacing up and down outside the house. The robbers dragged Craw out, and one of them siid to the sham policeman, “In tho Queen’s name I give this man in charge.” Craw, who waa too drunk to resist , waa taken a short

distance from the house and left there. The affair happened between midnight and 1a m. Constable Lawlor, who heard of it much later, had secured all five pri soners by 9a m. The chief witness against them is a young woman who lived with Garland. They were remanded till Tuesday next. The working Committee of the Colonial Land Association met at Pondarvea last evening. There was a good attendance, and Mr Mutdoch Bruce occupied the chair. A letter was read from Mr Macandrew, M. H.R., stating that the writer thought that the action taken in the House of

Representatives last session would pro bably result in some effort being made by the Government to obtain “cheap money ” for the farmers ; Mr Macandrew also expressed an opinion that the work already done would strengthen the hands of the Government. Correspondence with the Balcai'ru Committee, appointed in September to co operate with the Asso ciation was read, from which it appeared, (hat the Chairman of the Comiri tee had written to certain gentlemen on behalf of the Association ani replies had been received but no subscriptions. The Treasurer submitted a. list of members from whom contributions had been re ceived since the previous meeting. A prolonged discussion ensued regarding the views of Sir Julus Yogel upon “ cheap money" and it was very generally agreed that the sug gestions of the Colonial Treasurer made in a sketch Bill wore satisfactory. A de putation was appointed t y wait upon Sir Julius Vogel in reference to the subject, and the following resolution was carried, viz,—“ As representing a numerous and influential body of farmer..', the Commit tee of the Colonial Land Association de sires to thank the Hon Sir Julius Vogel for his able address on “ Cheap Money," and trust that tire suggestions on the sub jeet will be made use of by Par]iatnent where possible ’’ A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

“ Rough on Rats,” —Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, -vuls, by J-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack rabbits, gophers. Druggists, ‘lhe N.Z. •v' Co., General Agents. 2 Tic-Dolourcux, Toothache, or ary other neuralgic pain speediiy yields to Baxters Anti Neuralgic Pills.

In lieu of the usual weekly drill of the Ashburton Volunteer Rifles, the company will parade in marching order on Friday next at 7p m. Members intending to be present at the Easter encampment are particularly requested to attend.

We again remind horse owners that entries f>r the Ashburton Bating Club’s Autumn mealing must be made to the Secie’ary, Mr S. launders, by nine o'clock this evening. At the- Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, before Mr Robert Alcorn, J.P,, a first offender, was fined 5s and costs for drunkenness, with the alterna tive of twelve hours’ imprisonment. A number of bankruptcy noticss appear in this issue announcing the intention of thi Deputy Official Assignee to apply to the District Court, at its next ailti.'g, to be released from his olfi ;o in respect to certain estates.

The Railway Traffic Manager has tele graphed to Mr Arthur, the Ashburtqn Stationmastor, to the offee". that, the ex cursion from Ashburton to Christchurch and Lyttelton will probably take place on 9th April. On that day the steamer Kai koura is expected to be in Port.

The Star of Methven Lodge hold their annual tea and concert in the local school room to-morrow evening. Already a large number of tickets have been sold, and the affiir promises to be a great success. Drowsiness, biliousness, pains and aches and ague, Hop Bitters always cures it ma 'e by American Co. Read.

A other unfortunate.—Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a stock of Clottiing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. F. May it Co., of the Hall, High street, for 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 speedy clearance.

THE CHILD-BEATING CASE.

Dunedin, List Night.

The charges ag dust Fleming and wife of cruelty to children were gone into at the Police Court to-day, before Messrs Fenwick and Gourlay, J.P.’s. The for mer informations were for common as sault, but these had been withdrawn, and assault resulting in grevions bodily harm substituted. Mr Denniston prosecuted, and Mr McGregor defended. The case against Mrs Carrie Fleming of assaulting John Fleming, aged eleven, was first taken. The boy said that some neighbors followed him home from school on Friday last and said 8' instiling to hia stepmother, who afterwards gave him a hammering. She made him strip naked, then laid him on the bed in the bedroom, face downwards, and his stepmother beat him with his father’s cart whip all over his back and downwards. It was a tore beating. He did not cry out because he would have gtit three times worse, ['’en sation in Court, which was crammed, mainly by women ] lu cosa-exam'nattoa the boy said he was sometimes naughty, and had hit his sister with his fi-t, for which he had been beaten, but this was not the Friday re ferred to. He was sent to school on, the Friday with his knickerbockers sewn up, because in the night he had got up, lit a candle, and taken a biscuit because he felt hungry. One of the neighbors mentioned, Mrs Greatrex, slated she f .Mowed the boy home on Friday bee .use she saw him with his trousers sown up as high as they could be, and he looked a perfect fright. She told Mrs Fleming she ought to be ashamed of herself for 4 reating a mother logs boy so. The boy afterwards on the Friday was taken to her house by the police, and she ’described bis back as having the appearance of a lean steak.

The accused was committed for trial, bail being allowed, herself in Ji2CO, ancl two sureties of LIOO each.

A charge against Alexander Fleming of assaulting the same boy was then pro ceeded with. The boy gave evidence that ha had struck bis sister. His father took him out of bed, took off his nightshirt, tied him up to the bed-post, acd beat him with the whip. ["iuppressed cry 7 o c indig nation in Court.] Mary Fleming gave evidence as to acting her b other whipped at the bed-post when naked. She said her fa her h-d been kind to them, but did not answer when asked if she loved h : m. The hearing of this case was ad journed till to-morrow.

THE MAORI FANATICS.

[bvtki.kor.iph]. Welling on, To-day,

Mr Clenden, R M , has telegraphed to the Government respecting the Maori craze in the North. He states that the reports re the self-sacrifice were circulated by ill-informed Europeans. He does not consider there is any danger of a difficulty arising, and says that the “Prophetess” could be arrested at anv time if necessary; in fact, she has offered herself for arrest, but one of the leading chiefs has ex* pressed a wish that she should be allowed her liberty until the time stated by her for the mille n ; um has passed.

INTERCOLONIAL RECIPROCITY.

The following ii a copy of the petition drafted ancl promoted by Mr J. L. Mc- Donald, and in favor of the establishment of intercolonial free trade in colonial pro duce. Copies of the petition have been sent to the vati ms agricultural centres in Southland, and as the object sought is ono that will meet with general support, the petition will doubtless be numerously signed ; To the Honorable the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned farmers, stock owners, traders, and settlers resid ing in Southland, in the provincial district of Otago, showeth : 1. That it appears that your Honorable

House has been alive to the advantages of intercolonial free trade, inasmuch as it passed in 1870 a Bill intituled the Recip rocity Act, 1870, which, by reason of the want of Imperial authority, did become law.

2. That your petitioners hail with de light the movement in some of the neigh boring colonies to establish intercolonia 1 free trade in colonial produce and produc tions.

3. That your petitioners ate engaged directly or indirectly in agricu tural pur suits, or are connected therewith, and the question of opening up markets freely accessible to local produce and produc tions is of vital importance to the wel fare, development and progress of this district.

4. That the lands in this district are admirably adapted to the growth of oats and barley, and are also suitable for dairy pastures and rearing of sto;k. D. That while the agriculturists enj >y

'many natural advantages in these respects, yet the want of profits 1 le markets for the disposal of their surplus produce has crippled the agricultural industry of this district. 6. That your petitioners desire respect-

fully to urge your Honorable House to pass an Act somewhat similar to that passed in 1870, empowering the Govern ment to enter into reciprocal arrange ments with any of the >. ustr.dian colo nies, as such, if made, would, in the opinion of your petitioners, tend to pro mote the welfare of the colony generally. Your petitioners therefore pray that your Honorable House will be pleased, in its wisdom, to pass a law which will attain the ab vo object, viz , interc denial free trade in colonial produce and produc tions ; and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

RAM AND EWE FAIR.

The annual Ram and Ewe Fair, hold t under the ausp : ces of the Agricultural and j Pastoral Association, took place at the Tinwald yards to-day. The weather was fine, and there was a very largo atten danca of farmers and dealers from all parts of the c dony. The entries far ex ceeded in number those of last year, and taxed to the utmost the caprcity of the. yards as well as the avail- able paddock room in the vicinity. Up to last evening, the Secretary, Mr Seore tan, had received entries for 22,000 sheep, and we understand that fully 40,000 sheep were sent in for sale The prices realised were on the whole satisfac tory, but there was a alight decline in laic rates. Most of the lots offered, found purchasers either by auction or privately. The following gentlemen offi ciated as auctioneers, viz , Messrs D. Thomas (Matson, Cox and Co .), J. T Ford (Miles and Co ), E. G. Stavely (N. Z L. and M. Co ), ana James Wilkin (R. Wilkin and Co ) A number of agents for sheep dipping material were present, a well-known Invercargill M. H.R. being perhaps the most conspicuous. The fol lowing wore the lots disposed of up to 1 p. m ; By Messes Miles and Co. 112 six and eight-tooth crossbred ewes, 7? 6d ; 282 crossbred ewes, 8s 9d ; 47 crossbred ewes, 10s ; 133 first-cross ewes, 13s ; 40 Lincoln ewes, 10s ; 520 merino owes, 6a Od ; 2CO crossbred ewes, 7a 6d ; 199 crossbred ewes, 10s 6d; 340 two, 1 four and six-tooth ewes ; 10a ; 74 merino ewes, 6s 4d ; 340 crossbred ewes, 9s ; 206 crossbred ewes, 12s 3d ; 600 merino

ewes, 6s. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co,

292 crossbred ewes, 10s 4d ; 272 meri no ewes, 3s 8d , 464 crossbred ewes, 13s 3d ; 14) crossbred ewes, 9s 9d ; 450 crossbred ewes, 11s. Messrs R. Wilkin and Co.

350 crossbred ewes, 7s ; 350 crossbred ewes, 10s ; 203 |-bred ewes, 6s 3t ; 600 two and four-tooth ewes, I3s ; 350 two and four-tooth ewes, 10a ; 350 two, four and six-tooth ewes, 10a 3d ; 150 two four and six-tooth ewes, 9s 93 ; 170 f-bred ewes, 9s : 930 merino ewes, 6s,

ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILD ING & INVESTMENT SOCIETY.

The annual general meeting of share holders in the above Society was held at the Arcade Chambers, Burnett s'reet, yesterday. A condensed report of the proceedings, the Directors’ report and the statement of accounts appeared in yester day’s issue. The following is a full report of the proceedings that followed the reading of the Direotois’ report and the statement of accounts: The Chaii man (Dr Trevor), in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, expressed ihe pleasure it gave him in again performing this duty, stating that what he had said on the occision of the last an nual meeting would bear repetition this year. He congratulated the shareholders upon the success that had attended the operations of the Society during the past year, considering that financial and com mercial matters generally had been in such a depressed condition, which they had, however, coma through not only with out sustaining any loss, but also with a substantial balance to the go d. It had, nevertheless been a very anxious j ear with the Directors as there had not been so active a demand for the employment of the Society’s capital, and they had also had to contend with a great depreciation of the va'ue of the property. This had necessitated the exercise of greater caution and care on the part of the Directors, and the share holders might fairly congratulate them selves oa the fact that the Society was established on such a good and sound com mercial foundation. The cipital had increased proportionately, and en abled the Directors to conduct the business with ease and comfort. Mr Bullock had at the last annual meet ing expressed some surprise that so few shares were taken up in the district He (the Chaii man) was sorry that this was so, though there had been some improvement in this respect during the past year. He felt, however, that not only the general local public, but outsiders also were con vinced of the soundness of this commer cial enterpiise, and he had the gratifica tion of informing the shareholders that a letter had been received that morning from one of th« first commercial men in Christchurch congratulating the Society on the respectable balance-sheet, and expressing his desire to take up more shares. This was a good sign of the esti mation irt Which the Society was hold by the commercial public, especially when they remembered that not many years ago the Society’s business amounted to about L 25 per month, and that during the past year it hid amounted to more than L 2,500 per month, as share holders would tea by re'erring to the balance-sheet. This result had been attained, not by speculative enterprise, but by good steady careful business, which had increased gradually from year to year, and if still larger scope presented itself they might rest assured that it would be taken advantage of. Whether the shareholders would have so large a dividend next year was a matter of some doubt. He had no doubt, however, that it would be very good, but they must re member that busines 3 was not brisk, and that cipitd is not sa easily invested ; nevertheless, ha hoped they would them selves be in a very good position at the end of the year. Two other issues of shares Nos. 3 and 4 had arrived at maturity both in a little less than 8£ years, so that they would see that some of the old investors were now reaping a good and substantial benefit from their foresight in taking up shares in the So ciety in its earlier years. Ha had very great pleasure in moving the adoption of the report and balanre-sheet. Mr Bullock said it afforded him great pleasure to second the motion for the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, which must be eminently satisfactory to the shareholders in general, in referring

to the Chairman’s notice of the remarks he had made at the last annual meeting respecting the few shares taken in the Society in the district, Mr Bu'lock said it was gratifying to find that a larger num ber had been taken up during the past year, but still it was a fact that a much larger proportion were up by people outside the district. He was inclined to agree with the Chairmm in the opinion that such a large dividend could not be expected for the current year, it being more difficult to lend money as compared with previous years ; still, he hoped that there would be a turn, that times would be more prosperous, and that consequently ( they would be able to invest the capital of the Society more freely than they had done lately. He hoped that the public of Ashburton and district would see it to their advantage to take shares, upon which they could fall back in times of de pression, such as the present He found that an impression existed that having once taken up shares in the Society they could not be withdrawn until they arrived at maturity. This was a mistake, and he was sure it had exercised a deter: ent influence upon those who would otherwise have been dis-

posed to take up shares. He thought it important that it should be widely known that shares could bo withdrawn at any time. In conclusion, Mr Bullock ex pressed the hope that the Society would be as successful iu the future as it had been in the past. He had pleasure iu seconding the adoption of the report and balance-sheet,

The motim was carried unanimously. The hairruan then asked the meeting to proceed with the election of two Direc tors in place of Mes?ra Bullock and Hugo Friedlatidsr, who retired by ballot, but were eligible for re election, and had given the required notice of their intention to seek re-election.

On the motion of Mr Charles Ward, seconded by Mr D. Amos, they were unanimously re-elected. Mr C. Ward moved a hearty vote of thinks to the Directors for their services during the past year, and expressed his conviction that if the shareholders gener ally knew the .amount of time and atten-

tion the Directors devoted to the interest of the Society, they would show their ap preciation by attending the annual meet ing in larger numbers. Mr Spillane seconded the motion, and it was unanimously can led. Mr Hugo Friedlander moved that the thanks of the shareholders are due to the manager, Mr Ward, He knew the great responsibility which attached to such a position, and testified to the zeal and ability with which Mr Ward discharged

his duties. He did not think that Mr Ward was too well paid for his services, and such a vote of thanks as that which he moved was as little as they could do. The Chairman seconded (he proposi tion, stating that the success of the So ciety might be attributed in a great mea sure to the ability and attention of the manager.

Mr Bullock supported the motion, as also Mr Douglas, who expressed the hope that he (Mr Ward) would long occupy the position of manager. The vote was carried unanimously. Mr Ward, in thanking the meowing for the manner in which the motion had been passed, said that a gentleman had told him the previous night that he took no notice of votes of thanks, preferring something more substantial. He (Mr Ward) was, however, much gratified to find that His set vices were so well appre ciated es to be deserving of (he vote which had been proposed accompanied as it was by such complimentary remarks. A vote of thanks to the Chairman con cluded the business.

AT TEMPTED ESCAPE FROM GAOL

(By Telkgbaph ) -Wellington, To-day. A most determined attempt to escape from Mount Cook gaol has been frustrated. ItVppeara that a few days ago e convict named Orabtree, serving sentence of 18 years for offences committed at Christ church, had been shamming sick and was allowed to remain in hia hammock. How ever, the gaoler had suspicions of Crab tree, anidhehad been removedto a separate cell. An examination of his hammock was made when the blankets were found to bo sewn together, and a chisel, gimlet and two bladed knife found secreted away. Fur ther inspection shows that Orabtree had been at work at the division wall with a chisel and ggimlet, and had nearly suc ceeded in cutting a hole in the wall suffi cient to allow the body of a man to push through. Crabtree, was brought before the Magistrate to-day, and pleaded guilty to the offence, and was sentenced to thirty days’ in irons and seven days’ bread and water. On the 17th of last month Crab tree attempted to escape from Lyttelton gaol and was fired at by one of the war ders. It is believed that if the hole had been successfuly cut through ten of the long sentence prisoners had arranged to escape.

RUSSIA'S NAVAL POWER.

While Russia has just placed her foot within Afghanistan, that border land of India, she is also exceedingly active in the northern part of this ccean. She has re cently (says the Auckland Herali) taken possession of a small island well suited for a naval depot facing the Chinese and it has been positively stated of late by the Eng’ish papers that her fleet in the North Pac'fic is made, more power ful than the British at present in these waters, north or south, and indeed is said to be even double the strength. This, of course, the Admiralty could easily alter, and it is not quite safe to leave the situa tion as it is at a time when the political clouds are lowering. And, by all accounts, Russian naval arrangemsnts are now in a very efficient state. That navy was but a clumsy, lumbering, ludicrous aff»ir a couple of generations back, for the crews were manned by landsmen, and the Mus covites are an inland people who nave no acquaintance wi h or disposition for a sea life. But all that has changed since the acquisition of the great maritime province of Finland, once belonging to Sweden, began to be utilised in this way by the authorities in St Petersburg. The pro vince abounds with hardy fishermen and excellent sailors, and it enjoys special privileges for now playing the chief part iu manning the Russian navy. Those Finland mariners are as numerously em ployed in the Black Sea and North Pacific fleets as in the Baltic division on their own shores. Moreover, Russia, like all the other great Powers, prides herself on the skill of her artillerists and engineers.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for 1 lie opinions expressed by our correspondents.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

To the Editor.

Sir, —I have read that Plato defined man to bo a two-legged animal without feathers, and that Diogenes in his day plucked a cock, and bringing him into the school, said, “ Here is Plato’s man.” From fho decide 1 cook-a-doodle-doo tone

of one member of the Ashburton School Committee at the recent special meeting, one is inclined to think that the rooster has again made hia appearance in connec tion with school work. If it were my purpose to institute comparisons between the feathered and the tmfeathered biped, much might be advanced to establish a marvellous likeness. For instance 11 the rooster ” is often an erratic bird, and does strange things apparently without thinking : he is said to be fond of a high perch or place whereon to crow ; he is known to crow on slight provocation, in fact on no provocation at all ; and some times after a vocal exercise he gives alow chuckle, which seems to indicate intense self-satisfaction, as though ho thought all the world had b j en listening : moreover, when he has “ got the worst of it” in the encounters which his pugnacity has led him into, battered and woe-begono though he is, he has been repeatedly observed to limp away and crow again. This much, by the way, to those who have not been observers of the domestic natural history. However, my present purpose is with the report of the School Committee’s special meating of the X7th instant. Permit me to say 1 live miles from your township, and am personally unacquainted with any of the Committee, and therefore if I am prejudiced it is with the facts I have learnt through the Ash burton Mail. Although members of the Committee may reiterate that their actions as only prompted by desires “ for the good of the school,” yet I fancy the “ parents and guardians ’’ of Ashburton will give but slight credit to such state ments when made by persons who, after professing to examine the school, declare to the Oommitte that it is in good order and doing excellent work, then straight way seek to accomplish the monstrous folly of dismissing the whole staff. The motion which embodied this purpose might with great naturalness have emanated from an insane man. But let us hear the defence of this inconsistency. After mutual agreement that the school is now

loing well, between Mr Orr and Mr Phomas (the mover of the motion),|the alter goes on to say, “ I said so all along; )ut you went behind me,” (oh ! terrible irime), “and pinned your faith on the Inspectors’ report. I now hold you to ;his, and bring forward this resolution.” Here then, if words mean anything, is the true secret of the discreditable motion. [f certain members of the Com mittee had not pinned their faith to the Inspectors’ report, but had be lived, like Mr Thomas, that the school work always had been going on wall r then I inferj the motion to dismiss the teachers would not have been brought forward. O. Committeemen! if ye were doubtful about the case from your own judgment, why did ye not trust to Mr Thomas’s examina tion, and save the town the exhibition of a great absurdity. Bat what was meant by the resolution ; did eveo.tho framer of it understand its import ? It demanded a complete change of teach eft as abso lutely necessary. Yet, further on in the discussion Mr Thomas said, he moved for the dismissal of the whole of the teachers and the re-appointment of thoiS who were considered competent, I must confess it mystifies ire to attempt to reconcile the complete change required with any re appointments. Again,.if the motion hai been carried, on what grounds would the re-appointments have been made ! If confidence in a teacher’s ability should decide the matter, then why go through the farce, of dismissing. Moreover, would it have been right to force'tlie'-staS to submit to such treatment ? Would Mr Thomas show himself so devoid 1 of self respect as to seek employment at the hands of a man who bsd discharged' him for no other reason than that some one else had shown himself incompetent. Well might a member ask if they were g dug to • seriously consider the matter. Again, the Chairman seemed to step aside from his '' usual impartial and dignified bearing. In re gard to some of his statements, he seems to have drawn considerably upon his imagination as in saying that the discern ing public (of course the public feel flat, tered to have such nonsense attributed to them) were now of opinion that if one of the teach t rs go, the others should go. His comparison of the circumstances

under which the Headmaster, and ' Min Harband had bad to work strikes one ss a case of “ straining it a bit.” A ccording to the facts which have been placbd be* fore the public Miss Harband has not only had to work under a master who has repeatedly tried to secure her- dismissal, but also under a Committee some of whom favored the design...., On the other hand the Headmaster could'at the end of the year thank the Committee, for the very cordial support they bad given him. ’ Further, the Chairman seems to npbrsid members of the Committee for not, giving the Headmaster their sympathy, seeing (he Inspectors’ report attaches the greatest share of blame to him-for the failures of the school. Maybe those Com* - mitteemen entertain the opinion held by many of the public, that as the percentage of passes in the lower Standards -was fairly good, and the chief failures have been in the Fifth and.. Sixth Standards, what the school needs is a competent teacher for those classes and better supervision for the whole. The teachers of the school, from the Head master to the lowest on the staff, deserve sympathy that they have not had wiser c mnaellors, truer fr : ends, and their re putations in the bands of men more care ful of that precious commodity. For : the future let greater moderation and prud ence characterise the actions of all con cerred. Trusting the importance of the question may excuse the length of these comments,— I am, etc , ;Nk Cede Malis.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(rkUTER’s TXLBGRIMS—COPTHIOUT.I Monetary and Commercial. London, : March 23.

Consols have declined to 9lH' New Zealand securities:’—Five per 1 cent. 10 40 loan; joij£, ex div ; Four' [ and a half per. cent. 1879 1904 loan, roo)4 j Four per cent, inscribed stock, i 98 Colonial breadstufife—Adelaide t wheat, ex store, 365; New Zealand ► ditto, 28s to 34s j Adelaide flour, 255. 1 6d. Tallow Australian, average * ' quality beef, 3rs 6d; mutton, 335. The [ market rate for discount has declined „ , to and is now below the. Bank i rate. Wool Market -1 The catalogue to-day comprised 12,400 bales. The tone of the sale was s weak. The Mails. ‘ The Australian . mails from Mel | bourne, on February ~iith, via Brindisi were delivered to-day. Preparations^ The greatest activity is being shown in all the Admiralty dockyards as apre* paration for possible hostilities with Russia. Bechuanaland. Capetown March 25. It has transpired that Sir Hercules Robinson, the Governor of. Cape Colony, has formally requested Colonel Sir Charles Warren to stay the action he is taking as commander of the British expedition in Bechuanaland for the settlement of affairs in that district. Colonel Warren, however, declines to recognise the authority of the Governor, and has appealed to the Colonial Office to, uphold the proceedings. News has been received from Be chuanaland that a number of British surveyors there have been arrested, and are held in custody by the Boers, Operations at Snakim- Stjakim, March 23. Official accounts ot the action be tween Genera 1 . Mac Neill’s force 'and the rebels on the Tamai road last Sun day, give the British casualties as fob lows—six officers and ninety-four rank and file killed, one officer and seventy lank and file missing, six officers and one hundred and thirty-six rank and file wounded. A large number of camp followers and camels were also slain. The rebels to-day attacked the British convoy, which was sent to the Hasheen zareeba. The Mahdites were com pletely repulsed with heavy loss. On

the side of the British there was one killed and two officers and fourteen men wounded. Indian Forces. . ‘ (jALcarn, March 25. A division of the Indian array has been ordered to proceed forthwith •to Pisheen, Southern Afghanistan, - and a reserve force of 40,000 men is also being mobilised. It is expected that Major-General the Duke of Connaught, commanding at Meerut, will take com mand of a reserve division. £jg;| (Received March 26, 1.26 p.m > Reserve Force. Calcutta, March 26. The men in reserve force, which is J about to be mobilised, will be 20,000, not 40,000 as previously repotted.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1885.



MU j. IVESS begs to inform hia debtors, and all persona desirous of transacting any business with him, that ho will be in attendance at his Office, Burnett street, every* TUESDAY acd SATURDAY. Office hours ; iO a.tn. to 5 p. id. 2 188 niHE ASHBURTON COUNTY J, STOCK AND SALEYARDS COMPANY (Ljm ted), Is prepared to Dip Sheep IN large tr email lots at the following scale of charges : For the first 500 sheep, one penny each For the second 500 sheep, one half - penny each Forjthesecond 1,000 sheep, one farthing each For flocks of over 2,000 special arrange . meats will be made. The material used will be charged for in addition to the above. GEORGE JAMKSON, 3 207 Secretary Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER * AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancred Street, Sugars— English Cut Loaf r ‘i per lb ' Best VVhite Crystal, 3i-i per lb ’Beat.Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the tta‘) Teas, 1* 3d, Is fid, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s fid per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, 3d Mixed Biscuits, fid Lunch Biscuits, 3d '.Obrrants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Beat Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is fid Oysters, fid Cairn's Marmalade, fid Peacock’s Jams, C£d Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, fid per lb English Pickl-.s, 8d Other Articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tanored Street. 12 2342



Wanted. WANTED— A respectable Woman as Housekeeper for two bachelors. Apply office ot this pape-. 3 452 W r ANTED Known —A t-hop To Let, in East street. Enquire T.JTay- LOR, Baker. 3 439 WANTED Known—Furnished apart ments for two ladies, or two gentlemen, with or without Board. Apply Office of this Paper. 3 412 T ANTED Known—Before buying Dress Materials, Dialers, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first clcss Drapery and Millinery Fstab ishment in Ashburton —H. C. i-egers, ealys’ Buildings, East Street. _____ /'"'l BEAT Reductions for Cash at Jones AA and t badhhaw’s. Hood oaten sheaf chaff from 50s par ton, Is 6d per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35a per ton, 9d per bag; new oatmeal 4s per bag; good cheese 5d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. TT/” ANTED Known—Wertheim Sow- V\ ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at tha New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. LOBIOUS NEWS. Andrew Orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6j 9J ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s: 6i ; 100 pairs Kainpoi trousers at lls 6d—every article at half-price. T\7 ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight t hours from time of catching. Ail orders ’ received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2161 2 276 2 237



YTTANTED Known—Boots ! Boots ! V\ That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10a; Men’s Elastic aides, 9a, and a lot of odd lines that must bo cleared at once. 7 1278 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons fur Is, China Matting *t 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£ 1, Towels 3£ d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. Audrew 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 i attended to. ■ 760^ Special Advertisements. TOWLE'S pennyroyal and steel pills for females quickly correct all irregular! • .tiesand relieve thedistressing symptoms so prevalent with the sex. Boxes Is and 2s 9d, of all chemists. Prepared only by E. T. Towle, chemist, Nottingham, Eng land. Wholesale of all the wholesale houses.—Beware of imitations. 1 12 PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs JEtodg^ DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413



SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONFRY, Ac. Must be sold—even if at a loss To Fait everybody at prices that cannot bo beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, Ac. , Ashburton.



JDimant and Coe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer's SEWING M A OHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply i f Machine estras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANORED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181



R. Bevan K. Bsvan R. Bevan B. Bev. n R, Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R Bevan H. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan R. Bevan BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER. Cut ery. Jewellery, Concertinas, and Fancy Goods Dealer. BEVAN Young Ladies’ Journals (Mar. No ) for 1b 31, Subscribers wanted. Country stores supplied at special rates. SAUNDERS BUILDING Next Quill’s Hotel. e R. Bevan R. Bevan P, Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. BSVan R. Bevan R. Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevati 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). Yuu 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 bo the most popular mar. of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget, his news papers; ’ and I say the same ! Head ! Read ! Head ! When both you and my self will be c nsiderably benefited, Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, 1 can only finish by saying— Come and seo for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again,— Nothing like Perseverance 1 Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, I Saunders’ Buildings, East St,, I Ashburton. I



Special Advertisements. fpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mes-rs WILDING, LEWIS & OA IfGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the j above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict.



All risks taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Apents for Canterbury. TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER. f|lO FARMERS and Others about to Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first coat and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the j satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, ex s.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in StocK, and Building supplied throughout. Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MEROH ANTS, East street, Ashburton.



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing 1 NEWEST STYLES in SPRING Jb SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. SL’xts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WH OLESALE PRICES. TSbte the address NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



Davis’s Surplus stock of furniture Now selling on at HALF-PRICE. Must be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 Pek Cent. BY PUOHASING AT VV. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



UTO M N AND WINTER. Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection. They comprise the Newest and Bust of every kind of MILLINERY, DRAPERV, UNDER CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cash Price, If you will trouble to think for a minute, wo feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the best pro curable for money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense cost of an Extravagant Establishment with manager, sub-manager and an expensive stall ; 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 pirticular article, \va 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& H. E. May & Co,, THE HALL.



Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January igxh, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES! GLARING REDUCTIONS ! ! jaS'For Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windows'S^ Dimant and|Coe, EEADY-MONEY DRAPERS, OLOTHIKRS, Ac., In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co,, Corn .East and Fancied sire ASHBURTON. i



Special Advertisementt. WAR WITH RUSSIA.-At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for any one exc pt a prophet of the' highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia wil! ‘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 life awful silence which generally precedes a storm. In either case, wo 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 i.emraodities wool and labor will go up Now is tho time, therefore, to lay in a stock of c’othing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we m\y not be caught napping we have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which we are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, it is almost needless for as to repeat 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 is an impossibility.— Craighead and Merchant Tailors, Tancred street.



That husband of mine is three times the man he was before he began using “ Wells Health Rerewer.” Druggists. The N.Z Drug Co., General Agents. a