The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, MAY, 13, 1886. THE ATTITUDE OF GREECE.

It is a fortunate filing for Europe, and a particularly fortunate thing for Greece, that M. de Lyannis, the bellicose Greek Premier, has been induced to place his resignation in the hands of his Sove reign. A few days ago it appeared as if this vain-glorious politician, whose arrogance has made Greece appear ridiculous in the eyes of the civilised world, would succeed in gratifying his warlike ardour and in bringing an overwhelming disaster upon Ins coun try. But K ing George, misled by none of the strange hallucinations which seem to possess his late adviser, was able to form a more accurate estimate of his own position and power, and at the last moment adopted the only possible course—the dismissal of his advisers —to extricate iiis country from the absurd position in which it had been placed by the reckless and boast ful policy of the Premier. It was only natural that during the general disturb ance in the Balkans, Greece should take steps to protect her frontier ; and it was not wholly unreasonable that she should select that particular period to revive certain questions of territorial divisions which had remained in abeyance since the Berlin Conference. But when other countries had reduced their armaments and smoothed down diplomatic difficul ties, Greece no longer had an excuse lor mainlainiug her army upon a war footing. The attitude of menace to wards Turkey threatened to disturb the peace of all Europe, and to produce a struggle of indefinite extent and dura tion. The Great Powers could hardly tolerate a prolonged maintenance of this position; indeed it would have been obviously unfair to require the Sultan to longer bear the expense ot a threatened war. The Powers, there fore, demanded the immediate demo bilisation of part of the Greek army : M. de Lyannis hesitated to comply with this demand, and his hesitancy brought about the very critical condition of affairs we noticed a few days ago. For tunately the expostulations of the Great Powers ultimately prevailed ; M, de Lyannis interviewed his Sovereign and resigned, and there is now a reason able prospect of the difficulty being over come without an appeal to arms.

EROM A FRENCH POINT OP VIEW

The French newspapers, apparently, do not know very well vvhat to think of the ministerial dissensions in Eng land. The Royalist “ Francais ” says ; —” Ihe Radical leader, Mr Chamber lain, refuses to follow Mr Gladstone in his sudden conversion to Home Rule. Fie has no desire to compromise a political existence which has a future in the supreme enterprise undertaken by an old man, almost an octogenarian, against the fundamental institutions of his country. To secure the success of his scheme, Mr Gladstone will have to restore order in his Cabinet, by re placing those who dissent from him Fie will then have to secure the support of the House of Commons, with the certainty that if he succeeds there, he will tail m the Flouse of Lords. What ever happens, an appeal to the country will be necessary. If Mr Gladstone be defeated in the Commons, his op ponents, the Conservatives, will con voke the electoral body. It, on the other hand, lie succeeds, he must dis solve Parliament, and ask the verdict of the country on novelties which are a formal disavowal of all his promises and declarations during the last electoral period. These are not the smallest difficulties of the situation. Should England once more give carte blanche to Air Gladstone, he will have to induce Southern Ireland, Western Ireland, and the Ireland of the United States to be satisfied with a Parliament which will remain connected with that of the United Kingdom. For sixteen years the Irish tenants who have be come landlords will have to be com pelled to pay, under the name of annui ties, what they refused to pay as rent. Finally, England will have to advance benevolently, on such guarantees, a sum of five milliards; and for what ? When an old man plants trees, he has a right to say that he is thinking of his descendants j but when he lets loos.; the tempests which he can no longer control, what can be his thought ?”

We have to congratulate Mr Wheeler,

the enterprising proprietor of the “ Illns trated New Zealand News,” upon the exceedingly good number issued on the 10th instant. It is far and away the best illustrated paper we have seen In Australia, the engravings being quite up to the mark of the “ Illustrated London Nows.” Views of the Domain, Christchurch, and a Glen in the Manawatu Gorge, being especially good. Everybody who era procure oi e shoulo a copy Homo. With this number is presented a very beautiful engraving eu titled “The Hop Picker,” and the whole number is printed admirably upon the bgst |A(ia papwj

The Wellington correspondent of the Dunedin “Star” telegraphs to that journal : —“lt is not intended to act on the recommendation of the jury in the ‘Evening Press’ libel case,viz, that a searching inquiry should be instituted into the working and management of the Christchurch Hospittals. A now Hoard having been formed under the Charitable Aid Act, the Government think that Iho control of the institution is perfectly safe in their hands.”

.Residents in Mount Somers, Springburn, Wheatstone, and Tinwald districts arc in formed that the water races affecting them will bo shut off for four days from 18th May, in order to admit of the channels receiving a thorough overhaul. This occupiers are re quested to do during the close time. The weatner to-day has been anything but delightful, and not at all such as would make a day on the racecourse pleasant. Still a fair number of people went to the course, and thunks to tho drizzle overhead, and the sloppincss underfoot, the expressmen did a fair trade. Tho Ashburton School Committee invito tenders for the supply of coals during the winter months.

Intimation (says tho “Press”) has been received of the safe arrival, at tho Grand llapids, Michigan, of Henry Lehmann, a woodchoper, well-known in tho Kaiapoi and North Canterbury districts as “ Schnapps.” He had reached the ago of ninety years, and was nearly blind. Leaving Lyttelton for Auckland, on February 28th, ho took the mail steamer from Auckland to ’Frisco, and travelled the remaining distance of several hundreds of miles by rail, reaching his ne phew’s home on March Blst. Considering his physical infirmities, and tho difficulty ho had to make himself understood, the old man really performed a most wonderful journey in a very short lime.

Our readers are reminded that tho Flora ington tea meeting takes place to-morrow evening, when visitors are promised tables

“ loaded with all tho delicacies of the season.”

We remind the public that the llickards- Ilaynor Company appear to-night for the last time at tho Oddfellows’ Hal), when the musical absurdity “ Spoons” will bo pre sented. As the whole entertainment ia a really capital one, the company deserve a crowded house. Tho Christchurch Industrial Association have decided to do honor to Mr G. it. Hart i tho writer of one of the prize essays on the industrial resources of the colony. A special general meeting of the Association is to be held next Wednesday evening in tho Associ ation’s rooms, at winch the medal gained Ly Mr Hart will bo presented to him by the President, as requested by Government, and Mr Hart will read his essay. The lady friends of members are to be admitted. At yesterday’s meeting of tho Charitable Aid Board, Christchurch, Mr Walker’s motion to hold tho ordinary mootings of tho Board on tho second Wednesday in each month, was proposed in his absence by Mr White and carried. Mr White gave notice to move to alter the time of meeting from 10.80 a.m. to 2 pan., with a view to give tho Ashburton members a chance to attend the mootings, and yet not leave Ashburton until the mid-day train.

“ Yo Band of Masonic Musical Brethren to bo found in the several Masonic Lodges

Ashburton are busy organising a concert to bo given in tho Masonic Hall on tho 28th inst, Wo understand that tho entertainment is to be given under the auspices of the Somerset Lodge and from tlm names of probable per formers wo have heard mentioned there is every indication of a very successful!] meet-

Mr McGregor, grocer, has a fresh announce ment in this issue.

The Now Zealand Clothing Factory call at tention to a now stock of goods just opened out.

The Ashburton Cheese and Butter Factory, in liquidation, invite tenders for the purchase of the property, plant and stock. The Ashburton Woollen Company is pre pared to receive money on deposit at rates of interest ranging from o to (!,} per cent. Mr J. W. White, Crown Solicitor at Timaru, and a member of the firm of Messrs White and Co., barristers and solicitors, an nounces that he will attend the sittings ot the Ashburton It.M. Court on Tuesdays and Fri days, and may bo consulted on Mondays and Thursdays at the Commercial Hotel.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Charitable Aid Board in Christchurch a bundle was produced comprising three blankets —one of which was full size and somewhat torn, together with some pieces, all ot which boro groat signs ot use—a dross, clean but ragged; some other articles of appara 1 more or less raged ; and some stockings—altogether there were about twelve or thirteen articles. These were produced as samples of the clothing and blankets in use by the children of the Orphan duriug the late regime

GREAT COMMERCIAL FRAUDS IN VICTORIA.

Some unscrupulous Victorian merchants have it seems discovered a system of making “ large profits and quick re turns,” which for some time past appears to have been going on merrily as a marriage bell, to the utter routing of their Sydney rivals, and to the serious depletion of the purse of the Victorian Government. Notwithstand ing the heavy import duties of their colony as compared with New South Wales, they have through this device been able to undersell the merchants of Sydney, and that in their own market ; and it has been a puzzle which was long iucapablc of solution as to how this could possibly be accomplished. It was, indeed, as though a heavily-weighted horse should invariably distance an equally fleet and strong competitor carrying only a light weight, and the inference could only be that there was fraud somewhere. So, of course, it has proved, and this is how the discovery was made. Ths Secretary of the Sydney Free Trade Association (Mr E. G. Fulsford) having visited Victoria to impure into the working of the ad vaknem duties of that colony ascertained certain ugly facts, which are embodied in u report presented by him to the Asso ciation, and which, to use the words of a contemporary, clearly prove “ the exist ence of what may be called a double barrelled system of fraud in connection ivith the collection of Customs duties in Melbourne,” the working of which is thus described by the Tasmanian Mail :—“ The revenue is defrauded in a

wholesale manner on both the imports and the exports, and in both cases by a similar process, viz,, by the production of salted’ invoices. In the case of im-

porters two sets of invoices are sent ; those intended for the inspection of the Customs authorities showing a far less value than those which arc for the pri vate use of the importers, who thus save the difference iu the amount of duty.

When goods arc to bo exported upon which a drawback is allowed, duplicated sets of invoices are again resorttd to, but the modus operand! adopted in the case of imports is exactly reversed. The invoices showing the larger values are

iresentod to the Customs olUccrs, while

those showing the lessor, and the real values, are sent to the consignees. The Government, therefore, arc got at both ways, first by receiving loss in the shape of duty than they are legally entitled to, and secondly, by paying more in the shape of drawbacks than they ought to.” Writing upon the same subject our Oarnaru namesake adds the follow-

ing further particulars : —“ Conclusive evidence has been obtained that this

most perfect system of fraud, for tho perpetration of which all that was re quired was pen, ink, and paper, tha ability write a»d swear to a lie, cow-.

hn'd with credulity on the part of the public, has boon for a long time, and is being, carried out upon an extensive sea’e Lately certain (inns shipped goods from Melbourne to Sydney, and invoices, intended only for the eyes ot the Customs authorities in Melbourne, found their way into the hands ot the consignees of the goods in Sydney. The prices in these invoices wore so excessive that they naturally attracted considerable attention. r ! ho object, however, was clearly seen through, and one of these invoices actually tore the stamp of the Victorian Collector of Commons. These and other invoices received in Sydney wove taken to Melbourne, and carefully compared with the Customs documents Out of the twenty so examined one was found to he right, the search for some had to bo abandoned for want of time, and ten revealed frauds implicating three firms. Wc arc told that one firm had sold Victorian clothing to the extent of about £2OOO in one month, to one Sydney firm. The invoices presented to the Customs and on which drawback was obtained, amounted to 50 or (iO per cent, more money, thereby defrauding the dovenment of something like £BO. In one case the invoice presented at the Customs for the purpose of obtaining a drawback of duty was .-£3OO in excess of the true value of the goods. In another case a small parcel of goods was valued at the Customs at 80 per cent, more than was charged to the buyer in Sydney. Another firm who had sold largo lines of clothing had regularly handed to tiic Customs in voices raised GO per cent, above the invoice prices to the purchasers. In one ease that for every 20s paid as nd valorem duty the exporter received •18s nd valorem, drawback from the Customs. The Victorian Customs has, by these fraudulent merchants, been used as au inexhaustible bank whence to draw money to make good profits abandoned in the competition against honest Sydney merchants. The sys tem of fraud was most complete, and had an infinite variety of phases. It has be'u carried on by men wiio were assumed to be men of high commercial integrity, and it will be interesting to note what will be the outcome of the disclosures which have been made.” Commenting upon the facts before stated, our contemporary adds :—“ Uno thing is perfectly clear ; nd valorem duties hold out, ns Mr Bright said some years ago, peculiar temptations to fraud, and having before us the frightful commercial immorality which has been brought to light in Melbourne, it might not be amiss if inquiry wore made in this colony as to he working of our Customs system.” —“ Mail.”

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB.

AUTUMN MEETING.

First Day

President — E. G. Wright. Vice- President —W. C. Walker. Judge—M. Stitt. -Stewards—W. B. Denshire, C. 0. Fooks, H, Friedlandor, If. Fried lander, John Grigg, 0. G. Ilawdon, T. Leahy, W. G. Boss. Treasurer—C C. Fooks. Starter—T. Leahy. Clerk of the Scales—M. Friedlauder. Clerk of the Course—A. Hewsen Handicappors The Handicapping Committee of the Club.

The annual autumn race meeting of the Ashburton Racing Ciub was commenced to-day. The weather, while hardly so agreeable as could be wished, was an im provement upon that experienced at the last two meetings of ihe Club, and the attendance at the commencement of the proceedings was fairly good. The course was in excellent order, and the general arrangements in connection with the meeting appeared to work smoothly and well. The racing commenced with com mendable punctuality, and the programme was a very attractive one, largo fields being the order of the day. Mr Whittle, o- the Commercial Hotel, presided at the publican's and lunchoan booths, and the quality of the solids and liquids he supplied mot with the entire approbation of his numerous patrons. Mr Davis had charge of the confectioner’s booth, and dispensed light refreshments outside the enclosure. The totalisator was worked by Messrs Mason and Roberts, and we must commend the dispatch and accuracy with which these gentlemen accommodated the Investing public. The numbers on the machine employed are rather small, but with this solitary exception its appear ance and mechaniciam are entirety satis factory. Had a band been on the ground 1 to relieve the monotony between the races the afternoon would have been more enjoyable, but taken as a whole we can heartily congratulate the Club upon the success promised for the meeting. The following are results ; Handicap Hurdle Race, of 45 sovs. Two

Mr A. Ironsides’ b g Saltan, aged, Dst 111 b (Watts) 1 Messrs M. and C. Hobbs’ b h Bordcrman, 12st ~ .. .. (Alazongarb) 2 Mr J. Higgins’ cb g Secretary, aged, list 51b (Lyford) 3 Mr G. Rutherford’s g g I’eter Osbeck, syrs, list 31b .. .. .. (O'Oonnor) 0 Mr S. Alexander’s ch g Marquis, aged, 10st lib (Allan) 0 Mr D. Rutherford’s g m Lady Eva, aged, '.lst 121 b.. .. .. (Eudings) 0 Mr J. Wilkinson’s b g Panic, aged, 9st 111 b (Worner) 0 Air 11. D. Bradley’s blk g Master Guy, lyrs, fist 71b ~ .. (Mitchell) 0

Lady Eva was first away from a fair start, and led at a good pace until passing the stand, where Sultan went to the front, and the rest of the field took close order. At the back of the course Bordarruan made his effort and at the half-mile post just got on terms with Sultan, but the fight weight coming again shook oh the challenge, and going on full of running won by a length, Bordorman beating Secretary by twice that distance. Time— Imin Bsoo. A protest was entered against Sultan on the ground that ho ran round the first hurdle.

The stewards met immediately after the race, and after taking evidence disqualified Sultan and awarded the race to Borderman. 217—29—£2 17s.

District Welter Handicap, of 25 sovs. One

mile. Mr M. Shcrwin’s b g Meteor, aged, list (Dorritt) I Air J. Napier’s b g Weo Roddie, fiyrs, lOst 71b (Bell) 2 Mr L. Markoy’s oh g Dan O’Brien, aged, Bst 11b (Stratford) 3 Alessrs Al. and 0. Hobbs’ b g Alelville, 3yrs

lOst (0. Hobbs) 0 Mr J. Moorhead’s b g Bagshot (late If So), Oyrs, 9st 71b .. •• (Mazengarb) 0 Mr W. Bussell's b g Gunpowder, 4 yrs, Ost (Watts) 0 MrJJ. Wilkinson’s b g Tamo, aged, Bst 101 b (Mitchell) 0 Messrs Lewis and Johns’ b in Hinerun, aged, Bst 81b (Johns) 0 Mr J. Healy’s b g Bill Allan, Oyrs, Bst 111 b (Grillin) 0 Mr A. McKay’s b g Ferrintosh, lyrs, Sst (Parker) 0

After a prolonged delay at the post the field was despatched to a etraggling start, of which Meteor got all tho best, and never being headed, won easily by two lengths from Wee Eoddie. % TotaljoatOf’-SS?—4E3 3g.

THE TAIAROA ENQUIRY.

The Taiaroa enquiry was resumed at 12.15 yesterday. Mr Travers addressed the Court on Captain Thomson’s behalf. He contended

that even if the course had never been altered at all after passing|Capo Campbell, the ship would still have passed land three miles out side Waipapa Point. Mr Bell’s assumption that the captain was mistaken in thinking be really had altered his course below the Cape waa not justified by the evidence, for they had Captain Thomson’s assertion that he did do it. [The Court here interrupted Mr Travers, and, after consultation, said they had no doubt the order to alter course was given.] Counsel went on to say that the master of the ship was presumably on the right coarse, and having confidence in his officers, he naturally would not think of looking at the compasses, especially when from 1 p.m. the second mate and then the chief officer were in charge. He argued that it was not fair to blame the captain, for that tncre were some important circumstances which had never oomo to the master’s notice. The chief mate was in formed that land had been seen on the port bow, and it was his duty, regulations or no regulations, to have at once taken steps to put the ship in safety. He did not wish to speak hardly of the dead, but the stern logic of facts seemed to indicate that in the interval between

the first mate taking charge and the time of striking, great negligence had been shown by him, In all probability, by some error or other, the course was altered. The Taiaroa’s propeller always projected slightly from the water, whatever her trim, and gave the idea other being light, no matter how she was

loaded. This had been observed the very morning she left Wellington. He submitted the only point was whether there was negli gence on the part of the captain in the inter val between 0 o’clock, when he went below, and the time of the striking.

THE JUDGMENT,

Wellington, To-day.

The judgment in the Taiaroa enquiry was given this morning. Mr Stratford, after re viewing the evidence as to the state of the weather and incidents of the voyage up to the time of striking, said he found that the vessel was navigated safely up to 3.30 p.m., when the wind changed to the southward. The course ought then to have been altered to south $ west, and at 5 p.m., or thereabouts, the wind having increased, the master should have used the same judgment as he displayed in the Straits, when he allowed a quarter point to westward. The vessel being light, in the evening he should have allowed a point, and, moreover, (knowing he was on a lee shore, with wind and sea increasing, the leadsman should have been placed in the chains till the weather cleared. Had this been done at 6or G. 30 the soundings must have shown him he was too close in shore. The neglect of Captain Thomson to look at the compass showed a want of care, and ignorance of the responsibilities of his position. His certificate would be cancelled, but in view of the judg ment, coolness, and courage displayed by the captain after the wreck the Governor would be recommended to re-issue the certificate pro viding the captain shall have served during the meantime regularly at sea as mate. The costs of the enquiry amounted to £33 Gs, of which £IG 10s would be charged against the captain, Mr StraTjrd complimented counsel for the forbearance they had showed towards the memory of the dead in conducting the enquiry.

THE LYTTELTON ORPHANAGE.

At a meeting ol the Charitable Aid Board yesterday a report was presented from the Orphanage Committee, enclosing another from the newly appointed master, who says:— “ I was surprised to find on taking up my dutus at the Orphanage, that the childrerf had been gross.y neg lected in mmy respects, particularly the girls, who as regards clothing ft ere in a state bordering closely on destitution, while the hairdressing apparatus for ninety-six children, consisted of half en

old dressing comb, ■'s to food, I found the dinners were fairly gdod, but the milk given for breakf-sst and tea had oeeu so diluted with water that it would not make a good drink for a thirsty child, much leas an article of diet. I found the doors of the dormitories clean, but the blankets belonging to each bed without exception were dirty, many of them filthy, but all folded with the greatest care and neatness.” In consequence of above report from the master, as well as personal in spection, the Committee has taken the necessary steps to have the institution and Its inmates placed in thoroughly effi cient state.

Samples of the blankets and clothes were produced at the meeting, and three members of the Board who had visited the Orphanage confirmed the report .

It was only natural to expect that, after recent events in connection with the Lytteiton Orphanage,] such a report as the above would draw a prompt reply from the ex-master, Mr Ritchey. That reply appears in the Christchurch “ Press ” of to-day, and it deals in detail with all the charges. Mr Ritchey says that his ab sence from the Orphanage prevents him from at once and completely annihilating the charges by overwhelming rebutting evidence, but he makes out for hims If a defence, and gives explanations that ap pear on the face of them perfectly satis factory. He points out that among a hundred destitute children, it is natural to find not a few wet-bedders, not only among the very young but also among the older ones. He states, and, as he says, “ emphatically,” that a large number of woollen rags were made do duty for blankets in these cases, and that it would have been folly to place good or new blankets under children affected with this weakness. Those scraps of woollen cloth have been accumulating since Mr Ritchey

left, simply because his successor was ig norant uf Mr Ritchey’s procedure in such cases, and these rags have evidently been shown to the Committee us samples of the blankets iu use. Wh n Mrs Ritchey gave out now blankets she did not withdiaw the old ones until they were wanted for somo other purpose, and by thus retaining them a softer bed was secured for the child who slept upon it. Mr Ritchey says he always allowed the boys, and his wife the girls, to bo judges of how much bed clothing they required, and served out as much as they asked for. As to the blankets being dirty, the half-yearly washing was strictly attended to, and the last half was done not two months before ho left the institution. In the matter of

the girls not having sufficient or proper clothing, Mr Ritchey says the charge, as made against his management, is both false and frh o ous. The girls bad been short of proper clothing for months, and as far back as October last Mr Ritchey had re quisitioned for a supply, but the Commit tee declined to sign a warrant for anything at all It was only after Mr Ritchey re peatedly spoke to the Chairman about the state of affairs, and pointed out the pos sibility of a public scandal if the girls’ clothing was not seen to that the Chair man obtained the Committee’s consent but by tin's time February had been reached, and some time after some wincey for girls’ dresses was procured. So soon ns Mr Ritchey was got rid of, the con tractor was ordered to provide dresses at once ; hut when the Committee make their visitation they do so on a Saturday, when the girls are wearing their “ scrub iug dresses,” and this costume is assumed to be all they had. As to whether the children were properly clad, Mr Ritchey points to an answer in the fact that for three years and a half all the children have been Sunday after Sunday attending divine service in a public church and be fore the eyes of the public, and always neat and comfortable. As to the “ pro perty list,” Mr Ritchey says that the pro perty was inventoried by the persons in charge of the departments, and two articles of furniture included in the list are the property of Mrs Ritchey, and got into the list by some one’s mistake. In the rest of his letter Mr Ritchey points out that be gave his successor all the aid he could be-, fore he himself left the institution. (

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[REUTER COPYRIGHT.]

London, May 11. THU AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS. The members of the Australian cricketing team visited the Indian and Colonial Exhibition. They were form ally received by the Commissioners. The representatives of Victoria after wards entettained them at luncheon. The Hon. Graham Berry, who was present on the occasion, addressed them, stating his belief that the Im perial Government would not cede the New Hebrides to France. THE KIMBERLEY GOLDFIELDS. Melbourne, May 12. Parlies are being organised to pro ceed to the Kimberley goldfields. They will proceed as far as Cambridge Gulf in the steamer Gamble, which i leaves Sydney on the Bth inst. THE NEW SOUTH WALES BUDGET. (Received May 13, at noon.) Sydney, May 13. Sii Henry Parke’s motion of Want of Confidence in the Treasurer’s Budget proposals came on for discussion in the Legislative Assembly last night, and was ultimately rejected by 66 votes to 22, although most of the speeches delivered during the evening disapproval of the main portions the Budget. (Received May 13,1 34 p.m.) The Exhibition. London, May 12. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the Executive President of the Intercolonial Exhibition, has invited the various Executive Commissioners to dinner on the Queen’s Birthday.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, May 12.

In response to a requesfr from the Com mittee of the Chamber of Commerce Mr Mitchelaon, late Minister for Publ'c Works, has furnished a report upon the several lines of railway—the North of Auckland railwaj ; the trunk Hue ; branch line eastward to Napier ; Rotorua to Gisborne ; deep water exten sion to Whangarei, and loop line from Auckland to Pentose.

Sir George Grey was a passenger by the Tainui for Wellington. At a meeting of the Operative Boot makers’ Union it was decided to moderate the demand upon the employers. The tariff was revised, a reduction being made in several instances.

Mr Noble’s temperance mission meet ing was very successful. He intends going !South if invited.

Wellington, May 12.

The members of the Harbor Board and the City Council pay an official visit to the Japanese warship Tsukuba on Friday. A petition has been filled in the Divorce Court by Mrs Eveline Sawkins, of Welling ton praying for a dissolution of her marri ge with Thomas George Sawkins, journalist, on the grounds of desertion, cruelty, and adultery. At the Appeal Court, Auckland, the case of Te Itaild v Grace is still being argued, and is not likely to conclude before to-morrow.

May 13.

The weather is very wet for the open ing of Parliament. There are already 19 members of the Upper House, and 38 members of the Lower House in town.

Dunedin, May 12.

Margery Turner and George Campbell, the couple who attenpted to elope to Mel bourne, and were at rested at the Bluff, appeared at the police court to-day, on a charge of stapling linen belonging to Mrs Turner’a husband, the charge against the woman was withdrawn by the hus band, and the case against Campbell was adjourned, bail being allowed.

Gisborne, May 1 The Racehorse Leonata has b burnt to death in a stable which w destroyed by fire. Whether the hois® was insured or not is not known.

Port Chalmers, May 13,

Arrived —The Herefordshire, barque, 108 days, from Glasgow.. She brings 1,100 tons cargo and 21 passengers, At the Heads, True. Blue, barque, from Mauritius.

THE ASH HO ETON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MAY 13, I*B6.



QDDfELLOff S' HAi- L. Leases ... Messrs Riguoid and Allison Business Manager Mr K. A. Underwood r General Business Agent ... Mr Liddy - Brilliant Success and Enthusiastic Reception of the e The Latest Australian Success. F TBE RICKARD3-RAYNOR COMPANY. Proprietor & Manager—Mr H. Rickards, j MR HARRY RICKARDS, ! The Inimitable Vocal Comedian. THE B HOT LI BUS RAYNOR, , World renowned Musical Comedians. i Miss Kate Lbkte, Miss Nellie Wil son, Miss Ada Funsen, Mr Henry Ckamek, Mb Haeby Phillips, Me T. W. Rhodes ‘and Edgar Austin, the Light ning Cartoonist. RACE NIGHT. RACE NIGHT. THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING, The original Musical A. Farcical Absurdity, “SPOON S,” Written expressly for this Company by Garnet Welsh, Emj., Remember — POSITIVELY THE LAST NIGHT. Commence at 8 prompt. Admission—2s (id and Is. 5 686 SATURDAY, 15tii MAY. SPECIAL ENTRY. pj Useful Farm HORSES HACK - Sale at 1 o’clock. T. BULLOCK, m 12 Auctioneer. SATURDAY, 15th MAY. SPECIAL ENTRY. 1 large CHAFFOUTTBR (by Rich mond and Chandler), suitable for steampower. 1 largo CU UNCRL SHER (by R. Hunt and Co.), also suitable for steampower. Sale at 1 o’clock. m 10 T. BULLOCK, Auctioneer.



Wanted. WJ ANTISD Known—Greatet reduction VV than ever at iho Sale of Bank rupt Stock. — Hayes and Co., Arcade. WANTED Known—The Gospel will be preached every Lord's Day evening in the Arcade Chambers at C 30 p.m. (d v.) Free for all. No collection 5 007 WANTED KNOWN—Long looked for come at last. T. Hoult, having commenced bacon curing, he is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage atGl per lb at the Factory, Moore at, Ashburton, Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home at One Penny per lb. T. Hoult. PRESENTS! Presents ! We are now giving Presents to the valno of 4a in the £ to every purchaser of One Shilling and upwards on Drapery and Millinery, etc. For description of Presents see Window'. Dressmaking on iho premises. Perfect fit guaranteed.— H. C. Seoeks, Meifurd House. Try AN TED TO PURCHASE— VV 1,000 SACKS of beconds ot Wheat. Apply to FRIEDLANDER BROS. 2 284 Monthly advertiser, issued by Robert Elston, Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch space 5a per month, centre spaces 10a ; for longer terms special arrangements can bo made ; advertisements should not be later than the 2Gth ef each mouth. 7(50 WANTED Known—Worthoim Sew ing Machines can bo had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 270



Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOR SALE all kinds of • FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pmua Insignia, Austriaca, Maritima, and Aiacrocarpa, by tens of thousands; other kinds in proportion. All kinds u£ cabbage plants, etc, on sale. All orders by post or otherwise shall receive my best attention. E.B.—A grand lot of early strawberry plants on sale. JAMES PORTER, OLIFTON NURSE 11 4 75 Allenton, Ashburton. DR. TREVOR begs to inform Patients that, pending the buil"**'B ot his new House, he will reside at Yapp’s Moore street, corner of E. B e “- Messages can be left at Me Neate s > Chemist, where he will attend Da>l y from 12 noon to 1 p m. 2 290 Q.KAKD J> iCB JJ TOWN HALL. ALL. A BALL will bo held in the Town Hall on THURSDAY EVENING, May 13ih. Dancing to start immediately after the play In the Oddfellows’ Hall is over. Admission —Gents, 3? 6d ; Ladies, free. Music provided by Mr G. W. Savage. J. BDRGESS, M.O. NOTICE. MR F. BROOKE-SMim, A.S.A., will give Lessons in Drawing and Painting, both Oil and Water Colors. Pupils received at the Studio, or waited on at their own houses. Evening Classes will also be formed for tuition in Sepia, Indigo, and Indian Ink Painting, Drawing, Bookkeeping, and Shorthand. All particulars and prospectus sa to be obtained from MrT. F. Farley, Stationer. Paintings on view at the shops of Messrs Farley and Jones, m 10 BEaTTIE & COMPANY, Criterion Mouse, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise our Customers aud the residents generally In the Ashburton District that wo have now received vary large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Present Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to buy in the Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of cur buyer, enables us to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of business AT LOWEST PRICES. We endeavour to give our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, aud our Stock is so LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can be sup plied, Wo append a list of our Depart ments, in each of which an immense Variety of moat Novel aud Fashionable Goods wUJ bo found. DRESS DEPARTMENT 1 HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DReSS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING”"DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUCEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. olonial Manufacture from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBURTON MANUFACTURE. j Cash System and Cash Prices. BLACK. BEATTIE & CO. 1 GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, PRESSMiKJERS, and MILLINERS!



A GRAND White (Sugar, 3d per lb; Dried Apples, 6d per lb ; Figs, 8d per box; Now Currants, 6d per lb ; New Nelson Jama, 6d per tin; Condensed Milk, 6d per tin ; Sperm Canales, (id per lb ; Price’s English Sperms, lOd— At Jas. '(lcGkkgok’s, Tailored street. opoclai Advertisements. TA/f RJ. 11. BUOUKS is now receiving IVI Pupils for the Pianoforte, Organ, Violin, Singing, eic. For particulars, apply to J. H. Brooks (Mr S. Wolf’s late residence), Wills street, Ashburton. 4 oJS CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. WILL be a BUYER or UPWARDS or 300,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Linos of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSAOKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5s Cd per dozen. 340 C. W. TCTRNKR. FerD. 11. BROWN. AUSTRALIAN M ; E RCANTILE UNION INSURANCE COMPANY, The onl* Company in Cantekbuky which did not Raise Rates 33j per cent on Country Rises. We arc now, as we have been fob THE PAST THREE YEARS, ACCEPTING RISKS PER CENT. OFP TARIFF. W, B. MOSS, Agent rot Ashburton District. September 22, 1885. 9 615



NOTICE. IT is requested that all ACCOUNTS owing “ The Ashburton Guardian Company, Limited,” up to 30th April, be Paid at once to Mr 13. Huuues, whose receipt alone will be a suliicient discharge. OH AS. W, PURNELL, m 11 Chairman. IjtOK SAL It—T.S. 197 and part 19G S' (adjoining Mr J. Ward's) with eight zoomed house and etc. 1 am prepared to accept a very low price for this eligible property. T. BULLOCK f the Ashburton Guards and Volun- X leers.— THE VOLUNTEER RED BOOK, containing the whole l i Iho Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squad -rill. Bayonet Drill, Infantry Drill, Etc, NOW IN. The above should be perused by all Volunteers and will bo found useful to those intending to compote for Govern ment appointments. This book being ditlicult to procure all intending purchasers had better apply at once to T. F. FARL EY. School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to be derived from purchasing their prize books from me, os I am now offering prize books at very reasonable prices, in fact, at Christ church prices, and no carriage to pay, whilst my stock consists of about 0,50 U volumes. School requisites of every description kept in stock, Thomas I?, Earley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton. I Branch Shop : Town Hall, Ashburton.



Special advertisements '('■iikeill frMM ii ROWN IRON WORKS ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Hanges Burn Wood and Coal—ln Four Sizes. PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Four, Five, Six and Seven Foot Lengths. 40 pot cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988 Changed Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, | Ashburton. THE BOOK A STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. J. Wood and Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my many patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at ; GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY. —Special care Is given to > all orders. Promptitude guaranteed. I MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first class firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may roiy upon receiving 5 PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and Foreign included), Public Committees receiving liberal con cessions. . —— PRINTING. This branch is being fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and ' promptitude in the execution of all orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence. 1



DELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may roly upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same romarit applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purchasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Lines Always in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and Tradesmen’s general requisites. Bookbinding Orders Received, £, F. Farley, BOOKSELLER. STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, Ashburton. STOCK-TAKING, •.FEBRUARY 1,188 G, WE beg to draw our Ashbur ton and Country Custo mers’ attention to the fact that wo have reduced the prices of many lines in our well known Stock, notably in MENS’, BOYS’ & YDUTHS’ Clothing, And fool confident that an early Inspection will well repay a isit to the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S BRANCH, East Street, Ashburton.



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SON WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work efficiently, are now In a position to moot the domanda of the public with a -class article at prices to suit the times. Every de, qlption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S. —Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimming. VICTORIAN t STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. 11. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support in this department, beg to intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now In a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 This Space is Reserved for important Ne'ft Advertisement,



UAT iOM Off T 11 h UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE Of Meaera Eriodlander Bros’ stock of Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots AMOUNTING TO ABOUT £sooq ANDREW OKU having purchased (he abovo STOCK at a largo reduction from Cost Price, is still giving it away at Unheard-of prices, His groat object being to turn it Into cash, no matter at what sacrifice ANDREW ORR



So great has been the success of the “Australian Times" and “ Anglo-New Zealander" newspaper that it has been decided to publish weekly instead of fortnighily after the Ist May. We learn from the “Otago Daily Times’ that it is expected that the testimonial fund which is being raised in the Danatan electorate for Mr V. Pyke, M.H.R., will reach LICO. It is reported that a large coal area has been discovered in Cape Colony. It is traversed by the Midland and Western railway systems. L 50,000 annually, to dition of her public school loaouoto. 1 he South Auttraliaa “Register” says;— “ The cry of the hungry Is hear in our streets, and, despite the works which hav been started from time to time, un employed are still far to numerous. The labouring classes are suffering most severly, and this notwithstanding that thousands have left us during the past few months for the other colonies, the exodus by sea alone forthe present year being some 3000 In excess of the arrivals. Deeply as we regret the necessity which has driven so many of the best of our colonists away from the colony, we can but congratulate those who have gone oo having the means fo seek for work where work was to be tound. Victoria proposes to spend an extri 1



We clip the follow] Wellington Evening Pr Zealand swagger is an lnd( the following earacioua i taken as a criterion. One lighted the other day on a between Eketahuna and asked the cook for a drink supplied to him, and was, course, succeeded by a rei thing to eat. The “doc accordirgly some sweet fr and butter, and offered it t “Oh ! I can’t go that t swager ; “hav’nt you got si potatoes 2” Regret was the camp was out of such the moment, and the hungt gambling at hie condemn tumbling across “such a as ha never saw afore !” tl fat—country 1