COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon.

At the Addington yards cn Wednesday the supplies of fat and store sheep and pigs were very heavy. There was a fairly good entry of atore cattle, but the number of fat cattle on offer was very limited. Sheep : Notwithstand ing the low prices ruling, there was a full mar ket of fat sheep. The quality, as usual, varied considerably, but on the whole was up to the average. In face of the large entry, an im provement in values could not be expected, vendors being satisfied if late rates were main tained. And, although in the majority of cases they were successful in this, the demand was very dull, and prices exhibited a downward tendency. Prime crossbreds sold at from 13s 6d to 15s ; medium quality at from Ils to 12s 6d. Merinos were dull of sale 'at front 7s to 9s 6d for lots of good quality. We have no alteration to note on the rate per pound, and again quote mutton at a little under 2d on the average. There was again an exceed ngly large entry of store steep, which consisted in most instances of better class lots than at last week’s sale. Bad as the demand was Jon that occasion, it ws even worse than this. Very little business was done, and the few sales (in comparison with the large number on offe) which took place were made at prices which showed a further reduction. Crossbred ewes so’d at from 4s Sd to Ids id ; very fair merino ewes at from 4s to 5- c > ar| d crossbred lambs at from 5 s 3d to 7 s 2d. Cattle : There was only a small number of fat cattle yarded, consisting chiefly of inferior and medium quality. The sale was entirely without ani mation, and we have no alteration (o report in prices. We quote from 16s to 18s pen roolb as the average price for beef. Of store cattle there was a very fair supply, but with the ex ception of. dairy cows, for which there was a good enquiry at satisfactory prices, there was not much business transacted. Sales of young stock were made at from 20s to 355, and good steers from two and a half to three years old, went up to L 5 2s 6d. Pigs ; Another very numerous entry of pigs was yarded. Nearly all sorts met with a brisk demand, and were quitted at prices which must have been most satisfactory to sellers. Good breeding sows sold at from 45s to L 3 S s ; porkers, at from 30s to 47s 6d ; and small stores, at from 9® to 2Ss. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co, report upon the live stock market for the Ashburton district, for the week ending April 10th, as follows: The usual weekly sale of live stock was held on Tuesday at the Tinwald yards, and the entry was only surpassed by that of the Ram and Ewe Fair, held a few days previously. We should estimate the entry at 13,500 sheep, 100 head of cattle, and 30 pigs, and when it is remembered that about yo,ooo sheep have gone through the Ashburton saleyards during the last three weeks, the prices obtained last Tuesday must be accepted as satisfactory, al thouch purchases made three months ago leave a decided loss if sold now. Our catalogue for the day consisted of 6,500 sheep, 70 rams, 40 head of cattle, and'3o pigs for Messrs J. D. Richar s, R. Lancaster, W. Croy, J. Crossen,- J. Ford, A. Jacks'n, J. R. Ca r pbell, R. Manson, H. Boyle, S. Chapman, W. Hart nall, R. Frisby, J. McKay, J. Crosskill, J. Gordon, A. Frisby, J. Ballantyne, C. G. Hawdon, J. Grigg, C. Primmer, D. Cameron, J. Shearer, Mawson Bros, J. D. Oliver, H. F. Richards, Standish, E. G. Wright, J. Robertson, W. Prebble, A. Dawson Jun., Shafer, D. Ryan, J, Stoddart, Davis and Wilson, J- Clark and others, and our principal sales in sheep were— -50 aged crossbred ewes, 7s rod ; 120 sound mouth merino ewes,' 7s 3d ; 295 merino wethers, 5s 6d ; 183 cull merino ewes, 2s 5d ; 126 first-cross lambs. |6sßd ; 136 jtwo-tooth crossbred wethrrs, 10s; 135 crossbred ewes, IDs 3d ; 130 crossbred ewes, 10s lod ; 166 first cross lambs, 8s ; 40 ewes and lambs 6s 3d.; Ixo three-quarter bred lambs, ?s 6d ; 500 merino ewes, 5s 3d; 100 merino ethers, 8s; ICO lambs, 7s 3d ; 77 first cross lambs, 7s 8d ; 170 merino ewes, 5s ; 85 two-tooth crossbreds, 10s 3d ; 106 crossbred lambs, 6s lod; 104 merino ewes, 3s 7<l > 147 two-tooth mixed crossbreds, ns ; 600 merino cull ewes, 2s 2d ; 420 cull merino wethers, 2s 7d ; 473 crossbred lambs, 6s xod; 84 merino ewes, 6s nd, etc. In rams: We sold 16 Southdown ram lamhs, 2%’gs 5 X 4 Border Leicester ram lambs, 2)4g&; 6 Lincoln, 30s ; 7 ditto, 31s ; 4 ditto, 17s 6d each. In cattle : We sold 6 at L 5 2s 6d ; 2 at L 4 2s fid; I at L2 12s 6d ; X at L 3 7s 6d; I at 14 17s 6d j 3at L 3 17s 6d ; 1 at Lx 15s; I stag at 15s; 2at Lx xos; 2at 1.2 ss, and 1 Springer at L 7. In pigs: We cleared our entry, the only ones in the yard, and 2 suckers, 13s; 4 stores, 15s; 5 porkers. Lx 13s; 2 fat sows, L2 ss, etc. In land :We have sold 60 acres near Digby’s at Ll2 15s an acre, and acres, Allenton, at a satisfa tory price withheld.

. Messrs Friedlander Bros, (in conjunction with Messrs Robert Wilkin and Co.) report, on the Live Stock Market for the week ending 9th April, as follows.:—On Tuesday last a very heavy entry of all classes of sheep were sent forward, a large proportion of which changed owners at prices ranging about the same as we quoted last week. We sold on account of Messrs D. Jchnston, J. Williams, A. Sutton, E. Garforth, A. Grant, J. Knox, and others, the following lines—l pen fit wethers at 12s Bd, I ■ pen mixed merino and crossbreds at lis 6d, 230 crossbred ewes (broken mou h) 7s id, 276 four and six-tooth crossbred ewes at lis 6d, 147 fu 1 mouth crossbred ewes at 9s, 220 old meiino ewes at 2s Bd, 90 crossbred lambs at 7 s of Lagmhor ewes were submitted, but not reaching the owner’s reserve were w'thdrawn, but were afterwards sold privately. In rams we sold 2 Lincolns at 3gs, 5 do at l%gs, 3 Southdown at 6gs, 3 Norfolk Down ram lambs at 2Xg s > Sdo at 2gs, 3at %gs.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Ex change report for the week ending Friday, the 10th Inst. —The ho idays have encroached to a large extent on business during the past week ; and transactions have therefore not been numerous. The tone of the market has not been in any way affected, and all lines, with the exception of barley, which is a little weaker, retrain unaltered, It -is almost needless con tinuing to repeat the fact of so much grain coming forward in bad condition, nevertheless, we would still urge on farmers the propriety of using greater care in classing, on account of many good lines being depreciated by being placed with inferior lots. The following are the latest quotations : —Wheat: Sound dry milling, 2s fid to 2s 9d ; chick wheat, is 6d to 23, to.b.—Oats: Bright milling, is lod; sound short feed, is gd ; inferior and dis colored, is $d to is Bd, f.o.b.— Barley : Prime ma'ting, 3s 3d to 3s gd ; second quality, 2s gd to 3s; feed, is 9d to 2s, Christchurch.— Grass Seed : Clean farmers’ parcels of rye, 2s fid to 3s; machine dressed, 3s gd to 4s, f.0.b.; Cocksfoot, 3fi}d ; damaged lots, 2d to per lb, f.o.b. —Dairy Produce: Butter, yd to 8d; cheese, 4d to per lb, f.o.b.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit FRIDAY, APRIL 10 1885. The Eve of War.

Our anticipations of a pacific settle ment of the Afghan frontier difficulty have been rudely dispelled by the cablegrams that appear in our issue this evening. We had hoped that a peace ful solution of the difficulty was on the eve of accomplishment, but these dis turbing cablegrams have distressed, for a time at least, all such hopes. • For a lengthened period Russia, for sinister reasons of her own, has cast covetous eyes on our Indian empire. To this empire Afghanistan is the high road, and the Ameer of that country is friendly to Great Britain. Persistently has the Muscovite Power encroached on the Afghan frontier, evidently with a view to lead the British into an embtoglio. Against this encroachment the British have steadily protested, and finally addressed an ultimatum to the aggressors. A fortnight ago the Rus sian Ambassador in London, M. de Staal stated to Earl Granville, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, that his Government had still under considera tion the reply to be made to that ulti matum. There were but two alternatives before the Russians—peace or war; and the Russian Government appear to have dallied with a choice, evidently to gain time. Our Imperial Govern ment would have allowed but little more delay in the choice of an alter native, and Russia, by a diplomatic feint, gave an apparent concession to wards peace. On the more conciliatory attitude she had assumed friends of peace founded their hopes that the hand of war would be stayed. But now comes the news of to day announcing that a collision between the Russian and Afghan troops has taken place, and war be tween the Northern and Western Powers appears inevitable. Apparently diplo matic settlement of the question has failed, and we fear the great arbitrator by whose decision a solution must be sup plied is the sword. Much as we shall deplore an appeal to this arbitration we must recognise that this will he one of the few wars upon which Great Britain has entered with clean hands, and while alive to the terrible cost, particularly to these colonies, we shall have little fear for the ultimate result.

The householders in the school districts of Barrhill, Kyle and Pendarvea having failed to elect Committees at the annual meetings held on January 2(5, the North Canterbury Board of Education have directed that a public meeting of the householders of each of the above districts be held on Monday, April 20 next, at 7 p.m , for the purpose of electing Com mittees.

Our Chertsey correspondent writes : At the meeting of delegates from the Presbyterian Church Committees of Ra kaia, Chertsey and Lauriston, held at Rakaia on Tuesday (the de'egatea present being, from Chertsey, Messrs Campbell and McDowell, from Lauriston Messrs Johnston and Ross, and from Rakaia Messrs Stuart, Oakley and Bruce—Mr Stuart in the chair) it was unanimously agreed that Pendarves and the Beach dis trict be in future supplied with fort nightly services alternately with Chertsey and Lauriston. The first service at Pen darves and the Beach will take place on Sunday, 19th instant, after which date the services will be maintained on alter nate Sundays at the places above men tioned. Other matters affecting the gene ral interests of the several districts were discussed, and very pleasing conclusions arrived at. Altogether the meeting was considered a most harmonious and sue cessful one, and it is anticipated that by the blessing of God much good will re sult from the arrangements nude. The meeting then adjourned after passing the usual compliment to the chair. , Drowsiness, biliousness, pains and aches. ' and ague, Hop Bitters always cures if made by American Co. Head.

Flies and Bugs. —Beetles, insects, roaches ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats.” The N.Z, Drug Co., General Agents. 3 August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 7£ per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects ; such as soui stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heartburn, waterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuable medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, 6d,—lAdvt,

On and after Monday next, a train will run daily on the Mount Somers branch railway, leaving Cavendish at 8.45 a.m for Ashburton, and le;ving Ashburton at 5.5 p m. on the return journey. There was an excellent show of early meat displayed at Mr Lancaster’s shop to day. It consisted of three carcasses of Longheach beef, twenty Laghmhor wethers, and a number of smaller lines, and altogether the show is wall worthy of inspection. Mr Lancaster has recently effected much improvement in the ar rangements of his business premises. The Ruapehu in entering the Welling ton harbor to-day kept too close to the southern shore and stuck in the mud. It is expected that she will float off this evening.

The ra Iway excursion train returned from Christchurch and Lyttelton shortly after 7-30 last evening, the day’s outing having been thoroughly enjoyed, and un marred by any accident. The case Jones v. Mcßae, which came before the Resident Magistrate’s Court some time ago and has attained some notoriety, was disposed of in the District Court this morning. The verdict was for the defendant with costa against the plaintiff. The Supreme Court, Christchurch, was yesterday occupied with the trial of Austin Tyrell, John Arthur Cotton and William Peacock, accused of rapfe which resulted in a verdict of not guilty against the three, it having been el'c’ el for 'he de fence that the woman was to a cort rin ex-

tent a consenting party, hli JOl e>, for forging a cheque for L 8 ss, was sentenced to two years’ hard labor ; and William Rbind, for larceny from a dwelling, to eighteen months. George Barker, an old offender for petty offencts, was convicted of robbery with violence from a girl under 14, and was sentenced to five years’ penal servitude.

Much excitement was occasioned in town to-day by the cablegrams in refer ence to the Afghan frontier difficulty, which were published by “ extras” from our local contemporary’s and this office. During -the sitting of the District Court his Honor Judge Ward, who had been supplied with a copy of the cable from this office, at the request of Mr Wilding announced the situation. The local option polling to-day at Sydenham, Christchurch, resulted in an overwhelming majority against any new licenses being granted. “ Sir Launcelot ” in the Referee writes ; —Among the visitors to the CJ.C. Autumn Meeting was Sir Julios Vogel, the appearance of whoso bath-chair in the saddling paddock always seamed to be the signal for several weilders of the pen cil to gather around. The Colonial Trea surer won a bit the first day, but I fancy he did not fare so well on the second. The same writer, referring to our notice of the new Legislative Councillors, says ; I am not'going to join issue with my friends of the Guardian on the question of whether the gentlemen named are good Legislative Councillors or not, because my readers would begin to wonder whether the Referee had “turned up” sport and taken to politics, which are not in ray line, but if the editor of the GUARDIAN desires any information as to the pedi grees and performances of any horses be longing to the Hons. McLean, Reeves, Robinson and Walker, I shall be happy to supply him therewith. Mr F. Back, the railway traffic manager, was entertained at luncheon by the rail way employee*, in Christchurch yester d .y, prior to his departure for London.

The Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club will meet at the Club’s room this evening at eight o’clock. Alterations in the timetable for the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway are ad.yertiae.d in this issue.

A case of some interest which was ex pected to come before the District Court this morning, the Mount Somers Road Board v D. Cameron, was settled by the defendant satisfying the claim out of Court.

A deputation of sixteen ladies waited on -ir Julius Yogel in Christchurch yes terday to ask him to procure legislation providing that women should be allowed to vote ou all questions under the Licen sing Act. Sir Julius replied that he was in favor of the general franchise being extended to women, but not in this par ticular direction alone.

The Resident Magistrate’s Oou-t sat at 10,3 ft this morning, but owing to the in tervention of the ordinary monthly sitting of the District Court at 11 a. m., the lower

Court was compelled to adjourn until 2 p.m. In making the adjournment, the Magistrate said that owing to the great irregularity in the dates selected for the sittings of the District Court, he found it impossible to avoid clashing. If the sit tings of the higher Court were fixed and adhered to he would take steps to ensure the avoidance of inconvenience to this district which he regarded as the most important of his circuit. The following amounts were paid oyer yesterday afternoon to owners in connec tion with the 0.J.0. Autumn Meeting ! Mr D. O’Brien, L 766 Is; Mr G G. Stead, L 395 ss; Mr G Clifford, L 397 14s; Mr T. Sheenan, L 237 10s ; Major N. George, L 214 15s ; Mr P. Butler, LI3I 10j ; Mr R. H. Vallance, L 124 10s ; Mr A. Hathorne, L 47 10s ; Mr J. Stephen son, L 47 10s ; Hon W. Robinson, L 47 10j ; Mr H. Horsford, L4O ; Mr U. Piper, L3B ; Mr M. Mervyn, L2B 10s ; Mr Armitage L 25 ; Mr Judge, LlO ; Mr Lindsay, L 6 ; total, L 2,519 17s. Tic-Doloureux, Toothache, or any other neuralgic pain speedily yields to Baxter’s Anti Neuralgic Pills, Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.—'Coughs, Influenza.—The soothing properties of these medicaments render them well worthy of trial in all diseases of the respiratory organs. In common colds and influenza the pills, taken internally, and the ointment rubbed over the chest and throat, are exceedingly efficacious. When influenza is epidemic, this treatment is the easiest, safest, and surest. pills purify the blood, remove all obstacles to its free circulation through the lungs, relieve the over-gorged air tubes, and render respira tion free, without reducing the strength, irrita ting the nerves, or depressing the spirits ; such are the ready means of saving suffering when anyone is afflicted with, colds, coughs, bron chitis, and other chest complaints, by which so many persons are seripusly and permanently afflicted in most countries

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASHBURTON— To-day.

(Before H. C. S. Baddelay, Esq , R.M.) Drunkenness. William Parker was charged with having been drunk in Cass street yesterday, and with having em ployed abusive language towards the arresting constable. Constable Smart gave evidence as to the condition and arrest of the accused, who was fined 2Ds and costs, with the alternative of 43 hours’ imprisonment. For paving employed abusive language the accused was fined Ls.—Joseph Barnes, for drunkenness, was fined 5s and costs, with the alternative of 24 hours’ imprisonment. Civil Oases.

Murphy v Murphy, claim L 9 12s. —Mr Purnell f ir the plaintiff.—The defendant admitted the debt, but applied for time to pay the claim.—An order was made for the defendant to pay L2 per njonth ; the first instalment to be paid within 9 fdrU night. Betts v Boyd, claim L 7 18s 6d, LI 18s 6d had been paid into Court.—Judgment for L 4 in addition to amount paid into Court-

Carson y Murphy, claim L 3 3a Bd. Judgment by default, for the amount claims coats*

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBURTON— To-day.

(Before His Honor Judge Ward.)

Jones v Mcßae, c'a'm L3s.—Mr Wild ing for the plaintiff ; Mr Corr for the de fendant.—Mr Wilding objected to the defence, which he alleged had been filed two days late.—Mr Corr having replied, Hia Honor said that considering the character of the defence, which could not have taken the other side by surprise, he would admit it.—Mr Wilding briefly stated the salient points of the case, which had been before the Resident Magistrate’s Court, when the Magistrate nonsuited the plaintiff.—Thomas Jones, the plaintiff, recollected January 7th last, when he rode a horse into Ashburton. He had tied hia horse up outside the Somerset Hotel and went inside the house. Some time afterwards "ho left the hotel under the influence of drink and met the defen dant. Witness had some indistinct recol

lection of a trotting match having taken place between his and the defendant’s horse. The following morning, when he came to hia senses he found himself lying at the side of the road between Tiawald and the Ashburton bridge. He proceeded

to defendant’s stable and the defendant told him that he (defendant) had sold hia (plaintiff’s) horse. Witness was not sober at the time —To Mr Corr : Witness had been in New Zealand about 19 years. He was not a good judge of horses. He believed he had ridden in the trolling match himself; he cmld not recollect any thing about a wager connected with the match. He had possession of defendant’s horse ; witness believed he had sold the horse, but could not say at what price or whether he received anything at all for it. He was very drunk at the time of the sale. Ho could not swear that the signa ture appended to the receipt produced was his. If he had signed the document he had done so while under the influence of drink. The receipt produced appeared to have been signed on January 16. He believed he had received some money on that day. On January 7th, Hill, the landlord of the Somerset Hotel, had offered witness L 6 10s for the horse Witness was very drunk when he met defendant; he could Lot say how many quarts of beer he had t iken. He would have sold the horse for L 8 or L 9 He would have taken this price on ac count of hia drunken condition and want of money. [His Honor: One usually brings about the other.] Witness thought he could be drunk without the defendant knowing It. [Mr Corr; Your Honor, he is almost too many for me ] He did not re collect that anything had transpired in the R.M. Court about a sum of L2 10a. He valued the horse at LlO ; in some hands it might be worth L2O. Defendant’s horse was a good old slave; witness could not say if it would carry him ten miles a day or not ;it might fall down. He had had no drink this morning, Could not say if de fendant’s horse was a raaro or a gelding ; his own was a mare. [His Honor re marked that the name “James Mcßae” had been filled in the receipt exhibited after the bulk of the writing.]—T > Mr Wilding ; Witness was a stranger to Ash burton. Defendant had valued the horse at L 8 10s. —James Gudsell said that he knew the plaintiff by sight. Witness had seen him frequently about Tinwald early in January Sometimes he was drunk, and at others nearly sober. Witness had seen him about nine o’clock one evening Iving at the side of the Tinwald road “stupidly help'essly drunk.” [His Honor aske i Mr Wilding what the witness was called for. Mr Wilding replied that t e would be able to fix the date upon which (he witness had seen the plaintiff lying on the road.)—James Heseltine raid he iTad seen the plaintiff and defendant riding a short distance from one another on the Tinwald road about January 9 or 10. Witness could not swear that the plaintiff was drunk, but he appeared to have had some drink.—To Mr Corr : The plaintiff did not appear too drunk to know whit he was doing ; he talked rationally. —F. Lewis said that he had seen the ac cused about January 15 He was then lying at the side of the road. Witness could not say whether he was sober or not. — [Mr Corr: I have no question to ask the witness, your Honor.—His Honor: I should think not ]—Thomas Jones, the plaintiff, .recalled, said it was the evening following the trotting match that ha slept on the side of the Tinwald road.—J. J. Oaygill, solicitor, said that in the Resident Magistrate's Court the defendant had said he would not taka Ll 5 nor L2O for the horse procured from plaintiff, but if hard up might take LlO.—This closed the case for the plaintiff, and Mr Corr called the following evidence for the defence: James W. Mcßae, the defendant, said that on Jan. 7 the plaintiff had offered to sell to him the horse, subject of the pre-_ sent action. Witness declined to purchase as his stables were full. Plaintiff had challenged him to a trotting match, and ultimately it had been arranged that the parties should exchange horses and deter mine by a trotting match who should pay the other 50s. The match took place, and witness won. A referee was appointed and judged the match. The plaintiff was perfectlysober prior toandduring the race, and had promised to pay the 50s as soon as ho earned the money. Witness thought he had secured slightly the better of the exchange, to the value perhaps of about 30s. —To Mr Wilding: Witness valued de fendant’s horse at about L 8 10. —Gilbert MoOandiah, said he had met the plaintiff and defendant at the stab es of the latter about 11 o’clock on the morning of Jan. 7- The plaintiff was apparently sober, and the parties had agreed to exchange horses and determine by a trotting match who should pay the other 50s Witness acted as referee ; the plaintiff did not ride well, he appeared veryexuited, and wished to push his horse on. [His Honor : That surely is not unusual in a race You do not mean that he wished to get off and push behind ] —The parties appeared satis fied with the result of the race. Witness brought plaintiff’s horse into the defend ant’s stable and the plaintiff took posses sion of defendant’s horse.—To Mr Wild ing : Towards the end of the race the plaintiff appeared a little elevated. Wit- I

ness knew both parties slightly.—To Mr Core : Previous to the race the plaintiff had asked witness not to be particular about his (plaintiff’s) horse breaking.— George Phillips recollected January IGth last. On that day plaintiff had sold a horsp to Mabin. Witness saw Mabin pay plaintiff three LI notes, and a cheque for LI. The plaintiff was perfectly sober,— To Mr Wilding : The plaintiff had sent witness to defendant to ask if the latter would buy the horse. Witness had seen the receipt produced written, and after wards signed the plaintiff. Witness could not say who wrote it. —[Mr Wilding : Were you drunk ? Wit ness : No ! but I think that a very rude remark.] Plaintiff did not at the time appear to have been drinking.— James Mabin gave evidence as to the pur chase of the horse from the plaintiff.—To Mr Wilding: At the time of the purchase the plaintiff w s perfectly sober. Wit ness'had bepn authorised to purchase the horse for defendant. Defendant had written the body of the receipt.—George Scott said that early in January the plain tiff had offered him a horse for sale.— Counsel decided not to address the Court. —His Honor said the whole case turned upon the question whether the plaintiff was sufficiently sober or not to transact business. It append to him (His Honor) that the plaintiff wasas sober as a mq,n of his habits usually was. The verdict would bo for the defendant with costs. In Bankruptcy. ORDERS FOR DISCHARGE. Hi J, A. Peresoq-rThece waa no ap

pearance in support of the application, and the case was struck out.

lie Tale, Rolston and Anthony—Mr Crisp appeared for the bankrupts, and, on his application, the case was ’adjourned till next Court day. PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. Be W. T. Davison—The wife of the bankrupt sai l that she had received L 5 from her husband on the day he filed. Sho had spent it in household necessaries. —The debtor, examined by the Deputy Official Assignee, said he had filed on January 28. At that time ho had only LI in hand. He did not bank all his cash takings; some part was required for current expenses. The bankrupt was subjected to a severe examination at the hands of His Honor, and the public ex amination declared closed.

Re John Stephens.—There was no ap pearance of creditors, and the examina tion was declared closed. APPLICATION OF OFFICIAL ASSIGNEE.

The Deputy Official Assignee applied for orders relieving him of his duties in respect to a number of estates, but the Audit Department not having furnished the report to the Court the applications were adjourned. ADMISSION OF PROOFS. Mr C. W. Purnell applied on behalf of the County Council for orders to admit claims for rates against the estates of R. McKerrow and J. Mann.—The Official Assignee not offering any objection, the orders ware made. The Court then ajonrned.

PROFESSOR AND MRS BALDWIN.

About six years ago Professor S. S. Baldwin and Mrs Clara Baldwin, the American clairvoyants and mesmerists, created quite a sensation in Australia and Vew Zealand, and now, after a complete voyage round the world, are again tour ing the colonies. They will appear at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Wills street, next Mon day and Tuesday evenings, in their laughable and peculiar entertainment, comprising thought reason (or mind re vealing, as it is sometimes called), clair voyancy, mesmerism, and witchcraft generally. Professor Baldwin gives all the mind reading feats of W, Irving Bishop and Stuart Cumberland that have recently been attracting so much atten tion in England, such as finding a small pin while he is blindfolded (the pin having been hid by a committee of the moat prominent citizens); also, telling the numbers on a bank note that is held in the pocket of any one of the audience. In addition to these peculiar novelties, which have never been given in New Zea land by any one, Mrs Baldwin’s c'air voyancy forms a most interesting item. People in the audience are requested merely to think of any question they wish answered, and, although these queries are not mentioned to any one, yet Claraßald win, while in the mesmeric trance state, gives correct answers to these mental ques tions,and then states the'question. Itissaid that sho often tel's the whereabouts of lost or stolen articles, gives the addresses of long lost or absent friends, and other things of that nature. Professor Bald win’s talk is-of the most amusing nature, and is said to keep the audience in roars of laughter. In fact, tha Professor calls his entertainment “ The funniest show in the world,” and, judging from the press notices we have aeon, it fully deserves the title. Speaking of Professor Baldwin’s entertainment while in Edinburgh, the Scotsman says: “ Professor Baldwin aoked the Lprd Provost to hide a small knife in any part of the ball. While the Lord Pcovost was hiding the knife Pro fessor Baldwin left the room unoer the charge of Captain St John. After the Provost had hidden the knife in a corner of the hall, distant from the stage, the Professor was brought in blindfolded. He took the Provost’s hand, placed it to his forehead, and then pushed off at a rate so rapid that the Provost cou d scarcely keep up with him. After stumbling over seve ral chairs he went direct to the spot and found the knife. The audience applauded heartily. ” Mr Hector Laoie, tho sextuple voiced Indian ventriloquist, is engaged by Professor Baldwin as a special attraction, and causes great amusement.

ATTEMPTED MURDER.

The Lyttelton Times of this morning gives the following account of an at tempted murder at Timaru ; A shocking attempt at murder was made on Wednesday night, in the neigh borhood of LeOren street, Timaru, on the outskirts of the town. Although the affair caused great excitement in the vicinity, very little was generally known about it until yesterday. It appears that a Mrs Lucas, wife of a man employed in the harbor, was confined of her first child about two o’clock in the afternoon, and an hour'or two later Lucas threatened to kill her. As he had been in the habit of ill-treating her no special importance was attached to this threat, but the nurse took the precaution to hide his razors and the knives. Later on he re-entered the house and took away such money as there was, with which he went down town. About a quarter to 10 he returned, and entering the bedroom, locked the door, and, advancing to the bedside, informed his wife that he was going to kill her, and would do it in such a way as to cause in stant death. Having vainly searched for a razor, he drew his pocket, knife, and going to the head of the bed tried to stab her in the neck, near the spinal cord. She put up a hand to ward off the blow, and in consequence her fingers were dreadfully hacked. He then stabbed her several times about the neck. Terrified at his action, the poor woman, with the tem porary strength of despair, got out of bed, and the door, having somehow been opened, she got outside. Meantime, the monster threatened to do for the nurse also, but she got away, and, favoured by the darkness, the pair escaped. They ran along the street screaming “Murder.” On reaching the house of a neighbor who had been aroused by the noise the poor creature fell faiuting at the door. The man opened the door, and instantly picking the woman up conveyed her to a bed in an inner room, and locked his door to prevent the brutal assailant from bursting it in, in pursuit. He then directed his son to mount hia horse and 'go for the doctor and the police. Dr Mclntyre and a body of police were soon in attendance, and the woman, whose deplorable condition may be better imagined than described, was at once attended to. I he doctor then (ac companied by the police) went over t > the woman’s house, to see what had become of the baby, which, in her flight, she had left in the bed. To their surprise, the infant was found to be uninjured. Search was then made for the scoundrel, who had committed this unnatural outrage. He had hidden himself in some willows, and ‘ was not found until two o’clock in the morning, when he was at once secured. He was brought up at the Police Court at 11 o’clock, and remanded to April 18th, when the Magisterial examination will take place. The affair created a profound sensation when it became known, and the utmost sympathy is expressed for the poor Wife," who lies in a most precarious state. The pair have bsen married six years, and their first child was the one torn yesterday. The man is of forbidding appearance, and has been known to ill treat his wife, who has always been looked upon as a thoroughly respectable, inoffensive young woman

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS

Auckland. The Crown Prince of Tonga is dead. The Premier has been persuaded to go ' overland from Whangarei to Kaipara, and then to pass through to Auckland, visiting the settlements en route. The Bank of New Zealand shipped by the Rotomahana four boxes containing 3,7870 z of gold for transhipment at Wel lington for London. Thames. The Thames municipal muddle was'ad vanced another stage to-night. In decid ing the recent action in the Supreme Court, Judge Gillies dfldwfld that all transactions during the exclusion of mem bers for Parawai Ward were illegal, but in the interim several meetings were held, and Mr Minnie’s seat as Councillor for Middle Ward was declared vacant, and another person elected in his stead. At a special meeting held to-night for tho purpose of ratifying, or otherwise, the business lately transacted, Mr Minnie presented himself and claimed the right of Councillorship. The Mayor declined to recognise him as other than a rate payer, and a long discussion ensued. Eventually it was decided to obtain the opinion of Sir Frederick Whitaker on the subject, and a sub-committee was ap pointed to state a case for his considera tion. Wellington. It is understood that the first sod of tho North Island Main Trunk Railway will he laid on April 15 at Te Awamutu, and that the ceremony will be performed by the well-known chiefs, Wahanui, Bewi, and Taonui, and that they will be assisted by the Hon Mr Stout. It is not considered likalv that there will be any ceremony at the Marlon end. Tho police have received instructions from the Defence Minister to prepare a first-class militia roll, and are now enroll ing all male residents (not excepted under the Act) between the ages of 17 and 30. In reply to a deputation which waited upon him, asking the terms upon which A torpedo corps would be accepted, the Hon J. Bal'ance said want of funds would pre vent Government from accepting. No more Volunteer Corps could be accepted unless they consented to forego capitation allowance. If a corps could maintain itself, proper appliances would be sup plied by Government The Governor has received a letter, stating that the lamb sent Home by the Gear Company to the Duke of Cambridge arrived in capital condition, and was served up at two parties. The flavor of the lamb proved excellent. M. de Harven has bad an offer of 10,000 acres at Eltham, on the Opunake road, subject to certain conditions as to settlement and improvement, for the pur , po-e of a Belgian settlement. The land is bush land of fine quality. Dunedin.

A difference has arisen between the Chairman and the Ungiueer of the Har bor Boird, over the question'whether the works of the upper harbor are being carried on in accordance with Sir John Coode’s plan or not. The feeling of the Board to-day was that the present rela tions could not last, and the Works Com- - mittee has been deputed to enquire into the whole matter.

An accident occurred at the Kaitangata coal mine this morning, by which a young man named George Carr was killed. While the men were working at an early hour in' the incline of the new drive, two of them accidently let a box ran away, and this caught deceased, who was working at the bottom of the incline, and crushed him against another box. His injuries were so serious that be died at eight o’clock. The Moagiel Woollen Factory Company has declared an interim dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. A girl sevea years old, named Kate Martin, was drowned at Waikouaiti on Monday last. She was crossing a deep ditch on a plank and fell in. •

TAWHIAO IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

The Colonies and India, in its issue of 13th February last, has the following : Last year, when the so-called Maori King , —Tawhiao—came to England to plead the ! cause of his quasi subjects, he created some little sensation by. appearing one day in the gallery of the House of Com mons. He did not claim to address that august assembly, but was content to watch its proceedings for a short time in silence. The pleasure of hearing a native Maori deliver a speech “ at the bar of the House ” has been reserved for the repre sentatives of the colony in the New Zea land Parliament, where, cowards the end of lasH year, the chief Wabanui claimed the privilege of addressing both the House of Bepresentatives and the Legis lative Council upon the Native Land Settlement Bill then under discussion. The scene will be a memorable one, even in the minds of men who had become ac customed to seeing and hearing Maori representatives sit, and speak, and vote, as ordinary members of the House. Wa hanui is described as “one of Nature’s noblemen, honest, capableand trustworthy from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot, large-brained and big-hearted, shrewd, genial and courteous,” and his speech as “able, moderate and eloquent.” When he answered the summons of the Sergeant-at-Arnas ha “presented a perfect picture of composure, made his graceful bow to the Speaker with less embarrass, raent than the average member, and, with a pleasant smile of recognition all round, entered at once into a clear expo sition of his views upon the subject under discussion.’' Those who know the wealth of imagery with which the average Maori enriches his ordinary discourse will not be surprised to hear that Wahanui charmed his bearers as much by his felicitous phraseology as by his manly bearing. The Land Bill he described as having “great sharp teeth projecting from the mouth, and with a sting in its tail ” —a description which he justified by argument. Wahanui con cluded his discourse by a prayer that the lane reserved for the use of the people of his race might be “ held sacred,” and that, above all, the sale of alcoholic liquors, which “ stole away their senses,” might be prohibited. His speech, which was loudly applauded, was followed by one delivered from the body'of the House by Wi Pere, one of the lawfully elected Maori members, who drew the following unflattering picture of the dealings of many Europeans with the natives t— “ They have no shame. They are like atone images—the blush of shame will never be seen on their faces. Their love is all outside, and their hearts are hearts of atone.”

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1885.



JOAILY MEMORANDA. AUCTION SALES. Saturday, April 11. Tojr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street—Contractor's Plant Tuesday, April 14 Masers Matson, Cox and C )., at the Ashburton Saleyarda—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. • Friday, Ap il 10. Lonbgeach Hoad Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, April 11 A’akanui Hoad Board, at Koad Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, April 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, o’clock Tuesday, April 14. ! St Stephen’s Schoolroom—Tea and Concert Ashburton School Committee—Monthly Meeting, in the Schoolroom, at 7.30 Wednesday, April 15 Tinwald Annual Races Friday, Ap il 17 ■ Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Meet ing Friday, Mat 1 taaburton County Council—j-t Council C'lMQlNra, 11 a.m.



Wanted. VTE7 ANTED— For Bakaia, a good gena- VV ml Servint. A{ply Mrs John Ork, Alford Forest Road. 4 524 WANTED Known—Found a yellow and white Greyhound Slut. Owner can have same by paying expenses. 0. Ryell, Alford Forest Road? 4 520 TTTANTED Known—Before buying VV Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. 0. Segers, tealys’ Buildings, East Street. /"'I REAT Reductions for Cash at Joses VT and l badshaw’s — Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50a per ton, Is Cd 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. 'VfiT ANTED Known—Wertheira Sow Vy ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 GLORIOUS NEWS. Andhew Okk will give away cfh Saturday ICO pairs men’s boots at 6a 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s fid ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 64 ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11a *Gd—every article at half-price. 2 237 017 ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders * * are daily despatched direct from ) our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed ou arrival of the train. W, O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate Hues of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2a 3d, Shirting at 4Jd, Towels 3|d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles la 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. 7(50 Special Advertisements.



W. Fowke, BOOTMAKER, BEGS to inform his friends and the public generally that he has started business on his own account. He hopes by strict attention to business and making a good article, to secure a share of public patronage. Address— STREET, In premises occupied by Mr J. Meech. 4 486



-J-JOMESTIO PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Stbebt, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413



SELLING OEE FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION RY, Ac. Must be sold even if at a loss To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., BOOK.SEI.LEKS, STATIONERS, &C., Ashburton.



Canterbury Mills. fJSO FARMERS AND OTHERS, CORN SACKS, li. size and weighta. Al lowest current rates, 3 292 0. W. TURNER,



GKIOULTURAL Machine Shop, Repairs Engines, Combines, Chaff-cutters, Reapers and Binders, and all classes of macninery.' Special attention given to Bicycles, Tricycles and Sewing Machines. Lawn Mowers repaired, sharpened and adjusted. Model work. General repairs. WAKAEDI ROAD. CHARLES RAY 3 384



EAD, MARK, LEARN AND INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten yonr inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully : ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ; ever imported into Ashburton (direct from i Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. Ibe ieve it was Lord Wolaeley who eaid (he happens to be 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 hia news papers;'’ and I say the same 1 Read ! Read 1 Read 1 When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only finish, by saying—Come and see for youraelvea, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas F. Farlev’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, East £ i., Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. 1 LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We hr,ve much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Messrs WILDING, LEWIS &OA STQILL I have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risk* taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. Timber Timber TO FARMERS and Others about to your timber from the Producers at first cost and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, ex s.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, and Building supplied throughout. **♦ Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations, MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MBROH A N T S, Fait street, Ashburton. 26 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. Sh,’.rt9, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address — NEW ZBALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



OTIOE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans. Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we have erected a large iron warehouse. This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and 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. UTUMN AND WINTER. Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection . They comprise the Newest and I 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°businesß is conducted must insure you the best pro curable for 3 454 H. E. May & Co, money.



WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Om ■ Business is managed personally by the ’proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense cost of an Extra .vagant Establishment with manager, sub-n lanager and an expensive staff; there jfore we will not allow any house or com pany to undersell us. So if they -iho’ald advertise or make a special load or drs ,w of any particular article, we will give you the same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our, "’Value will be found by far the best. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attention, and be sent free , of carriage (by rail) to ■ ANY PART OF CANTERBURY. H. E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Vi ctoria House. Season sale commencing on January igth, & continuing EOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES?' GLARING REDUCTIONS Oonvipcing proof and ‘Special Prices See Windows'®^ Dim ant and |Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ac., In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co,, Corn East and Tanoied otre ASHfIURTON.



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancred Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf *»<l per lb Best White Crysts.., S|d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, la 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, «5d Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Beat Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street 12 2342 WAR WITH RUSSIA.—At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for any one except a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia will lead to a general European war, or whether they will end in smoke. The absence of full information as to what j is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a storm. In either case, we ought to be prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other commodities wool and labor will go up. Kow is ti e time, therefore, to lay in a slock of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which we are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, it is almost needless for us to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of cutting, and the care exer cised by ns in fitting the figure, a mia-fit is an impossibility.— Craighead and Co., Merchant Tailors, Tancred street.



Weills’ ‘f Royon 'on Corns.”— Ask for Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts bunions. ’ The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents, 3



Hop Bitters gives good digestion, active liver, good' circulation and buoyant .spirits. Get the only genuine American’s Co s. Read. Catarrh of thk Bladder.—Stinging .rritatidn, inflammation, all kidney and sirnjmr complaints, cured by “ Buchu-paiba. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 That husband of mine is three times thp man he was Before he began using Wells Health Rerewer.” Druggists. The N.Z Drug Co., General Agents. .2' Another unfortunate.—Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a 1 £2,424 stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for £954. or f* 1 * I ?,* little over one-tjiird 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.