SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. . St. Leonards, ship, from London. Lapwing, brigantine, from Port Chal mers. . To-day. Hawea, 8.5., from Wellington. Waipa, ship, from London, with 22 passengers ; 92 days out. Cleared. Yesterday. Duke of Athcl, ship, for Falmouth or Queenstown, for orders. Emperor, brig, for Sydney.-" SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. * Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Santz'Crnz, for Suva, Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived Ghtaiton, from Westport; Rotomahana, from -the South; Hawea, from Pioton and/Nelson ; Mary Banna tyne, brigantine, from, Greymouth ; Aua tralind, barque,feHg Neptune, from ITowcftstto* * Sailed —Rotomahsitt| for Auckland, via East Coast. > tl Wellington, To-day. Arrived— Feimjfen,, 'ship, from London, after a passage-dr 91 ahys; Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Taiaroa, from the North ; TCHtmnlr CaStle, from Greymouth ; Owake Bell, from Stewart’s Island, Huon Belle, from Invercargill, Loch Fergus, barque, from Glasgow. ‘ . Sailed—Albion , for Melbourne, via the Bluff

COMMERCIAL.

London Seed Trades 1 ; —--V : ..."h v- •"> Messrs John Shaw and. of 37 Mark Lane, London, report through their agent; (Mr LeonssJ(Y, Blake, of Christ church), that the'Market during the fort night ending June 16th was very quiet, and presented no fresh feature of either interest or importance. Stocks of all varieties held over were extremely light, more especially of timothy, lucerne, and pbrenniai rye grasses, supplies of which are p ■actically exhausted. With regard to the prices, with Mhe exception of the above named articles and fine English red, they have during the season ruled moderate; ■ alsyke and white clovers especially have closed at a very low level, and should the; ngf crops turn out dis appointing, a considerable advance will be experienced. Bird seeds of all descrip tions continued exceedingly cheap.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Offic e as follows : -•< For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a. m.*, and sp. 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 .‘ 4 *.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, Oft and Fridays,at 10.30 a. in. For and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. dahys-^.— For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New. . land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,: at 6.80 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— ' From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 а. 4.40 p.m.,'and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. IVom Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 p.m. daily. 1 From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. б. 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 ■ b*nd, and Kyle, on, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, / ‘ 1 * . ■ Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-JNight, JfeLT 30. Phrenological Epterfiaininent, by Profes sor Simon, Tow A Hall, at 8 p.m. Tuesday August 2. Ashburton Pennahent Building and In ■ vestment Society,,. Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. 3. Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock ThobsdaV) Aug ust 4 L.O.L. Monthly- Meeting, Somerset Sample Rooms. . , Friday, August o. Meeting regarding' formation Of a Co operative Store Company, Quill’s Hotel, 8 p.m. r Monday, August 8. Borough Council,'at. Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. i Rangitata Road’ Board —Monthly Meet ing, ***■*■'■• ■. ■Wednesday, August 10. Local Industries Association — Annual meeting, upper room, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. ; ■ ' Thursday, August 11. Library Committee—Monthly, meeting. Mount Hutt Road Board,' Monthly Meet ins.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave ,-Ashbubton foe Christ* church and intermediate stations at 7.5 Ta. m., 11a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timabu 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 Air Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.40p.m., and 7.45 p.m. Trains Abbive at-• Ashburton from Timabu 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 bo written legibly on the face >f the advertisement. When no order is ;iven the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must ho accompanied by the sig nature of the- sunder, as a guarantee of ..cod faith. All adverrisomonis and lr,mines-, letters to be addi’er-sed The Manager ; : horary oommllideations should be addressed to The Editor.

BIRTH.

Penlington —On July 30th, the wife of Mr T. Penlington, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.39 p. in. j

Hunt Club.—The next meeting of the hounds has boon fixed for Thursday next at 2 p.m., at Digby’s bridge. Phrenology.— This evening Professor Simon will deliver one of his amusing lectures on phrenology at the Town Hall. Suicide at Waihi. —The police re ceived information this afternoon that a man named Henry Heatly, of Waihi, shot himself this morning. Bankruptcy.— A meeting was held this morning in the insolvent estate of G. Harvey of Tinwald. The meeting was adjounied until Monday.

Decisions in Civil Cases. —The Christ church Telegraph animadverts strongly on our Police Magistrate’s, (Mr J. N. Wood) decision in a civil case, Wilkinson V. Trent Bros., heard last week at Christchurch. The Telegraph suggests that none but qualified lawyers should be allowed to sit in judgment in civil actions when the amount involved is over LlO. Remaining Business of Parliament. —The Wellington correspondent of the Press gives the following neat little sum mary of the Parliamentary business still on hand after the want of confidence motion was disposed of: —The Order Paper now contains 44 notices of motion, 53 Bills in various stages, and 3 suspended debates. 2GO petitions have so far been presented, and 112 papers laid on the table. Interprovincial Football Match.— The following Dunedin players have been chosen to go into training for the forthcoming Interprovincial Football Match with Canterbury : —J. Allan, Austin, Hamorton, Hewlings, Murray Milne, Mills, McKinnon, A. Reid, Robertson, Rose, Sweet (Dunedin Club), Chapman, Fowler, Gibb, Hadlleld, Hen derson, McLean, Wheeler, Wynks (Union), Janies, Allen, Cook, Fox, Jewett (Montecillo), Wallen, and Tairoa (High School).

Foot Bin doe over the Hinds. —We are informed that though one of the Government oflicials, Mr Burnett, the Railway Engineer, approved of the plan of the County Council's engineer, Mr Baxter, for the construction of this bridge, and forwarded a formal recommendation of it to head-quarters, ‘the Government have decided to do the work themselves at the expense of the colony. The Secretary for Railways has written to that effect during the present mouth.

1.0.G.T. Entertainment. —On Wed nesday evening last the Will and the Way Lodge of Good Templars held their open lodge meeting in the Timvald Temperance Hall, a largo number of— twrm.iM— members of the Order being present, but only a few of the officers of the Dawn of Peace Lodge, Ashburton, who had promised to be present, were there. Otherwise the meeting was a success, the programme being a very good one, and it seemed to be greatly enjoyed by all present.

A Family Party of Planets.—On the 20th instant Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and Mercury, wore in eon junction with the moon. This is a combination of events which rarely takes place, and the same will not occur again for about 2,000 years—if then. It might prove an inter esting question for scientists, says a con temporary, whether this remarkable fact had anything to do with the exceptional rainfall of that date, or with the excep tional heat experienced in the northern hemisphere about the same time. We may remind our contemporary that Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and Mercury, even when they all seem tumbling head over heels on the top of the moon, are far too many millions of miles both from the moon and .from each other for their ap parent conjunction to make any difference.

New Zealand Skipping Company.— On Friday, the 12 th proximo, the annual meeting ot the shareholders in the New Zealand Shipping Company, will be held at the head office, Hereford street, Christ church. The eighth annual report will be read. It shows the business of the com pany to have been attended with highly satisfactory results. The insurance fund has at credit the sum of LG,420 17s 9d. Of the balance at credit of profit and loss at the 30th June, L 40,996 Gs lOd. The directors have appropriated to the reserve fund, which will then stand at LIOO,OOO, the sum of L 25,000 ; and the directors propose to pay a dividend of 10 per cent, for the year, of which a moiety was paid in January last, L 12,500 ; to carry forward to profit and loss new account. L 3,450 Gs lOd. Total, L40,95G Gs lOd. '

Side Shelters on the Ashburton Bridge. —Hitherto the Ashburton bridge Jias always been a dangerous place for foot travellers, in consequence or cattle and horses travelling across, while at the same time there is no protection at all or means of escape by side recesses, as is the case in more civilised places. The County Council have urged the need of some protection of this kind being erected by the Government, but during the present month an answer has been received, merely acknowledging the Council's letter. It has been mainly neglect of this kind on the part of the Government, with regard to the main roads, which has caused what little outcry there has been about improved local government. We are glad to learn that the County Council do not intend to “ take no for an answer ” in this case, and the Clerk has already written another letter urging the matter on the attention of the Public Works Department.

The Garden op New Zealand. —The Taranaki Herald says there is not a place on the face of the earth that can excel for its climate the district of Taranaki. The following is given as a proof ; —“ Mr Hulke’s garden is a pretty sight ; and he has four camelia trees which he says he will defy anyone to heat for size. One is Oft. Gin. high by 34ft. in circumference ; another 12ft. high by 40ft. in circum ference ; a third 14ft. high by 45ft. in circumference, and a fourth 18ft. high by 50ft. in circumference, besides over a dozen others from Gft. to 10ft. in height, the circumference being in proportion. Mr Hulke baa just finished gathering his lirst crop of guavas ; and the second crop from the same tree will bo ripe in about a month’.-, time. His first crop of citrons is now ready for gathering, and it is quite a curiosity to see the large swollen green fruit and the bloom of a second crop on the same tree. A lemon tree is now covered with bloom, the ripe fruit having been just plucked.”

Police Court. —The business in Court (his morning consisted of the fining of a drunkard Is, in default twelve hours im prisonment. The Police Magistrate was on the Bench. School Enquiries.— Mr J. Colborne Ycel, the Secretary of the Board of Education, was in Ashburton yesterday, am ■ proceeded to Elgin to make enquiry into the'request of the School (Committee theto to have Mr Proudlock, the master of the school, dismissed. To-day, we are informed, Mr Yeel was at Hinds on similar business. The results will most likely be known in a few days.

The Cost of the Libel Case.— The Marlborough, P.cpress enters into thefollow ing details respecting the result of the re cent libel case, Griffiths y. Johnson, in which’ it was the defendant : Though the plaintiff in the Blenheim libel action, Mr Griffiths, recovered a verdict against Mr Johnson, late proprietor of the Marl horough Express for L 250, it seems some what doubtful whether the money will be forthcoming. In the first place Mr John son is in England ; and in the second, prior to leaving the'colony, indeed just before or just after being served with the writ in this action, ho transferred all his property to bis wife, and by this settle ment has left himself without means. We understand that an attempt will be made to upset this, with what success remains to be seen. The whole “ little bill ” in connection with the action, including the L 250 damages awarded, amounts in round numbers to about L6OO. — Post.

Frozen Meat. —Mr. G. H. Maitland, an old resident in Invercargill, formerly in business there as auctioneer and cattle salesman, writes from London to the Southland Times as follows Last Sunday I had a fore-quarter of mutton from Australia, which I may say was as sweet as a nut, but there are a few hints I would like you to try and impress upon the shippers. One great fault of the im ported frozen meat is the darkness of its color. This our butchers do not impute to' the freezing operation, but to the fact of the cattle being driven or roused about and heated before being killed, instead of being allowed to stand and get thoroughly cool and quiet before being slaughtered. That this is is the reason of the bad color I feel certain, because you see some bodies of American beef as clear and bright as any English meat in the market, and I am sure that all beef of that quality goes to the retail shop and is sold as English meat. In fact, 1 defy anybody to tell the difference. Now, another thing you should tell them is to be careful and have the animals cleanly and neatly dressed, and not have the hides torn off them any how, as I have seen a great many of the American cattle served. This the London butchers complain of very much, as, con bined with a dark color, it frightens the English consumers, who are not above prejudice. At the Finish. —The Wellington cor respondent of the Timarn Herald tele graphed yesterday the following report of the close of the no-confidence debate;— “ When the House met last evening every gallery and every corner of available space was crowded to suffocation. The attendance of members, however, was not large, for Mr Jones had possession of the House. He continued to read his speech for nearly an hour, and a terrible infliction it was for them. Mr J. T. Fisher took up the speaking in a nasty sneering speech, in which he propounded the theory that not'only the Judges, but also the rest of the Magistrates and Justices of the Peace, ought to be elected and dismissed by the popular vote. He abused the Judges and Magistrates violently, charging them with drunkenness and that sort of evil living, declaring that some of them were over head and ears in debt,; and that he had seen their dis honored bills exposed in the shop win dows* He said when these charges were Justice actually refused to dismiss the Judges and Magistrates unless their ac cusers proved their statements. This was loudly cheered by the Government party, and even the Opposition looked foolish at such a strange crime being attributed to Ministers. After a long tirade in this style Mr Fisher collapsed, and, nobody else speaking, the division followed, the votes being exactly as I had informed you they would be, with the difference that most of the absentees had arrived and voted against the Government. Up to the last moment Mr Finn made a pretence of being friendly with the Go vernment, but as I surmised, both he and Mr Hamlin’s conversion was merely a dodge, though Heaven only knows what object it was intended to gain. But some members cannot help doing that sort of thing, as Dr Watts says, ‘ for ’tis their nature to. ’ ”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [per reuter’s agency.] The Land Bill. London, July 28. In the House of Commons to-day the Irish Land Bill was reported to the House with amendments made, in com mittee, and the third reading fixed for next sitting. Goodwood Races. The race for the Goodwood Cup, two and a half-miles, was run to-day, and resulted as follows :—Dubarry, i ; Nottingham, 2 ; Fernandez, 3. Defeat of the Ameer’s Forces. Calcutta, July 28. Telegrams have been received from Candahar announcing that a battle was fought yesterday between the forces of Ayoub Khan and those of the Ameer, resulting in the defeat of the latter. One of the Ameer’s regiments deserted and joined Ayoub Khan, and the rest of Abdur Rahman’s forces fled, after losing all their guns and baggage. Later. Further telegrams from Afghanistan report that the battle between Ayoub Khan’s and the Ameer’s troops was fought at Karezisatia (Kareg Illayar ?), a short distance south of Canda har. Since their defeat all the Ameer’s cavalry have joined Ayoub Khan, whose force has been materially strengthened. The Ameer’s garrison, in the city of Candahar, is reported to be very weak and unable to offer any strong resistance to Ayoub Khan. The French in Tunis. Paris, July 28. News has been received from Tunis that since the capture ot the town of Gabes, the French forces have occupied the island bf Gherba, in the Gulf of Gabes. AUSTRALIAN. [per reuter’s agency.] A Batch of Libel Cases. Brisbane, To-day. Three important libel actions are now pending, one being by Mr Hemnant against the Observer, for Ls,ooo damages. The other two in formations are laid by Mr Coote (a journalist) and Mr Perkins (Secretary for Lands) against the Evangelical Standard, damages being laid at Li,ooo and L 2,000 respectively. A Naughty Nurse Girl. A telegram is to hand from Rock hampton stating that a nurse girl while walking with three children carelessly dropped one into the river, and then, it

is further alleged, drowned the other two in order to prevent their telling. An inquiry is being instituted by the police into the reported crime. The Republic. Melbourne, Yesterday. Further private telegrams have been received from Calais announcing that the ship Republic, which went ashore near that port on .Wednesday last, has since been floated off and towed into harbor. She has been docked for examination and repairs. The Ferret to be Sold. The steamship Ferret will be sold by auction on the 12th proximo. The Murray Steamer. The paddle steamer Murray, be longing to the Gippsland Steam Navi gation Company, has gone ashore at Gippsland Lakes, and is expected to become a total loss. Commercial. Sydney, Yesterday.

Hennessy’s brandy uunchanged; case, 363 ; bulk quarters, 12s 3d. Kerosene remains at last quotations : Diamond, per gallon, is Devoe’s, 2s id; Patna rice has risen 5s per ton, L2l 12s 6d. Company’s No. 1 has declined to L3S per ton. New Zealand wheat has fallen to 4s rod per bushel; New Zealand oats have advanced to 2s gd per bushel ; maize, per 6olbs, 2s gd; tobacco, Raven’s twist, per lb., is candles, D.R.J.’s., per lb, D.R.O.’s, y^d. The Wakatipu. Arrived, yesterday evening—Waka tipu, from Wellington. Small-Pox. No fresh cases of small-pox have been reported to-day. A Libel Action Settled. Sydney, To-day. In the libel action brought by Dr Birmingham, Roman Catholic priest of Wagga Wagga, against the Sydney Evening News, defendants have con sented to a verdict for Lsoo. Grain Market. Adelaide, Yesterday. Wheat remains quiet at 4s gd; town flour is quoted at Li 1 7s 6d, and country brands at Lio 15s, Freights to London, steamers, 40s; do., sailing, 37 s 6d -

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Coromandel Steamship Company. Auckland, Yesterday. The Coromandel Steamship Company has declared a dividend of 20 per cent. Abolition of County Councils. The petition in favor of the abolition of County Councils has now received the sig natures of the representatives of fifty-one Boards. A Liberal Offer. The Hon. James Williamson has offered the Surry Hills estate to the City Council for LIOO,OOO in debentures, with a pro viso that the entire estate is to be reserved as a public park. Auckland Gas Company. The Auckland Gas Company has de clared a dividend of 7s 6d per share. Several shareholders spoke in favor of i the further reduction of the price of gas from 8s 4d per thousand. Adulteration of Food Act. Superintendent Thompson reports to the City Council that from defects in the 1 AHuitoimiou or. J'ooa Aa n, n, w K °ly operative, also his belief that convictions for dirty and ill-drained dairies could not be obtained under the provisions of the Health Act, A Maori Row. Auckland, To-day. A Hokianga telegram says that it is re ported that the natives are fighting over a piece of land half way between Kaikahi and Taheki, and shots have been ex changed, though it is not yet known with what result. Mr Yon Sturmer, R.M., and Constable Coughlan left for the scene of the quarrel. These natives are the same who took part in the fight at Akato in December, 1879, when four lives were lost. They aie the most lawless natives in the district, and they need a severe lesson, but of course the authorities here are powerless to act without a sufficient force. The row at present is confined to a few, and theso declare their intention of fighting it out to the bitter end. Dividends. The Union Sash and Door Company have declared a dividend of 12£ per cent., and the Tanpiri Coal Company a dividend of 10 per cent. Enquiry into the Wreck of the Samson. New Plymouth, Yesterday. A preliminary enquiry into the wreck of the Samson was held at Waitara to-day. Evidence was taken to the effect that the Samson arrived at Waitara on Saturday evening, and without waiting far signals the captain took the steamer over the bar. A short time after it got over the bar the Samson grounded, and a heavy current down the river drove her upon the wreck of the Paterson, and a hole was driven in her bottom, rendering hera total wreck. The Wheel of Life. Wellington, To day. During the month 98 births and 38 deaths were registered, and 20 marriage certificates issued. Sudden Death. Grbymouth, Yesterday. . Mr James Archer, farmer, of Coal Creek Flat, dropped dead in the street last night. At the inquest a verdict of “ Death from heart disease” was returned. Spurious Tea. Dunedin, Yesterday. A number of samples of tea have been purchased in Dunedin by the police, with a view of tracing the spurious teas re ported to have come from Melbourne. Nothing lias yet come to light, however. Friendly Societies. A deputation of the Oddfellows and Foresters waited on Mr Stewart, M. H. R., this forenoon, and brought under his consideration several important alterations proposed in the law affecting Friendly Societies. Court Martial. Sergeant Krovo, of the City Guards, will be tried by court-martial on Wednes day, for causing a local to be inserted in the Daily Times damaging to the com pany. The Winners. Dunedin, To-day. The first prize in Cameron’s sweep on the English Derby went to St Bathans, the second to Waimea, and the third to Wellington.

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, Jury 29. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. In reply to the Hon. Captain Fraser, The Hon. F. Whitaker said that Go vernment would appoint medical superin tendents for Dunedin and Seacliff Asy lums as soon as suitable airangements can be made.

The Medical Practitioaers Society Bill ('Dr. Grace) was read a first time. The Inspection of Machinery Bill was read a third time, and the Port Chalmers Ceme tery Bill a second time. The other business was postponed, and the Council rose at 3.40. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, July 29. The House met at 2.30 p.m. REPORT. The goldfields committee brought up their report on the petition of W. J, Flynn and fifty-nine others, praying for the re moval of Mr Warden Robinson from Mount Ida. The report states that the petition itself does not allege any failure of justice under the administration of Mr Warden Robinson. The action of the warden in the case of Woodward and Rathie’s application being supported by Mr Haggitt, the law adviser to the Land Board, it is evident also that when the grant to these miners wap finally made the objection previously raised had been withdrawn ; that its charges are of rather personal bias in favor of classes than per sons, which is said to exist owing to the warden’s long residence in the district and his personal investment; that such charges are not supported by evidence ,of any kind. Your committeerecognise that much may be said in favor of a periodical re moval of wardens, but are not aware that any arrangements exist in goldfields at the present time to enable this to be done. No general desire seems prevalent at the present time for the removal of Mr Robin son, and the committee have had before it petitions to the Minister of Justice, ex pressing confidence in that officer’s ad ministration, and signed by over 600 miners and others. Your committee take this opportunity of adding to their report the following suggestions in regard to petitions addressed to the Houses of As semb’y against judicial officers ; that no petition alleging charges of maladministra tion against Magistrates should be re ceived by the House for consideration, unless such charges have first been repre sented to the Minister of Justice, and been refused consideration, or have been dealt with by him unsatisfactorily ; and that all petitions to be in order should distinctly allege that the reports they contain have been so referred to the Minister, and re fused consideration, or unsatisfactorily dealt with. Your committee add this re commendation, believing that members of the House dre made use of in many cases by dissatisfied practitioners and disap pointed suitors to cast undeserved asper sions under cover of petitions presented to the House, upon judicial officers. Mr De Lautour said the petition on which the report proceeded had been for warded to him, and he had felt bound to present it to the House. Although he be lieved its assertions were incorrect, and he had no sympathy with it, still the peti tioners had a perfect right to approach the House and have their grievances venti lated. It was in pursuance of that feeling that he felt called on to present it, with the view of having the report acted on. He moved—“ That it be remitted for con sideration to the Standing Orders Oom-

mittees.” Sir W. Fox said that the right to petition the Crown was undoubted, but right to petition Parliament had grown -mil Of w-ymeteoe-to which- mention-might very fairly be directed. In fact he doubted whether there existed such a right. The Hon. W. Rolleston said that the constitutional point could not be con sidered at present. He agreed in the motion for remitting the report to the Standing Orders Committee. That course should serve the purpose in view, and have the effect of discouraging frivolous complaints against judicial officers. fie believed that no more efficient officer than Mr Robinson was in the public service. Mr Speight agreed in the opinion that the right to petition Parliament had been greatly abused. He knew of a case in which a disappointed suitor exhibited a petition outside the door of the Court to have the magistrate removed, and had got the signatures of all disappointed litigants. He hoped the House would protect officers from gratuitous insults of this kind.

The motion for remitting the report to the Standing Orders Committee was then put and carried. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions, various Ministers stated :—Government was in accord with the hon. member as to the desirability of the Press being communicated with so that its reporters may have an opportunity of being present at the inquiries into the death of patients in lunatic asylums, and steps would be taken accordingly.—Money fines imposed on employees in the loco railways, were credited to the Hallway motive department of the Middle Island Servants Benefit Fund account.—Restric tions in the use of firearms were enacted by the Public Works Act, and when the Consolidation Bill was under considera tion facilities would be given for intro ducing a clause prohibiting the indis criminate use of such arms by boys. —lf thought necessary, when the Counties scheme was under considera tion, provision could- be made to compel Councils and Road Boards to comply •with section 13 of the Public Works Act, a provision which at present was being neglected.—Government had under con sideration a recommendation to cause a trustworthy Chinese interpreter to be ap pointed for Waimea and Stafford Courts. —Re-distribution of Seats Bill was ready, and would be introduced without delay. When before the House ample oppor tunity would be given for its consideration, until which time Government did not con sider it requisite to afford opportunity to enable the House to indicate its opinions as, to whether it was desirable to increase the present number of representatives.— Government did not intend to bring down a Bill this session to amend the Domains Act, to make Domain Boards elective. MISCELLANEOUS. The following Bills were read a second time : Crown Suits, Diseased Cattle, Public Reserves, Employment of Females, and others. The Banks and Bankers Act, 1880, Amendment, and the Borough of Hamil ton Boundaries Bill, were passed through Bommittee. The Gaming and Lotteries Bill was partly considered in committee. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. and resumed at 7. 30. NEW BILL. The Horarata Water Race Bill, re ported from the Private Bills Committee, was introduced by Mr Wright, and read a first time. GAMING AND LOTTERIES BILL. The Gaming and Lotteries Bill was further considered in Committee. Clause 8. The use of the totalisator. Mr Shephard objected to this instru ment being legalised, and moved that the proviso in the clause, “ except the same be used in conformity,” &c., be struck out. On the question that the clause stand as printed, the House divided—Ayes, 30 ; noes, 27. The clause was passed as printed. Clause 9. Chinese fan tan. Mr George Invited the Hon. T. Dick,

who was in charge of thaiSill. to explain what fan tan P Mr Bowen thought that this should certainly be dolls. He questioned whether fan tan was much more than a game of 100. Mr Speight hoped that the Hon. T. Dick would not corrupt their morals by doing anything of the kind. Mr Bryce suggested that fan tan was Chinese for chess. Mr Reeves thought it might be as innocent as “kiss in the ring.” He suggested that if the Hon. T. Dick did not know what it was he should postpone the clause till he learned the game. The Hon. T. Dick admitted he knew nothing about the of the game. t They must have seen that Chinese had been brought up in Tvkm ; fuit iMS‘ colony charged with playing this' 1 game,’’ and it had been declared illegal hy-the Bench. The Bill had come down;ffont . the Council, and no doubt the members of that body knew; all about it, :; , " ’ ‘ Dr Wallis said that fan tan was a * game ; where a lot of Chinese stood round atable on which a lot of counters were thrown. down. Then one Chinaman swept all the' counters up except one, and it depehded ' on which corner of the table that~ the counter was nearest who won.

Mr Bowen said that this was an attempt to pursue the Chinese further than the: European. The latter was only prohibited from gaming in public places, while 'the former could, under the Act, be punned into his own house. He considered that unfair. ; 1

Mr Sheehan said that while they were legislating in this direction he might’"toil them that something like thirty new hats changed hands amongst members of that House over the late division, Hejthoughfc that they might: do worse thah ! direct f a little legislation in the direction" dYthat class of gambling. . # Mr Reeves moved that the clause ha struck out.

Mr Hirst hoped that it would not b« struck out, stating that in the district he , came from a Chinete'garbihg' house had become a perfect nuisance, besides - de moralising the rising generation. > - Mr Levistam said it might be a highly / intellectual game for all they knsiw, and‘ thought until they had more, information,, it would: be unfair to come to ady ‘advetie :: conclusion on the subject. : Mr Barron concurred in the opinion that gambling was corruptinga gnat many Europeans. : lI v After further, discussion, Mr Macandrew suggested that '-the matter should be left to the local goverq ment bodies. - • *•' J/ ft I i

Mr Barron moved that the word “ stcheok pool ” be inserted.

Agreed to on the voices. - ■ ■ t On the question that the clause as amended be passed, the House divided— Ayes, 39 ; noes, 14. * ' ” -» ” wf-": Clause 12— Penalty. v Mr Barron proposed that the penalty bt LIOO be struck out, so. as to leave.tbe justices no option but to commit offender* to gaol. The question was put that the word* LIOO stand part of the question. The House divided—Ayes, 28; noes, 24. ’ •' ' Clause 13— 1 Mr Andrews proposed that the penalty be imprisonment without the option of fine. ■ . . ■ The House divided oh the question that the clause remain as printed—Ayes,. 30; noes, 13. Clause 15—Exhibiting placards or. jsd*. vertising betting houses. ' ’ Mr Stevens argued that it would hot be fair to expose, the proprietor or publisher of a newspaper to . the penalties of tipis clause, simply becausehe might through . inadvertence publish an advertiieofcint; t of the prohibited class. ’ . Mr DeLautour thought that it was the person who caused the advertisement'to. be-iosorted, -and mot the newspaper pro-- prietor, who iwas alined at, and he aug gested an alteration bearing out that im pression. The Hpn. T. Dick said that the penalty. even in its application to the newspapers , was nothing uncommon. They were liable for advertisements of a libsllbu character. Still, ho wbuld not oppeWtho amendment. (. The clause was passed. Clause 18-r-Penalty for establishing a lottery. ' a ’. Mr Jones moved that “ works ,of ait or literature ” be added—Carried. Mr Reeves moved the addition of, the words “ or minerals, specimens Mr Sedden moved the words “ mechanical models Oambdi* , The House divided on the question tbat. the clause as amended be passed—Ayes, 26 ; noes, 10. ■ r . Clauses 19 to 23 were passed as printed, and the House rose at 1 a.m.

REVIEW.

“ The Wreck of the s,s. Taeaeca." A Poem. By “ Leumak” PubHihid by J. T. Smith and Co., Christchurch. We have received a copy of the above poem. The subject itself abounds in striking incidents, And might furnish excellent materials for a poem by one of the very few high-class poets our country still contain?. Ouf local author, however, has hardly_pro-.. duced a poem ih the strict sense OfTfhe term. He is not a “ poetaa creator —shows no power of original thought, and from his first line to. his last there is not a solitary ray of “ the fight “that never shone on seaorshore.” Blithe is, without doubt, a versifier of consider* able talent, writes always clearly ifid'in good taste. Should he cultivate that talent he may, perhaps, A some future time, give proof of bpkkg. a.genuine poet. In the progress Of art in Europe the unthinking but Troubadours helped in the fonmtiM of a Dantd, and the lively but Uhthihk* ing Trouvefes in thfe formaften -Ofl Chaucer. We extract the 'fine# ’of “ Leumas’ ” poem in which hedekaibel the vessel striking Otara ! though dread was thy terrible roar, ’Tis now still m6re awfulthanever before! For, with .faltering tremor, and sickening dread, The mariner passes the home of the dead I O, hear the deep groan from thy rough, rocky tomb, Of those who were lost in thy mist and thy gloom I Strike, strike a deep trichord, rocks, breakers, and surge. And solemnly chant a sad sorrowful dirge I Yet, though ’neath thy furious, treacherous wave, Thou’st buried the noble, the good, and the brave. Still know that the arm of Omnipotence reigns. O’er earthly dominions and nature’s domains I ’Tis He who in majesty sittetbj ’tis'Hc ' ‘ ' * Who hushed the tempestuous dark Galilee I * And thovgh thy huge waves o’er the body miy roll, The spirit immortal they cannot control I For the body is dust, and returns to the clod, But the soul, which is deathless, goes Hm-fr to its God! -■■J Let,us hope that triumphant, amid-the dark strife, ' - 7 . Those undying souls passed from death unto life; ■ From the surf-beaten shore of the earth’s restless

sea, , To the brightjTolden shore of Eternity 1

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1881.



m John Meech, iRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, (35 UPHOLSTERER, &0., i-SURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. • Cheapest House in Town for New and i Furniture. ■ 'AH of Furniture repaired or ex i - ..v,., changed. ’ GOOD PRICE ’ GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819 THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN ■ bvkby evening. PRICE—ONE PENNY. - V DYERTISERS are reminded that k‘- f\ the ASHBURTON^ GUAIIDIAN I jjeommands CIROULA ' TXON in the Borongh and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisement* »x» very 1; ailijJkjiitl- -■



Wanted. WANTED A First-class General SERVANT. Apply, Mrs John Oku, Alford Forest Road. WANTED KNOWN—To stop argu ment, twenty persons can testify that Miss Gkiffin and Miss Cotton were the BELLES of the Farmers’ Ball on Tuesday last. 3G2c TIT ANTED TO PURCHASE A W small HOTEL BUSINESS near Ashburton. Apply to S. Sadndges. 359 c ANTED to PURCHASE A SECTION, with a three or four roomed House. Address by letter, stating price and locality, to Box No. 54, Post- Office, Ashburton. 363 c WANTED— 20,000 Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mayo and Hunt. 201 c ANTED - 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. Ling, Mayo’s Block. 185 c W' ANTED EYERBODY to know that HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 728 a ANTED BUYERS—Terms to suit purchasers. 1 Smith Organ, 6 stops, powerful, secondhand. 1 Mason and Hamlin Cabinet Organ, 5 stops, sweet tone, secondhand. 1 Bord Pianette, cheap for cash." 1 Broadwood do., L 26 cash. Dresden Models, newest style. Brinsmeads, bicord, 7 octaves, in plain case. H. J. Weeks, Dealer in Musical Instruments, Cameron Street West. 931 a ANTED 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, ls4d ; Ac., &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, &c., not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices. L. F. Andeewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andeewes 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. Andeewes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. N.B. Orders by post or otherwise promptly attended to. 102 c Special Advertisements.



EW AND LARGE DISCOUNTS. 4s. in the £ RETURNED to all Customers purchasing Mens’ or Boys’ Clothing, For this Month only, EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. 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.



The best value for ready MONEY is the MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured by THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, 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 Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW. 75c Manager.



jp R I N T I IT G, Of Every Description, NEATLY AND CHEAPLY EXECUTED, AT T HE SHBURTON GORDIAN QFFICE. PLACARDS AT AN HOUR’S NOTICE THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN OFFICE, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, East street, ASHBURTON



Special Advertisements. miNWALD COAL AND FIREWOOD JL DEPOT—R. S. BEAN (late of IVlongomery and Co. limited) having a ken the Coal Business of Mr Joseph Zllarb, begs to inform the inhabitants of Tinwald and surrounding districts that he ; s prepared to sell Coal, Firewood, Post and Rails, Stakes, Ac., at the lowest ■'.ash prices, and hopes, by doing so, ;o obtain a fair share of support. N.B. Orders taken for Bricks, Cement, Lime, Pi mber, Ac. 350 c Hayes’ PI I M B E R YARDS. i. . Fresh supplies of Building Timber at from 12s per lOOft, sup. Fresh Supplies of Black Pine and mixed Firewood at from 27s per cord. Fresh supplies of SHORT WOOD cut from 30s per Cord ; Also, Totara Shingles, Flooring, Lining, Ac., sawn and split Totara Posts and Stakes in any quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, TIMBER MERCHANT, AsncuitroN, 357 EVISED EDITION of the NEW TESTAMENT now on sale by L. F. Andeewes, Bookseller, Stationer, Ac., East Street South. Price, 2s. 338 c JVJEW TESTAMENT, REVISED J3J EDITION. Wanted Known. Just received, a few copies. H. M. Jones, Stationer and Bookseller. 330 c ii A LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, 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, “ sqneezcro,” Ac.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, Ac., Ac. 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, Ac., Ac. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, Ac., Ac., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery's Bui'dings. 720 a



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 Horae. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a*



[a caed.] Ts. LAMBE 11 T, • ■ A_, HEREFORD STREET, Christchurch. 3250



ALFRED COOK, news runner for the Lyttelton 'Times, Canterbury Timas, and Star, is prepared to undertake the distribution of circulars, hand-bills, &c., and to do genera ght porter work, and odd obs. 794 a 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 MRS ATKINSON’S FANCY BAZAAR, VICTORIA STREET, CHRISTCHURCH, Desires to call the attention of the Ladies of Ashburton to the superb choice of Madam Weigel’s American cut PAPER PATTERNS. (Catalogue forwarded on receipt of four penny stamps.) All orders must contain the bust measurement; for children the age. The Monthly Journals paid in advance, 7a 6d yearly. Sole Agent for Christ church. 342 c J^TURSE. —Mrs Pauling begs to in- JAJ timate that she has opened a Private Nursing Establishment and Hospital for Ladies and Gentlemen, and is prepared to receive Ladies to Nurse who requii’e medical attention. Address Moore street, near Presbyterian Manse. 104 c METHYEN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorised agents for the Ashburton Guardian. Subscribers will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention. TO SUBSCRIBERS Subscribers to this Journal are requested to communicate with the Proprietor when any delays or omissions in the Delivery of this Paper occur. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor. OTI C E . MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. PuDDicoMDE is authorised to collect money and transact all business in connection with The Ashburton Guardian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts. W. H. ZOUCH Proprietor. Railway tariff. Copies of the New Scale of Fares and Charges on the New Zealand Railways can now be nrocured at Office of this Paper. I) ALL PROGRAMS.: CARDS in > very neat styles, v. i.h Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the G uardian Office, East street, near Railway Station,



Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— Though it is impossible, in this climate of changing temperature, to prevent ill-health altogether, yet its form and frequency may be much mitigated by the early adoption of remedial measures. When hoarseness, cough, thick breathing, and the attending slight fever indicate irritation of the throat and chest, Holloway’s Ointment should be rubbed upon these parts without delay, and his Pills taken in appropriate doses, to promote its curative action. No catarrhs or sore throats can resist these remedies. Printed directions envelope every package of Holloways medicaments, which are suited to all ages and conditions, and to every ordinary disease to which humanity is liable,—Advt.



—■ —T( '4 - .! j ; : An Effectual Deterrent. said that the reason why bigamy is of such rare occurrence inJELungary. is. that once on a time a man who was convicted of this crime was sentenced by the Coulrt to live for two years with both: wires. The punishment was c»|uudered,ec^>t l bat it