COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. The following is the ChrMchurch ■ Corn Ex chance report for the week ending Friday, the 9th finstant : The encouraging commercial 2kkSS« put »-«k, caused by Ihe cxpec luk.., of an Anglo-P.usso , war > h ”' effect of causing a nse in the local wheat market, yet the advance does not compare favorably with the rise in the home marke rs ts fobe accounted for by extra cost of shipping and war insurance risks. Prime milling lines are most looked after at an ad vance of about Good second-class parcels meet with ready sale at 2d advance. Chick “heat remains at la-t quotations. The advance 5s accompanied with a good deal of specu, at ion as in the event of pacific cables during the next few weeks prices are almost sure to recede again to then last quotations. Oats have a fair demand for bright short feed and seed Tartarian, but discolored and long feed are nealected at the moment. For prune malt ing barley a few enquiries still exist, while se cond quality meets with little responser Rye wrass is in fair demand for good, clean farmers fots, but cocksfoot is a shade weaker. Potatoes Slight ■ nquiries have been manifested lor Derwents for immediate shipment, but it is premature to fix an opening rate. ’Wheat- Prime milling, 2s 9 d to 3 s > second-class and drv. ft for shipment, 23 fid; chichwheat, is 0.) ’to as, f.o.b. Oats-Milli g, is iod; bright short feed, Is 9 d; Tartarian seed, is 8d; Danish and discolored, is Sd to is 7d, Barley—Prime malting, 3 s 6d to 3s qd; second quality, 2S 9 d to feed, is 9 d to 2s. Christ church. Ryegrass —Clean fanners lots, 2s 9 to 3s; machine dressed, 3s 9 d to 4s, f.o.b. Cocksfoot, 3 >£d; slightly damaged lots, 2d to 2'Ad, f.0.b., Lyttelton. Dairy Produce-But ter, to iod ; cheese, to 4/4 f - ab - Messrs Friedlander Bros, (in conjunction with. Messrs Robert Wilkin and Co.) report, on • the Live Stock Market for the week ending ,16th April, as follows :—On Tuesday last at the Ashburton Yards another catalogue of sheep was submitted, which chiefly com prised merino and crossbred breeding ewes, merino store wethers and crossbred lambs. There was comparatively a small entry o fat ‘sheep, but more than sufficient for the re quirements ot the local trade and some lines were turned out unsold. Prices of last week were hardly maintained, but mostly all classes of store sheep changed hands. We sold on account of Messrs John Smith, Bennett Bros, Brenmn, Knox, Johnston, Boyle, A Grant, Butterick and others, the following lines 53 full mouth crossbred ewes at 8s id, 2ti merino ewes $s fid, 301 merino ewes4s Bd, 800 merino ewes 4s, 100 crossbred lambs at os 3d, 384 crossbred lambs 7s 4d, 9 I broken mouth ewes 6s, 320 lambs 6s Bd. In rams we sold 10 Southdown ram lambs at -coln at 2gs., 3 Lincoln at I jzgs., 2 Lincoln at 2gs. In pigs and cattle there was a lair entry, and mostly all were, disposed of at rather an advance on last quotations.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saxcbday, Apkil 18 Mr Thoa. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street —Bace Privileges, Land, e c. Tub day, Apkil 21 Messrs Matson, Cox and C >., at the Tinwa’d Saleyards—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Fbioat, Ap jl 17 Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o clock Wednesday, Apkil 22 Wesleyan Church—Reception Soiree Oddfellows’ Hall—Madame Pauline Rita and Mr John Radcl ff, at 8 o’clock Monday, April 27. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 /clock Wednesday, Apbil 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Meet ing Friday, May 1 (ikfcqr on County Council—At Council v -ambers, 11 a. m. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, May 2. /Takanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m,, with the number of insertion, written plainly on the cop} 7 , otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. AH notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of ood faith. All advertisements and business ,et;t.‘js vote addressed Tiie Manager; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a.nt. 10.30 a-m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ghertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. Mid 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. "for Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima.'u and Sonth, at 6 a.m., 10 ».m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. ■ For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a,m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For ilount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, it 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit FRIDAY, APRIL 17. 1885. The Threatened Invasion.

The annals of Russia, revolting as they must be to a people nurtured under a liberal constitution, cannot fail to be of interest to British subjects at the present juncture. The imper fect history of the Muscovite does not provide us with any very reliable infor mation as to the past of the great nor thern power, but Chinese history is more explicit, and if we fail in obtain ing definite information regarding Russia during the early period of the Christian era from her own chronicles, we can obtain some interesting items bearing on the subject from the contemporaneous history of China. It is interesting to learn that the now audacious Russia was once under the .heel of the Mongolian race. In the tenth century she was conquered and over-run by the Mongols, who held possession of their conquest for two centuries. It was in the century fol lowing, however, that the great supre macy was gained that swarms of Asiatics were hurled against the nor thern power, which went down, not before superior arms or military skill, but before sheer mass of numbers. Like an Eastern locust plague the invaders came, and their progress was irresistible, so that for two centuries the vast country of Russia was subject to galling tribute. It was only at the dawn of the fifteenth cen tuiy that Russia began to re-gain her independence, and by that time the Mongolian stamp had been indeliby impressed upon her national character. The Mongols introduced the serfdom recently abolished in name but still existing in fact, and to Mongolian influence is to be attributed the spirit less character of a people, the bulk of whom submit passively to the official dom of Russia—an officialdom accom panied by oppression of the worst kind, that not only refuses to recognise the personal liberty of the subject, but terrorises the very thoughts of the human mind. An abject social bond age of this kind seems to be congenial to the Mongolian race, and it is seldom we find them revolting against it; it is even more rampant in the Chinese Em pire than it is in Russia. It is to the Mongolian conquest that Russia owes its traditions, and aggrandisement is an instinct bequeathed to the nation by the regenerator of their country, Peter the Great, whose will laid the acqui sition of territory down to his people as a sacred duty, and at this moment that principle is the end and aim of all their foreign policy. They have only just emerged from a fifth un successful attempt to secure the coun try of the unfortunate Turk, and now we find them casting lustful eyes upon Afghanistan as the high road to our Indian possessions. But for the whole some check held upon Russia by the other European powers, there can be little doubt that the owners of the largest of the European dominions would not hesitate to attempt the ex tension of their territory westward. It is not easy to see what motives impel Russia to seek the extension of her do minions with such avidity. It would doubtless be far more acceptable to the country itself if its Government turned its attention to internal re forms. The people have long been the most down-trodden and the greatest strangers to freedom of all the people who have yet claimed to come within the confines of modern civilisation. The cession of Constitutional Govern ment to the people of Russia would be a greater boon to the masses of that country than the conquest of all Europe and Asia. But we fear the present Czar is not yet able to extricate himself from the instincts of his house—instincts that induced his predecessor to wage war hypo critically in the name of Chris tianity with an ostensible view to wrest ; from Turkish rule Mahomraedan-ridden Christians, but really to add, if pos sible, more territory to his already over-grown dominions. We may condemn Nihilism as we may, but when we consider the reign of terror under which the Russian people live, and the grinding oppression that has given birth to the movement, we are constrained to find some palliation for the existence of an organisation that has for its aim the freedom of its country —no matter how mistaken its notions of freedom may be. But until the Government of Russia takes a more liberal view of political life, until she effects much needed domestic reforms, she can never assume the position among the nations of the world to which her ambitious and unscrupulous aristocracy aspire.

Catarrh or thr Bladder. —Stinging .rotation, inflammation, all kidney and similar complaints, cured by “ Buchu-paiba.” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 Tic-Doloureux, Toothache, or any other neuralgic pain spcediiy yields to Baxter’s Anti Neuralgic Pills,

At Oamaru Mr Robinson, R. M., has decided that the railway regulation under whieh charges of driving at othsr than a walking pace across a railway crossing had been laid is ultra vires, and the charges were therefore dismissed. Wo understand there is some prob' ability of a cheap excursion train being j run from Christchurch and intermediate j stations to Ashburton in connection with j the forthcoming race meeting of the Ash- r burton Racing Club. T We would again remind our readers of r the concert to be given by the Sr John’s 1 Lodge, No 1858, E. 0., in the Masonic t Hall, Tancred street, this evening, Solos | will be contributed by Mesdames Hodge j and Crisp, Misies G. Gates, Kidd, and ( H. Barratt, Messrs H. A. Gatos, J. G. Rose, A. Harrison, D. Thomas, and other established favorites. Mr J. H. Clayton, a vocalist for whom we predict a most favorable reception, will make his debut before an Ashburton audience ; and a lady from Dunedin, posses el of a voice of ex ceptional quality and power, has very kindly consented to assist. Miss Emma Orr and Miss Williamson, two young ladies already well and favorably known in musical circles, will each play a piano forte solo, and the nan musical portion of the community shou’d be attracted to to night’s concert by the probability of the Hon Mr Ballance, the Minister for Defence, extending his patronage to the entertainment. Mr Ballanc* is expected to arrive in town by the express this evening, and steps have been taken to secure his attendance at the concert. We would remind intending purchasers that the privileges in connection with the forthcoming Autumn Meeting of the Ash burton Racing Club, will be submitted to auction by Mr T. Bullock, at the Arcade to-morrow at I p.ra. As there is every promise of a large influx of visitors, and a most sujcesaiui meeting, the lota should prove oi unusual value. There was a batch of “railway cross ing "cases at the R M. Court, Rakaia, yesterday. The defendants were cau tioned and dismissed. Mr Foster, of the East Christchurch school, has, we undera’and, declined the vacant Inspectorship offered t > him by ; the North Canterbury Board of ifiduca ’ lion, Mr B. Broomfield, who was recently • admitted to the Ashburton Hospital suf fering from a severe injury to his hand. . of which we have already given particu lars, has written to us expressing his appreciation of Dr Trevor’s surgical skill ■ and the master and matrons unremitting : care and attention. » The annual pariah meeting of St ! Stephen’s Church will ba held in the : schoolroom on Monday next, the 21th t April, at 733 p.m. It may ba mentioned j that a notice of motion has been given . dealing with the appropriation of seats in ' the Church [ The cases, Rakaia and Ashburton Forks , Railway Company v Ratepayers, set 1 down for hearing at the Racaia Resident > Magistrate’s Court on 20:h instant, have ■ been again postponed for a month, pend • ing the completion of arrangements now f being made by the Governm ,nt for the . purchase of the railway. t Yesterday 48 men received passes to the Waiau at the Public Works office, Christ f church. This makes a total of 180 passes issued since the ro commencement of the *■ unemployed agitation, a few weeks ago. r The Hon W. J. M. Larnaoh arrived in 5 Christchurch yesterday morning by the i Waihora. He left by train yesterday s for the Malvern district, and will spend - about a week examining the mineral de r posits of the interior. j It has transpired that the Minister for , Defence, the :, on Mr Ballance, passed through Ashburton to Timaru by yester ' day’s excursion train. Mr Ballance will 1 return to Ashburton by this evening’s I express, and wifi probably remain in town t to-morrow. Professor and Mrs Baldwin gave a most f successful entertainment at Timaru last - night. Amongst other questions put to Mrs Baldwin while in the clairvoyant |. state, a sportsman asked what would win the Timaru Steeplechase to-day. She i replied “ Lynwood," and ns will be seen from our sporting telegrams this evening 3 that horse did approp.-iate the race in - question. The Timaru Herald, referring I co the performance, says : —Additional interest was imparted to this part of the entertainment by a person rising in the audience and, after remarking that “ he had not seen anything re y wonderful so far,” asking if Mrs Baldwin c mid tell S him the number of his watch. This the 1 lady did correctly amidst great applause. t Wa are not prepared to say this part of the entertainment is not capable of a per fectly simple explanation, but there is no doubt the audience were thoroughly puz : zled and impressed. 1 Mr W. J. Steward, the popular 1 MH R. for Waimate, arrived in Ashhur- J ton by the express last evening. He will proceed South with the Hon Mr Ballance . to-morrow. j The rumor that Great Britain had ( ceded Penj Jeh to the Russians, is con tradicted by a cablegram appearing in this issue A sub committee of the Ashburton ! Racing Cldb, appointed to report uuon : the employment of a totalisator and to suggest arrangements in connection with , the gates and passes will meet at the Club’s room to-morrow evening at e'ght o’clock. Another unfortunate.—Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a ,£2,424 stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for £954, or only a little over one-third of its value. H, E. M. and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secure a speedy clearance.

NORTHERN TRUNK RAILWAY,

Auckland, Last Night.

The ceremony of turning the first sod of the Nopth Island Trunk Railway at the Te Awamutu end of the line was per formed yesterday afternoon, and wit nessed by a large assemblage pf natives and Europeans. The preliminary opera tion took place on the sou'h braneh of the Punul river, three miles from Te Awamutu, and immediately within the boundary of what is known as the King Country. Around the spot selected for the ceremony Europeans and natives, to the number of 600, sat or stood in ap parent anxious .expectancy. The impor tance of the event appeared to be fully realised by all. Precisely at 2 o’clock Mr Hales, District Engineer, stopped for ward, as engineer having charge of local public works. He had much pleasure in calling on Wahanui, on behalf of the native people, to commence the work of con struction of the railway by turning the first god. Wahanui divested himself of his coat, and cutting three sods, placed them in the same barrow which was used by Sir G Grey at Olandelanda epme time ago. Rewi called upon the Hon the Pre mier to wheel the sods away, and Mr Stout alsp, removing his coat, wheeled the sods to the end pf fhe plank and tipped them on to the sward. &oud cheer? greeted the conclusion of this part of the ceremony, the band p’aying “ God save the Queen,” and “ Cheer, boys, cheer.” Mr Stout delivered an admirable address, and so did Wahanui. At the can,elusion of his speech the cheers were renewed, and at the call of the Mayor of Auckland, three hearty cheers wore given for Wa hanui and Rewi. The Premier was shown over the battlefield ,at Orakau by Rewi, who related to Mr Stout a number of the incidents connected with that memorable fight.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURTS.

SOUTH RAKAlA— Yesterday. (Before H- 0. S Baddelay, Esq., R.M.) Breach of Railway By-Law. —James Caleb Tucker, William McTnmun, John Nicholls, Walter Harrnell and Thoa. Betts were charged with riding or driving over a railway line at other than a walking pace —Hia Worship pointed out that two offences were committed un lets parties stopped before crossing the railway, but added that as the costa in these cates were heavy he would inflict no fine. The defendants were cautioned and dismissed. Breaches oe the Impounding Act.— Albert James Howelll, charged with al lowing a horse to wander at large was fined 5s and costs 7s.—Henry Primmer, for allowing a cow to wander, was fined 7s 6d and cos’s 7s.- Joseph Brimicombe, for allowing a horse to wander, was fined 5s and coats 7s.—The same, for allowing four horses to wander, was fined 23s and costa 7s.—Charles Lake, for allowing a horse to wander, was fined 7s 6d and costs 7a.—John Johnson, for allowing three horses to wander at large at Meth ven, was fined 17s 6J and costa 14s. — James Craig, for allowing two horses to wander, was fined 5s and costa 7s. —John Hoarder, for allowing a horse to wander, was fined 5s and costs 7s.—John Burrows, for allowing a horse to wander, was fined 5-, and costs 7s. Civil Cases. Hardy and Co v Alexander, claim L2 Os 4d. Judgment for the amount claimed and costs 11a. W. Cox v J. Walker, claim lla 103. — Judgment for the amount claimed and coats.

ASHBURTON— To-dat,

(Before H. C. S. Baddeley, Esq., R.M.) CIVIL CASES. Mount Somers Road Board v Thomp son, claim L 9 6s Bd. Mr J. 0. Bell, clerk to the Board, appeared in support of the claim ; there was no appearance of the defendant. Judgment by default for the amount claimed and coats. Property Tax Commissioner v Lemon, claim L2l2s Bd. J udgment by default for amount claimed and costs, Dimant and Coe v Lawrence, claim, L 4 3s.—Judgment by default for the amount claimed and costs. Friedlander Bros, v Corabie and .East, claim L 27 la Bd.—Mr Purnell for the plaintiffs, Mr Branson for the defendants. —On the application of Mr Branson the casa was adjourned for a week. 1 Wildinsr, Lewis and Caygill v Moore, 1 claim L 5 3a 4d.—Judgment by default for the amount claimed and costs. 1 Franks v Jones and Bradshaw, claim L 7 5s, —Mr Branson for the plaintiff; Mr Caygill for the defendants.—John > Franks, who described himself as a farm k laborer, said that in consequence of letters t received from the defendants he came to ) Ashburton on 31st January. The defend ant Jones had directed him to proceed to Tinwald to repair a threshing machine. i The witness detailed the time he had de viled to work upon the machine. —To Mr j Caygill: The defendant Bradshaw had . assisted in making repairs to the machine. ( Witness described the assistance given by , Bradshaw. Witness was originally en gaged to drive and generally supervise the work of the machine. He had en } gaged his own son, a lad of 18 yeira, as feeder; he was a competent hand. He j had received payment for driving the machine, and the following day de manded payment of the present claim. He had not previously made application ■ for the amount.—To the Bench ; He had ' not thought to ask for payment when " settled with for the threshing. The mi ' chine commenced to thresh on February ! 28, the repairs were finished on February 1 18; during the interval witness had done nothing.—Francis Shearer, agricultural k machinist, said he considered the plaintiff ; a competent man to repair a threshing 5 machine. The charge made by,the plain t tiff was a fair and reasonable one. Wit i ness had emp’oyed defendant and found 5 him a reliable workman.— this concluded i the plaintiff’s case, and Mr Cajgill called 5 the following evidence for the defence. — i William Jones, -one of the defendants, ; said the plaintiff had been employed to I sot the machine in order, act as driver 3 through the season, procure work for the J machine, and provide a feeder, and to re- II ceive as payment 42s C 1 per thousand upon > the grain threshed. The plaintiff lived in 1 Christchurch, and defendants bad agreed > to let him know as closely as possible the date upon which the machine would 1 commence work. It was arranged no ■ wages should be paid till the machine ' commenced work. The machine was ■ not out of order, it only required dusting and a few unimportant re • pairs. Witness first heard of the claim • after plaintiff had received payment 1 at the rate agreed upon.—To Mr Branson; i The repairs required by a machine were usually done by a driver prior to com mencing work, and these should not have occupied the plaintiff more than l this) days. The rats of wages, 42a 61 per thousand, was 15s per thousand higher than that at which another driver and feeder could have been procured. Witness had sent for plaintiff’ to come to Ashburton in January, as at that time there was a pro bability of the machine commencing work at once. The negotiations then in course were not completed.—J- Bradshaw, the other defendant, corr borated the evi dence of the previous witness in respect to the agreement made between the plaintiff and defendants. Witness had worked upon the machine with the plaintiff for four days; when witness left the machine, there remained work to be done which should have occupied the plaintiff two or three days. —To the Bench; The high wages were paid to plaintiff as the defen dants thought him a competent man, and wished him to place the machine in thorough order. —Mr Horne said the wages paid were about 10s per thousand above the current rates. Witness considered the additional wages should pay for the pre liminary expanses.—Counsel having ad dressed the Bench, judgmsnt was given for the defendants, witu costs against the plaintiff. Betts v Horne, claim L 33 13s.—Mr Wilding for the plaintiff; Mr Purnell for the defendant. —-The plaint alleged that the plaintiff had purchased from the de fendant a second-hand Bearing reaper and binder. The defendant and his age.it, Mr 0. Ray, guaranteed the machine to bo in ] good order. The machine proved unfit . for work, and the defendant now claimed repayment of the amount paid for the ] machine, L2O, special damages Ll2 18s, and price of extras 15a. —Mr Wilding having stated particulars'of the plaintiff’s j case ctiled the following evidence.—Geo. c C suiter, a contractor, said he had had e much experience in harvest work. He c had been present at a conversation be- i tween the plaintiff and defendant in re- a sped to the purchase of reapers and bin ders by the former from the latter. The a defendant had s ated he would give a t guarantee with the machines, and if they r would not work he would exchange them- f At that time the machines were at Ray’s <1 undergoing repairs. Witness had accom- t panied plaintiff to Bay’s to inspect the a machines. They found the Doering machine did not tie, but Bay said it would h work batter in the paddock. The plaintiff t called attention to the main wheel, and said e ! e did pot think it good enough to work I in the paddock ; H»y assured them it would work- The plaintiff look the A machine and it was tried a few days later, y It was found much out of order, and tl could not be made to work.—To Mr Pur- hi pell : Witness had recently beep cm- n

victed of larceny ; he had received a months’imprisonment. He bad stood at the defendant’s office door daring the conversation in reference to the machine. Witness repeated the headings of the con sation. The machine had been first tried at Digby’a ; it was then removed to Lagh mor, and afterwards returned to Ashbur ton. Witness was not a laborer, he was a contractor.—To Mr Wilding : The lar ceny ease refeired to by Mr Purnell “had something to do with a saddle he bor rowed from a friend.” He had no interest to speak anything but the truth in this case. He was fully satisfied that both the defendant and Fay had guaranteed the machine.—F. Betts, plaintiff, said he had several conversations with the de fendant with reference to the purchase of machines for harvest work On January 19 an arrangement for the purchase of two second-hand machines was made in defendant’s office. Defendant said the machines had been sent to Ray’s black smith shop for the purpose of being re paired, and he had authorised Ray to sell them if possible. Witness asked if defendant would guarantee the machines to work well, and the latter rep'ied, that if the machines did n t give satisfaction, ho (witness) could return them and re ceive new ones in their stead. Witness, at the request of defendant, then visited Bay, and held a lengthy conversation with him in regard to the quality of the machines. Ray asserted that the machines were both in good working order, and if they did not satisfy witness they could be returned. It was agreed thit the price for the Samuelson machine should be 1i25 and for the Deering L2O. Witness pointed out a number of defects in the machine, and Ray said that it would go all light when put to work in the fiald. The ma chine was tried by witness next day in a grass paddock, and broke down com pletely. Witness informed Ray of this, and the latter said that a trial in grass was hardly a fair one, and asked witness to try it in a grain crop. Witness had some repairs effected, and on finding that it would nov work satisfactorily in the crop took it to Ray’s yard and left it there Ray offered to repair the machine, but witness would not agree to that, as he was thoroughly disgusted with it. Wit ness estimated that he had lost about LSO through the unsatisfactory working of the machine Witness sould not tell by the inspection he made in Ray’s yard whether the machine would work or not. Witness had purchased the machine solely on the guarantee of defendant and Mr Ray.—To Mr Purnell : I went to the defendant with i the intention of purchasing the machine from the New Zealand Grain Agency Company, I inspected the machines on two different occasions. I never pur chased anything from Ray for the pur pose of repairing this machine, but I pro-

cured several bolts from him for my other machines. When I brought the machine to Ashburton, after it had broken down, I never told defendant that I would have t > get it repaired and ready for work within a week. I remember defendant asking me for settlement of the Grain Agency’s account I proposed that the L2O paid for the Deering machine should ha deducted. I did make mention of damages, and the defendant, in reply, said, “ The best thing you can do is to go for Ray for damages, and I’ll do my best for you iu Court.”—D. Betts, father of plaintiff, said he went to Ray’s blackatai'h shop, about the middle of January last, to inspect the two machines in question. On trial it was found that the Deering not tic. Plaintiff expressed dissatisfaction with the Deering m ichiue. Ray sat'd he would guarantee it to work perfectly when put into a grain crop. Witness was present when the machine was tried in the grain paddock, It went very bad, and work had to be suspended. Witness subsequently saw Ray about the matter, and the latter promised to go and inspect the machine, but had never done ao.— Plaintiff re called at the request of Mr Wilding, said after he had returned the machine to Ray’s yard ha asked defendant if he would supply him with another machine. Defendant replied in the affirmative, and it was agreed that the L2O paid for the Deering should be deducted from the pries of the new machine. —Frederick Beits, brother of plaint : ff, said he was present at a conver sation between plaintiff and Ray with re ference to two machines. Ray said they ware in good working order, and he would guarantee them. It was arranged that die machine should be returned if it did not give satisfaction. Witness was pre sent when a trial of the machine was made in a grass paddock. It worked very badly, and work had to be stopped in order that it might be repaired.—Joseph Stephens, blacksmith, deposed to having repaired the Deering machine in ques tion. It was in a very bad state, and unfit for working. Witness enumerated the defective parts of the machine.— Valentine Joyce, contrac tor, said he saw the Deering machine pur chased by plaintiff at work in a grass pad dock. It worked very badly.—D. Joyce said ho was in the employ of plaintiff daring last harvest. The Deering machine would not tie properly, and in general worked very unsatisfactorily. This concluded the evidence for the plaintiff, and Mr Purnell proceeded to open for the defence. (Left sitting.)

YESTERDAY'S LATE TELEGRAMS.

Auckland. At the inquiry into the wreck of the barque Mathieu, at Kaipara, the officers and crew were acquitted of balme. At a meeting of shareholders in the Rotorua railway, a resolution was passed authorising the Directors to sell the line to Government. Robert M'Elvie, seaman, shot Thomas Steward this evening in the jaw and left breast with a revolver, while the latter was sitting in Mrs Benson’s hoarding house with the landlady. The cause was jealousy. M'Elvie escaped, and has not been arrested. Steward was taken to the hos ital, and one of the bullets extracted. He is likely to recover. M'Elvie formerly lived with Mrs Benson. He had previously threatened her and Steward. Wellington. A house occupied by Peter Ball and Patrick Longlin at Paikariki, was de stroyed hy fire. Everything was burned, for tho occupants rushed away immedi ately the fire was discovered, as there was a quantity of dynamite and cartridges stored in the building. A despatch has been received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies giving a list of Acts with respect to which her Majesty will not be advised to exercise her power of disallowance. Dunedin,

The New Zealand Agricultural Com pany’s homestead at Longridge was burnt down this morning, and the inmates had a narrow escape. Mr James Kerr, the overseer, was badly burned. The build ing was insured for L3OO in the National, and the furniture for Ll3O.

One of the seven ton guns was mounted at Forbury Head to-day, and another will be mounted at Lawyer’s Head next Wed nesday. These are to protect the city from bombardment from the ocean. The defence works at Taiaroa Heads to pro tect the entrance to the harbor are also iu a forward state. The Royal Humane Society of Australia has bestowed a silver medal on William Potikii the Maori lad, who made such exertions to save the Rev Mr Morice at Port Molynsaux. At the inquest on the boy Smithson, of Anderson’s Bay, who died so suddenly yesterday, there was no direct evidence of the cause of death, as no post mortem had been made. The verdict was death from natural causes.

MADAME RITA AND MR RADCLIFF.

By reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that there is a rare musical treat in store for the Ashburton public, as on Wednesday and Thursday next there will appear at the Oddfellows’ Hall, two of the meet distinguished and talented musicians that have ever visited the Australian colonies. We refer to Madame Pauline Rita (one of the most celebrated vocalists of the day) and Mr John Radcliff (the most perfect and illnstrous flautist the world has ever known) Throughout their recent Aus tralian tour Madame Rita and Mr Rad cliff were everywhere received with a perfect farore of acclamation by large and intensely delighted audiences, and after their performances were constantly sere naded by the bands of the various cities and towns. Of the concerts given in Australia, the papers speak in the very highest terms of praise. As a flautist Mr Radcliff is unequalled, and the flute as played by him becomes a noble instru ment, giving forth sounds of exquisite sweetness. Speaking of Mr Badcliffa playing the Sydney Daily Telegraph fays,

“ there is a spirit in every phrase, and in every note a ringing sound, which stirs the blood and sets it dancing to the player’s time. This, when the music is merry, at other times the soft, round tones fall upon the ear languidly enough. As regards mere execution Mr Radcliff performs the gymnastics of his art without apparent effort- On the matter of flutes and flute playing Mr Rad cliff is an ardent enthusiast, and is able to bring musical rounds out of every reed instrument that was aver invented, from the pipe upon which the “ Great God Pan ” himself is understood to have played to the complex many keyed flute which now represents the perfection of nstruments of this class. Mr Radcliff traces the origin of the flute back several thousand years, and plays open thirty five different instruments, the most primitive being a human bone piered with two holes. He also sends music forth from what he terms the father of all the bag pipes, an instrument composed of the skin of a pig fitted with a reed, through which, is produced that peculiar sound so en deared to the hearts of all true Highlan ders. The three-holed pipe of the time of Shakespeare; the Tye, or Chinese flute; the musette, the forefather of the chanter of the bagpipes ; the “ Vagabond ” flute, and the nose flute (used by the natives of New Guinea); the snake charmers’ flute ; the fife and tin whistle ; .and many other varieties are played by Mr Radcliff, who also prefaces the introduction of each instrument by a few explanatory remarks as to its origin and nse. Up to this point Mr Radcliff keeps his audience deeply in 'terested, but directly he introduces the modern flutes, the playing upon which has w in him such high renown, his lis teners become electrified and delighted beyond measure by the purity of tone, the enormous power of exquisite sound which is brought forth from the flute A’Amorer, the cylinder flute and the silver bass flute. The bass flute is quite a novelty, and until Mr RadclifFs advent had never been heard in New Zealand. From this instrument Mr Radcliff sends forth a volume of full, round, melodi ous and liquid sounds that make the heart thrill with the moat intense joy and delight. The musical critic of the Sydney Evening News says, in concluding a moat eulogistic, notice—“ With respect to Mr Radcliff a playing there is only one word that sufficiently characterises it, and that word is ‘perfection.’ He is a perfect flats player with respect to intonation, the management of the lip s and breath, tongaing, power of expression, time and marvellous rapidity of fingering. Runs in dami-semiquavers can be performed by him at the rate of 100 miles and hour, and yet every note will be distinct to the ear. His variations on well known and popular airs are marvel lously brilliant and beautiful” Mr Radcliff is a sistei by bis talented wife, Madame Pauline Rita, a highly cul tivated and accomplished vocalist, and a lady who has won a very high reputation. She possesses a rich, powerful, and re markably pure soprano voice, and her style of singing is highly artistic and finished, besides which her manner is most irresistibly charming. Soma of her favorite songs are—‘‘The Bird that came in Spring,” “ Lo, hear the gentle Lark,” “ Home, Sweet Home," “ The Child and the Skylark,” in which she is accompanied on the flute by Mr Radcliff. The concert will, without doubt, be the best that has ever been given here, and those who are desirous of enjoying so genuine a musical treat we would advise to pay an early visit to Mr H. M. Jones’ music warehouse, where a plan of the hall may be seen and seats secured. That the hall will be crowded with an enthusiastic audience is a foregone conclusion.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, April 10. The attendance at the Easter Monday review was enormous, and it was late at night before all had returned home, fortu na'e'y without serious accident. All went off well except the torpedo portion, which was a partial failure. The Governor read an elegantly phrased address to the troops, in whioh it was indicated that the colony was quite prepared for eventuali ties. The meeting at Raudwick produced a splendid race for the Cup. Normanby ran like a racehorse, and jus 1 : won on the post. He was well backed, Jones, a Sydney bookmaker, alone clearing L 12,000. The holidays have made business dull. The Austrian corvette Saida has arrived in the harbor. Government have accepted the offer of the wharf laborers to form a Naval Brigade. Arrangements have been made by the Orient Company to connect their steamers with Souakin, in order to facilitate com munication with the New South Wales contingent. Brisbane, April 10. Telegrams have been received announc ing the safety of the new Government steamer Lucinda. Nothing has yet been done towards filling up the vacant Judgeship. It is understood that Mr Robert Little, Crown Solicitor, is about to resign owing to the critical state of his health. Sir John Coode, now on the way to Western Australia, is to be invited to in spect the Harbor Trust Works.

SPORTING.

S.C.J. CLUB ANNUAL RACES. The results of the following races were telegraphed after we want to press yester day : District Plate Handicap, of 40 so vs. 1£ miles. - . . Mr M. Sherwin’s oh gFurtrader, by Pertobe—Billy’s dam, aged, 9st 21b (Derrett) 1 Mr J. Burgess' hr g Jackdaw, aged, 9st (Owner) 8 Messrs M. and 0. Hobbs’ b m Hide* rua, 6yrs, Sat 41b ... (Blaokmore) 3 Dividends in each machine, LI 7s 6d. Selling Hack Uaob, of 10 sovs. 1 mile. Mr 0. R- Wise’s oh m Florence, aged 1 Little Doll, Otter, Idalia, Seven Bells, Florence (Moore’s), Sultan and Fanny a'ao ran. Dividends —L2 5s and L 3.

Flyino Handicap, of 40 sovs. Six for* longs. Mr P. Butler’s blk c Talebearer, 3yrs, 7st 91b ... ... " ... (Stratford) 1 Mr T. Quill’s b m Princess Roysl, gyrs, 6it 91b (Huxtable) 3 Sou’- Wester and Merlin were scratched'. Time I min 10-ec. Dividends—Ll 3a 6d and Ll 4s,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1885.



Will wmi 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 c£ 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 otse, we ought to foe 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. Wow is the time, the.ofore, to lay in a stock of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds 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 no to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of culling, and th-> care exer cised by us in tiding the figure, a mia-fit i« an impossibility.— C'kaioheao akd Co., Merchant Xailora, Tattered street.



’Wanted. TKTANTED—A correspondent for the V? Guardian, at Mount Somers. Apply to the Manager, V\T ANTED—A good general Servant, ’ * references. Apply Mrs R. Feie e, Tancred street. 4 549 V»7 ANTED— An Assistant Mistress for plications will be received up to the 25th instant, addressed Geo. Gilmour, ( hair man, Ashton. 4 530 TTTANTED Known—Before buying VV Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call aud inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Fstabiishment in Ashburton —H. C. Segeks, ealya’ Buildings, East Street, GREAT Reductions for Cash at Tones and Fra dshaw’s Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50s per ton, Is 6d per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag ; new oatmeal 4s per bag ; good cheese 5d per lb ; (four, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. ANTED Known—v-Vertbeim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton GLORIOUS NEWS. Andrew Ore will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6i 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lls 6d—every article at half-price. TSTANTED Known—Boots ! Boots ! V f That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate Hues of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d ; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s ; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4| 1, Towels 3£ d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. Andrew Ore’s Cheap Sale. 2 185 WANTED KNuWN—Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760



Special Advertisements, Money. SEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold sec-uti'.y, at current rates of interest. Principals only dealt with. 3 428 CHAS. W. PURNELL, MRS KENNEDY & MISS CAMERON, DRESSMAKERS, Compton’s Buildings, Moore street, Ashburton. N. B,—Registry Office for Female Ser vants. 4 537 jQOMESTIC PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dressesaud Underclothing mad® at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413! SELLING OEF | FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION RY, &c. JESS' Must be sold —even if at a loss To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c. t Ashburton. Canterbury Mills. rjlO FARMERS AND OTHERS. CORN SACKS, h.. size and weights. At lowest current rates, 3 292 0. W. TURNER.



GRIOULTURAL Machine Shop, WAKANDI ROAD. 0 H ARLES RAY Repair* 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. Read, mark, learch 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 i nto Ashburton (direct fromi Dome). You are then at. liberty to in spect the con cents of a large case of books, j personally selected, and just received. I be ievo it was Lord vVolsuley who said, (ho happens to be the most popular man of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspi res to great heights should road incessantly, and never forget his news papers;"* and I say the same ! Read I Read I Read ! When both you and my self will bo considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only finish, ij by saying—Come and seo for yourselves, j and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing liko Perseverance I Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, i Sauijdkrs’Buildings , East St., j ASHBUItTOiV. I



Special Advertisements. LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mia K 3 WILDING, LEWIS & CASTGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All riski taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GODLD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. Timber Timber qno FARMERS and Others about to |_ Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first cost and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, ex s. s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stoclc, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FIRMER AND 00. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MERGE ANTS, Fast street, Ashburton.



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW” ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPUING jfc SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOS6IEL 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'.rta, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— in E W ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



OTIGE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we have erected a large iron warehouse. This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and Cj. and now leased to us, enables us to offer to farmers extra facilities for the storage and classification of grain at nominal rates. We are prepared to make liberal cash advances on grain sent in for storage, or will ship same under advance on grower’s account or otherwise, as may be arranged. 3 454



UTUMN AND WINTER Aro now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection, They comprise the Newest and Best of every kind of MILLINERY, DRAPERS, UNDER CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cash Price. If you will trouble to think for a minute, we feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the best pro curable for money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally by the proprietor in the moat 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 01 jornpany to undersell us. t>o if they should advertise or make a special lead 01 draw of any pu'ticulir article, we wilj 4ve you the same at thoir price or lower, juaranteeing, taking things all round, out value will bo 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 C iNTERBURY. H. E. May & Co., H. E. May & THE HALL.



Victoria House. EW SEASON’S ADVERTISEMENT & INTIMATION HE FINE ART GOODS, CREWEL SILKS, INGRAIN COTTONS. TRAN E’ER PATTERNS, &c , To in our Next. DIMANT & COB, General .prefers, Clothiers, &c., East and Tancred Streets, AahburtOQ.



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Faxcred Street. Sugars —English Cut Loaf K d per lb Best White Crystx., 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 Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jama, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keillor's Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d i Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street. 12 2342 W. Fowke, BOOTMAKER, BEGS to inform his friends and the public generally that he has started business on his own account. He hopes by strict attention to business and making a good article, to secure a share of public patronage. Address—BUßNETT STREET, In premises occupied by Mr J. Meech.