DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tue'-dat, Apeil 21 Messrs Matson, Cox and Cj. , at the Tinwald Saleyards—Stock Th* esdat, April 23 f Messrs R. Wilkin and Co, on Mr Heron s Farm, Fiemington—Live and Dead Stock Friday, Ap. il 24. MSoSrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Ranpuna, near Mayfield—Live and Dead Stock Saturday, Apeil 25 Mr Tbbsl Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street—Land, etc.. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Wednesday, Apuie 22 Wesleyan Church— Reception Soiree Oddfellows’ Hall -Madame Pauline Rita ■ and Mr John Radoliff, at 8 o clock Town Hall—Faust Family, at 8 o clock Orange Hall— Star of the East, 1.0.G.T., meeting at 8 o’clock 8 Monday, Apeil 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 Fkiday, May 1 Ashburton County Council —At Council Chambers, Him. , Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board OfflCA Saturday, May 2. tfakaimi Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

Advertisements for The Ashburton GuaedlaN must be sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. ■ __ All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of ood faith. All advertisements and business xetteis wO he addressed The Manages ; 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. r;:. 10,30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m, *nd 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 South, at 6 a.m., 10 *.m., and 4.30 p.m., daijy. For Greenatreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 ILIU. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Sea6eld, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Hount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6a. in. and 4.30 p. m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbcach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes iays, and Fridays, at 4,30 p. m. For Newlauds, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a. in. M»il« arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — . From Christchurch anc * Ilakaia at 10.15 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.36 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.3*’ ’i.m. daily. Fro»ii Temuka andTimaru at 10.40 a.m. 1>.30 p.m., and B'p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. Tor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at- 6 a.m. and 4 30 p.m,, and on Wednesdays At 6 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long btach 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, »nd Sat urdays, at 4p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1885. War and America.

It is an ill wind indeed that blows nobody good. The blast of impending war has blown good to many indi viduals, and has certainly been a source of considerable profit to our American cousins. In addition to the increased value given to their food supplies, the United States have received numerous orders for munitions of w.ar and ship building. We learn from to-day’s tele grams that the Russians have purchased from the Americans a number of vessels at San Francisco and Honolulu, and we have no doubt the astute vend ors were faithful to their national in stincts, and demanded prices in accord with the urgency of the purchasers. So thoroughly are Americans imbued with protectionist principles that in this re turn of manufacturing activity they will not be slow to discover another argu ment in support of their great national fallacy. They will overlook the fact i that in this matter they are the fortun ate creatures of circumstances; that their geographical position has en abled them to turn to good account the strained relations of European States. The natural advan tages of the United States are so great that nothing but the most _ egregious social or legislative blundering would have brought them to the condition of depression .from which they are just now emerging. With abundant land, a country which requires development in every respect, and an energetic people, employment should always be easy to get, and yet recently workmen found it there more difficult to obtain than in the older States of Europe. Natural advantages have been thrown away by inducing men to direct their energies into unsuitable channels through the disturbing influence of protection. Had trade been free, each man would have undertaken work for which he or his circumstances were naturally adapted, k but protection has diverted labor to less suitable, and, therefore, to less profitable channels, and the increase which it has occa sioned in the cost of living has given other nations an advantage in the gene ral trade competition. We may readily admit the advantages derivable from variety of employment, and certainly we shall not be disposed to underrate the value of manufactures to a com munity. Granted the importance to the United States of having manufac tures, yet even gold may be bought at too high a price, or may be wasted in the endeavor to obtain it, and if the American people realised the effect of protection they would hesitate to make the sacrifices it imposes upon them. The United States is a country in which the inhabitants of this colony must always feel a lively interest; Mr R. T. Booth recently gave us an assurance, which we may take for what it is worth, that the States would form a .powerful ally against Russian aggression, and we hope that the adoption of free trade principles by our American friends will not be retarded by the temporary impulse given to their trade by excep tional European complications.

Parliament will, it is understood, be called together during the first week in June.

The Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club will meet at the Club’s room this evening at 8 o’clock.

On Saturday Mr Gudaell reported upon the water races as follows :—Dobbin’s ford to Kyle, all dry ; Kjle to Seaview, E 3 and D 4, and 0 and B and A are dry.

Five stacks of wheat the property oi Mr B. Fde, were destroyed by fire at Buc clench on Saturday evening. The Press Association’s Timaru agent hm to-day telegraphed us the following : —“ Mr John Radcliff, premier flautist of the world, opened a short season here last night, and was received with immense enthusiasm. The Artillery Band after wards serenaded him. He leaves for Ashburton and Wellington to-morrow. The Committee in whose hands the ar rangementsfor to-morrow night’s Wesleyan soiree have been placed, are very sanguine of a most enthusiastic meeting. A large number of tickets retailed by several fair and irresistible members of the Wesleyan congregation, have already been disposed of, and should the weather continue floe, it is expected tint the doorkeep-rs will have an unusually busy time. The tea and public meeting will be he’d in the Cameron street Church, and the occasion will afford both Rev O. McNicoll and many of our readers an opportunity to become acquainted with one another more quickly than in the ordinary courao of events.

The Committee of the Ashburton Rifles will meet at the Post Office this evening at 7 o’clock. The cost of the recant harbor defences of New Zealand is estimated at L200,0d0.

A meeting of members of the Monta cillo Football Club will be held at Quill’s Hotel to-morrow evening to discuss the propriety of amalgamating with the Ash burton Football Club. Members of the latter Club are invited to attpnd

We are requested to state that offerings of fruit, flowers, etc , for the harvest festi val decorations will bo thankfully received at St Stephen’s Church, at any time on Thursday. The fruit will be afterwards distributed among the sick and needy of the town.

A challenge from George Jillet to J. Johns to run twenty miles in the Town Hall on Saturday next appears in this issue.

At the Supremo Court, Christchurch, yesterday, the case Holmes and others v Hyland, w&s tried before His Honor Mr Justice Johnston and a jury of four. Mr Wilding appeared for the plaintiffs, and lVj.r Weston for the defendants. The plaintiffs were Thoipaa Holmes, a farmer at Wakanui, and the holders pf first and second mortgages on Holmes’s farm, R.S. 5:7604, at Wakanui. The defendant was Patrick Hyland, a farmer at Wakanui. The action was to recover L 243 Os 4d, alleged to be due under the fol lowing circumstances: —In March last, the defendant made an offer to Holmes’s agents, Messrs Fried lander Bros, of Ashburton, to purchase the fapm at L 4 per acre, with interest at 7£ per cent, and the offer was accepted. 'The defend ant did not complete his contract, and a resale took place with the result that the land realised L2 16s per acre, and ex penses to the amount of L 35 18s 4d were incurred. The defence was to the effect that the offer had been withdrawn before

it was accepted, and that it had been made simply as a certificate of the value of the land, and to facilitate its sale. The jury, after a retirement of forty minutes, returned with a verdict for the amount claimed, L 242 Os 4d. His Honor gave judgment accordingly, with costs, including costs of new trial, on the middle scale, reserving leave for defendant to move to set aside verdict and enter judg ment for defendant.

ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH.

The annual meeting of the parishioners a V of St Stephen’s Church was held in the T Church school, Burnett street, last even- w ing. There were about forty parishioners 8 j present, and the Rev B. A. Scott, incum bent, presided. ci The Chairman commenc’d the proceed- f, inga by reading the 6th chapter of the n \cts of the Apostles and the appointed b prayer, - The minutes of the last, annual jj meeting having been read and con- a firmed, the Chairman said it de volved upon him to make his usual j statement. They would recollect it had a been determined at their last annual meet in", by 19 to 12, to abolish pew rents. He’was led to believe from his observation { of other districts that free and unappro- t priated seating was the more desirable r system, anc he was pleased to be able to add that the parishioners oppose! to the £ change had given the new method their \ cordial support. It was not well perhaps , to estimate their moral and spiritual j|pro gress by figures, but a few suggestive ( statistics might be interesting to his hearers. The attendancs at the morning services of the Church had been rather smaller than those of last year, but the attendance at the evening services had been la'ger. He must say he would have been pleased to see heads of families attending the various services more regularly. The presence of a number of young people in the congrega -1 tion was very gratifying, but it par r ticularly devolved upon the older members of the congregation to set a good ’ example in this respect. The attendance t at the Communion services had some-

what declined ; this in a great measure might be accounted for by the fact that I there had been no confirmation during I the past year, and consequently no addi tions to the communicants, but the result I was not satisfactory and he trusted there 1 would during the forthcoming year be large accessions to the list of communi cants The Sunday schools remained in I much the same position as last year, and 1 under the zealous direction of an excel- I lent staff of teachers continued to do good I work. There were 220 children on the roll of the Burnett street school, and the I average attendance was about 150 ; there were nine teachers devoting themselves to the work of the school. The Trevorton school, under the superintendence of Mr Oharlei Ward, assisted by three teachers, had an attendance of about 50 children, and at Elgin, Mr T. A. Gates, with moat commendable z?al and judicious manage m ent had maintained the attendance at about 30. Mr H Gatos was entitled to the beat thanks of the congregation for +he ready and able manner in which he had undertaken the duties of organist. Mr Gates had studied, as he (the Chair man) had always done, to make the Church music congregational, and not confine its execution to the choir... , The services at Seafiald had been continued by Mr Jameson and himself and he was pleased to say the attendance at these services had increased f/'eath had not, happily, been so busy among them as it was during the preceding year. He had been called upon to perform the last rights of the Church 22 times as against 41 during the previous year. He could not pass this section of his remarks without acknow ledging the deep, irreparable loss sus tained by. the Church in the dncease of one of its members, a lady who had wo ked long and faithfully as a bright example of true Christian life. The lady to whom he referred was so well known and so generally lamented, there was no need to mention her name Their late organist, now Mrs Claridge, was also a great loss. He had found that lady a cordial helper and a sincere worker. His sincere thanks were also due to the Ladies’ Sewing Sioiety. The amount, L 73 14s 10J, shown on the balance-sheet, was almost entirely due to the exertions of the members of that Society. If he at tempted to express the gratitude he felt for the assistance received during the year from Church officers and members of the congregation, he would detain them beyond all reasonable time. He would content himself by hurriedly acknowledg ing the g eit help he had received from the vestry, the churchwardens, the choir, lhe Sunday School teachers and the visit ers to the hospital. Mr Venables asked if the Chairman could inform the meeting how much money had been lost by the system of free seats. Mr Mayo, churchwarden, said the matter referred to by Mr Venables would come up for discussion at a later stage. BALANCE SHEET. The balance-sheet was read as f Hows : RECEIPTS. £ S. d. Scat rents, due prior to Ap. I, 1884 12 8 6 Subscriptions ... ... ... 5° 12 6 Offertories ... 223 13 II Offertories, Missions ... ... 17 3 Balance due to Union Bank ~, 112 9 n £416 2 1 EXPENDITURE. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance Bank overdraft April 1, 1884 ... 144 15 9 Stipend 191 13 4 Cl aning Church ... 20 o O Bonus to Organist ... 6 6 o Gas 17 2 S Interest to Bank ... 11 8 c Insurance ... ... Sl4 9 Printing and advertising 500 Sundries 5 13 2 Missions— Melanesian ... ... 417 2 Clergy stipend aid’,.. 311 6 *8 8 8 £416 2 1 STATEMENT OE LIABILITIES. £ s. d. £ s. d. Loan from Church Pro perty Trustees at 6 per cert. ... 5 00 0 0 Loan from Miss Winter at 8 per cent ... 400 o o 900 o o Less present valug of Sinking Fund ... 518 ■■ o Bank overdraft ... 112 9 II Stipend ... ... 38 6 8 Bales 445 Missions ... ... 887 Diocesan assessment ... 2 o t) Sundry accounts ... 316 3 — 169 5 10 Total indebtedness ... ... j£Ss° 14 10 St Stephen’s Sewing' Society account, Balance-sheet— Easter, 1884-85. £ s. d. ■ Entertainments ... 73 14 10 ■subscriptions ... ... 5 o o ; aewmg Society ... ... ... 41$ ' 6 balance due Treasurer 4 4 3 j £B7 14 7 | Subscriptions—Build- ‘ ing Society ... ... 54 o o i rines ... ... ... 046 c -Vorking expenses ... 018 o t merest on overdraft ... ... 012 I c merest to Miss Winter ... ... 32 o o , £S? 14 7 8 Mr Bullock proposed the adoption of he balance-sheet. a

Mr St. Hill seconded the proposition. Ho suggested that in future a statement of accounts should be distribu ed to the parishioners at least a week before the annual meeting ; seeing the accounts for the first time at the meeting they Ipad no time to study them. The Chairman expressed his approval of Mr St Hill’s suggestion, and promised

it should be reported to the vestry. Mr D. Thomas, referring to the value of the sinking fund as represented in tlie balance sheet (L5lB lls) asked how ap<J wben the amount was paid.

JSr Majo, churchwarden, said the sinV iug fund waa invested in seventh issue shares of the Ashburton Building Society. The amount of annual subscription, L 54, waa shown in the balance sheet. The shares were issued in October, 1879. Mr Thopias thousht there was a dis crepancy in the valuation of the sinking fund. The amounts subscribed would not make up the total represented in the balance-shee v . Mr Bullock pointed out that the profits made up the difference between the two amounts. -Mr Mayo stated he had watted upon the Manager of the Building Society that day and obtained the valuation shown in the balamo-sheet. Mr St Hill asked if the amount shown in the balance-sheet, L3B 6s Bd, as due to the Incumbent included a payment made by him to the late organist. The Chairman said Mr St Hill must excuse him remarking that a clergyman had a perfect right to expend his money as he pleased. Mr St Hill : “Then, sir, you did pay the organist from your own salary.” The Chairman : “ I did not say that, Mr St Hill” The proposition for the adoption of the balance-sheet was then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. Mr Mayo briefly referred to the work done during the past year. The Chairman said a member of the vestry had announced his intention to bring before the meeting a motion bear ing upon the appropriation of seats. He (the Chairman) would like that motion disposed of before they proceeded to the election of officers. Mr Mayo also thought the motion should be first disposed of. He had taken office when the Church was de clared free, and would be glad to do so again under the same system. °Mr Caygill moved—" That the present system of dealing with the pews in the Church is not satisfactory ; and that it be a recommendation to the incoming vestry tojreturn to the old system of pew rents ” He admitted the old system had not been an unqualified success, but it had occa sioned less dissatisfaction than the pre sent one. The Church had suffered finan cially by the change, either through the fault of the system or the persons them selves ; he was inclined to think the latter. Some persons, he regretted to | add, had been foolish enough to withdraw their support from the Church, as they could not have the particular system they I favored. _ Mr Thomas seconded the motion. He agreed with the principle of free seats, and when they were out of deb* they might adopt the system. In the mean time they should be honest and pay their way. Mr Venables said he had opposed the system of free seats “ tooth and brush,” and would continue to do so. Mr Mayo replying to an allegation by Mr Thomas that the balance-sheet com pared unfavorably with that of the pro ceeding year, called attention to the fact that starting clear in J 883, they had a bank overdraft of L 144 in 1884, while during the year just past they had only gone behind about L 64, a much smaller sum than the loss of the preceeding year. Mr Thomas said Mr Mayo was taking credit for the proceeds of entertainments, L 73 14t 101, which must be regarded as an exceptional source of revenue. Mr St Hill supported the motion. A number of persons had subscribed liber ally during the past year, as they felt cer tain the free system would bo a failure. If they persisted in that system they c iuld not rely upon that support. The Chairman thought the supporters of the two systems might agree to a com promise. Their friend, Di Trevor, during a recent conversation, had advocated that course. Whatever system was adopted should place ths poor and rich upon an equal footing. Let a subscriber of even 10s be* entitled to a seat. Ha suggested that Mr Caygill should amend his resolu tion in that direction. Mr Caygill amended his resolution, expunging the latter portion and in timating his intention to move further on the question. Mr Thomas wished every facility given to the poor to attend Church. To meet those who could not afford to pay ho would make every other seat free. Mr Bullock would have every seat free if the finances of ths Church permitted it, but failing that he would have every other seat free. Mr Jameson said he had acfed as vestryman under the old system, and ho and his colleagues had experienced no difficulty in collecting the rents, and with one exception, no complaint had been made against the system. The Chairman reminded the meeting that the Synod reco amended free seats if possible. The Rev Mr Holland, a visitor to Ash burton, strongly deprecated seat rents, and suggested a system of parish assess ment.

Mr Bean supported the resolution, which on being put to the meeting was carried by 13 to 4. Mr Caygill then moved—“ That it be an injunction to the vestry to rent the pews on application to regular subscribers, whatever may be the amount of their sub scriptions.” Mr Bullock, in seconding the motion, asked Mr Caygill how he proposed to deal with the allotment of seats. Mr Oaygill said there were many ways of disposing of the matter. The vestry might, for instai.ce, receive applications for seats for a fortnight, and then all seats for which there were more than one application, cm!d be balloted for.—Mr Thomas moved as an|amendment —“That the rent for the Church pews be the same as formerly. ” —Mr St Hill seconded the amendment.—Tfie Chairman; “I may say I shall never receive a penny in tha f way. It’s against my conscience. ” —The amendment was carried by 13 to 7.—The Chairman said he could never work with

this system, which he thought would prove a financial failure.

Mr Bullock moved’a cordial vote o

thanks to the outgoing vestry and Churchwardens for their labors during the past year.—The motion waa seconded by Mr Thomas, and carried unanimously.— Mr Thomas moved a vote of thanks to the choir, as at present constituted, con nected with the name of their late or ganist, Mrs Claridge.—Seconded p by Mr St Hill, and carried by acclamation. —On the motion of Mr Gates, a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies who had worked in the interests oi the Church during the year.—A vote of thanks was also passed to the lay readers, on the motion of Mr Mayo.—On the motion of Mr Dempsey, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the teachers and superintendents of the Sun d y school. —Mr 0, Ward, superintendent of the Trevorton school, in acknowledg ing the compliment, pointed out the want of more accommodation for thp school than provided by the parsonage, and said it would soon be necessary to take into consideration the question of erecting a school in that locality, lie thought the Ashburton School Committee might pos sibly grant the use of the Side School for an hour and a half each Sunday, if inter viewed by a deputation of parishioners. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with, and re sulted as follows, the Chairman having intimated that he was not prepared just then his churchwarden : People’s churchwarden, Mr Prichard; auditor, Mr .W. H. Zouch ; vestrymen, Messrs Thomas, Oaygill, Mayo, Jameson, Winter, T. H. Zouch, 0. Ward and Dr Trevor.

The Chairman said he had spoken hur riedly with regard to the appropriation of seats. .He did not wish to create a divi

sion in the Church, but would like to have time to consider the matter. Mr Thomas said he was much pleased with the remarks that had just fallen from the Chairman. He (Mr Thomas) had been impelled by a desire to improve the financial position of the Church, as he felt that a gentleman of Mr Scott’s zeal and attainments should not be continually worried by monetary matters, (Ap plause.) A suggestion by Mr Thomas for the adoption of a more satisfactory system for the canvassing of the parish for subscrip tions was referred to the vestry for con sideration.

A vote of thanks to the chair closed the proceedings.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

(“Age” SprciAL.) [by telegraph prom blcfp.] London, April 12 General Komatoff offered his pro tection to the officers of the British Boundary Commission. The Afghan troops after their defeat on Kushk by General Koraaroff retreated to Meruc haki. _ . A general opinion is expressed that it is incredible that General Komatoff was not informed of the agreement that no forward movement of the Russian troops should take place until the result of the present negotiations were known. The Agenta-General are making every effort to complete their purchase of war material for their r spective Colonies and hurry on its despatch. There is a report in circulation that the British Government have warned the Australian colonies to be prepared for war being declared against Russia at any moment.

The British navy have been ordered to watch the movements of all Russian war ships. A number of swift cruisers being got ready by the Admiralty for immediate despatch A decidedly warlike feeling prevails throughout England, and Russia is arm ing. Suakim, April 10. News was received here to-day tending to disprove the accuracy of previous intel ligence that Kassala had fallen, and stating that on March 20 the garrison, under Lupton Bey, was still holding out. Cairo, April 12.

later news received from the front re garding the rebel-ion against the Mahdi, in the province of Kordofan, confirms the previous intelligence of the disastrous de feat of the Mahdites by deserters from the Standard of the False Prophet, and further announces that his adherents have been total'y destroyed at El Obeid. London, April 13.

The Russian authorities have purchased at San Francisco and Honolulu, a num her of traders, to be converted into war cruisers. It is reported that 100,000 Russian troops are being massed on the Afghan frontier.

Sir Peter Lumsden has determined upon retiring to Herat, which place he will endeavor to hold until the arrival of British troops, should war be declared between Great Britain and Russia. It is generally believed, however, that he will be unable to hold Herat should the Ru?s ! ans attack it.

“FROM PAN TO PINAFORE.”

In reminding our readers of the gen uine musical treat that will be given by Madame Pauline Rita and Mr John Rad cliff at the Oddfellows’ Hall to-morrow and Thursday evenings, we would direct attention to the very excellent programme appearing in another column. Madame Rita will sing “ The Bird that came in spring" (composed expressly for Madame Rita by Sir Jules Benedict), with flute obligato by Mr John Radcliff ; “ Ave Marla,” specially arranged for tenor flute, piano and organ; “ Lo, here the Gentle Lark ” (with flute obligato). She will also jiag a Spanish Bolero and her cele brated French serenade song. Of the “ Bird that came in spring,” the Sychiey Daily Telegraph saye:—With Mr Eadcbtf appeared Madame Pauline Rita, who sang first “The Bird that came in Spring,” (Benedict.) Having a facility of execution which gives the voice a flute like effect, Madame Rita was heard at her best when accompanied by that in strument. The voice has a well culti vated tremolo which suited the idea sug gested by the words of the air, and the singer managed the lovely cadenza (with flute), with which the place concluded very finely. The song is very beautiful and in its particular style, is to our mind only surpassed by the wonderful air, “ Sing, sweet Bird,” which Virginia warbles in company with the flute in the lust act of Maese’s opera “Paul et Vir ginia.” The singer was encored very unanimously when a Spanish song was given. Later in the evening Madame 7 Rita’s rendering of Gounod’s “Berceuse! was such as to oblige her to add to her favors by giving the waltz song “ Ben- I zano,” at the conclusion of which presents of flowers were made to the artiste. Of “ Lo, here the Gentle Lark,” the Aus tralasian says:—As for Midama, her singing was on a par with her husband’s playing. The absence of the slightest false note or incimctness in the tempo evidenced an enormous amount of patient study, as well as artistic execution. She was, of course, encored, and sang a charming little Spanish ballad, with a strange, melodious refrain, that captivated the listeners, who evidently would have encored her again had good manners per mitted. After the usual interval, Madame Rita sang the “ Variations in | the Carnival of Venice,” and last, but by no means least, “ Lo, here the Gentle ■ Lark,” with flute accompaniment by Mr Radcliff. There are few musicians who are not to some extent familiar with this piece, which has been done jto death over and over again by performers whose am bition has been somewhat ahead of their abilities. Such performers would do themselves considerable good by hearing how it should be done. All the most in tricate parts were giyen with as much ease as at the commencement of the aria; the trills were rendered in a way that only a trained artiste is capable of. After a solo on the bass flute, the sound of which could be heard plainly enough a hundred yards away outside the hall, the enter tainment ■ concluded. Mr Radoliff’s flute playing is something marvell ous, and the entertainments pro mise to be the greatest musical treat ever heard in Ashburton. As mentioned in a previous issue, Mr Radcliff plays on over thirty distinct instruments, and gives a brief account of the origin and progress of the flute. In speaking of the enter tainments given in Melbourne, tbs Argus concludes a very lengthy notice as fol lows ;—“ The entertainment each minute changed its character from historic lecture to artistic, entertainment of the highest class. The beautiful modern instruments of which Mr Radcliff possesses a choice variety, and of which be is in each case perfect master, were Anally brought into play in quick succession. The one-keyed flute, the eight-keyed flute, the cylinder (moat perfect) flu‘e, Ihe flam d’amour, and the bass flute w. re in themselves, and under the hands of this great master, the epitome of the history of their- kind, and complete illu-trations of the highest con dition yet attained either in manufacture or performance. ” Mr George Clutsam, a very eminent pianist, will conduct, and also play several solos

THE ASHBURTON CLUB.

The recently formed Ashburton Club was of ened last evening, when nearly fifty gentlemen sat down to a cold colla lion provided by members of the Com mittee. Mr S. B. Nelson, President of the Club, occupied the chair, supported on his right by His Worship the Mayor, and Mr A. Craighead, the Vice-president ct the Club, filled the vice-chair. The table was very bountifully and tastefully furnished and reflected great credit upon the Club’s steward. Ample justice-having been done to the good things provided, ■ the Chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts, which were appropriately received. The Chairman proposed “the Army, Navy and Volunteers,” and coupled the toast with the names of Sergeant-Major. Scott, Corporal Dunn and Mr Andrews. The Chairman spoke in eulogistic terms of the action of-the New South Wales contingent volunteering for service in the Soudan. He felt sura the Ashburton Volunteers, it required, would follow the creditable example of- their countrymen. -Sergeant-Major Scott, Corporal Dunn and Mr Andrews responded. Mr A. Craighead proposed “The Mayor and Councillors of Ashburton.” He spoke in a complimentary manner of the work effected by the Council, making special reference to the aeHleraent of the Fire Brigade difficulty, and the proposal to erect a traffic bridge across the Ashbur ton river.

The (Mayor expressed the pleasure ha felt in being present at the opening of the Club. He thanked. the meeting for the very cordial manner in which they had received the toast proposed by Mr Craig head, and said he regretted the proposer

was not at present a member of the Coun-

cil. He hoped, however, that on some future occasion Mr Craighead would suc cessfully contest a seat on that body. The Mayor referred to the works undertaken by the Council, and acknowledged the ser vices rendered by the County Council in connection with tte traffic bridge. The Chairman also briefly responded to the toast, and took occasion to compliment the Mayor upon the manner in which he conducted the business of the Borough Council.

The Chairman proposed—“ The County Council,” coupled with the name of the Mayor, and spoke very highly of that body. The Mayor said he hardly understood why his name had been coupled with the toast, as ha had never bee a a member of the Council, He could, however, fully endorse the eulogistic remarks of the Chairman, although he thought even a larger share of credit was due to the ori ginal than to the present Council. He said this without wishing to disparage the present members, gentlemen who had done all in their power to advance the in terests of the County. The Mayor proposed—“ The Ashburton Club.” Although not yet acquainted with the working of the Club, he predicted it would meet with success ; that its membership would soon be doubled and trebled. The gentlemen who had first proposed the formation of the Club, and and carried the proposals to a successful issue deserved the very highest credit. The Club could not fail to be a great boon to its members. Hav ing referred to tin energy and judicious management of the officials, the Mayor, amidst loud applause, declared the Club open. The Chairman, in responding, re cited. the circumstances that had led to the establishment of the Club. It hod been first' suggested by a visit he paid to a similar Club in Christchurch. On his return to AshbnC' ton he had spoken of the matter to several friends but they hesitated about enter ing upon an enterprise which might in terfere with the business of some of tbeir friends. Ultimately a preliminary meet ing had been summoned, and attended by 22 gentlemen ; at an adjourned meet ing 33 gentlemen presented themselves as anxious to join the Club, and all paid their first subscription. The object of the Club was to provide recreation and amu-e-nent, and to promote general and social intercourse among the members. It could be a plac; of business resort, and he had no fears for its ultimate success. He wished to record his thanks to the Presi dent of the Christchurch Club, for the assistance he had repeatedly offered and given to the Club. Mr i asker said he had been requested to apologise for the unavoidable absence of Mr E. G. Crisp, and was able to an nounce that that gentleman had pro mised a number of books as soon as the Club’s library was ready for their recep tion.

Mr Robertson proposed—*' The gentle men who hare provided the collation, coupled with the names of Messrs Tasker, Connolly, Cooper, Honlt, Marsh and Worner.—ln responding to the toast Mr Tasker said he had done little towards the entertainment. Referring to some as* pensions cast upon the Club by outside persons he said they were moat unwar* rented. It had been said the establish-

ment was a mere drinking shop, but he could assure them that the stringent rules for the suppression of excess would be vigorously enforced, and the tendency of the Club would be in an entirely different direction than in encouraging drinking among its members. The Chairman at this stage announced that his Worship the Mayor had requested to be elected as an honorary member of the Club, The announcement was received with loud applause. Mr Bradley proposed “ The officers and Committee of the Club,” coupled with the names of Me:-srs Craighead, Robertson and Fowleix During the course of his reply, Mr Craighead said that although a total abstainer himself, be had no fear of the Club degenerating into a drinking saloon.

Mr Tasker, in a vsry humorous speech, proposed the “Press,” and the toast wss acknowledged in a similar strain by the representatives present.

Mr J. McLean Dunn proposed the “ Fire Brigade,” coupled with the name of the newly elected Captain, Mr J. A. Oaygill. Mr Oaygill having appropriately re sponded, the meeting sang the “ National Anthem " and dispersed. '

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1885.



Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT james McGregor’s, Takcrbd Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf K 4 per lb Best White Crystal, Sid per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes,. XOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, Zd New Figs, Is per bcx Best Sago, 3d Now Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairo's Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jama, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keiller’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheero, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street. 12 2342



WAR WITH RUSSIA. —At the [.re sent juncture it would be difficult for any one exe pfc a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia wilt lead to a general European war, or whether they will end in smoke. The absence of full information as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past ; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes s storm. In either case, we ought to be prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among, other commodities wool and labor will go up. Kow is the time, therefore, 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 6f Winter Tweeds and other ifcaterials necessary to a well eqnipped tailoring establishment, which we are.piepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, it ia almost needless for ns to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by out scien tific mode of cutting, and the care exer cised by us in filth g the figure, a mis-fit i«an Impossibility— Craiohead ai> - d Co., Merchant lailota, Tancred street.



Wanted •t'jrT'ANTßD — A correspondent for the VV Guardian, at Mount Somers. Apply to the Manager, WA> I-iD Known—lf owner of Grej p hound Slut does not pay expenses by Friday, 24th instant, she will be sold ~n Saturday to defray same, 0. Rtel. Alford Ilf a: TED—An Assistant Mistress for VV the Side School, Hampstead; salary at present average about L7O per annum. Applications to be sent to the Chairman Ashburton School Committee by the 27th instant. Charles Braddell, Clerk. * 574 WANTED— Purchaser for Cramer ; very cheap ; order. Apply, S.F. 8., Hinds a Piano, by in first-class 4 572 \T7"ANTED Known—Before buying W Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Segers, ' ealys’ Buildings, East Street. /"A REAT Reductions for Gash at Tones VT and Bradshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50s per ton, la 6i per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag; new oatpieal 4s per bag ; good cheese 5d per lb ; {four, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. \\Y ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew- VV ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing ) Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton 2 276 Glorious news. Andrew Orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6i 9d ; 60 pairs can -1 vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing 1 boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers » at 11s 6d—every article at half-price. 3 2 237 - V\J ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 1 VV That Hates and Co. are Clearing y a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s o Shooters, Pegged, 10a; Men’s Elastic e sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 * TTTANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is j W lid, six doz Buttons for la, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor s sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£ 1, Towels 3£ d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. o Andrew Ore’s Cheap Sale 2 185



WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Aoent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. Special Advertisements. Money. SEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold security, at current rates of interest Principals only dealt with. 3 428 CHAS. W. PURNELL. jQOMESTIG PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Stbebt, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dreeseaand Underclothing made at the shortest notice.



REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONARY, Ac. Must be sold—even if at a loss To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, Ac., Ashburton.



Canterbury Mills. rjlO FARMERS AND OTHERS. CORN SACKS, K size and weights. At lowest current rates, 3 292 C, W, TURNER. AGRICULTURAL Machine Shop, WAKANUI ROAD. CHARLES RAY Repairs Engines, Combines, Chaff-cutters, Reapers and Binders, and all classes of machinery. Special attention given to Bicycles, Tricycles and Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers repaired, sharpened and adjusted. Model work. General repairs. 3 384 Read, mark, learn and INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten your inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. I be'ieve it was Lord Wolseley who said (he happens to bo the most popular man of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget his news papersand I say the same ! Read ! Read ! Read ! When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only fimah by saying—Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, j Saundees’ Boiedings, East St., Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. | rpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mes-es WILDING, LLWIS & CAfGILL [ have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All riski taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GO OLD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury.



Timber Timber rp.O FARMERS arid Others about to t Build—Buy your limbec from the Producers at Brat 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 Kates. i Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, arid Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FIRMER AND CO. (late A, Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MERC H ANTS, East street, Ashburton.



25 Branches Now Open 25' THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25 OTICE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beaus, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rate?. To farmers desirous of holding their gr=>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 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 think for a minute, we feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the best pro curable for money, WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Beat Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense coat 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 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 CANTERBURY. EL E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. EW SEASON’S ADVERTISEMENT & INTIMATION EE FINE ART GOODS, CREWEL SILKS, INGRAIN COTTONS, TRANFER PATTERNS, &o , To appear in our Next. DIMANT & COE, General Drapers, Clothiers, &c., East and Tanored Streets, Ashburton,



'■ Balmy sleep, good digestion, rich blood, elastic step and cheerfulness in American Co.’s Hop Bitters, Read and believe.



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



" German Syrup.”—No other medicine n the world was ever given such a test of it's curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou* sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed Jree of charge by Druggists'in the United States of America to those afflicted with v Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof- > that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommanding it to their customers. Go to your Druggist, and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d, Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.—[A. DVT,}



Holloway’s Pills. —Health or. Wealth.— No sane person would hesitate an instant ’in the choice between these two conditions. Now is the season to secure the former either by restoring or confirming it. These Pills ex pel all impurities from the system which fogs' foul vapours, and variable temperatures etti gender during winter ; this medicine also acts" most wholesomely upon the skin by disgorging the liver of its accumulated bile, »ud by ex citing the kidneys to more energc, ic action; increases the appetite for food and strengthens the digestive process. The stomach and liver, which most disorders originate, are fully under the control of these regenerative Pills, which act very kindly yet most efficiently on the tendcrest bowels,—[Advt.]