todoitrbMt with th« balance*)! the loan not yet hypothecated, and the-i:evenuc it u taking su?h strenuous meaauref to,ra»e. within the colony. •-■-.i

Our cablegrams Atom Home hare been of the most cheering character for soma time hack, so fair as they have bomo on ' the wool market. Trices have throughout 1 the last scries of Wool sales reported shown an upward tendency, and a large trade has teen done, while •■ strong hope may reasonably be entertained that prices will keop firm. : The lastest cablegram announces that after :the New Year;» active business may be expected. In the same cablegram theexporta for ihe month fromL’ the 1 old country are" quoted ' from the' returns : of the wand of Trade, at L17;062,500, an inortese of L 117,626 as ooriparqdwith the of the corres ponding month in TWsk l *!! the as it eonfirins to some extirit’ the pleasing symptoms of trade’that advices by tho Buez mail. convey. The-minera desiro to-limit the out put' of coals -with a view-to increasing their wagea.' 1 ’ Hitherto the demand for coal has .been limited, owing to the many stoitfttnjl''df trdrka that have occurred dum^Hrt 1 Snanei&l depression that has afleotedtfae United Kingdom, and 'from whigb'H yddly now recovering; but now inaovrisctdrerirare gradually coming back to brtspeMir than, tod ftxcreaarid demand for crial the natural conse quarioeJ FioiriSia Francwcowa learn. tiud thena hks : b«ettto nnprsoedeniodly grciri demandl end; Sigbsh and other .bottoms am cumowi for, and mahyiniVe been Migigridhjt tidocraph for 3daff‘'«Wtewiu -be re ■at nkt'Stmdlouaiitity of New lof last year a clip was left We eon demand that has suddenly atall the old stock has heeii urd that the stock* pMstbned hel d by manufacturers have to 'that there is’ altogether a £&d J pr6spets thsttbo clip nbw being shorn at f&s. a . handled in tbe Cantor bqrV ? thtoihdmoat' Kiriguiria hoped for. Our gram; tod,' ia hringing' ad ! exceptionally high figure,todhhri : rue in value of both our . gseat sources . of wealth—wool. and grkm-^-bduld ! .scarcely : come at' ■«r more opportune season', /When a severe taxation Is impending, : requiring comfortable oir-: oumstahees to meat" it; —andwhen an •briridant harvest is-promised should the weather be at all seasonable and summer like. i A high price- for our grain—and everything 1 promises that way—and an abundant harvest; aO that the full benefit of the prices may be reaped ; added to a hCavy clip at a'fair figure in the London market, will go a far way to make up the retrogression the. colany;3mß;inadß dnririg the past redeem the finaridal and un fortunate Government by a prosperity that woriH a good effect

while' returning to*d’of firewood, -. dray wheel passed overhis chest' He was removed to an adjoining hbnse, and a messenger at once . dtp vo into the township for Dr. Boss, who went offimmediately and attended to Mr. ILoth's injuries. Grand _ Lono®,- ■ i-O; G.T^— Thura IWhertKlstoo, from the Ashburton Star (rfltfiejlSast' l«dge were recipients of the Grand Lodge Degree. Amongst other recommendation; was received; from tKe.'Dunedin Pioneer Lodge. It drew attention to the habitual breath of the law which fbrbade the saleof liquor to 'and attributed much -of the dnihkenqeas now existing amongst women to(thie cause, and also indirectly much of amongst men ; urging also the efti- regular 'enforcement of the- law.; At the evening sitting theLodgd'declded', torfcohl it* next session at A ; large taa meeting was held m the, evening Oddfellows Hill, at, which, 400 Mople were entertained, and Mr. J. W. jfago and Dr. Bdseby delivered eloquent eddrqsses.'

Cricket Association. —A meeting-was htfa, yesterday evening. .Prewpt-T’ltfPW™ SMSaunders (.Chairman), Staimraring, Bfcoadbelt, And Wilkie.... The chaizmapre pdrted that negotiations had bpexv entere d nttttfor the purpose of procuring , a lawn mbwet; and ,the ;tennisand';croquet clubs hid, ‘agreed to pay half the cost. .It resolved that-the.chaicman of. the Domain BbunLbeasked for his consents to pay the eost of a tube .«el)/ jn. the-Doipain. The secretary was instructed to collect one guinea from the “Timaru Herald” and “Press” clubs' for use ;of grqund on 13th inst, The following resolution was phased—‘ ‘ .That.the' chairman of the Po maih Board be requested to iprward to the Asa6dation • a- balance-sheet, .showing, the ‘antounts.expended.artd-stilltocredit, out of the LIOO votod by the County .Council *fbr ,the formation of a cricket ground in the Domain, - .... ...

A • Golden Wbdwno.—Mb Lordship ■the Primate, distributed, the prizes at ■Christ's College Grammar School, Christ church, on Thursday evening. After the prizes had beep given out, .his Lordship; .read; a letter, from the prefects of the- College, congratulating , him, and Mrs. | Harper upon having attained thoir 50th weddlpg- day, apd expressing a ' desire to! holidays extended one week in honor, of rthe| occasion. ’ Amidst .much laughter, the question was'put, td the vote, and fdl .parties being' unanimous, the boon \ ' Beaus iBAHi>GaM?KTtTioK.-~Th«Dune.

"din (Caledonian. Society; have offered a / pifeeofLßOtothe best'brass-band- in, a - .competition to take place :nt, the Society’s ■annual srortsineetirigvon New Year’s Day,

> ' Sixteen .bands must - enter for the prize, ■canid, thee Judges- appdinted are Messrs. G. iWind 'K L/- Simpson-,, Dunedin, and " Major Lean and Mr. Coombes, Christ ridbrnete - v

‘ Peaches. —A roost (extraordin ** fkfdlity appeal id > have attended V^hea<^'tr^s' : this;ybkf7 hundreds’ of trees ul of aH 'afeeii, ihd appar’efitly in the; most f bonditipn lsst yePr, ’hav# died off ajl 'dyer Hkwlce’s 'Bay, and- E -similar *,'■ jisombißftrt .nWde. : from • WairaTapfc• and ‘ w WeffiHgtdh; The blight is invisible, nor ■*" \V of the trees be accounted for with afiy One suggestion is that the winter was so mild and free from frost, that the sap has not struck, and this has weakened the trees and caused them to wither.

, , The Ashburton Watebworcb Bill passed both Bouses of Parliament last plight. Tress Cricket Match. —Ashburton may look to‘day for the arrival of a varied assortment of newspaper men of all grades, from the - editor down to the printer’s deril. The *‘-Press ” from Christchurch 'intends doing battle in a friendly match at cricket with the “ Timaru Herald;” and it is understood that the political hatehet is to be buried, and all allusions likely to lead to. the speaker’s attention being called to the conduct of Honorable members, —- —-battists, we mean—will be strictly prohibited. The portly represen tative of the “ Press ” in Ashburton was ■doing duty yesterday with a tape line, and we have no doubt shocking btta papers will be published from both offices on Monday morning. Wesleyan Anniversary. —To-morrow ’the second anniversary of the Wesleyan Church in Ashburton will be celebrated by the holding of special services, which will be conducted by the Rev. Bauraber, of Christchurch, who will preach at both diets of worship. On Tuesday a tea meeting will be held in the evening, to be followed by a public meeting, at which suitable addresses will be delivered, and very superior music rendered by the choir, which has.been specially recruited and practiced for the occasion.

The Railway Station.—We are in formed on good authority that the present sheds which do. duty as a railway station will he dispensed with, and a building with some pretensions to decency, if not to aichiteoture, will be erected on the north side of the present makeshifts, and directly l opposite the“ Guardian ” office. Cricket. —On Tuesday next a match will be played on the Do ntaln ' ground between the first eleven and next twenty two selected from tbd local clubs. The following players will comprise the eleven;—Messrs. G. Andrews, Bruce, Buchanan, Denshire, Field, Fooka, Grant, Hodder, Hill, S. Saunders (captain), and Whitely. Emer gencies—Douglas, E. Saunders, Mainwar mg arid Harris. As the twenty two (which will be captained by D. Amos) will have the services of A. Andrews, Harris, Shiny, and - several other excellent bowlers, and a host of good batsmen, the majority should win. Play will commence at 11 a. m. sharp. Drunks.- —Business in drunks is looking up at the E.M. Court, Mri C. P. Cox, haring had four of these beljnfess individuals before him on Thursday. One, John ’ Robertson, had been before the Court before, on one or two occasions when his dinner had . had more liquid than solid matter in its compilation. This time, the constable on Wednesday at 9 o’clock steered him up to the public hostelry where many a hotel-uontracted somnolence is dispelled.. John managed to persuade the sergeant that he wasn’t so tight after ally and got bailed out; but at the same evening the alcohol' with which he had seasoned his food told upon him again, and. as a penalty for contributing too heavily to the public’s and the publican’s revenue, ho was run in for hi* own safety, andthepublicgood. On Thursday he told hia tale. He didn’t often get drunk—drunks never will believe that they get tight fre quently—he hadn’t been drunk for a long time, and.hadn’t had much this time. His f* not much,” however, was too much for him. Mr. Cox said he was willing to take.a lenient view of the case, and would let the man off if he would promise to go straight.back to his work at the Hinds. That was just the chance prisoner wanted, and he closed with the offer forthwith. A dentist named Allan next waltzed up to the public confessional. Drunk the night before. Hadn’t anything to say to the charge.. Had been, almost a teetotaller for months, but this drop had a “ most terrible ” effect upon him. The phrase is a strong ope, but the man’s face and general appearance said “Amen” to its truth. Sergeant ' Pratt said there was jnothing against prisoner in Ashburton, jbut ; tbe Christchurch Court knew all iabout his . liquor weakness. Mr. Cox was iagain inclined to -be lenient, and ex tracted a promise of abstemiousness in (future., The. weak one was let off, with, a lOp.fine, and a caution, however, that his .next entry, for the liquoring event would :be handicapped with his previous convic tions,: Joseph O’Brien had a big skinful of ■ what a -greater l than he has called “ dis tilled damnation. ” It turned him up at iFriedlander’s ,store,- where he lay down. ,He did his “ spiriting ” gently, however, for tbe apprehending constable said he was ! very quiet—very quiet. Mr. Cox was again merciful, and on Joseph promising to find a softer. bed in the future than Friedlander’s doorstep, and that at a safe distance from the Ashburton township, he was permitted to take himself off without E fine. ' '

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

{Renter's 7 e!grants.) London, Dec. 8. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,120,000 quarters. ■ The Queen continues to improve. Her Majesty decorated the officers of the Bath at Windsor. Brennan was committed for trial, bail being allowed. Calcutta , Dec. fi. The Ghilzais and others at Fcrowla cut off supplies going to Cabul. Brigades under Generals Baker and M'Pherson were despatched to attack and punish them. London Dec. 10. Lord Salisbury, in the course of his speech at Walford. declared it was im possible to establish the peasant proprie tory, and although it might possibly ensure political safety, it would be im possible to remedy the agricultural dis tress. Maurid, Dec. 10. The Ministry has resigned, in conse quence of a difference regarding reforms in Cuba. A new Ministry has been formed by Senor Carstell:.

AUSTRALIAN.

Syonry, Dec. 10. The Treasurer has introduced his Financial Statement. The revenue for the last financial year was L 5,525,000, and the Li,725,006, He .estimates the revenue for the next year at L 4,702,000, and the expenditure at L 4,084,00. The deficit is to be covered by an increase of taxes upon stamps ; spirits,

25.; wines, sparkling, 45.; beers, 3d. ; tobacco, leaf, 3d.; manufactured, tid.; excise duties on beers and tobacco, 3d. Arrived—Hero from Auckland. Sydney, Dec. 11. The trial of the bushrangers is con cluded. All the prisoners were found guilty and sentenced to death. Melbourne, Dec. 10. Mr. Munro, in the Assembly, gave notice of motion to address the Governor, asking that satisfactory measures for the reform of the Constitution should be carried during the present session. Melbourne, Dec. 11. Electoral activity has commenced throughout Victoria. The Legislative Council passed the Stamp Duties Act under protest. Stran gers were excluded from the Assembly. At 6 p.m. stone-walling began. Arrived—Botomahama. Sho made the fastest time on record. Sailed—Ringarooma, yesterday. (Special.) Melbourne, Dec. 10. It is stated that negotiations are pending between M‘Lean of Ballarat, and an un known New Zealander to walk 200 miles for LI,OOO a-side. Betting on the Champion is dull. Mr. Wilson’s string—Petrea, First King, and Avernus, are considered the most danger ous. New wheat, ss. Bs.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Dec. 11. Intelligence from Alexandra states there is no truth in Rewi’s alleged intention to isolate himself among the Kingites. Government have declined to accept the services of a new Battery of Artillery. 120 had enrolled, and were greatly disap pointed. The strikers at Dempsey’s reclamation contract held ameeting this morning. They state the wages owing them amount to nearly LBOO. They sent a memorandum to the District Engineer, and placed the matter in his hands for solution. Arrived—Rotorua, from Sydney, at Russell this morning. She brings 41 pas sengers and 196 tons of cargo for southern ports. Benjamin Duvall, better known as Dr. Duvall, has been arrested for forging and uttering a cheque on the Bank of New Zealand.. Mr. James Mackay, Land Purchase Agent, has written to the Waste Lands Board, claiming right by virtue of a Go vernment promise, to buy at LI an acre, 170 acres of Piako Block, Upper Thames, advertised for sale. The. Chairman stated he had. communicated with the Govern ment;] But had received no answer as yet. A telegram was received at the Waste Lands Board meeting stating that the natives in the Poverty Bay District were willing to pay a royalty,*if allowed to col lect grass seed at Patutahi Block. It was decided to invite tenders for the purchase of the grass, and to acquaint the natives of their determination. Auckland. Dec. 12. Among the passengers by the Rotorua are Mr. Alex. Hannah, a member of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Stephen Mason; Glasgow, and Mr. G. M. Black, the well known cotton and sewing thread manufacturers, Anchor Mills, Paisley. They are on a tour through the colony. Grahamstown, Dec. 11. The Kurunui Hill mine found quartz at 360 ft. level. There was a great demand for shares yesterday and to-day, and the sales were made at 7s. 6d. and Bs.; closing prices, Bs. The Thames Company announces a dividend of 2s. 6d. A resolution was passed asking the Liberal Association to convene a special meeting to consider Mr. Stephen son’s resolution denouncing the constitu tion of the Waste Lands Boards. The Carandiriis open at the Academy of Music to-night. Gisborne, Dec. 11 The plant of the ‘ ‘ Poverty Bay Stan dard” was sold yesterday to Mr. J. S. Maofarlane, who bought it to ship to Auckland on account of the “Free Lance.” ' Napier, Dec. 11. The criminal business of the Supreme Court i& finished, with the exception of a charge against M‘Lennan of wife murder. This case will be taken on Monday, and is expected to occupy ten days op a fort night. There are 33 witnesses for the prosecution. Dr. Hector, who is here as a witness in M'Lennau’a case, has consented to deliver a lecture on the geological formation in Hawke’s Bay. In the charge for forgery in the Sup reme Court to-day, the jury brought in a verdict of “ Guilty, without felonious in tent.” Justice Richmond said this amounted to acquittal, and ordered the discharge of the prisoner. Wellington, Dec. 11.

An extraordinary meeting of the share holders of the Wellington Tramways Com pany will he held on Dec. 22, for the pur pose of considering the following resolu tions :—“That the Wellington City Tramway Company (Limited) be wound up voluntarily, in accordance with the provisions of ‘ The Joint Stock Com panies Act, 1860,’ and the amendments thereto.”

A deputation waited on the Minister for Public Works to-day, urging upon Go vernment the necessity of pushing on with the Wellington-Foxton Eailway. The Minister replied that the sum of L 54,000 had been placed on the Estimates for the work, and Government intended to push on with the work as speedily as funds would permit. A carbine match between the Welling ton and Dunedin Artillery will le fired shortly. -A young man named John Francis Thompson was charged at the Magistrate’s Court with issuing valueless cheques. On three informations he was discharged, but on a fourth he was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labor.

Wellington, Dec, 12. Government have introduced a Bill to allow the appointment of one more Minister. The aggregate of Ministers’ salaries is not to be increased, but a pro rata reduction is to be made to provide for the extra salary. The New Zeiland Loan and Mercantile Agency reported under date, London, Dec. 9:—Wool.—The sales closed atari average improvement of‘ l|3.“p6r lb. The principal advance had been in cross-bred, superior greasy, superior combing, washed medium, and inferior washed medium,

and inferior washed and scoured. Up to date, 125.000 bales have been sold, and 5,000 bales have been withdrawn. During the past sales, 45,0 )0 bales have been taken for exports. Leather—best sides are worth Is. Id. per lb. Nelson. Dec. 21 A public meeting last night protester! against the property tax as unfair and inquisitorial, took exception to hurrying through such a measure at a late period of the session, and suggested, of the necessity foy the tax were absolute the exemption of personal effects, stock-in trade, machinery and plant, and that the rate should only be a half penny. Dunedin, Dec. 11. At the Harbour Board meeting to-day, Mr. Fish referred to the newspaper reports of the remarks of Mr. Macau - drew last night in opposing the Board’s claim for extended borrowing powers, and of the determined hostility displayed by him towards this Board. The speaker also resented what he termed a gratuitous insult offered by Mr. Macandrew, in im pertinently stating that the Board was really ruled by one member. The Chair man said he had read the report of the speech, and witli great surprise and regret, : inasmuch as from the exceedingly kind and frank manner in 'which Mr. Macnn drew had met him when in Wellington recently, as representing the Board, he had hoped that any difference between Mr. Macandrew and the Board had been set at rest. At the City Police Court this morning, James Wilson was convicted of breaking two panes of glass worth 205., the pro perty ot James Ogden. He was lined L 3, and ordered to pay the damage to property or go to prison for six weeks. John Patsen, convicted of stealing a saucepan, value lis., the property of J. C. Nicholas was sent to gaol for a month.

LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Reuter’s Telegram .) London, Dec. 10. An active business in wool, is expected after the New Year. The Board of Trade Returns show the exports of last month to have been L 17,062,509, an increase of L 117,625 compared with last year. St. Petersburg, Dec. 10. The pacific policy of Russia has been strengthened by a speech of the Emperor, in reply to a congratulatory address. He expressed a hope that Russia would develope the resources of the country and maintain paths of peace.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Ratter's Telegrams.) Sydney, Dec. 12. The bushrangers Rogan and Williams were recommended to mercy. A Ministerial Bill introduced in the Assembly provides for 103 members in the Lower House. Hennessy’s brandy, case, 34/9 to 35/-; in bulk ; quarters, 10/6. Kerosene, Devoe’s, 1/10 ; Patna rice, £22 ; N. Z. wheat, 4/9 to 5/-; N. Z. oats, 2/6; maize, 3/4. *-*- Adelaide, Dec. Ip. Wheat, 5/3; flour, £ll 15/- to £l2 15/-. .

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Per our Special Wire. Grahamstown, Dec. 12. Colonel Fraser, J.P., late 11. M., sat on the Bench to-day to hear a case in which D. K. Donnelly, one of the persons who petitioned for Fraser’s removal from the Bench, on the ground that he had been detected card sharping, was implicated. Campbell and Donnelly, solicitors, who also signed the petition, asked Mr. Fraser not to hear the case as he would be biassed. Mr. Fraser said he would not leave the Bench, and the hearing of the case proceeded. It went against Don nelly. Alburniaa have jumped from 57s 6d to 755. It is rumored they have struck gold at a lower level. Close on a ton of spe cimens are on hand. Timaru, Dec. 12. The forgery case against Manning in th 3 Supreme Court to-day, created in tense interest. After lasting till 6.30 p.m., the case broke down on a law point raised by Mr. Stont under an Act of Henry VIII. Manning and Saunders were at once acquitted. Edward James, the dis puted owner of the land by whom the alleged forged deed of conveyance was signed, and who pleaded guilty to forgery yesterday, and received sentence of two years, was again placed in the dock, and Judge Johnstone said that after the result of the case against Manning he should advise the Crown to arrest sentence. Dunedin, Dec. 12. Rev. Mr. M'Nicol expired very sud denly at Waihola on Wednesday evening. Deceased went out into a field for the pur pose of mowing some grass, and, some time elapsing without his returning, Mrs M'Nicol went in search of him, finding him dead. OAMARU,0 AMARU, Dec. 12. A sad accident occurred at Mahench to day, at 10 o’clock. Miss Gordon, assis tant teacher at the Mahench school, and aged about 18 years, was proceeding to her duties in a dray, at the above mentioned hour, in company with a lad named Fier ro anck, and Mrl Davis, who was drivins. While trying to ford tho stream at Davis’ crossing, which is now flooded, the dray got into a hole, which had been made by the wash of the water. The dray was upset. Davis swam ashore, but the other two were drowned. The bodies were re covered this afternoon near the fence. An inquest will he held. Davis and a brother of Mias Gordon tried to save the deceased but \\ ere unsuccessful. Invercargill, Dec. 12. The thirteenth AnnualShowoftheSouthr land Agricultural and Pastoral Society took place yesterday, under most favor able auspices. The attendance was very good ,and over LOO was taken at the gates. The .arrangements made wore a great im provement on last years. The number of entries were also in excess of those of last year. The first of Professor Black’s lectures on chemistry was a great success—about 60 present, of whom 11 were ladies and 30 teachers. Several' experiments were made*by the audienfe-and much relished.

The annual Shov of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association was continued to-day, proving a great success.

PARLIAMENT.

| LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, Dec. 11. I Among the notices of motion was one for the suspension of the Standing Orders . as to the passage of Bills till the end of the session; another that all Bills not , passed this session should be taken up , next year at the stage where left off. Eighteen Bills came up from the Lower House and passed the first readings, and the Land Act Amendment Bill was read a third time after an ineffectual attempt by the Hon. Colonel Whitmore to insert a clause exempting some selectors in Hawkes’ Baj’ from personal residence. There was considerable discussion on the Maori Prisoners’ Trial Bill, in which nine members spoke, but there was little new elicited. Captain Eraser warned the Govern ment that if the prisoners were kept at Dunedin during the winter, many would die of cold. It was asserted by one speaker that a greed for the land by the Government prevented a settlement, which Mr. Whi taker denied, saying the whole of the Plains were nothing compared to the peace of the country. Ho also denied the rumour that Government intended some violent action in regard to re-occupation. The Bill was then read a second time. The Wanganui Bridge Debentures Bill was read a second time, after a short debate. The Council adjourned from 5 to 7.30. On resuming, five more small Bills from the Lower House were read a first time. The Confiscated Land Enquiry and Maori Prisoners’ Trial Bill, and the Wan ganui Bridge Debentures Bill passed through Committee and were read a third time. The Public Entertainments Bill was thrown out, and the Council rose at 9.10 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, Deo. 11. The House met at 7.30 p.m. REPORT. Mr. Bunny brought up the Waste Lands Committees’ report on the Bill for pro viding sites for Working Men’s Clubs. The report concurred in the objects of the Bill. teachers’ annuities. Mr. Bowen asked the Minister for Education whether Government will during the recess consider the question of estab lishing a system of retiring allowances for teachers of public schools, in connection with the Government Annuities depart ment. The Hon. W. Rolleston replied that statistics were being gathered regarding teachers and their families, so as to institute a scheme of pensions and annui ties. district railways. Mr. DeLantour asked the Minister for Public Works whether, in order to enable the House to arrive at a decision upon the proposals made in the Public Works state ment in certain cases where companies formed under the provisions of the District Railways Act have begun work, and are unable to complete their lines; he will cause the following information and papers to be laid before the House previous to the second reading of the Public Works Bill : —(1) What projected railways are proposed to be treated for, and what companies represent such rail ways ; (2) who were the original pro moters of such railways ; (3) what amounts have been expended by several companies upon works other than surveys, and what are the respective lengths of the lines pro jected ; (4) to produce copies of the pros pectuses published in each case by original promoters. ; (5) maps showing as nearly as possible owners and several areas owned by such owners, ten miles on each side of lines projected ; (6) what area of Crown lands contiguous to such projected lines would be rendered a\ ailable for agricul tural settlement by completion of said lines ; (7) all correspondence, of whatever kind, between the companies who have applied for assistance and the Govern ment. Mr. Oliver said it was proposed to ask Parliament to authorise Government to treat with these companies, each one upon their own merits. Government would pledge itself that no arrangement in virtue of the power to be asked for would be entered into, where the bargain was on such terms as would give the companies a profit on their undertakings. The only proposal on the part of Government was that they should get power to deal with each case on its own special merits. The information asked for would be given, so far as it was in the possession of Go vernment. the banking account. Mr. Seddon asked whether Government bad made any arrangements with anv of the Banks for the banking account of the colony ; and if answered in the affirma tive, would they for the information of members lay before the House a statement showing particulars of such arrangements; if answered in the negative, would they use such expedition as would enable them to complete the arrangements in time to lay the particulars before the House pre vious to prorogation. Major *tbinson said the matter had been dealt with by a Banking Arrange ments Committee, who had reported on the subject. Government had not yet had time to consider the question, and were afraid it was not likely to be con sidered before the House rose. If time to do so were found, the information would be given the House. EIRE BRIGADES. Mv. Pitt asked if they would, in future, provide free passes upon Government rail ways for members of Volunteer Eire Brigades, when proceeding or returning from public Fire Brigade demonstrations. Mr. Oliver replied that arrangements for allowing Volunteers to travel .on rail ways had been made at reduced rates, and these were charged to a vote passed for de fence purposes. The same arrangements could not be made for Fire Brigades, and a Committee had reported against the ex tension of the system of such Brigades. Government, however, recognised the use fulness of these brigades, and would con sider the matter with a view to getting some arrangements made to meet their case.

PUBLIC WORKS BILL. Re ply in % to Mr. Maeandrew, Mr. Oliver said he expected to bring down the Public Works Bill to-morrow.

MISCELLANEOUS. Amendments made by the Legislative Council on the Registration of Electors Bill were adopted. The-Counties Act Amendment Bill was further considered in Committee, and re ported with amendments. UROCEEDINO WITH BUSINESS. The Hon. J. Hall moved ■ “That the Standing Orders be suspended, in order that fresh business might bo gone on with after 12.30 a.m. ” Mr. Turnbull opposed the motion, and during a short speech in opposition, members left the House, and sufficient numbers were not left to adjnit of the mo tion being put. The Hon J. Hall said in that case mem bers would have themselves to blame, if business was not far enough advanced to admit of the House being prorogued. He then moved that they go into Committee of Supply. Mr. De Lautour opposed, stating it was unfair to bring up the Estimates at that time of night, seeing that members had been at work all last night to 4.30 this morning. Mr. Turnbull spoke in the same strain, when he was interrupted by Mr. Macan drew, who pointed out that they had arrived within five minutes of the time when no other business could be taken up. He suggested that Government should withdraw the motion for going into Com mittee of Supply, and allow other business to be gone on with. Mr. Turnbull replied that he disclaimed all intention of attempting to k waste time unnecessarily. Meantime 12.30 a.in. arrived, and as no further business could be taken up, the proceedings closed. After a great deal of talk the House went into Supply early in the momiug, when the Immigration Estimates were passed, all proposed increases being struck out. The House rose at 2.10.

Per Our Special Wire.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, Dec. 12. Captain Baillie’s motion that Bills not passed one session should be taken up next year at the place where left met with an unfavorable reception, and was with drawn. On the motion of the Attorney-General, it was agreed to sit on Saturday, Govern ment Bills to be taken first. . The Standing Orders as to the passage of public Bills were suspended for the rest of the session. The Registration of Dogs Act was thrown out. SECOND READING. Slaughterhouse Act Amendment Bill and Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Amendment Bill. THIRD READING. Wellington Harbor Board Bill, Ash burton County Council Water-works Bill, and electoral Acts Repeal Bill. The Council adjourned at 4.20 till 2.30 next day. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. . ' . Friday, Dec. 12. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House resumes! at 2.30. ANTICIPATING. Mr. Stevens brought up the report of the Public Accounts Committee. Mr. Shrimski asked how it was the report in question had already been printed in the “Timaru Herald.” He had just read it in that paper. Mr. Stevens replied that the report had been drawn up within the last half hour, and it was quite impossible it could nave been published as stated. ROONEY ORDERS. Mr. Andrews asked if Government would take the necessary steps to extend the money order system to L2O, instead of LlO as at present. Mr. Hall replied in the negative. The postal statistics did not warrant the depart ment in believing that the concession would be required for the public con venience. Moreover, it would be impos sible to get foreign post offices to recog nise the innovation proposed. Mr. Andrews asked if they will make pro vision for persons to make deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank without being compelled to produce the pass-book. Mr Hall replied the proposed change would expose deposits to malversation and create a very great deal of trouble to the department. Further consideration would be given to the’question in so far as it related to friendly societies’ deposits. WORKING men’s CLUB SITES - BILL. The House went into Committee on the' Working Men’s Club Sites Bill. Dr. Wallis said there was no reason why this privilege showed be conceded to working men’s clubs. There were other equally deserving institutions, such as Mechanics’ Institutes, Temperance So cieties, Christian Associations, &c., which ought to be included. Colonel Trimble wished the tom “ working men ” defined. They were all working men, and he wished to know if they were all equally aimed at by the Bill. Mr., Andrews suggested that these clubs were in many instances simply devices for getting licenses for houses to sell liquor, which would not otherwise be licensed. He was opposed to the Bill in toto. It would be far better to assist these clubs as the occasion was, so that each case might be judged of on its own merits. Mr. Hutchison insisted that clubs of this kind were not mere drinking shops, as had been inferred by the last speaker. , Sir George Grey said the objects of these institutions were very easily defined. They were all formed upon the principle of affording instruction.' He was a mem-i her of one of these clubs himself, and testified to the efficient manner in which they were conducted. Mr. Gisborne also testified to the good conduct maintained in connection with these clubs, and expressed an opinion that it would be well to encourage their estab lishment. Mr. Andrews suggested that Govern ment should reserve to itself the power to prevent these clubs degenerating into mere drinking shops and places of resort for other vicious purposes. Mr. Murray spoke in similar terms, and suggested ,that a proviso should be added to the effect‘ that “no spiritrma liquors should be sold on the premises. Ho- 1 Con cluded by moving that a clause to that effect be added to the Bill. The additional

clauso was put and negatived on the voice?. The Bill as printed was passed. OTAOO HARBOR. The Otago Harbor. Board Empowering Bill was committed. Mr. Macandrew said that if the House agreed to allow borrowing powers to the extent of J .250,000, the House would be committing an egregious blunder. The money already spent had been spent in a reckless way. Had they given only L 20,000 at first, ho believed they would hare had much more efficient work, L>50,000 was sufficient for securing a dredge, and that was all that was re quired. The great mistake had been by giving the Board too much money, and it had gone to work in a hop, skip, and jump way. The Committee would be doing wrong to commit the district to the large expenditure. The result of Sir John. Goode’s report, he believed, would be tq show that the whole of the money had been thrown into the sea. Goode had told him that, if the works went on as they were going, he believed they would rise some morning and find the bar wholly blocked up. Mr. Dick said Mr. Macandrew, who re presents Port Chalmers, was simply actuated by jealousy, so as to prevent ships going past the port to Dunedin. The channel was ' partly out to Dunedin and unless they got the money asked for that work would be rendered useless. AIE the works carried on by the Board had to be approved of by the Governor in Council. Mr. Macandrew denied he was acting -n the interest of Port Chalmers in this matter. Were he to do otherwise than ho liad done, he would be wanting in his. duty to Otago as a whole. Mr. Shrimski said Dunedin was simply attempting to' take away the trade from Port Chalmers, and to centre it in Dunedin. Mr. Murray supported the Bill, and stated that property in Dunedin would bo seriously endangered if the interests of the harbor were not properly conserved. Mr. Barron moved that the amount be* restricted to LIOO,OOO. He thought that, would prevent the Board from dealing ex travagantly with its funds. Mr. M‘Lean defended the Board and its works against the imputations made. He thought, however, it might, undertime circumstances, be judicious to accept khe amendment of Mr Barron. Mr. Thompson said that 15 years ago evidence was given before a Committee of the late Provincial Council to the effect, that certain harbor works then proposed would injure the mouth of the harbor.. Recent events had borne out that evi dence, and he desired to see the Board restricted in its operations so as to prevent; the mouth of the Harbor being further damaged. He moved that the amount be* L 50,000; • On the question that the amount be restricted to L 50,000 a division took place —Ayes, 18 ; noes, 28. The question as for LIOO,OOO was then put and carried. Mr Macandrew moved the insertion of a new clause, to the effect that a portiom of the money should bo spent on the entrance to the harbor. House divided—Ayes, 25 ; noes, 27. The Working Men’s Club Sites Bill wfcs. reported ; read a third time, and peiaed, also the Otago Harbor Board Empowering Bill as amended. Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the Customs Duties Bill. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30> adjournment. EVENING SITTING, CUSTOMS DUTIES BILL. The House resumed at 7 SO. The, debate on the Customs Duty fill was resumed by Mr. Moss. Looking at the new tariff, there were one or two xtaris demanding explanation. Green fruit, lor example, was a meat perishable com modity, and preserved milk again, was not. They had Holloway’a- Pills, on which 25 per cent, was te bo paid. Tobacco and wine were: other articles do which the speaker re ferred as unjustifiable in the circum stances All this meant that they were* imposing taxes on the masses which ought; properly to have been borne by property.. He hoped the Treasurer would see his-, way to strike out a great many of the* items proposed. Unless that were- done.- the outside public would feel dissatisfied', and that while they were very chary about touching property, they were perfectly reckless in dealing, with that which affected the masses. Sir George 1 Grey considered some of the duties proposed to .be of a most objection able nature,.certain articles, necessaries' of existence, were to bo taxed 60 per cent. These burdens would be felt, specially by the poor. At that very moment the taxes were being taken off.' large landed properties. Government-had', notified' its. proposals, and he hoped, atilU . further notifications would be given effect to. He hoped they would not insist upon the ad valorem duties until further'taxa- . tion on land had-been provided for.

■ Dr. Wallis spoke strongly against the taxation of necessaries, and held that the taxation of wines and tobacco, though: right in itself, was a temptation to illicit. distillation, adulteration, and smuggling. ■ It was useless to oppose the Bill, still 1 . he felt it his duty to protest against, the vexatious nature of the proposals put forward.

Major Atkinson said that some o£ the' members who had just spoken were very prtriotic. They had shown lu«r they would reduce taxation, but tliey hod failed, to show how they would pay the colonial burdens. The House divided —Ayes, 41 ; noes,. 21. The Bill was accordingly read a second 1 time.'' The Loan Pleated.. After another 1 attempt to take up fresh') business after which was unsuc cessful, — The Hon. John* Hall read the folVw-- ing cablegram „ just received from London : —“Premier, NewZealand—Loan subscribed more than twice over. List closed. We congratulate you. Uadil wo found it imperatively necessary,. «e de layed giving guarantee not to luting any loans on the market for three-years.— Loan Agents, London 11th.” THK (TOBACCO BILL., The Tobacco Manufacture Bifl was read a second time.. Ashburton Waterworks Bill. ' The House wpnt Into Gotnniittee on the • Ashburton Waterworks Bill, which passed,. and was reported in committee. The House Was in Committee on then Custom’s Duty Bill when the wire closed.

! SATUKDaV, DttC'EMßtk 13, 1H79.)

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

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