COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T. Bullock reports on the horse market for the week ending Saturday, April 25th : There was a large entry of horses, but only a. moderate attendance, and biddings were again languid, but this may be accounted for to a extent, on account of the inferior description of the majority of the horses brought forward for sale. Anything like good draughts, suitable for export, maintain, good prices; but for aged draughts, which would be suitable for ploughing or ordinary farm work, the e appears to be little or no demand. Out of the total entiy of 34 only 12 were sold, as follows, viz:—2-year-old draughts, un broken, Li I to Ll 6 10s ; aged draughts, suit able for farm work, Lg to LlO ; light harness horses, L 4 10s to Lio; hacks, L 5 15s to L 7 ss; scrubbers, at low rates. Implements, etc., at market rates. Landed Properties—l offe,ed two small holdings, situated in the Village Settlement, of South Rakaia, and dis posed o ode containing about 6 acres with buildings thereon, for the sum of L 145.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, April 28 Messrs Matson, Cox and C a., at the Ashburton Saleyarda—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Exo. Monday, April 27. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Meet ing Oddfellows’ Hall—“ H.M.S. Pinafore, at 8 o’clock Town Hall—Diorama of the Soudan War Friday, May 1 Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, May 2j /7akanut Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISER

Advertisements for The Ashbdbtont Guardian must b 6 sent in not later than S p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on whicli 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, Marriage.-, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of ood faith. All advertisements and business lOtt ia wO be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

close at tho Ashburton Post Office follows; — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Bakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. »nd 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Bangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. If or Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., jot Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 %.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanni, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdaya, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Aahtsn, Waterton and Longbeacb, at 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. to. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. Mailw arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 *.m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a. m. and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.3'"' n,m. daily. Froiu Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. l>,oo p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 *.m.

sor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on. Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 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 urdays. at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1885. Anglo-Saxon Sympathies.

The fact—the pregnant fact—that “ the American Government will not permit the purchase of vessels by Russia for use as privateers,” has been telegraphed round the world, with an effect that it is impossible to estimate —that it would bedifficult to exaggerate. The greedy, unscrupulous Russian bear, the sullen Turk, the infatuated Soudanese Mahdi, the spirited Italians, the shrewd Bismarck, the French anarchists, the Irish dynamiters, as well as the greatest and noblest spirits on both sides of the Atlantic, have watched the event as “a little cloud not bigger than a man’s hand,” but destined to spread over the whole heavens and to descend in benificent s.howers on every corner of the globe. It is like the first stroke on the anvil, that will yet forge the mighty bond that is one day to encircle all. the English-speaking nations in a union, so solid and so vast as to command the destinies of the whole world, and put its foot alike on piracy |despotism, vandalism and fanaticism. Irresistible, not for devastation and conquest, but to pro tect the weak and peaceful, to curb the spoiler, to resist the despot, and restrain the infatuated. It is the first substantial fruit of the new Presi dential election, and is at once the noblest and the most politic act of American statesmen since the days of Washington. It has cost America absolutely nothing—it has secured for her the confidence of the civilised world. It has brought her no enemies, it has given her the affection, the good will, ah, and if need be, the co-opera tion, of the sister empire, that owns half the vessels that dot the oceans of the world, produces the men that can build them, man them, and that could probably command more of the “sinews of war” than all the rest of the world put together. But what is more —far more —it has shown to all nations that the fatal blunders of an insane monarch, and the men he so obstinately adhered to, committed a century ago, are 1 no longer to divide two nations of the same blood, the same interests, and the same aspirations. It has shown, too, that, despite of O’Donna RossAand hisdyna mite,or of PARNELLandhis inflammatory lectures, and his perjured colleague? . openly wishing success to the enemies of the Empire they have sworn to up hold; the great heads and the great hearts —the only real statesmen on • both sides of the Atlantic, are wishhg 1 not to divide but to cement—not to weaken, but to strengthen— not to shatter, but to build up the power that “has braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze,” The power that tyrants and anarchists have always hated and that, with all its faults, has I often—too often —offered the only refuge for social, political or religious liberty. What noble aspiration can a world wide politician entertain half so sublime as the hope that a hundred million English speaking people should recognise each other as friends and brothers, irrespective of the country in which they may reside ? A ■ hundred years ago there were only fifteen millions. A hundred years hence, at their present rate of progress, there will be eight hun dred millions. Who would provoke a war with such a nation ? How merciful, how restful, how manful and magna nimous, such a nation could afford to be ! How long and earnestly has such a consummation been desired and aimed at by the noblest minds of the race? The uncivilised African, the merciless Turk, the half civilised Rus sian, the Paris mob, and the restless Celt, will fail to understand, can in deed hardly believe in the great aims of our greatest men. Even Bismarck, in his heartless intellectuality, may ex press his. wonder that even a country ruled by the author of the “ Bulgarian Horrors,” does not employ the Turks to crush the Soudanese—he cannot ( seem to realise why such ain obviously simple and effectual remedy should be rejected for its inhumanity. Just as the same class of men never believed tor one moment that the Americans, under Lincoln, were earnestly fighting to put down slavery. But Britain has her reward—so long as she is under stood by America, by Australasia, and even by emancipated Italy. The great and good in every country can see something of her forbearance, some thing of her difficulties, something of her higher aspirations, as well, as of her unparalleled resources. They can see

that her aim in her late wars lias not ' been territory, nor fame, nor conquest, nor to amuse an oppressed and dissatisfied nation. She may have thrown pearls before swine. She may have employed a Gordon wfie.re she ought to have employed a Clive or a Hastings. She may have parleyed when she ought to have struck. She 1 may have reasoned when she ought to have compelled. She may have tempted resistance where she ought to have struck terror. But all these are gene rous errors, and if they have given us the confidence of America, we can afford to suffer from the aggression of Russia. Russia respects no Jrgalies, believes in no honor, never hesitates to take a mean advantage of her neigh bors' existing circumstances. Her men are hardy, and die to order, but, for tunately, she cannot find money to em ploy them far from home, and she has no credit. The open enmity of such a country can be little worse than her pretended friendship. But a bond, offensive and defensive, with America, would be like restoring a lost limb to the body politic, or a lost wheel to the State coach. It would give us as allies and friendly counsellors the only men whose aims are as high as our own men who listen to the same teachers, read the same authors, and even sur pass us as inventors. Men who, with equal determination, can handle the same bayonet, man the same guns, or manipulate the same ships, and are the only men whose steel we have learned to respect. Russia has, as .usual, taken a physical advantage by an act of morai turpitude. Her abler soldiers will easily butcher the un assisted Afghans ; but when she meets the men she met at Sebastapol, she will recoil, as she did then, and learn once more to retire within her own ample boundaries ; and when she .can not break them, she will for a time re spect the obligations of treaties,

Mr James Keir, of Ashburton, has ap plied fora patent for an improvement in reaping machines. The operation of The Arms Act, 1880, has been suspended in the Middle Is land.

Ravenswcod has been scratched for all engagements at the forthcoming meeting of the Ashburton Racing Club.

The Canadian oarsman, Hanlan, left Sydney, yesterday, by the s.s. Zealandia tor San Francisco.

Of 1,1421bs of opium imported to New Zealand during the financial year ending March 31, 1885, 1,0841bs were landed at Dunedin. The following ports received the balance :—Greymouth, 46lbs ; Auck land, lOlba ; Wellington, 2iba. The duty is 20s per lb. At the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus yesterday, Father Chastagon preached to a very large congregation, and at the close of the service over L4OO was collected towards the reduction of the debt on the church It is expected that fully L7O) will be collected for the same purpose during next month. On Friday, Saturday and Monday even ings next the Rev T. W. Dunn, a physi ognomist who has met with a most favor , able raception in the North Island, will | lecture at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Wills street. The Rev Mr Dunn has made a special study of the subject of his lectures, and the Auckland Star and other northern papers refer in very complimentary terms to the entertainment. The annual soiree of the Ohertsey Sun day School was held in the sohoolhouse, on Friday evening. There was a fair at tendance of parents and friends, and >h i arrangements made for the comfort of the audience were excellent. The tables were plentifully furnished with refreshments, and were presided over by Miss Wilkin son, Misses Angus and the Misses Tedd. The schoolroom was nicely decorated with evergreens, and bore quite a holiday ap pearance. After a plentiful tea had been partaken of by the children and visitors, addresses of an appropriate character were delivered by Mr K. Stuart (chair man), the Rev M r »VVest, of Southbridge, and Mr Reycraft, of Rakaia. Mr Me Dowell then read the financial statement, from which |it appeared that the institu tion was in a sound condition. Selections from Moody and bankey’s hymns were given by a party of singers from Rakaia, under the conduct of Mr R. Stuart ; and hymns were sung by a party of the Sun day School children, undsr the leadership of Mr David Todd. Miss Bruce (Rakaia) and Miss Campbell (Ohertsey), supplied the necessary instrumental accompani ments to the vocal selections; and Messrs D. Todd and J. Silvester contributed a sacred duet to tl e entertainment. Votes of thanks were passed at the end of the meeting to the spjakers, musical friends, and to all others who had contributed in any way to render the meeting a success. There was a large meeting of members of the Ashburton Coursing Club at the Somerset Hotel on Saturday evsning, when nominations were received for to day’s coursing. There were ten entries for the Puppy Stakes, and the same number for the All-Aged Stakes Particulars of the courses decided, up to 3pm, to-day ap pear in another part of this issue. The coursing will be continued to morrow. The members of the Choral and Or chestral Soceties are throwing great spirit and energy into the rehearsals of the comic opera H.M.S. Pinafore,” which is to be produced at the Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings next The cast is a very efficient one, and from what we saw of the rehearsal on Saturday evening, the principals seem to be well acquaints with the ideas the authors of the favorite opera intended to convey, both singing and acting being far above what we usually hear and sea in amateurs. The chorus will also be power fully represented, a number of additional ladies and gentlemen having given their services. The piece will be excellently mounted. We are pleased to hear that the tickets are going oS rapidly and that the hall is likely to be crowd each night. A full rehearsal takes place this evening, and to-morrow evening there will be a dreis rehearsal. We take the following gold statistics from the current number of the NZ. Gazette : -Total valu? of gold exported from the following goldfields from April 1, 1857, to March 31, 1835-Otago, 017,335,091; We,t Coast, L 12,244 427; '•’elson, L 6,499,926 ; Auckland, 05,350,- 287 ; Marlborough, L 204 141 ; Welling ton, L 537 ; Canterbury, I 96 -total value, L 41.634 507- The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council will be held at the Council Chambers, Library Build ings, this evening at 7.31 A fifty-mile bicycle race, decided at Dunedin on Saturday, was won by F. A. Cutten (-cr) ; J M. Henry (19mins), second. Time—3hrs 13miu llsec. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, Mr T. Bullock, J.P., fined Thomas Wiseman alias John Wilson alias James £. Macauley 20s and costs for drunkenness, with the alternative cf 48 hours’ imprisonment. A special meeting of the parishioners of St Stephen’s Church will be held at the schoolroom, Burnett street, this evening. Paring the quarter ended March Slat last, Saving Bank deposits to the amount of L 65,446 lls 4d were made in the Can j terbury Postal District, and withdrawals amounting to L 67,901 10s 5d were made in the same district. This is a larger volume of business than transacted in any other postal district during the same term, the following being the respective figures in other chief centres ;—Dunedin, L57,M 10a 2d and LSO-222 13a 4d . Wellington, L 54 415 0s lOd and L 51.835 6s 41 ; Auckland, L 48,917 6s 8d and L 52.896 13s 6d. The value of qotes in circulation by the different Banks doing business in New Zealand on 31st March last were—Bank of New Zealand, L 477.959 13s lOd ; Un ; on Bank of Australia, Limited', L 115,135 4s 8J ; National Bank of New Zealand, L1L0,316 Is 51 ; Coioiral Bank of New Zealand, L 107,188 4s 8d ; Bank cf New South Wales, L 85.763 17s 7J ; Bank of Australasia, L 67,340 4s 7J; total, L 963.703 6s 9d. The Christchurch Volunteers proceeded to Pytteltoa and Sumner this afternoon for the purpose of holding 9 sham fight. who cu,t his throat at Lee stoh on Friday, died in the Christchurch hospital on Saturday night. Coughs. Colds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly cured by using Baxter’s ‘'Lung Preserver,’. This old-established medicine is pleasant to the palate, and highly extolled by members of j the medical and clerical profession. Read ad vertisement. I

Another unfortunate.—Again we must draw

the attention of our readers to the fact that a stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for £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.

August Flower.—The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia end liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people arp afflicted with these two diseases and ilieir effecis f such as soui stomach, nick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, waterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit qf the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food after eating, Iqy/ spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a bottle of augffst flower. This valuable medicine has cured thousands

and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve

you. It cqsrts only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, 6d.—{A»vt,

At an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Royal Flouring and Oatmeal Mills, held in Timaru on Saturday, it was resolved —“ That Mr Bruc' be granted twenty fully paid-up shares in lieu of L2OO paid on two calls, and that he further be allowed LSOO in cash in full of all demands.” A motion to appoint Mr Bruce working manager of

the mill, and another to appoint a com mercial manager were lost. The proceed ings appear to have been of a most lively character, and at a late stage the 'Mauag-

ing Director (Mr McGlaahnn) left the chair, remarking as he did so that ho would like to say to them what the Minis ter of Minos once said to his constituents, “Kennel up, you ours!” After Mr McGlashan had left the chair Mr John Jackson was elected to preside, and the motion re commercial manager was again put and carried unanimously, almost all the Directors declining to vote. A vote of want of confidence in the Directors was put but lost. Tne following nominations were re ceived by the Returning Officers this morning for the annual election of mem bers of the. Wakanui Road Board :—No 1 Ward, Messrs F. T. Mayo and W. 13. Zouch ; No 2 Ward, Mr Thomas Walsh; No 3 Ward, Messrs Joseph Mogson and W. T. Dili. Mr Thomas Walsh being the only person nominated to fill the vacancy in No 2 Ward, he has been declared duiy elected. The poll for Nos 1 and 3 Wards will take place on Wednesday, May 6th, between the hours of 9 a. m. and 6 p.m, Ameeting of the credit)ta in the elate of tho lata Mr John Mann, was held at Rakaia this morning. There were only four creditors present, and no business was transacted. George Augustus Sala is one of the few people who have recovered their eyesight after being totally blind for a number of years. For three years SMa lived in dark ness, He had lost his sight, and it was supposed would be totally blind for the remainder of hra life. But at the age of nine his sight came back almoar, miracu lously, and he has never since had any trouble with his eyes, although engaged in an occupation of the moat trying nature.

The Oamaru Mail says:—The absurdity of the gram tariff is again being made manifest by the fact that large quantities of grain are being daily carted into town from places on one or other of the railway lines. Long strings of drays have been coming into town for days, heavily laden with grain that would be carried in by the trains were the freights reasonable. It is thus clear that the railway revenue suffers rather than benefits from the present ex cessive rates over short distances, and it is surprising that so able an administrator of the department as Mr Richardson should have allowed a second grain season to have come without making an altera tion in the tariff that would have secured the traffic and added to the value and usefulness of the lailways. According to Dr Haydes, who has lately returned from Terra del Fuogo, whither he was 'despatched on a mission by the French Government, the Fuegians are the lowest human beings in the scale of exist ence. Their language contains no word for any number abov 3 ; they are unable to distinguish one color from another; they have no religion or no funeral rites ; and they possess neither chiefs nor slaves. Their only weapons are bone-pointed spears; and, as they grow neither fruit nor vegetables, and their country is naturally barren, they are obliged to live entirely on animal food. Even these savages possess, hewever, some social vir tues. They are not cannibals ; they ill treat neither Hheir women nor their old people; and they are monogamous. Wife beating may, after all, be a symptom of advanced civilisation. The Italian journals comment fully on the alarming tension in the Anglo-Ruasian relations. - The articles are couched in the most friendly terms to England, and are all unanimous in affirming that however serious and critical the situation may be for England, the Italians will not depart from the policy which answers the prompt ings <f public opinion, and whatever serious eventualities may be in store, will stand by Great Britain. The N.Z. Tablet, referring to Russian cruelties in Poland, says: —“ The coun try, then, that shall conquer Russia will have it in her power to perform this great act of justice and mercy—to free this country whose wrongs cry to Heaven for vengeance, from the hands of her infam ou oppressor—or, even if she fails to undertake this noble action, she may still so weaken the power of Russia as to make it possible for the Poles themselves to work out their freedom, as their efforts already made show us they are capable of doing under circumstances in any degree favorable to them Should a war with Russia, therefore, occur, we shall watcn it with great interest, discerning in each reverse the chastisement due to tho past, as well as hope for Poland’s iulure. It may even fall to the lot of these colonies, by thwarting Russian designs in some res pect or other, to have a part in so great and good a work.” Rumor says that in the good old days the Colonial Treasurer was far from b Jng averse to taking a qu ; et hand at bluff or euchre, but with official dignity has come official sternness of morality, and thus we find him in his capacity of Postmaster General issuing the following circular to the Civil Service on the wicknedness of gambling and betting : —“A case having I recently occurred in which betting on horses and playing with cards for beyond what the players could affsrd to lose were proved to have taken place, not only on I the official premises, but in some instances 1 during the official hours, the Postmaster I General baa felt constrained to direct that

the superior officer who had taken part in and encouraged these malpractices should be dismissed, and that of six subordinates one should be required to resign and five be reduced in their class, the reduction ranging from four to 44 steps. A post man also, who acted as housekeeper, has been deprived of th§ IjpuseJkeepership as well as his good conduct‘stripe. The Postmaster General deems it his duty to make these punishments kno vn by way of warning, as in the case of Post Office servants he regards gambling in any form as an offence, and one which it is incum bent on him to put down.” j The Timaru Herald of this morning, referring to the prooable attitude of other European powers should war break out between England and Russia, aaka —la it I not probable that they will prefer to re gard this as a personal aff*ir : between I England and Russia, to be fought but, as a duel, on the spot, with pagh assistance as each may get from the peoples in the I immediate locality ? There is Jealousy of England ; there is a deep-seated dislike I and distrust of Russia. Would it not I

best suit the ends of the European Powers to look on while th iso unpopular nations fasten in a Jleath grip and mutually ex haust each other in their struggles ? Balmy steep, good digestion, rich blood, elastic step and cheerfulness in American Co.’s Hop Bitters. Read and believe.

Holloway’s Pills.—The sudden changes frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill

health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system, Holloway’s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matters, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bo,vels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkable effective, especially when aided by friction of the Ointment on its walls. This double treat

ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will soon be

re-established,—Advt,

A meeting of the Tinwald Race Com mittee was held on Saturday evening last, Mr G. James in the chair. There was a good attendance of memb'rs. It was decided to fine Mr A. E Kemp LI la for not giving the required notice of scratch ing hia horse Dick in the Hurdle Race. A discussion ensued in reference to the running of Brown Boy in the Selling Hack Race, and it was ultimately re solved to write to Mr Qugley, the owner, for an explanation. The Secretary was directed to report the disqualification of the rider of Brown Boy, R. Ross, to the Ashburton Racing Club, A ‘2O-mile running match between J. Johns and C. Tillett was decided in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. A start was made at 7-30, and Johns completed the distance in 2 irs ISruins, hia opponent in that time covering 17 miles 28 laps ; 30 laps to a mile. The following amounts have been paid to winners in connection with the recent Tinwald race meeting :—Mr J. Smith, L 23 ss; Mr G. Graham, Lll 8s ; Mr J. Corbitt, L 9 10s ; Mr C. Kent, L 9 10a ; Me T. Alexander, L 9 10s; Mr Bran kio, L 9 10s ; Mr A. McLeod, L 5 14s ; Mr A. McKay, L2 10s ; Mr T. Harrold, LI 18s.

That husband of mine is three times the man he was before he began using " Wells Health Ren ewer.” Druggists. The N.Z Drug Co., General Agents. 2

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, April 14. In both Houses of Parliament last night resolutions were passed thanking the Queen for the message of March 26, calling out the militia and reserve forces In the House of Commons an amendment was moved in favor of the immediate eva cuation of the Soudan. Lord Churchill supported the amendment. On a division being taken it was reiected. The Russian squadron, which has been stationed in the Mediterranean, has been ordered to the Baltic.

The British Government have bought two steamers, to be embloyed as armed cruisers One was purchased from the New- Zealand Shipping Company, and when equipped will probably be sent to Sydney, to strengthen the war ships there. An organisation is being formed amongst shippers of goods from the United Kingdom to Australia against the ring of ship brokers who have hitherto controlled the leading berths at London and Liver pool

The British authorities are negotiating with the Orient Company for the purchase of the steamer Austral, to be equipped as an armed cruiser.

London, April 16. The British Government have received a despatch from the Emperor of Russia, in which he states that he regards the prospect of war between Russia and Great Britain as a most deplorable event. Earl Granville, Foreign Secretary, has replied to the despatch, cordially agreeing with the Emperor, and expressing a hope that the negotiations now proceeding between the two Powers may lead to war being averted.

A number of Afghan tribes are reported to be hostile to England. It is believed that Osman Digna is en gaged mustering his forces in the moun tains preparatory to an attack upon the British force. He is running short of sup plies, and an attack is expected daily. The Irish informer Kavanagh. who cams to the colonies after the Phoenix Park tragedy, is now confined in a lunatic asy’.um. 4 London, April 19. It is reported that Penjdeh has been ceded to Rusda, and that a Turkoman garrison will be thrown into it at once. The Ameer of Afghanistan has ex pressed hims If unwilling to allow British troops to traverse his territory. The press of London, referring to rumours current as to the terms upon which the Afghan frontier question is to be settled, deplore the projected surren der of Penjdeh, and assert that a conflct with Russia is thereby only postponed. There is great rejoicing at Berlin and Paris over the peace proposals and the unfavorable terms accepted by England. A rumor is circulated that Germany and Austria threatened to discard the terms of the Berlin Treaty, unless Turkey preserved the neutrality of the Hellespont in the event of war between England and Russia. The Admiralty are awaiting a reply from the Australian Governments to the proposal made by Admiral Tryon, that he should assume the control of all colonial warships. London, April 20. Turkey has determined upon remaining neutral, should war occur between Great Britain and Russia. The troops which have been mobilised in India are not to advance into Afghan istan, as the Ameer persists in the assur ance that he is able to defend his terri tory from attack without the assistance of British troops. He is, however, to be supplied with arms and money by the British Government. The loyalty of the Ameer is regarded with doubt. Quantities of stores and ammunition are being despatched to Q ietta. London, April 21 The arrogant tone displayed by Russia is increasing. The Khedive of Egypt has decided upon consulting the Porte before replying to the French ultimatum demanding the re-licensing of the Bosphore Egyptian. The British Government advised the Egyptian authorities to suppress the paper, and this has led to the relations between France and England becoming strained. It is suspected that France and Russia are conspiring together to annoy England.

YESTERDAY’S TELEGRAMS.

, Blenheim. The half-yearly sitting of the Supreme Court open on Tuesday, The calendar comprises four prisoners on a charge of false pretences, unnatural offence, forgery and rape ; also several civil cases, bank ruptcy applications, and appeals from the Resident Magistrate. Dunedin. At the inquest on Wang Nyp, two Chinese witnesses said deceased used to smoke 4j worth of opium per day, be sides swallowing four doses of £dwt each. The verdict was “ Death from excessive opium smoking.” Invercargill. ' The Supreme Court was occupied yes terday hearing the cases Moor and Co. v Equitable Insurance Company. The claim was one of L 250 on a policy covering a sawmill which wak burnt. Defendants denied that loss to that extent was caused by the fire, and alleged that Perkins (who sued) was not a partner of Moors and Co, ana had no insurable interest in the pro perty, that no detailed account of loss had been furnished, that no proof of loss was supplied, and that the {property was over insured—two other offices having risks on it. Plaintiffs recovered L 214 and coats. The Court will sit for several days yet. Taupo, Kennedy’s store and the A.O. mess room and kitchen were destroyed by fire yesterday at 2a. tn. The cook, who was sleeping in the kitchen, had a narrow es cape. The cause of the fire is unknown. Kennedy estimates his loss at about L 250.

HINDOO OPINION ON THE SOUDAN WAR.

The Tinjes of India quotes from one of the principal Indian native papers some extracts which are held to indicate the views taken by that section of the press, and by the natives as a rule, with regard to affairs in the Soudan and the death of General Gordon. Of the Mahdi it writes :

—“ How an intelligent, not to say loyal, countryman of ours can, for a single moment, mistake the pretensions Hof the leader of the Soudanese rebellion for the sacred and divinely inspired and promised Mahdi. whose mission on earth is not fierce revolt and isolated action, we cannot even imagine. Would our Prophet have chosen a remorseless quondam slave dealer to inaugurate a new era of hia and our revered faith ? Would he have permitted his chosen delegate to un furl the flag of revolt against the supreme ruler of our co-religionists as the first act of his mission ? What use has this pretender made of his self assumed office 1 • Only to rally more men and money round his cause. We trust that our countrymen and co-relig ionists will neither disgrace themselves nor their sacred (religion by having any thing in common with him who Is now disturbing the public peace of one of the most unfortunate countries in the world.” As to General Gordon and hia fate, it is remarked: —“A man of such leonine courage is the property of no particular suet or nation. He belongs to the whole human race, and can claim a respect and sympathy from friends and foes alike. Of course, if he was cut down in actual fight, bis death can be laid against no one, but if, perchance, he has not thus fallen his person ought to be aa secure from illtreatment and insult, and as much

an object of reverence and respect as it would be if he was among his own people. There is no doubt that if such as he fell into the hands of our co-religionists when the crescent was the most trium phant battle flag in the world, he would have received all homage and praise, in fact received everything but a freedom that would be immediately turned against h ; s foes. A nation that beautified the two ends of Europe with the Alhambra and the marble cupolas and minarets of Byzantium, cannot afford to dim the lustre of its past with the foul murder of a hero like Gordon. If, however, blind and furious fanatic rage has been allowed to tarnish a chivalry such aa ours has been, then we disclaim all sympathy with a causa so forgetful of what is due to itself ; and we heartily wish the same and more to be done to those who, in show ing no mercy or chivalrous admiration of high-minded and pure courage, deserve nothing but slaughter and fire and sword from their enemies.”

WAR PREPARATIONS.

Auckland, Last Night,

The offer of W. Anderson, City Engi neer, late Captain of the disbanded City Engineer Rifle Corps, to raise an Engi neer Corps has been accepted by Govern ment. Fifty of the best men of the late corps will be selected, and, as the men are already drilled, and have uniforms, the new corps will be immediately avail able. The Defence Minister last night tele graphed to Colonel Lyon to call out to morrow afternoon all the forces in and around Auckland f>r practical instruc tions in repelling a supposed attack from such points as he might think it would be made. The Mayor proclaimed a public half-holiday to enable the Volunteers to attend. [By Telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. Information has been received that H.M.S. Espeigle arrived off Wakapuaka yesterday. It is understood she will pro tect that part of the coast. It la understood that Captains Newall, Gordon, and Gudgeon of the A.O, Force, are to receive promotion, and will rank as Majors. Major Newall is stationed in Canterbury, Msjor Gordon in Otago, and Major Gudgeon remains in charge of the permanent artillery at Wellington. Dunedin, To-day.

The Volunteer parade was a great suc cess. Seven companies paraded, several of whom were almost full strength. The total parade was 386, and the focoe was taken to the Ocean Beach.

THE RUSSO-AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

(REUTER’S TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.) (Received April 27, 11.16 a.m.) St. Petersburg, April 25. In connection with the military parations now proceeding the number of army officers throughout Russia is being largely augmented.

COURSING,

ASHBURTON COURSING CLUB. President, Mr M. Digby ; Vice-President, Mr R. Alexander; Stewards. Messrs Graham, Leitch, J. Mcßae, Ranger, J. Tait, Corbitt, H. Milner, Healey, D. Thomas and Dr. Leahy; Judge, Mr R, P. Hill • Slipper, Mr Leitch; Flag Steward. Mr \V. Taylor} Slip Steward, Mr Healey; Field Stewards, Messrs Healey, Tait and Mcßae; Hon, Secretary, Mr F. L. K. Hill; Hon. Tiea surer, Mr M. Digby. The first meeting of the season of the Ashburton Coursing Club was commenced this morning, r.n the Laghmor estate, I The weather was very favorable for the ! sport, and the attendance fairly large. A start was made near Mr Remington’s resi dence shortly after 9 a.m., with the Puppy Stakes. Hares though plentiful, were rather difficult to get at, but the sport on the whole was very good. The following are (the results of courses decided when our pigeongram left the ground at 3 p.m ! Poppy Stakes, for an unlimited number of puppies at Ig each Winner, Bgs ; runner-up, 4gs. Mr M. Digby’a wbk d Le Grand beat Mr T. Hurl&y’ls f b Shamrock Mr T. Smith’s wbk b Primrose beat Mr T, Mutter’s Lady Bird » Mr G. Thompson’s rw b Irish Girl beaji Mr J. Stewart’s wbd d Kirwee Mr H, Milner’s f h Maid of the Valley beat Mr T. Brankin’s bk w b Fly. Mr T. Hurley’s bk b Esmeralda, beat Mr T. Mutter’s Laura. Ail-Aged Stakes, for an unlimited num ber of dogs/ at 3gs. Winner, 15gs'; runner-up, 7gs ; third dog, 3gs. Mr J. Smith’s f w d Glen boat Messrs 0. and E. Hill’s w bk d Sauterne. Mr H. Wharton's r w d Deucalion beat Mr H. Milner’s be d Welcome Jack. Mr M. Digby’t fw d Royal Charlie beat ~ Messrs C. and E. Hill’s r w d Burgundy. Mr Alexander’s bk w b Forget-me-not beat Mr T. Mutter’s Ivy. Mr M. Digby’s f w d Abercom boat Mr J. H. Stewart’s bk and w d Wyndham. This concluded the first round of each stake.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. TRLKG« A MS—COPYRIGHT. 1 (Received April 25, 11.15 a.m.) Rebellion in Canada^ * ttawa, April 25, Intelligence is to hand from the scenev of the rebellion in the Sackate hewan district, that the Canadian forces under General Middleton, Wftilfc a<j*

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1885.



W. Fowke, BOOTMAKER, BEGS to inform his friends and the public generally that he has started business on hia own account. He hopes by strict attention to business and making a good article, to secure a share of public patronage Address—BUßPETT STREET, In premises occupied by Mr J. Meech. 4 486 Cadbury’s Cocoa. IJIHE PUREST AND BEST. Should be Used by Everyone, ON SALE AT ORR AND ALCORN’S, Ashburton Agents. T» Arrive, a Grand Assortment of O a ®bary’s Fancy Goods, comprising— FANCY CHOCOLATES, CHOCOLATE CREAMS, Etc. ORR ANn ALCORNS. 4 605 fIIHE ASHBURTON COUNTY J, STOCK AND BALEIA.UDS COMPANY (Lim.xed,. Is prepared to Dip Sheep IN large or small lots at the following scale of charges : For the first 500 sbeep, one penny each For the second 600 sheep, one half penny each For'tbesecond 1,000 sheep, one farthing each For flocks of over 2,000 special arrange ments will be made. The material used will be charged for is addition to the aoove. Gh.Ui.tGß JAMESON, 7 Secretary.



Wanted. J WANTED —Everyone to see the cast > of characters for H.M. S, Pinafore, 1 on Race n!ght. Now on view in W. C. Davis’s window. 4 641 WANTED —A correspondent for the Guardian, at Mount Somers. Apply to the Manager. rVTANTED Written tenders for Ploughing and Harrowing, rolling, if required, about 80 acres Grass and Stubble Land, 'lenders to be sent in on or before Saturday Next. P. M. Foster, Winslow. 4 631 WANTED —Purchaser for a Piano, by Cramer ; very cheap ; in first-class order. Apply, S.F. 8., Hinds. 4 672 \\T ANTED Known—Before buying yV Dress Materials, Dialers, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Sbqers, .-ealys’ Buildings, East Street. REAT Reductions for Cash at Jones and Bradshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 60s per ton, Is 6cl per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag; new oatmeal 4s per bag ; good cheese 5d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. WANTED Known—Wertheim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton 2 276 GLOBIOUS NEWS. Andrew Orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lls 6d—every article at half-price. \J£T ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V V That Hates 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 sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278



WANTED Known—Umbrellas ai is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2b 3d, Shirting at 4£ 1, Towels 3J d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles 1c 4d. Andrew Orr’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 Special Advertisements. MRS KENNEDY & MISS CAMERON, DRESSMAKERS, Compton’s Buildings, Moore street, Ashburton. N.B.—Registry Office for Female Ser vants. 4 637 Money. SEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold security, at current rates of interest Principals only dealt with. 3 428 CHAS. W. PURNELL. PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dressesand Underclothing made at the shortest notice. RE C IST 11 Y OFFICE For Female Servanta. 7 1413



SELLING OEE FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION.-RY, &c. gS* Must be Bold—even if at a loss To £ nit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton.



Canterbury Mills. jrpO FARMERS AND OTHERS, CORF SACKS, size and weights. At lowest current rates, 3 292 C. W. TURNER.



[ (i K I G U L Machine I WAKANUIR CHARLES Repairs Engines, Combine Reapers and Binders, an macninery. Special attention give Tricycles and Sewing Mac Lawn Mowers repaired, ad j usted. Model work. Gene Read, mark, l INWARDLY DIC accomplish the above feat, lishment, and lighten youi by appeasing your appetite ful by inspecting the m< ARTISTIC EASTER ever imported into Ashbur Home). You are then i [ spect the concents of a larg personally selected, and I be-ieve it was Lord Wole to b-



Special Advertisements. r|IHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Eire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Messrs WILDING, LEWIS & OAYGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risks taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS A GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. Timber Timber TO FA.RMERS 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 G.ood Coal— We are now landing, tx s.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Bates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND 00. (late A. Hayes). TIMBER, COAL & WOOD I MERCHANTS, | East street, Ashburton. IJHE NEW ZEALAND i Clothing Factory 1 CONTRACTORS I o the New Zealand Government Rai t ways. Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, i Ac Ac. Ac. J Are now prepared to enter into contracts j for the supply of ‘ NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS ’ in any quantities, the organisation of j the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the ’ moat inexpensive and expeditious i manner.



ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shorten notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE -Measures for all uniforms may bo entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the follow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth Oamaru Greymouth Napier Waimate Reefton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland OTICE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their gr a in we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we have erected a large iron warehouse. This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and Co. and now leased to us, enables us to offer to farmers extra facilities for the storage and classification of grain at nominal rates. We are prepared to make liberal cash advances on grain sent in for storage, or will ship same under advance on grower’s account or otherwise, as may be arranged 3 454 TDMN AND WINTER H. E. May & Co., Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection, They comprise the Newest and Best of every kind of MILLINERY, DRAPERY, UNDER CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cash Price. If you will trouble to thmk for a minute, we feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the beat pro curable for money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Beat 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 staff; therefore we will not allow any house or company to undersell us. So if they should advertise or make a special lead or draw of any particular article, wo will give you the same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the beat. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attention, and be sent free of carriage (by rail) to ANY PART OP CANTERBURY. EL E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. W SEASON '3 ADVERTISEMENT & INTIMATION HE FINJG A#T GOODS, CREWEL SILKS, INGRAIN COTTONS, TRANFER PATTERNS, &c., To appear in our Next. DIMANT & COB, General Drapers, Clothiers, &a., East and Tancred Streets, Ashburton,



Use American Co.s Hop you will use no other medicin ho othep. lie sure and read, “ BUCHU-I’AIBA.” —’■Qllioi ■">11 annoying kidney, bladi diseases. Druggists. The