DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-Night, Thursday, July 28. ’ Anlateur Dramatic Club, Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 7.30 p. nl. Georgia Minstrel , Timvald Hall, 8 p.m. To-morrow, Friday, Ju.y 29. Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, 7.30. Saturday, July 30. Phrenological Entertainment, by Profes sor Siujon, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 2. ' aah burton 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. Monday, August 8. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. , 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 ing.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.10 p.m.j

A Horse Fancier. —To-day a drunkard, hailing fromthe land o’cakes, took a strange fancy into his head. Seeing the horse of Mr Bruce, the architect, standing in front of Quill’s Hotel, he removed it, rode off, and deposited the beast in Oookson’s stables. He subsequently treated the horse of Mr Davidson, the Inspector of Nuisances, in precisely the same manner, and deposited it in the same place. Ho was arrested by the police and looked op.

Dramatic Club. The Ashburton Amateur Dramatic Club holds a meeting at the Town Hall this evening, when a full attendance of members is asked for. Clearing Sale. —ln another column will be found an announcement of a monster clearing sale at Dunstable House, Christchurch. Immense reductions have been made by Messrs Ballautyn# and Co., with a view to disposing of a large quan tity of winter stock, and added thereto is the additional incentive of discount for cash purchases. . Oddfellows. —The sessional A.M.O. of the Manchester Unity was opened at Southport, Lancaster. The Grand Master, Mr Pownall, in his address, said the Order now numbered 543,485 mem bers, but expressed regret that in Ireland there were only 952, while in the colonies there were over 50,000. The capital of the Order was in January, 1880, L 4,709,261, an increase of L 232,160. The average of annual payments during the last sixteen years had been L 403,242. —West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser. Fire Brigade. —The Brigade met for practice last night. The engine was taken round the town and all the tube wells were tried with the new hose, the results being highly satisfactory. Hunt Club. —The Committee of the Ashburton County Hunt Club met at Quill’s Commercial Hotel last evening. There were present Messrs M. Fried lander (in the chair), Bell, Carter, O’Reilly, Saunders, and Dr Murdoch. A letter was read from Mr E. 6. Wright, M.H.R., accepting the office of President. The following resolutions were duly pro posed and carried—“ That the hounds meet each Thursday during the season, at 2 p.m. during August, and and at an hour to be arranged during September.”— “That the Secretary make arrangements for the first meet on Thursday, 4th August.” —“That Mr Joseph Hunt and Mr° Hay T. Smith be elected honorary members of the Club.” “That the Secretary be instructed to write Mr Archer a letter of thanks, acknowledging his kindness in bringing his hounds to Ashburton.” The Committee then ad journed. Quorrs. —A return Quoit match was played yesterday between the Ashburton and Mount Somers Clubs, on the ground of the former in front of the Pound. There were four sets of players. When our reporter left the last round was being played, Mount Somers being then twenty six points ahead, so that, we presume, they were the winners of the match. Police Court. —A drunkard was fined the usual sum to-day in Court. There was no other business on. Another drunkard will be brought up to-morrow. The Georgias.— The public of Tinwald will this fevening have an opportunity of listening to the very excellent singing and instrumental music of the Georgia Minstrel Troupe, whose performances in Ashburton have given such universal satisfaction. Those who are fond of trip ping the light fantastic toe will be able to indulge to their heart’s content at a dance to take place after the performance. The Mail. The English mail via San Francisco, reached Lyttelton by the Taiaroa early this morning and the Ash burton portion arrived by the express train. In Bankruptcy. Robert Little, of the Hinds, has filed a declaration of insolvency. Mr Thomas Dudson has been appointed creditors’ trustee in the estate of Par Pattorson. Temoka Paper Mill Company.—A meeting of this Company was held on Tuesday evening, in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka J Mr Hayhurst in the chair. At the close of the meeting, the Chairman said that 2,400 shares had been taken up that evening.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per rbuter’s agency.] Mr Gladstone’s Health. London, July 26. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone has been compelled to decline the acceptance of the banquet which is being organised to the Ministry on account of the present state of his health, his medical advisers having for bidden his attendance. The Infernal Machines. Notwithstanding active enquires that have been made with a view of finding the owners of the infernal machines recently brought from America to Liverpool .in the ship Malta, nothing has yet been learnt either of the shippers or consignees. Investigations are still proceeding both in Ireland and America, which it is hoped will throw some light upon the affair. The American Press urges the British Go vernment to make an exhaustive search into the matter, and to punish the persons concerned. The whole trans action appears to be shrouded in mystery. The French War in Tunis. Paris, July 26. Despatches have been received to day from Tunis announcing that, after bombarding the town of Gabes for some hours, a body of troops was successfully landed from the fleet, and succeeded in driving back the Arabs and obtaining possession of the town, which is now occpied by the French force. The French Policy in North Africa. In the Senate to-day, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in the course of a speech upon the North African ques tion, declared that the French Govern ment were not harboring any designs against Tripoli, and strongly protested against' canards which have been cir culated to the contrary. M. Bar thelemy St Hilaire subsequently dwelt upon the importance of preserving the entente cordtale,. which he asserted existed at the present time with the British Government with regard to the policy which France is pursuing in North Africa. Proposed Peace in Afghanistan. Calcutta, July 25. Telegrams to hand from Candahar report that Ayoub Khan has again made overtures for peace to the Ameer. The result of the negotiations has not transpired.

AUSTRALIAN.

[pee reuter’s agency.] Wreck of the Republic. Melbourne, July 27. A private telegram has been received here this morning reporting that the ship Republic, 1,361 tons, Captain Holmes, which left this port for Calais on March 20th, with a full cargo of wheat, has gone ashore at that port, and is expected to become a total wreck. The Te Anau. Sailed this afternoon —Te Anau, for the Bluff. Another Case. Sydney, To-day. A fresh case of supposed small-pox at Waterloo is reported to the Health Officer. The disease has not, however, sufficiently developed to show clearly that it is variola.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association, j The Steamer Samson Wrecked. New Plymouth, Yesterday. A telegram from Waitara to-day states that the steamer Samson is in a very dangerous position on the South Spit, Waitara River, and is likely to become a total wreck. The engine-room is already half filled with sand, and not being a new vessel, there is little hope of her with standing the heavy straining she is at present undergoing. The steamer Sampson, on being moved, has landed on the wreck of the Patterson, knocking a hole in her hull. The engines have shifted, and the water is flowing in and out of her. The captain has aban doned her. She is insured in the South British for L3OO. Fine Weather in Taranaki. It is a matter for surprise that whilst stormy weather of a violent character pre vails on the West Coast, the weather in Taranaki has been mild in the extreme. Heavy rain fell during the night, but it cleared off early, and the sun now shines brilliantly. Scholastic. Wanganui, To-day. Mr J. P. Francis, late second master of the Wellington college, has been ap pointed Head Master of the Wanganui district High School; there wore thirteen applicants, seven of them Uni versity graduates. Fire. A Maori whard was burned at Puti kikei, yesterday, and an old Maori woman, wife of the late chief Teretiniana, was burned to death. Wellington Racing Club. Wellington, Yesterday. A meeting of the Wellington Racing Club was held to-night. The balance sheet showed that during the past season the club had paid off outstanding accounts to the sum of about L4OO, and that there was still an amount of Ll2 standing to its debit. The report referred to the success attached to both meetings held last year, and recommended that the success which attended the spring meeting, it being the first held here, was such as to warrant its continuance for the future. Another Landslip. Wellington, To-day. Another heavy slip occurred on the Wellington-Master ton line yesterday afternoon. Several hundred tons of earth came down, covering the line for a distance of three chains. A gang of men went to work this morning to clear away the debris. It is expected the line will be clear by to-morrow. Burglary. Timaru, To-day. On Tuesday night someone entered Mr Reeves’ house on his farm at Otaio. A cash box containing valuable papers, of no use to anyone but the owner, was found with the lid burst open, lying on the gravel walk in front of the house the next morning, with its contents intact. Mr Reeves lives alone, but his servants reside on the premises. Four savage dogs are kept, but, strange to say, allowed the thief to enter unmolested. The police are investigating the burglary. Prize for the Best Merino Bam. Dunedin, Yesterday. The Australian Mortgage Land and Finance Company will give a piece of plate, value twenty guineas, for the best merino ram bred in New Zealand, and shown at the forthcoming pastoral show at Dunedin. A Good Dividend. Dunedin, To-day, The Equitable Investment Company have declared a dividend of ten per cent. Another Fire. A five-roomed house at Palmerston, belonging to Mr John Bethune, has been burned down. It was insured in the National Insurance Company for Ll5O. Orepuki Railway, Invercargill, To-day. The first section (about six miles) of the Orepuki railway was opened yesterday. There was no public demonstration, and no public intimation of the opening, to the great indignation of the residents in Riverton. Death from Drowning. The body of Mr John M‘Naughton, an old resident at Riverton, who has been missing since Sunday last, was found this morning, in the Aparima Estuary, The deceased recently showed signs of mental derangement.

MOUNT SOMERS MUTUAL IM PROVEMENT SOCIETY.

A public meeting was held last Saturday night at Mr John Hood’s Hotel for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming a society for the mutual benefit of the young men of the Mount Somers district. There was a good number pre sent, and Mr W. H. Puddicombe was voted to the chair.

After some conversation regarding the object of the meeting, it was resolved— “ That all who wish to join the above Society shall record their names at once and pay an entrance fee of 2s 6d.” Fif teen members were at once enrolled. It was also resolved—“ That Mr A. Harvey write to the Chairman of the Lees ton Society for a copy of their rules, to be laid before the next meeting, to be held at the Mount Somers School on Saturday, Auguat'6th.” It was also resolved that Mr David Scott inform those of the residents of Alford Forest likely to join the above Society that the members of the Mount Somers Society are anxious to amalgamate with the Alford Forest Society, and to urge upon albto try and meet the Mount Somers people at the next meeting, when the name of the Society and place of meeting would be decided upon ; as, if the Alford Forest Society amalgamate with Mount Somers it was thought advis able to name the Society “ The,. Mount Somers and Alford Forest Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Society,” and to hold the meetings fortnightly at Mount Somers and Alford Forest alternately. After a vote of thanks to the Chair man, a very interesting meeting termin ated.

SPORTING.

HUHT CLUB STEEPLECHASES. The following are the weights for the Hunt Club Handicap. —Quamby, 13st 51b ; Eversley, 13s 61b ; Winfield, 13st 51b; Shark, 13st ; Kelpie, 12st 71b ; Native, 12st 71b ; Fakir, 12st 71b ; Tawera, list 51b ; Forsaken, list ; Lucy, lOst 51b ; Flora, lOst. Gone Away Stakes Handicap.—The Agent, 12st 71b ; Clarence, 12st 21b Quamby, list 51b ; Kelpie, lOst 71b.

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

legislative council. Wednesday, July 27. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Hon. N. Wilson moved —“ That in the opinion of the Council the laws relat ing to the taking of oaths and affirmations should be consolidated and amended. ” The motion was carried. The Education Act 1877 Amendment Bill (Dr. Menzie’s) was read a third time ; as was the Imprest Supply Bill, No. 2 (from the Lower House). Nearly the whole afternoon was spent incommittee on the Oatnaru Harbor Board Bill, in which many amendments were made. The Council rose at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, July 27. The House met at 2.30 p.m. notices of motion. Sir G. Grey gave notice to move that the proceedings of the Christchurch elec tion committee of 1879 be expunged from the records of Parliament. questions. In reply to questions, various Ministers stated that the Government had no inten tion of removing to Greymouth the Go vernment House at Hokitika. —Govern- ment considered that the law allowing a landlord to distrain for rent in arrears should be altered, but that it would depend upon the despatch of public busi ness as to whether a Bill for its abolition was introduced this session or not. —An offer to the effect that he was prepared to construct the Otago Central Railway on favorable terms had been received from Mr Proudfoot, contractor, but they pre ferred making provision for the work under the projected Railways Companies Construction Act, NEW BILL. The following Bill was introduced and read a first time :—To enable persons elected to be members of the House of Representatives to make before taking their seats an affirmation in lieu of an oath (Sir G. Grey). SUPPLY. An Imprest Supply Bill was introduced in committee for L 250,000, and passed through all its stages. NO-CONFIDBNCB DEBATE. The no confidence debate was resumed by Mr Reeves, who commented on the conduct of members in condemning the Government and the Bills brought down, and yet refusing to vote for the amend ment, He denied that the Government had been instrumental in improving the prospect of affairs throughout the colony, and referred to the fact that the Govern ment of the neighboring colonies had refused to vote money ior immigration purposes, alleging that the mal-adminis tration going on in New Zealand would drive sufficient population from that colony to their shores. He concluded by announcing his intention of voting for the amendment. Mr McDonald announced that he would vote for the amendment. He condemned the counties system, and otherwise took exception to the present mode of local administration. Major Harris said he would fill up the time for a few minutes to enable the Colonial Treasurer to reconsider his apparent determination not to reply. He criticised the position of parties, blaming the Government for having accepted the amendment as an adverse motion. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m., and resumed at 7.30. NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE. Mr Richardson considered that the amendment was hasty and inconsiderate. He thought that the Rating Bill might be put into such a shape as would make it a useful measure. The Roads Construction Bill was, he thought, hopelessly bad, and he would vote against that measure. At the same time he intended to vote against the amendment, as he thought it would be a great misfortune to have two elections in a short time without re-distribution. If the Government would hold over their Bills until the forthcoming election that would be the best course to pursue. As a preliminary step in that direction he argued the necessity for losing no time in bringing down the Re-distribution Bill. He gave it as his opinion that in the first instance there should have been fewer counties, and that it should have been compulsory on them all to bring the Act into operation. That was the direction in which he would still go, rather than that an additional Board of Works should be constituted.

Mr Shephard said that wide-spread dis satisfaction existed throughout the coun try with the existing state of local govern ment. He did not believe that there -was any general desire for a return to Provin cialism. What was wanted was an amend ment of the present system. What was promised when abolition was given effect to had not been realised. What was pro mised was an inexpensive form of local government with substantial revenue, so that local residents might be enabled to take a more direct share in the local ad ministration. What was wanting was not provincialism, but the powers and ex tensions under which provincialism ope rated.

Mr Hutchison said the question was. Is or is not this proposal satisfactory 1 There could be no doubt but that the reply had been in the negative. The only really sensible thing that had been said on behalf of the Government was that the mover of the motion had not been true to his allegiance. He could not understand the gravamen ®f the offence. At the outset they were told by the Government that the country was not asking for local go vernment, and yet at a later stage they bring down this local government scheme. What was required was a scheme based on a compromise, to take a little here and get a little there, until they had accumulated a sum total in the shape of a workable scheme. They had been menaced with a dissolution. Ho had no doubt but that if defeated, Go vernment would endeavor to get a disso lution, but he questioned if it would be given. Be that as it may, what they had to do was to vote on this point irrespec tive altogether of the more remote conse quences. Mr Bryce was not satisfied with the Bill before the House, and he questioned if there was a member in the House satis fied. In the nature of things it was not reasonable to expect that a generally satisfactory scheme could be put forward. The time had come when the local bodies would have to look to themselves and not the Government. Government might not have intended to introduce a vital altera tion in the local governing system, but they certainly did intend to make certain changes in the financial arrangements, as witness (the fact that they put a state ment of that kind in the Governor’s mouth. The great dissatisfaction that existed amongst local bodies was the want of money. He denied the statement made by the previous speaker that the Trea surer’s speech a couple of years ago had had an unfavorable effect on trade. The fact was that trade became firmer, and commenced to revive in consequence of that speech. The speech made by Mr Ormond last year could not have led them to anticipate his present action. What he then complained of was the property tax. In these circumstances it would have been much fairer if he had raised a direct issue upon the repeal of that tax. If he did at tempt to form a Government he thought that he would meet with insurmountable obstacles in attempting to repeal the pro perty tax or sell the railways, as he did not believe the gentlemen with whom he

was leagued could possibly join him in such a proceeding. He did not believe that the country wanted the present sys tem of local government essentially altered, but just improved in such a way as to make it work more freely. He de fended the Government in the opinion that the amendment must be regarded as a vote of want of confidence, which ‘ie would vote against. The House adjourned at 10.45.

ELGIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A meeting was hold yesterday evening, at the schoolroom, Elgin, “To consider the grounds for the action of the Com mittee in recommending the dismissal of the master. ” From twenty to twenty-four residents in the locality were present. MrTownshend was appointed chairman, and opened the proceedings by some brief remarks, and a request that the master of the school, Mr Proudlock, make his state ment as to what he considered the facta of the case. Mr Proudlock said that he was not conceited enough to fancy himself free from faults, but if the Committee thought he had done wrong in anything, it was their duty, first of all, to ask him for an ex planation, before writing to the Board of Education to recommend their confirma tion of his dismissal. The fact was this matter did not originate with the Com mittee at all, but with the Chairman (Mr Bruce), who, when calling the members together, said that the business of the Committee was to discuss the dismissal of the master. It was a noteworthy fact that the leaders of the hostile movement against him had not a single child attending the school, and therefore had no interest of their own at stake. And was it a mani festation of public spirit on their part then to publish the resolution which had ap peared in the press, “ That the master bo dismissed, otherwise the Committee will resign ?” They had accused him, without allowing him to be heard in his own de fence, and had thus denied him that jus tice which was never denied to the lowest public vagrant. He had no doubt if he were dismissed, ho could get another ap pointment, but he liked his place; many of the people had been very kind to him, and he believed the majority liked him. Mr Proudlock went on to say that there were five charges which he understood were made against him. 1. That there was a deficiency of L 6 in his book ac count. 2. That he made different charges for books, etc., to different parents. 3. That he gave holidays con trary to instructions. 4. That he dis missed the children on wet days. 5. That he attended sale rooms instead of looking after the school. He asked Mr Bruce it those were the charges. Mr Bruce said that the Board of Edu cation intended that an enquiry should be made into Mr Proudlock’s conduct. He declined to make any further statement on the subject. Neither he nor the Com mittee had heard anything previously about this meeting, nor had they been asked for the use of the room. In what he had done he had only acted in accord ance with the rest of the Committee.

A person present said he objected to Mr Bruce snubbing the householders of the district.

Mr Proudlock said it was of no use for Mr Bruce to beat about the bush. He had a copy of the charges in his pocket. He wanted nothing but fair play. (Ap plause. ) Mr John Cochrane'said that, as a mem ber of the Committee, he had found the account of books in an unsatisfactory state. He had made out a list of eighty seven articles missing from the school. Mr. Proudlock asked him if he was ex pected to pay for them. He (Mr Coch rane) said, “ I suppose so.” Mr Proud lock replied, “Do you think I eat the books?” He (Mr Cochrane) replied, “I don’t know; they were in your charge, and you ought to know about them. ” After wards he wrote to say he would settle the matter; in what way he (Mr Cochrane) did not know. Then also the Committee made a decision about the number of holi days, but Mr Proudlock had given others without asking permission of the Commit tee, on Easter Monday and other occa sions. He had seen him too at the sale rooms when he ought to have been present at the school. Mr Proudlock asked if the Committee had ever passed a resolution to decide that he should not go to the sale-rooms. He had gone twice, once at Mr Brace’s sale, and once at Mr Prendergast’s. He sup posed Mr Bruce did not disapprove of his attendance at the former sale, as he asked him to buy a boiler he had there. Mr Cochrane said he had told Sir Proudlock that an enquiry would be made by the Board of Education into his con duct, and he believed he said that he was quit© agreeable. The schoolroom had not been cleaned for months together. He had no malice against Mr Proudlock, but he was elected by the householders, and was doing what he thought his duty to them. If he had done a wrong he had dene it in ignorance. Mr Proudlock said he believed that was the case. When one of his books was missing, and he enquired about it, he was told “Oh ! the Committee have it in use.” Mr Bruce told him the book was the property of the Committee, and he replied that he (Mr Bruce) must not do that again. He was not going to be inter fered with while conducting the school. Mr Bruce then ordered him out of the school-room. With regard to the money from the sale of books, when he sold for cash, he put the money aside just as a shop keeper puts the cash taken into the till; where he sold on credit, he entered it in his books. When he first came here the Committee were in financial difficulties, and Mr Bruce asked him if he would bring a certain number of his own books with him, and then creditbis account with them. He (Mr Proudlock) said he would try to arrange. He did so, and sold some of the books, and the Committee then wanted him to hand the money to them, and he refused to do so. He brought some of these books from his school at Weedon’s, bought part in Christchurch, and part from Mr Binstead. The Com mittee said they would not pay his account until he produced receipts for the money he said ho had paid for them. What business was that of theirs ? He had not stolen them.

In reply to Mr Holmes, Mr Proudlock said that if anybody took away any of the Committee's property he could not bo responsible. There was no secure place to keep it in. He could open the closet with his penknife. In reply to another question, Mr Proud lock said he had lost several books. He did not say the children had stolen them. Mr Holmes said Mr Proudlock had searched the children like thieves. Mr Proudlock said he had searched the children, but not like thieves. He had found some books, pens, etc., missing, and if he could discover the offenders he would give them a good thrashing. Mr Holmes asked whose those books were after they were bought. His little girl had bought a book and was not allowed to bring it home. Mr Proudlock said that if a drawing book or copy-book was bought he would not allow it to be taken home by children until it was finished. It was against the rules, and the children would only soil the books. [Mr Proudlock here produced his memorandum book and read out several entries to show that all parents were charged for books, etc., at the same rate.] Respecting the giving of holidays, Mr Proudlock said he had given none except those allowed by the Act. If the Committee resolved to set aside those, he should take no notice of their resolution. Mr Bruce said that no one expected Mr Proudlock to attend the school on the J Queen’s Birthday or a similar holiday*

What the Committee objected to was that he should be absent at a sale, and that be gave a holiday on Easter Monday, and also that he had given the children a holiday for the Exhibition on a Friday, when the following day (Saturday) would have done just as well. In reply to Mr Holmes, who said that Mr Proudlock had dismissed 24 or 25 child ren on one day, Mr Proudlock explained that it was wet in the morning, though fine in the afternoon. On another oc casion he sent them away because the wind blew the smoke into the room, so that it was not habitable. Mr 'Bruce said that the Board of Education had put up a cowl over the chimney, and it had been blown down. He had asked Mr Proudlock to put it on again, and he had refused, because he said it made so much noise.

Mr Proudlock said that if it were put up he hoped it would be blown down again. He did not intend to have it put up. The Committee ought to make the room habitable. Mr Leatham said that Mr Proudlock had already told them that Mr Bruce had a down on him, and that he had a down on Mr Bruce. His letters to the Committee also had been most impertinent. After some further altercation,

Mr J. Keir proposed—“ That the Board of Education be requested by this meeting to accept the resignation of the dissatisfied members of Committee, and that this meeting is satisfied with the conduct of the master. ” Mr Greenaway seconded the motion, which was put and carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr Keir, seconded by Mr Hoatten, it was resolved—“ That the Chairman be requested to forward a copy of the resolution to the Board of Education.”

After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting closed.

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held last night, at the Town Hall, to consider what steps should be taken to secure increased re presentation for the electoral district of Coleridge in the House of Representatives. There was but a moderate attendance at the commencement of the proceedings, but as the meeting progressed the number present was largely increased. His Worship the Mayor was voted to thechair,andinopening the meeting briefly stated the object for which it had been called, urging the desirability of endeavor ing to push the Government to bring their Representation Bill before the House without delay. They would see that at the present time the Government were in a delicate position, and in all probability the question of the re-distribution of seats would compel them to go to the country. They would notice that this district had increased 43 per cent, in its population since the previous census was taken. Taking this as a basis, the district ought to have two and a half representatives to be on an equality in this respect with other districts. If the district was divided properly, it ought to have at least three representatives. (Applause.) He would leave the gentlemen who were to move the resolutions to speak upon the question at greater length, and would now call upon Mr Purnell to move the first resolution. Mr Purnell came forward and said : Mr Chairman and gentlemen, the resolution it is my duty to propose this evening is as follows :—“That, inasmuch as it is shown by the census returns that the llectoral district of Coleridge is largely under represented In the General Assembly, as compared with the other electoral dis tricts of the colony, and since, further, a general election will shortly take place, this meeting is of opinion that a grievous injustice will be done to the inhabitants of this district should the General Assembly fail during the present session to pass such measures as will place the Coleridge district on an equal footing in the matter of representation with the other rural districts of New Zealand. ” At a time of political excitement like that which at the present time is taking place in the General Assembly a very favorable opportunity presents itself to us to speak on the matter of redistribution of seats. I would like to point out to those present that as the general elections are shortly to take place, a great injustice would assuredly follow to the district' of Coleridge if the question #f Redistribution of Seats Bill is not brought down before the House and passed before the dissolution. 1 would like to impress upon you that the matter is not a party question but purely a political one, and one affecting other political districst besides our own, and as such I will con fine my remarks thereon. Whatever our ideas on the matter may be, increased representation must have its desired effect with regard to the well-being and prosperity of our district. Even to those who wish to make Ashburton, in a manner, a political reserve, would see the justice of our claims to at least another member. I can prove that we have a good case by simply quoting the area. and population of our district in comparison with others. The Chairman has briefly spoken on the whole question, and it resolves itself into one which simply demands, for justice sake, the earnest attention of our repre sentatives in Parliament. The fact is, the district of Coleridge has been very largely unrepresented. The town of Ashburton itself, with Tinwald and suburbs, contains some 3,000 inhabitants, and is piore numerously populated than a great many constituencies which return a member to the General Assembly under the present system. I shall read a list of electorates which have a smaller popula tion than,Ashburton, and which now reap the benefit of their over representation, as compared with our own district. In Cheviot, for instance, there was only 2,449; in Collingwood, 1,645 ; Totara, 2,334, and in Nelson suburbs only 2,660. In Clutha there was a population of only 456. New Plymouth numbered 3,326 in habitants, and Onehunga, 2,189. [The speaker then quoted further figures show ing that the Borough of Ashburton and suburbs were better entitled to a repre sentative than many other boroughs.] Taking the population as a basis of repre sentation, it is perfectly clear that we have been for years inadequately represented. Of course the rural districts must neces sarily embrace a large area, but when population, as well as area, as in our case, demands an increased voice, in the Go vernment of the country, I think it our duty to bring the matter fully before the House by endeavoring to pass a resolution affecting our district, before it is too late. In Canterbury, 1 find that there are seve ral districts, with less area and popula tion now enjoying the privilege of one member. There are—Lyttelton with a population of 4,127; Selwyn, with a population of 6,196 ; Geraldine, 4,438 ; Akaroa, 4,338. These have each of them fewer inhabitants than Coleridge. Nelson, with about half the population of Cole ridge, has two members. As I cannot make the case appear clear to you, without rather tedious figures, I hope you will bear with me, whilst I explain the unfair ness of the present distribution as regards us. The total population of the colony is some 486,000, and the proposed increase of representation intending to be made by { present Government only amounts to six European members —namely, from 84 to 90. I consider that the rural districts should have increased representation. Be fore leaving this branch of the subject, I would like to speak upon the existing ne cessity for an alteration in the boundaries of this district. In the boundaries of many other districts in the colony they are geographically very badly framed. I think that the district north of the Rakaia has in no way an interest in common with that of Ashburton, and therefore ought to be taken out of it. As regards interests, oar

portion of the district has strong claims for demanding further representation* The grain and wool-growing interests of

this district are alone considerable, and, to make our claim still stronger, the popu late n basis is one that cannot fail to make

the claim which we are endeavoring to establish still stronger. And whether we look for population or interests, we are

clearly entitled to three members. I con sider that the question is a general one, and not only Coleridge but other districts have equal cause for complaint, on the same grounds. As a matter of fact, the present representation of Hew Zealand \ has not been adjusted for eleven years. Taking into consideration the strides the colony has been making since, I consider that the re-adjustment of electorates should be done every five years. The Go vernment of the day have always had a difficulty in dealing with the question of increased representation. It is not that it requires a very great deal of trouble to bring a Bill down for the purpose, nor is it a very complicated question at aIL There is always a fear on the part of the Government that if a Bill is passed bear ing on this question some few of their supporters would, in all probability, lose their seats. In some parts of the colony many of their supporters would of neces sity lose their seats, and on this ground re-distribution of representation is always found a difficult matter for any Govern ment to meet. Mr Bowen brought down a measure of this sort, but on being pressed, towards the close of the session, he said that it would be no use to tackle the subject until they had passed the Counties Bill, which would be found to form the boundaries of electoral districts! That Bill was never passed. Since then the several Governments have promised to bring in a Bill on the subject, and the consequence is that up till now we have had no Bill passed to regulate it when required. Evidently the present Govern ment are intending to go out before any measure is passed affecting the represen tation of this district, and if so the conse quences of insufficient representation will place us at a great disadvantage. Under any circumstances I think we should be prepared during the coming election to elect a representative whose views on this matter are perfectly distinct. The local government question is a matter which will have to be fought out at the forth coming elections. lam one of those who opposed the sweeping away of provincial institutions at the time they were abolished, and I for one would like to see men returned pledged to restore those institutions, or something of a similar kind. The English Government is at the present time of a purely local nature. The geographical , position of the colonyjis one that demands local government in every way, and on another occasion I will prove, if necessary, that this is the only system that will suit the colony as a whole. At the present moment there are several Counties which have now brought the Act into force—the Ashley County is one of them. In some parts, particularly the Ashburton County, the system had worked very well; but this was mainly due to the Road Boards and the Council having plenty of money at their disposal for the formation of public works. The subsidies, however, have been taken away, and whatever the views of the electors may be, those views , should be determined at the next elec tions, and local government made the chief £of questions. I will now refer to a matter of great importance, and one which has created a strong feeling—viz., the education question. It is found that | the whole system must be remodelled. Such a large and important question as i education should receive the earnest atten tion of the electors, and should be made a ’ special point for the consideration of s Parliamentary candidates for all districts. ! I have been asked what good we could possibly do by discussing these questions at the present moment. In reply, I would like to point out that if reform is required, we must do the same as a great and eminent politician had recommended, which was to agitate, to agitate, and agitate. It will be found that any ques i tion affecting the district must be brought persistently before the notice of the Go vernment, and unanimously backed by i the public expression of the electors. I should like to see public meetings held throughout the district, and resolutions i assed bearing upon the question of local , goverment, education, and increased re | presentation, in order that we may fully impress upon the present Government the necessity for carrying these measures before the dissolution takes place. (Ap plause.) The speaker concluded by moving the resolution which he had read. , Mr James Bradley seconded the reso lution, which was carried unanimously. Mr Rudolph Friedlander said—l have great pleasure in proposing a resolution which has been placed in my hands, and which it will be necessary to carry in order that effect may be given to Mr Purnell’s resolution, namely—“ That a copy of the foregoing resolution bo sent to Mr Wright, M.H.R., and that he be requested in the event of the Government neglecting to bring down a Bill for re-adjusting the representation of the colony, to introduce himself a Bill into the General Assembly for increasing the representation of the Coleridge ■ district. ” Mr J. R. Steel seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Mr Joseph Ivess said —I was not aware until a few minutes ago that I should have been asked to propose any resolution or to speak on the subject now under consideration, so have not come prepared with data. For my own part I consider that it will be useless to discuss the ques tion now at great length, because the previous speakers have almost exhausted the subject of increased representation. You, gentlemen, have been told of the next general election, and no doubt it is apparent to you all that another Rich mond is in the field, and will seek your suffrages. (Applause.) We shall soon be in the throes of a new election, and then will be the time for you to look out which candidate deserves your support. There can be no question as to the necessity of increased representation for the Coleridge district, and it is fairly entitled to three members, instead of one as at present. There are several questions which require the earnest consideration of those who represent us, and one is the exten sion of the Ashburton and Mount Somers line of railway. (Applause.) I agree with the previous speakers that the position of the Ministry would be pre carious if the Bill for increased represen tation was brought forward at once, but still the electors have a right to stir them selves in the matter so that their claims in this direction shall be forcibly repre sented at the present time in order that justice may be done to this district before the House is dissolved. I believe the Coleridge district has increased about 3,700 since the last census, and that alone entitles it to another representative.

I feel, gentlemen, that you know fully as much about the questions of the day as I can tell you, because they have been so fully reported in the newspapers. I think that there are different interests in the Methven part of this district, and unless something fis done we shall iind that our northern neighbors will get the line of railway extended to Mount Somers instead. If wo are properly represented I think there will be no difficulty in getting a fair division of thg public funds for the Mount .Somers line exten-

sion. Most likely the Government will look upon the Redistribution of Seats-Bill as a rock which they are likely to split upon, and consequently nothing will be heard of it until the end of the session,

and if it is not passed this session its provisions cannot take effect at the next election. I would impress upon all

electors here to secure the registration of

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JULY >BB, 1881.



Revised edition of the new TESTAMENT now on sale by L. F. Andrewes, Bookseller, Stationer, &c., East Street South. 338 c (t A LL work and no play makes Jack JL ~ a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDR E S S E R, 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: Savanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery's Buildings. 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 Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a* John Meech, nRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, if 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 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. Ashbueton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 750 Manager. [a card.] S. LAMBERT, Architect, HEREFORD STREET, Christchurch. 325 c Hayes’ fjl IMBER 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. 608 a



Pianos. I PIANOS, HAEMO . AMERICAN OR' on deferred . payments, aa may be required. (An instrument and aubaequc Purchase within six mont paid for hire may be appl of same. H. M. JON Stationer and Bo East street and Ba TAjr E S A T K JLuL FANCY BAZj



Wanted. WANTED— By bachelor, BOARD and LODGING. No other boarders ; no children ; 255. Address, Z., Post Offise, Ashburton. 345 c ANTED—To APPRENTICE at once, a respectable Youth, aged 12 ; the Eootmaking or any light trade preferred. Apply, B. A. Garnett, Hair dresser, Cashel street, Christchurch. 337 c WANTED A First-class General SERVANT. Apply, Mrs John Orr, Alford Forest Road. 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. Ling, Mayo’s Block. 185 c r ANTED KNOWN—That Miss , T Yerrallj 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 YTfT'ANTED EVERBODY to know that VV HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED 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 T T Elston, JBurnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at ?ery 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 ; &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, &c., not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices. _ L. F. Andrewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. —E. 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. N.B. Orders by post or otherwise promptly attended to. 102 c Special Advertisements.



UNSTABLE HOUSE, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. J. Ballantyne & Co. Have now commenced their EXTENSIVE CLEARING SALE OF WINTER DRAPERY & CLOTHING. IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. ONE SHILLING off every Pound purchased for cash. DUNSTABLE HOUSE. 3460



I^TURSE. —Mrs Paulino begs to in- 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



AND LARGE DISCOUNTS. 4s. in the £ RETURNED to all Customers purchasing Mena’ 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.gg ENIGMA. —What am I ? Pray say— and you may, if you try. I’m seen in the forehead, the cheek, and the eye ; I’m seen in the smile which illumines your face, I’m first in endeavor all sorrow to chase. In Carson’s Fruit Warehouse 1 always reside—l couldn’t remove from his trade if I tried. I’m in pineapples, pears, and in oranges, too—nice fruits in variety waiting for you. Pray notice, I’m always expected to he—and 1 am—in the now famous pure blended tea. I'm in pickles, in sauces, in cdffee, in spice, in lo’lies and sweetmeats, ar d everything nice. In general groceries, plain to be seen, with goods of first quality, fit for. the Queen. In gratitude which, for past favors, I feel, and favors to come only more will reveal. I’m found in good value, which still may be had at CARSON’S, who says he will always be glad to welcome new comers as well as old friends, and this invitation accordingly sends ; and prejudice only could make it a crime to do so in form of enigma and rhyme. Now name what I am. You will easily guess ; and, pray, when you do, don’t forget the address. Try Carson’s Fruit Warehouse, between the two banks, where there’s always good value for money, with thanks. Sole Agent for Nel son, Moatb, <fe Co. ’s Pure Blended Teas, ' in boxes and packets (see advertisement and handbills). 3c



Upper Ashburton Road Board. A report of the meeting of this Board is unavoidably held over. Holloway’s Ointment and Pills combine both sanitive and sanative powers in a highj degree—by the former term is understood their ability to preserve health, by the latter their capability to restore health. With these reme dies at hand no invalid need be at fault to guide himself or herself safely through the many trials to which everyone is subjected during our long and ofttimes inclement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, diptheria, whooping cough, can be successfully treated by well rubbing this Ointment upon the chest, and by taking the Pills. During damp foggy weather asthmatical sufferers will experience the utmost possible relief from the inunction of the ointment on all tender chested persons will save endless misery by adopting this treatment. —[Advt.]J i