SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Wakatipu, a.*., from Sydney, via Wel lington. Kona, schooner, from Kaipara. Sailed. Yesterday. Waitaki, s.a., for Wellington. T« Anau, s.s., for Melbourne. Wakatipu, s.s., for Port Chalmers. Star of the South, s.s., for Westport. Tui, 8.5., for Kaikoura and Wellington. Lurline, barque for London. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Sailed—Adamant, barque, for London. Wellington, To-day. Arrived—Mary Lowe, barque, from London, after a passage of 108 days. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Cambria, barque, from Laun ceston, to load for Home. A large barque steering north passed this port to day.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, July 16.

For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and .America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports of New Zealand, &c., per Wanaka, as follows ;—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train. Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a,m. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, F.lgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 440 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.40 p. m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.36 p.m. daily.

From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. ’daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p. m.

W. St. G, Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, July 16.

Alfred Harrison, at his yards—Ten horses and foals ; 12 o’clock. Mr J. Ivess, at his yards and mart— Sundries, trees, etc.; 12 o’clock.

Monday, July 18. J, T. Ford and Co., at Messrs. Fried lander Bros.’ Grain Store—Freehold Property; 1 o’clock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-morrow, Thursday, July 14. Thistle Lodge, S.C., Emergency Meeting. Masonic Hall, 7.30 p.m.

Saturday, July 16. Ashburton School Teachers’ Association, Borough School, 2 p.m. Monday, July 25.

Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock; Tuesday, August 2.

Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. .Wednesday, August 3.

County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.5 a.m., 11a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.55 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Express), and 450 p. m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 440 p.m., and 7.45 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.50 a.m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

TOWN EDITION.

[lssued at 4.10 p.m.]

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1881.

School Committee —The usual monthly meeting of the School Committee was to have been held yesterday evening, but as only two members were [present, it was adjourned until Friday evening, at the usual hour and place. ______ Lecture at Wakandi. —An exceedingly interesting and instructive lecture was de livered by the Rev. W. Keall, in the Wakanui schoolroom, last evening, in aid of the school funds. The subject of the lecture, “Stability and Instability of Character,” was treated in a very masterly and exhaustive manner. Several scrip tural and other characters were fully brought Tout by the rev. lecturer, which very aptly illustrated the subject in hand. The attendance was very numerous, and judging from the rapt attention of the audience, the lecture must hare been highly appreciated. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer, and the singing of the National Anthem, brought the meeting to a close. A Correction. —The amateur concert this week in aid of the funds of the Public Library will be given on Thursday (to morrow) evening, not on Wednesday evening, as announced.

Mail for Home. —Mails for the United Kingdom, via San Francisco, will close at Ashburton on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. A supplementary mail for despatch per express train will close at 5.30 p.m. Late fee letters may be posted in the mail van up to the time of the departure of the ex press for the North. Auction Sale. —To-day Mr Alfred Harrison sold at his rooms about 1,500 ornamental trees, cupressus, macrocarpa, pinus, insignia, etc., 500 fruit trees, apple, plum, cherry, etc., and 100 flowering shrubs. There was a good atten lance, and full average market prices were ob tained. All the trees that were offered were sold. Ashburton Hunt Club.--Rather a disappointment occurred to-day to several local sportsmen owing to the unavoidable postponement of the meet of Mr Archer’s harriers. We believe, however, they may console themselves, as we are informed ihat the meet will almost certainly take place next week.

The Direct Steamers Proposal.— The Wellington correspondent of the Canterbury Press telegraphs under date of the 12th : —Papers were laid on the table to-day, containing correspondence between Messrs Macandrew when Minister for Public Works and Messrs James Galbraith and Peter Denny, the well-known Scotch ship builders, in reference to the establishment of a direct line of largo steamers between New Zealand and London. The correspondence has revived interest in view of Sir J. Vogel’s recent proposals. The chief feature is a letter from Mr James Galbraith to the Agent-General, conveying the results of the careful investigation of himself and Mr Denny as to the prospects and ex penses. The gist is, that three steamers, each costing about L 115,000, would bo required to carry on an alternate monthly service, performing the voyage from London to New Zealand, via the Cape, in forty-fivo days, and Home, via the Suez Canal, in forty days. A speed of 12J knots would be required, and the steamers would be about 400 ft long, 45ft beam, g r oss tonnage 4215 tons, horse power nominal, 700, effective 4,000. Each would carry 84 first-class passengers, 34 second, and 450 steerage, the accommoda tion to be of the best possible description. Assuming the service to be every alternate month, as he considers that the colony could not afford more, Mr Galbraith estimates that only two full cargoes of wool would be obtainable, the only other reliable frieght being wheat and preserved meat, and he therefore calculates that the receipts would be about L 118,130, and the' expenditure L 114,222, thus leaving an apparent profit of L 3,908 ; but ten per cent, on cost must bo allowed for deprecia tion, etc., which leaves a deficiency of L 30,592. The capital required would be at least L 365,000, on which shipowners would expect at least ten per cent., owing to the uncertainty and danger of steam ship investments. This increases the deficiency to L 67,092, to which HO,OOO expenses would have to be added, conse quently a Government subsidy of at least LBO,OOO would be needed to secure the contractors against loss even for six trips each way per annum. A dry dock 410 ft. long and 24ft. deep would require to be promptly available, as also ample wharf accommodation immediately accessible on arrival.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [per reuter’s agency.] A Royal Escape. London, July 12. While one of the daughters of the Prince and Princess of Wales was out driving to-day, the horses bolted, and the carriage was completely smashed, but the Princess fortunately escaped without injury.

The President. Washington, July 12. The latest bulletins report that the President has experienced feverish symptoms during the night, but is otherwise progressing favorably towards recovery. The Wheat Crop in America. New York, July 10. Advices to hand from the Northern and Western States report that the greater part of the winter wheat crop is now harvested. On account of the unfavorable weather experienced during the spring, the yield this year shows a decrease of 25 per cent. Wheat Crop in France. Paris, July 10. Favorable accounts are to hand from the wheat growing districts, and the yield is expected to be up to the average.

Reinforcements. Paris, July 12. Owing to the determined resistance offered by the Arab tribes to the French troops, orders have been sent to the French squadron in the Mediterranean to proceed to Sfax to assist the vessels now engaged bombarding that place, and to strengthen the force sent for service against the Arabs. Wouldn’t Fight. Telegrams are to hand from Tunis announcing that several regiments of Tunisian troops were despatched to Sfax tojjquell the rising there, but they refused on their arrival to fight the in surgents, and have consequently since been conveyed back to Tunis. AUSTRALIAN. [per reuter’s agency.] Arrival of the Suez Mails. Melbourne, July 12. The P. and O. Company’s steamship Vcnetia arrived here this morning with the inward Suez mails, dated London, 3rd July. The Rotorua. The Rotorua sailed for the Eluff this afternoon, with the New Zealand por tion of the English mails. Oats. New Zealand oats are quoted to-day at 3s 6d. Small-Pox. In consequence of the increase of small-pox in Sydney, the Victorian Government is considering the ad visability of taking further precautions to guard against the introduction of the disease to this colony. Re-assembling of Parliament.

Parliament re-assembled to-day after the adjournment. At the sitting in the Legislative Assembly there were only two members on the Government benches behind the new Ministers; the rest of the House was made up of members of the Opposition and the corner party. No business was trans acted, and the House adjourned to the 28th inst, to give time for the Ministerial re-election. N.Z. Barley. Melbourne, To-day.

In reply to a deputation which waited upon him yesterday, Mr Graves (the new Minister of Works and Customs) promised to consult the other members of the Cabinet, with a view to the rescisson of the regulation by which New Zealand barley is imported into

Victoria free, when intended for. malting purposes previous to re exportation. Another Case. Sydney, July 12. Another case of small-pox has been reported to the Board of Health to day. The sufferer (Elizabeth Temple ton) lives with her parents in Pyrmont, one of the suburbs adjoining the city. The family have been placed in quarantine.

TELEGRAMS.

[m TRESS ASSOCIATION. ] The Case of Bindon Brothers. Auckland, Yesterday. In the charge of arson against Bindon Bros, the jury to-night returned a verdict of “Guilty.” Sentence was deferred till to-morrow, when the libel cases will come on. Larceny at Temuka. John Powell, charged at the Police Court with stealing a gold watch from John Lellione, of Temuka, was remanded to Timaru. The Arson Case. Auckland, To-day. In sentencing the brothers Bindon, Judge Gillies said the crime of arson was one of the worst in the calender, and most difficult of detection. He thought the evidence in this case was most con clusive of the guilt of accused, and, while desirous of giving duo weight to the re commendation of the jury, he must still make the unmitigated penalty exemplary. He sentenced the elder brother to five years’, and the younger to three years’ imprisonment. Relaxation in the latter case being made because the younger brother did not seem directly interested, except as an accomplice. The Squadron to he Quarantined. The Government issued instructions that all vessels from Sydney, including the detached squadron, must bo quaran tined until twelve days have elapsed from the time of departure from the infected port. Fire at Carterton. Carterton, To-day. Drumgal’s boarding-house (formerly Richards’ store) was burnt down at four this morning. Hardly anything was saved. The furniture was insured for L 75 in the National. The premises were the property of a Wellington Loan Society, and was said to bo insured. The Fire Brigade could not render much assistance as no water was handy, but succeeded in saving the neighboring pro perty. Drowned. Wellington, Yesterday. At the inquest on the body of Harry Wester, taken out of the harbor on Satur day night, a verdict was returned of “Ac cidental death. ” Fire. Timaru, Yesterday. By a fire at Ellongton Grange, three miles from Timaru, last night, Mr T. W. Hall lost three valuable horses and a quantity of other property in his stables. The estimated loss is L3OO, there being no insurance. Closing of the Exhibition. Dunedin, Yesterday. The Exhibition closed to-night with an address by Mr Stout. The committee have telegraphed to the Government, sug gesting that a sum should be placed on the estimates to hold an International Ex hibition at Dunedin in 1883. Forty-five thousand people visited the Exhibition. The total number of those who have availed themselves of the excursion trains to visit the Exhibition is between 1,500 and 1,000 persons. The Daily Times urges that the experiment has been so great a financial success that the Govern ment should accept the lesson and extend concessions in future. Sale of Racers. Mr Driver, this afternoon, sold Sir Modred, Somnus, and Idalium for L 3,000. It is understood that, in future, the horses will run in Mr H. Prince’s name. Stabbing a Constable. Dunedin, To-day. Thomas Thomas was committed for trial for stabbing a constable. The latter was ejecting him from a restaurant, when Thomas, without provocation, struck him with a knife over the region of the heart. The wound is severe, but not dangerous. School Committee Resignation. Invercargill, Yesterday. The chairman and three members of the Invercargill School Committee re signed office this evening because the local Education Board declines to give the com mittee a guarantee that it will make good a deficiency that members contend will exist at the end of the current year, and for which they would be personally liable.

FORGERY.

[by telegraph.] (from our own correspondent.) Timaru, To-day,

At the Magistrate’s Court, this morn ing, John Robins alias Williams, was charged with' forging an order for Li on Mr John Stumbles, farmer, near the Cave. Mr J. Wildermath, of the Cave Arms Hotel, cashed the same. Prisoner was committed for trial.

THE “ FREE LANCE ” LIBEL CASES.

[by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day.

In the case of Hurst v. Wickham, the defendant pleaded not guilty and justification, inasmuch as the matters alleged against the plaintiff were subject to of suspicion at the time. The plea was demurred to, and the Judge ruled it bad. He declared that to justify the libel the defendant must plead absolute truth of the allegation contained in the article. The defendant’s counsel asked time to amend the plea. The Judge said there was no difficulty in the way of putting in a plea of truth at once in accordance with the Act if they desired to do so. The counsel for the plaintiff said he was instructed to afford every facility to defendant to prove the truth. His client courted the fullest investigation, and he would not oppose an adjournment. There fore, to put in a new plea, the case was adjourned till to-morrow. The case of Rees v. Wickham was then called on, in which only a general plea of not guilty was put in, the de fendant not offering any evidence in support of justification, In this .case the only point to determine, therefore, is whether the language complained of is libellous. The case is proceeding.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Arawata at the Bluff.] J London, June 28. £ The commercial treaty at present in ( force between Great Britain and Italy ( will probably be prolonged until March 1 next. June 29. ! The total amount subscribed so far to the funds of the Land League is LB,ooo. The leading members of the League consider that this amount is insufficient to enable them to defeat the landlords, and they ask for further con tributions. June 30. Notwithstanding the vigorous mea sures taken by the Russian Govern ment to suppress Nihilism, the move ment continues to spread. A special branch organisation has lately been established with the object of punish ing all persons who are discovered act ing as spies upon the operations of the party. Public feeling in Italy continues to be greatly excited, owing to the action of the French Government on the Tunisian question, and anti-French riots of a serious character have occurred at Venice. Great efforts have been made by the United States Government during the past year to reduce the national debt, and a reduction of 100,000,000 dollars has been effected. July 1. General Garfield, President of the United States, in taking leave of Sir Edward Thornton, the British Minister at Washington, who has been appointed British Ambassador at St. Petersburg, reviewed the services of Sir Edward, and eulogised him for the zeal which he displayed in engrafting the principle of arbitration upon the international rela tions. July 3. The Fenian movements in England a'e causing considerable anxiety, and the police authorities are tracing them out with the utmost vigilance. The Fenians have threatened to blow up Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, the resi dence of Mr Gladstone, and Eaton Hall, Cheshire, the seat of the Duke of West minster. Earl Cowper, the Lord Lieu -1 tenant of Ireland, has issued an order prohibiting a, meeting which had been projected for the purpose of obstructing sheriff’s sales.

The Empress of Germany, whose health has been improving for the past few days, has undergone a serious re lapse, and her condition causes great anxiety at the Imperial Court and throughout the country. At the recent elections in Hungary the Liberals obtained a majority of fifty seats.

The Spanish Government has offered to make important concessions in the Customs duties levied upon imports from England, provided the latter will make a reduction upon the duties now charged upon Spanish wines. The French mission to Abyssinia has been attacked by the natives. A Volunteer rifle match held at Dublin resulted in a victory for the English team, which defeated the Irish by 33 points. A gold medal, presented by the Com missioners of the Melbourne inhibi tion to the Queen, has been handed to her Majesty by Mr Sandford, the re presentative of the British Royal Com missioners.

The second volume of Duffy’s work on ;t Young Ireland ” will be ready for publication in November.

ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE LOYAL ORANGE LODGE.

The anniversary dinner of the Ashbur ton Orange Lodge was given yesterday evening, at Brother Shearman’s Somerset Hotel. In consequence of the large num ber of members of the Order present there was no dining room in the hotel large enough to contain all the visitors, and accordingly the long sample room outside had been fitted up for the occasion. The room was suitably decorated with flags, &c., all round, and at the further end, immediately behind the Chairman’s seat, was a painting by a local artist of William 111. on horseback. The figure of the great statesman-soldier seemed rather small and juvenile, and the f ace perhaps a trifle over cheerful, but of course after the long in terval of time which has elapsed, a little play of the imagination was allowable to the ingenious artist. There were alto gether about eighty of the brethren pre sent, among whom were several belonging to other lodges in the provincial district of Canterbury. Bro. Minnis, the Wor shipful Master, occupied the chair, and Bro. John Bennett, the Deputy-Master, the vice-chair. A sumptuous banquet, prepared in Bro. Shearman’s best stylo, was done ample justice to. After the cloth had been removed, the Chairman proposed the usual patriotic toast of “ The Queen and the Royal Family,” a toast which, as the Chairman remarked, true Orangemen over all the world considered the first to be honored. The Vice-Chairman Lien proposed the charter toast of the Order, “ The Glorious, Pious, and Immortal Memory of William the Third,” a king whom the speaker eulogised as one who had gained for the people of Great Britain freedom of mind, freedom of conscience, and freedom of laws. (Great applause.) Mr Gates sang, in fine style, “The Midshipmite. ” Bro. Cambridge proposed the next toast, “ Orangemen all round the Globe.” The toast was drunk with enthusiasm and with musical honors. Bro. Samuel Brown then sang “ The Loyal Orange Lily.” P.M. Bro. Robinson gave the toast of “The Grand Master of the Middle Island, David Christie,” This was drunk with musical honors. Bro. Stevenson gave a Scotch comic song, which was greatly applauded. P. M. Bro. St Hill said it was with con siderable satisfaction that he proposed the next toast, “ The Worshipful Master and the Vice-Chairman, P.M, Bro. Bennett.” He referred in eulogistic terms to the excellent manner in which the Worshipful Master had discharged his duties. It was, however, only what might have been expected from him, after the efficient manner in which he had acted as Secre tary. His industrious habits, and his genial and courteous manner, had suited I him specially for the office. In some measure it was due to hjm the provincial district of Canterbury now contained about 600 of the brethren of the Order. It was quite true that there were only about 80 present to-night. He regretted the fact; but it was doubtless due to the largo number of persons attracted just now by the Dunedin Exhibition. (Cheers.) Bro. Skillin sang a patriotic song, “ Rory, I hardly knew you.” The Chairman, in acknowledging the toast, referred to the kindly remarks of Bro. St Hill, and the enthusiastic re ception accorded to him that evening, It was about fire years since ho joined the Ashburton Lodge. He had held office there during the whole of that time, except for about six months. He had

always done what little he could within the scope of his poor ability to promote Orangeism. Their Lodge, he was happy to say, was increasing both numerically and financially. They were now thinking of erecting a building of their own. He trusted every Orangeman would give his hearty assistance to further such an ob ject. They had also, he knew, good friends outside of the Order, and ha believed that they also, if called upon, would subscribe liberally. He trusted that at their next meeting their members would be trebled, and their finances quadrupled. (Applause.) The Chairman then recited, in the stylo of a practiced elocutionist, “The Breaking of the Boom,” a spirited poem on the de fence of Londonderry. The Vice-Chairman also responded to the toast. He had only been a short time in office here, though he had joined the Order in 1846, and had been connected with it ever since. He would not say much to them, as he was not a very eloquent speaker, but then people could always see what ha was thinking in his face. (Laughter and cheers.) Bro. Dunn sang with much effect “ Get up and bar the door, oh !” After a brief speech from Bro. Tait, Secretary of the Lodge, the Chairman proposed, “ The Past Masters and officers of the Lodge.” He said they were in debted to them for the progress made during the past live years. Unless there was someone to push the affair along, nothing would have been done. As it was, there were now about fifty members on their books, though there were only four or five when the Lodge first started, so that it had indeed prospered. The toast was drunk with musical honors.

Bro. Foreman than sang a song the title of which our reporter could not catch.

Bro. Kobinson, P.M., said it was his glory to think that he was the first Master of the Lodge in Ashburton. This was now the strongest Lodge anywhere in the island out of Christchurch.

Bro. St. Hill, P.M., also acknowledged the toast. He remarked that it was use less for him to say anything after the eloquent speeches made already. Bro. Greer then sang a strong flavored Orange song, which contained towards its close some lines having a local applica tion to Ashburton. Bro. Sparrow proposed “ The Visiting Brethren,” in connection with the name of Bro. Stevens. Mr Gates sang “ Pull yourselves to gether.” Visiting Bro. Stevens returned thanks. He said he was a member of the Timaru Lodge, and his brethren there were some of the finest fellows to be found anywhere. Bro. Robinson then said that he rose to propose a toast in honor of some people who were really a great nuisance, and were never present when thev were wanted (a voice, “ the police ?”) No ; he referred to “the Press.” The toast was drunk with musical honors. It was responded to by Mr Dunn, of the Lyttel ton Times, and Mr Searle, of the Ashbur-

ion Guardian. The former gentleman, who was in volunteer uniform, said that

there was evidently something rankling in the bosom of the last speaker. For his own part, he did not desire that it should be so; why, he had only just left attend ing to the defence of his country to come here this evening- After the way in which Bro. Robinson had proposed his health, he would certainly recollect him, the next time he was reporting the Municipal Council. With regard to their gathering this evening, he might say that he sympathised with them, for wherever you had Orangemen, you had also Protes tant and free institutions. The Chairman proposed “ The Kindred Societies,” and the Vice-Chairman sang “ A bit of a shtick.” The toaafc was duly acknowledged. Bro. St. Hill proposed “ Our Host, Bro. Shearman.” Ho had proved himself a gentleman always ready and willing to assist them. He was the best bower member they had to hold on by. A more genial and liberal friend they could not have. In his conduct he was always un exceptionable. It was deeds not words with him. (Loud cheers). Mr Gates sang, “ ’Twas on a market day.” Bro. Shearman acknowledged the toast, and said he had only done his best in try ing to please everybody. If he retired he trusted his successor would do the same. This concluded the list of the toasts in the programme, but the festivities lasted for a considerable time longer, and those present separated, congratulating them selves that they had spent a very pleasant evening.

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

* LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

■ Tuesday, July 12. The Council met at 2.30 p. m. * The Hon. F. Whitaker said that Go ' vevmnent did not intend to intro • duce a Bill to alter the jurisdiction of the District Court to L2OO, or allow the ; Supreme Court to try cases to that amount - by District Court rules. By the end of ■ the month the final report of the Judica ture Commission would be received, and then the whole question would be open to consideration. On the Hon. W. Robinson’s motion, after a short debate, it was agreed that in the opinion of the Council the fares and freights on the railways should, so far as practicable without entailing loss, be so adjusted as to enable the lines to com pete with outside carrying companies. At 4 p. m. the Council rose. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 12. The House met at 2.30 p.m. NOTICES or MOTION. Mr McDonald gave notice of motion affirming the desirability of the functions of Waste Land Boards being vested in the County Councils. Mr Andrews gave notice of motion in favor of holding next session in Christ church, and for an address to the Gover nor to place a sufficient sum for the pur pose on the estimates. Mr Bain gave notice that he would ask if the Government intended to provide for the resumption of nominated emi gration. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions, Ministers stated : —The land known as Otara block had been withdrawn consequent upon the con struction of the Edendale Railway, and that three months would have to elapse before it could be disposed of. Steps, however, had been taken in that direction. Plans had been prepared to be submitted to the Local Waste Lands Board, and a portion of the land would be disposed of on the deferred payments system at the upset price of 30a per acre, the remainder being disposed of for cash payments.— Government had not paid the whole of the cost of the Wellington Hospital ; L 37,000 had been voted by the House from time to time, and about LIO,OOO came from the Hospital Trust Fund. As to furnishing, the House had voted Ll,ooo, and the re mainder of the money which ft had cost had been found by the Trust, As to maintenance, the whole cost had only de volved on the Government when the sub sidies were abolished. Most of the other hospitals were in the same position. Pre viously, Government had given LI for LI. NEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and road a first time:—For the Reduc tion of charge for Miners’ Rights ; to Amend the Education Act, 1877 (Mr Pyke) ; for the Establish

ment and Management of a High School Bangiora (Mr Bowen); For the Establish ment and Management of a High School at Akaroa (Mr Montgomery) ; to extend the Parliamentary Franchise to Women (Dr Wallis); the Armed Constabulary Act, 1867, Amendment (Mr De Lautour) ; the Gisborne Harbor Beard (Mr Mc- Donald) ; Waimakariri Harbor Loan (Mr Bowen).

LICENSING BILL. The Licensing Bill was recommitted for the consideration of clauses 12, 22 to 28, inclusive, 30, 31, 32, 37, 54, 81, 122, 126, 137, 140, 141, 194, and 218. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Bill. In doing so, he , wished to state the views of the Govern ment on the whole question local self government, which, he believed, was agitating the minds of members a great deal more than it was the minds of the country. He did not intend to press the second reading of the Bill that night. The first difficulty in the question was that no two members seemed agreed as to what local government was. Thus Sir G. Grey wanted the establishment of pro vincialism, not local government, while Mr Wood’s .desire was for the establish ment of sovereign states with federal government, and Mr Ormond wanted, not local government, but something between local government, and general government, and Mr Murray wanted something else. None of them touched the real question of local government. If members wanted something else, they should say what it was, and call it by its proper name, not mis-call it local government. The Govern ment held that the country had got local government already. If the people were consulted, counties and Road Boards would remain the local government of the country. What the country desired was a simplification of what they already pos sessed, its extension in certain directions, and sufficient funds to work with. He denied the assertion frequently made that local government had disappeared with the provinces, and all local administrative powers had been centred in Wellington. He held in his hand a return of all the local powers so centred. Of all the ad ministrative provincial Acts, only twenty were now administered from Wellington, and of these, thirteen must, under any circumstances, be so administered i as being of general application. Of the other seven, four might with advantage ■ be dealt with locally. These were—Ani mal protection, Licensing, Cemeteries, and Auctioneers. The others were— i Land, Neglected Children, and Bank » rupts. The remaining Acte were either administered locally or jointly, and must ) necessarily be so. Instead of centralising, 3 the Government had decentralised and I were decentralising administration as far as 3 possible. They had given local bodies many ; powers formerly centralised in the provinces, t As to Mr Ormond’s allegation that griev -5 ances had no remedy, it was the first duty - of that House to remedy all grievances, • and if they did not do it they should do. , They could not hand over the duty to an fc inferior body. He reviewed at length the ; present constitution of both general and s local governing bodies. The first ques l tion was were all these bodies necessary ; - could they not be amalgamated and made s more efficient. He thought that very i little good could be done by abolishing i any of the existing bodies. There was , great difficulty in getting competent men s to administer affairs. It was, therefore, r better to get men who understood a t special subject, and who were willing to • give up their time to deal with those sub - jects only. This was the case with River Boards, Harbor Boards, Education 1 Boards, &c. There was no leisure class ' here able to give up time to large bodies dealing with all these subjects. As to Waste Lands Boards, he had no great , love for them, and Government had it i in contemplation to abolish them, and to consult County Councils on all questions : affecting land within counties. As to s boroughs, that local government was : working very satisfactorily, although they, ■ perhaps, wanted more money. As to > County Councils and Road Boards, no two persons seemed to agree what should i be done. In some places the County did the work and in some the Road Boards, , but in no case had they been asked to - join two counties. If the ratepayers i wished union of this kind they would effect it. One point on which all these i bodies were agreed was a desire to get I more money. There was still ' a 3 feeling abroad that money could be - obtained in some other way than out t of the pockets of the ratepayers. They must recognise the fact that there was no other way of getting money than out of their own pockets. Tins was the view on which the Government scheme of local finance was founded. It was founded not on partnership or the land fund, but on the principle that all ebtained from the land should be ex pended on the land. He repeated that the scheme would supply all the wants of the local bodies. If the Opposition would not accept the scheme they should in ’ duty to the country bring down some t other proposals to meet the necessities of . the country. He was prepared to fight • for his own scheme. Government held that every facility should be given for counties amalgamating and merging RoacJ. Boards. They proposed to take power to delegate to Councils all powers of admin istration under the local or general Acte, which could be delegated safely, also to give power to counties to levy the rates for Road Boards, and where the Road Boards desired it, to spend the money for them on definite works. They proposed also to'give County Councils powers now exercised by the Government as to Road Boards boundaries, and until the property tax valuation roll was available, to allow existing valuation rolls to be used with annual amendments. Then as to Road Boards, Government proposed to intro duce an Act for the simplification of Road Board machinery, especially in regard to elections for which the Local Flections Act was too cumbersome. This would be permissive. Extended power for merging would also be given to Boards. No por tion of a county should be outside of Road Boards, and as far as possible road dis tricts should be electoral districts of the county. As to Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards, he considered them absolutely necessary, and that the districts must necessarily be large, in .order to provide suitable buildings and medical aid. Unless they were to hare a poor law administered by officials, they would require these Boards, consisting of the people doing the work for love, and administering local contributions. He believed these pro posals would meet all legitimate demands for local self-government. - Sir G. Grey considered that the Govern ment had arrived at a lame and impotent conclusion to satisfy the wants of 500,000 people. He contended that no real local government now existed in New Zealand. The way votes in local districts were pro portioned to property rendered real local government impossible, and for this the Government proposed no remedy. He denied that there was no other way of getting money than out of the people’s pockets. There were other means whicS could easily be got at, and which the House, he was sure, would get at sooner or later. He had been taunted about not really meaning to introduce a Local Gp : vernment Bill, but tlie only hint he ha. 4 yet given on the subject had been eagerly seized on by the Government, and that was as to the rating of native land and the method of collecting the rates. The Government had, he was glad to say, taken his suggestion. His Bill was now in the hands of the printer. He was not afraid to show his hand. All his cards were tjio property of the people of New Zealand, and it was for them to say how

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1881.



Late Advertisements. SATURDAY, i6th JULY. COUNTY PLOUGHING MATCH. SALE OF PRIVILEGES, At the Match to take place at Mr Hay T. Smith’s Paddock, near the County Saleyards, on THURSDAY, 21st inst. ME. T. BULLOCK has received in structions from the Secretary to Sell by Public Auction, at the Bazaar, on SATURDAY, i6th INST., THE PRIVILEGES OF PUBLICAN’S (1) AND CONFECTIONER’S BOOTHS. Sale at 2 o’clock. T. BULLOCK, 2550 Auctioneer. J HERMAN’S NO. 3 CONSULTATION ON THE CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB HANDICAP, To be run AT CHRISTCHURCH, NOY. 8, 1881. 65 Nominations and 10 Starters. Total number of Prizes, 75. 2000 Members, at 10s each. The Ten Starters at £25 each are extra Prizes, and will be paid immediately after the drawing. Two stamps necessary for reply and result. Cheques must be crossed, with Is exchange added. To close the end of September. Address— J. HERMAN, Tobacconist, 244 c Main South Road, Timaru.



Wanted. WANTED— 20,000 Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mayo and Hunt. 201 c WANTED KNOWN—That the Under signed is prepared to put and keep in ORDER GARDENS, by the day or year, at very low rates. Apply, J. Lino, Mayo’s Block. 1850 WANTED immediately—CHlCOßY DIGGERS. Apply at Works, Moore street. E. B. Pearce. 180 c TA7ANTED EYERBODY to know that » * HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a W7ANTED KNOWN—That A. Farqu • » har has leased BUTLER’S BIL LIARD SALOON, and requests a visit. Pool every evening at 9 o’clock. 93c WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 81c WANTED KNOWN. —Young Ladies’ Journal, Is 7d ; Bow Bells, Is 7d; Family Reader (Monthly), Is 2d ; (Quarterly) do., 2s 2d; Family Herald, Is ; London Journal, Is 4d ; &c., &c. A large assortment of School Books and Stationery of every description. Hymn and Prayer Books, &c., &c. Subscribers wanted for every Newspaper and Periodical published. Books, Piece Music, «fec., not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices. L, F. Andbewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Vbbrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. 102 c WANTED KNOWN—That the “Crown Lands Guide” (No. 3), New Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. TiyANTED THE GUARDIAN tells * » your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements.



The best value for ready MONEY is the MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured by THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clctbing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW. 75c Manager. LL work and no play makes Jack ing the truth of this adage in mind, g we iruia oi tiua uuage m mum, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDRESSER, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO : —Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Buildings. 720 a a dull boy,” consequently, bear-



EW AND LARGE DISCOUNTS. 4s. in the £ RETURNED to all Customers purchasing Mens’ or Boys’ Clothing, For this Month only, at EVERETT BROS., Havelock stbeet. Two Shillings in the Pound returned to all customers purchasing in Mercery, Dresses, Manchester, Millinery, and Fancy Departments. SAVE 2s in the £ or 10 per cent, on purchases, 4s in the £ or 20 per cent, 822 a gO N E DUST. Bone Bust ON SALE, in large or small quantities. Prices, £6 10s and £5 10s per ton, 195 c MAYO & HUNT. US I C TUITION. M NEXT TERM commences July Ist. Lessons on the Piano, Harmonium, Violin and Flute. Pianofortes and Organs on sale. Terms to suit purchasers. Pianos and Harmoniums tuned. H. J. WEEKS, 931 a Cameron street West. John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture- All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819



Special Advertisements. R BEAYEN begs to inform the in , habitants of Ashburton and the surrounding district that he will COM MENCE BUSINESS on SATURDAY NEXT, as General Stationer, Bookseller, Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. The largest and best selection of Litera ture, &c., ever offered for sale in the dis trict. The beat goods, choice selection, and extremely moderate prices, being the proprietor’s raoto, he hopes thereby to merit a fair share of public patronage. Note the time and address — SATURDAY, JULY iith. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Next the Guardian Office, East street. J. Wilson, gEED MERCHANT, George street (Opposite the Railway Station, Timarn), Has on SALE the 'following SEEDS — Clover—Allsack white, red, and cow grass Grasses—Perennial, poa pratensis, hard fescue, and crested dog’s tail Turnips Carrots Rape And a choice collection of Garden Seeds, of which special mention will be given in the future. 245 c



Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be required. (Anyone hiring an instrument and subsequently wishing to Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase of same. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 365 a Dr Janies Murdoch, HAYING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, 6th June, IS3I. 951 a "VTURSE.—Mrs Pauling begs to in i\| timate that she has opened a Private Nursing Establishment and Hospital for Ladies and Gentlemen, and is prepared to receive Ladies to Nurse who require medical attention. Address Moore street, near Presbyterian Manse. 104 c OTICE OF REMOVAL. JOHN HARVEY, BOOT AND SHOEMAKER, Begs to intimate to his numerous friends and customers that he has removed into his new Premises, next to the Panama House, TANCRED STREET, Where he hopes to merit a fair share of public patronage. Every description of Boots and Shoes made to order on the shortest notice. Repairs neatly executed. 199 c O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a*



Hayes’ |j| IMB E E YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. ALPHEUS HAYES. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, &c., to hand. • Goßa



JpiRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY. NOW OPEN, For the production of first-class Photo graphs (a satisfactory portrait guaranteed), W. PERRIER’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Main South road, Timaru, Opposite the Theatre. 219 c



Holloway’s Ointment and Pills. Rheumatism and Rheumatic gout are the most dreaded of all diseases, because their victims know they are safe at no season, and at no age secure, Holloway’s Ointment, after fomenta tion of the painful p?its, gives greater relief than any other application ; but it must be diligently used to o u tain this desirable result. It has been highly commended by rheumatic subjects of all ages and of both sexes, for ren» dering their attacks less frequent and less vigorous, and for repressing the sour perspera tions and soothing the nerves. In many cases, Holloway's Ointment and Pills have proved the greatest blessings in removing rheumatism and rheumatic gout which had assailed persons previously and at the prime of life.—[Advt.] J