SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. , Yesterday. Jane Douglas, from Ki ikoura and Wel lington. . Taiaroa, s. s., from Manakau, via way ports. Rotomahana, s.s., from Melbourne, via Hobart and North. Sailed. Yesterday. Rotomahana, s.s., for Wellington and North. . Spray, schooner, for Hokitika. Jane Douglas, s.s, for Wellington. Taiaroa, s.s., for the South. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Camille, from New York; Onward, from Lyttelton ; Norvel, from Norfolk Island. , Sailed— Rotorua, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. ' Arrived—Stella, from a cruise to northern' lighthouses ; Ellerton, from Greymouth ; Charles Edward and Huia, from Wanganui; Forest Queen, from Sailed—Mary Campbell, for Grey mouth ; Wanaka, for the North ; Star of the South, for Westport; Charles Edward, . for the West Coast; Oreti, fsr Auckland, via the' East Coast; Stormbird, for Wanganui. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Beautiful Star, from the West Coast; Albion, from Sydney. Sailed—Lapwing, for Lyttelton ; De fiance, for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. ' . During the week there has been no •, grrfat actirity shewn in the grain trade, but prices still remain firm at previous i quotations. The slight improvement in prices in England has caused a rather firmer tone here for wheat, the advices recently received noting a rise of 6d per quarter on last week’s quotations. A fair demand for milling samples has taken place, and altogether the market may be ■ considered very satisfactory here. For good milling samples from 3s 6d to 3s lOd can be obtained here, and second quality from about 3s to 3s 3d per bushel. For seed purposes good samples bring fully from 6d to Is per bushel more. A large »*■ number of bushels have been shipped during the past week to foreign ports, and from Lyttelton alone some 25,000 „ sacks have been removed for shipment. On removal of the sacks after some four or five months stacking outside under tarpaulins very few bushels were found damaged by the wet. Oats still continue in fair d-oniandj and good clean samples will bring about 2s per bushel here, and feed samples about Is 9d. In a few weeks iho demand for seed will be greater, as a larger area of ground is being broken up ■ with the intention of sowing in oats this The demand for barley still con tinues fair, but only good malting samples are really saleable at 3s .3d to 3s sd. Grass seeds are now being enquired for, and good clean samples meet with a ready sale at Satisfactory prices. Potatoes are sell 'ing better, and a slight improvement is noticeable in values of the good keeping tubers. The weather has been fine taking * it on the whole, but severe frosts have been the rule, and have in a slight degree the growth of the grain crops. In breaking up land and ■ cross ploughing the plains land has never been in such good condition for years, and it is confidently expected that the plains farmers will have good crops this season from the present outlook. Ashburton Retail List. Butter, inferior to best per lb, lodto is 2dt eggs, per, dozen, is 6d ; cheese, prime quality, ■ 1 per lb, 4d to 6d ; bacon, prime smoked, per lb, lod; hams, in cloth, per lb, lod to is ; flour, in bags, per loolbs, izs6d; oatmeal, per *slbs, 4s; lard, per lb, 6d. The Christchurch Corn Exchange. Com Exchange report for the week ending 1 Friday evening, the 29th July:—There is nothing in the aspect of the grain market dur ing the past week which in any way alters its tenor. Telegraph advices ftom England, re porting a slight advance in wheat, do, at the same time, give favorable advices of the Eng lish and European harvests. Wheat. —There is little alteration during the week in values, and not many sales have taken place; the mar ket, however, is very firm. Best milling wheat is saleable at 4s per bushel, delivered in Christ church. Second milling quality, 3s gi per bushel. Chick wheat, 2s 6d per bushel. Oats.—The hulk of the stocks arc . now in merchant’s hands. Good short milling samples are worth from 2s 3d to 2s 4d, f.o.b. ; feed quality, 2s to 2s 2d, f.o.b. Barley.— Prime malting samples are in request, and sale able at from 3s to 3s 6d per bushel, delivered in Christchurch ; second class malting, 2s 4d to 2sgd per bushel; feed quality, is qd to 2s per bushel. Grass Seed.—The market is without change. Good clean farmer’s samples are worth from 4s 6d to 5s 6d per bushel, in differently cleaned according to sample. Pota toes.—Very little business has been transacted during the week, and values are substantially ,the same, viz.— 4os at suburban stations, within eight miles of Christchurch ; sacks extra. Cheese and Butter.—The market is rather dull; the former is dull of sale, at from 3d to 3 the latter is dull at 7% d to 8d per lb.

Auctioneers’ Reports. Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the ■Live Stock Market, etc., tor the week ending Thursday, July 28th, iBBr, as follows:—In consequence of the wet weather and thin mar ket of last week a full supply of sheep came to hand for yesterday’s sale. South Canterbury again contributed largely in mutton, the gene ral weight and quality of which was eqaul to •anything sent into the yards this season. The samoremarks, apply to the sheep market gene rally, as we have seldom seen a sale in which the fat sheep were so uniformily good as yester day. Considering the large supply a fair de mand was shown throughout the sale, inferior quality being a little easier to buy, whilst the heaviest sheep (in some instances) sold dearer than at any market this season. Allowing for a certain amount of irregularity in values, prices on the whole held out remarkably well, and very few lots of butchers’ sheep were turned out unsold. For stores there is not

quite so much enquiry, and several lines of both crossbreds and merinos, which a month ago would have been quickly bought up, failed yesterday to find buyers. The fat cattle sale was probably the most important feature in the day’s auction, showing as it did a briskness of trade and improved prices foreign to the mar ket of late. The supply was very limited, and the quality as a rule inferior, both bo doubt at tributable to a great extent to the late rough ■ weather. Judging, however, by the sale, but chers had nearly run out of supplies, and both inferior and prime quality beef met with a brisk sale and ready clearance, at an advance of 20s to 25s per head—the'improvement being most ifiarked in the best cattle. In pigs the entry was the largest for many weeks, the only effect this had upon prices being shown in low-con ditioned stores and the lighter class of fat pigs. Bacon pigs, from 120 to ibolbs, are as much in request as at any time this season, realising higher prices in proportion than any others brought into the market. The totalsiyarded for the day comprised 6,481 sheep, 223 head of > cattle, and 384 pigs, of which our entry in cluded 3,223 sheep, 1 iB head of cattle, and 225 > pigs. In sheep our principal sales were. So mixed crossbreds, at 14s 6d, 40 at 15 s 3d, 118 at 13s 9d, 100 at 16s 6d, 257 crossbred wethers, the property of Mr H. Chamberlain of the Selwyn, at 16s 5d to 17s 6d ; account other owners, 60 merino wethers at 9s pd, 120 crossbred ewes at 13s, 6a at 13s 6d, 78 at 13s, 56 at 13s, 30 ■ at 13s pd, 50 at 12s qd, 41 at 13s 6d, 60 at 13s 3d, scat 13s, 48 at 13s 6d, 131 at 13s 6d to '.'r 9d j stores, 230 merino wethers at 8s 3d, ; > 50 at 6s, 50 aged crossbred ewes at 9s 6d, 50 V-merino ewes at 7s 3d, etc. Fat cattle, l 6 *Ss, 4 at L 7, 3 at L 9,2 at -

L 9 12s 6d, 2at L 9 2s 6d, 2 at Lq, 3 a t L 8 ss, 4 at L 8 7s 6d, 4 at L; 15s, 4 at L 6 X2s 6d, 3 at L 7 25 6d, 4 at LB, 3 at L 7, 5 at L 6, etc.; stores, 9 at L 5 tos, 4 at t-2 7s 6d, 5 at £>3 tos, 7 at L 3 is, and a few springers and milch cows at from Ls to L 8 per head. In pigs we cleared our entry as under— 6 at 20s, 4 at 52s 6d, 3 at 37s 6d 6 at 38s, 7 at 40s, 4 at 255, 15s at 15s, 11 at 10s 6d, 8 at 16s, 24 at 9s, 8 at 7s 6d, 6 at ' i2s, 6 at2is, 15 at 15s, 6 at 27s 6d, 5 at 30s, etc, Canterbury Horse Market.— The horse market at the present time is more than usually dull, and very little business of any kind is being transacted. The stagnation in trade, and low prices ruling for the past two years, is beginning to leave its mark, inasmuch as it has brought breeding to a comparative stand still, and good stock of any class is becoming scarce. In light horses this has been the case for a considerable time, and the greatest difficulty has been experienced in procuring a sound, well-bred weight carrying hack or light harness horse almost at any price. The scarcity of stock has already become a fact, and equally certain will come increased values and a better demand. The wet weather of last Saturday prevented the bulk of the horses entered for sale from coming to hand, but of the few onofier, and with a small attendance,, most of the lots were cleared at late rates.

Wool, Sheepskins, Fat, Hides, and Tallow Report,—On Thursday, at our Canterbury Wool Stores, we held our usual weekly sale. of the above. There was a fair attendance of the trade, and values obtained may be con sidered as very satisfactory, although scarcely as good as last week. We would draw the attention of our country constituents to the necessity of branding their sacks containing their fat, otherwise mistakes may easily occur on the railway. Our catalouges tor the day consisted of 2,681 sheepskins, 181 bags rough fat, 69 hides, and a few packages of tallow, all of which were disposed of, values as per quotations as under, viz. :— Butchers’ best crossbreds, 6s, 6s 3d, 6s 6d to 6s lod each; second quality, Ss, 5s 3d, $s 6d, 5s qd to 5s lid each; medium, 3s 3d, 3s 6d, 3s gd, 4s, 4s 4d, 4s 8d to 4s lid each. Butchers’ best merinos, 4s 6d, 4s qd to 4s lod each ; second quality, 3s 6d, 3s qd, 4s, 4s 3d to 4s 5d each ; medium, 2s 3d, 2s 6d, 2s qd, 3s to 3= 4d each. Best country skins from 5s 6d to 6s 6d each, others from 6d, is, 2s to 4s each. Butchers’ best dry rough fat, 2*/&d to 2%d per lb; second quality, 2d; none below the latter figure. Hides, salted, 4d per lb; damaged hides, 2}£d per lb. Calfskins, 4d per lb. Tallow, 2d, 2%d, 2)4d, to 2fid per lb.

Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. report on the live stock market for the week ending Thurs day, the 28th inst., as follows : —The Adding ton market was again plentifully supplied with fat sheep; in fact, they were sent forward from every part of the province, and the general bulk of the sheep were of most undeniable quality. The attendance of the trade was better than we have observed for many weeks past, and, owing to the wet weather, the but chers had only purchased from hand to mouth, so Wednesday last found them ready for a sup ply. Perhaps we can scarcely report an ad vance in the "price of mutton, yet biddings were more animated, and lines were competed for with a much greater determination than we have lately noticed. Very few, if any, sheep were turned out unsold, and considering the number yarded a good clearance was effected. Fat sheep are from is to is 6d per head lower than they were five or six weeks ago, and the top price is per lb. We sold crossbreds yesterday at prices varying from 15s 6d to 16s 6d, 17s 6d, and 18s 3d each. The quality, taken generally, was very even. Store sheep are not so much enquired for as they were, and very little change in this class of stock will take place till September. Merino ewes in lamb to Leicester rams are still in gooddemand, and are selling from 7s 6d to 8s 6d each. Merino wethers are bringing about the same price. Good store crossbred wethers sell from 12s to 13s 6d each, that is, if the ircondition is forward and they carry good fleeces. Cross bred hoggets sell from 9s to 10s 6d each, and if very good a shade higher prices are obtain able for them. The total entry on Wednes day comprised 6,481 sheep, 223 head of cattle, and 384 pigs. The fat cattle that were sent forward could not boast of carrying much superfluous weight, their quality being very so so. The trade had evidently run themselves very short, for the competition for anything like ordinary quality was very keen, and good prices all round were obtained. Very few stores came forward, and very medium ones they were. We quote no alteration in value of this class of stock. Wool, Skin, Hides, Tallow.—At out Wool Stores on Saturday we catalogued a very large entry of country and butchers’ skins. We had the usual attendance of fellmongers, aud suc ceeded in obtaining capital prices, best merino skins bringing as high as 5s 4d, and crossbreds 7s each; medium merino skins sell from 3s 6d to 4s 6d each; medium crossbreds from 4s 6d to 4s 3d each; country skins according to weight and condition of pelt, &c. Rough fat from to per lb; hides, 4Xd per lb; tallow, L 24 IPs per ton.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

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

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1881. Morality Enforced by Law.

TOWN EDITION. [,lssued at 4.10 p. wi. j

It is no wonder that we are con sidered by the people of most other countries as a nation of hypocrites of the type which Dickens has so happily de picted in his Pecksniff, Chadbands, and Stiggenses. We are constantly try ing nowadays to make people moral by Act of Parliament, and singularly fail; for one, if for no other good reason, that we are so utterly inconsistent, and, like the Pharisees of old, strain out gnats, and swallow camels. “ I hate the most respectable men of a dis trict,” said the great Chinese philoso pher, Confucius, “ because they always mimic virtue.” And yet, if the truth

were known, our legislative follies and absurdities arise not so much from our being hypocrites and humbugs as from our being illogical in thought, and cowardly in action, whenever Mrs ‘Grundy puts in her claim to be obliged.

One of the most recent illustrations of our respectable follies has been the New Zealand Gaming and Lotteries Bill. It is ostensibly designed to put down gambling, a matter which is utterly incapable of accomplishing until it finds some means to put a stop to all purchase of land in speculation, or, indeed, all trade in goods of any kind, except for immediate resale. The Bill makes no provision whatever against this particular form of crime or vice for the very obvious reason that the land speculators and vendors are far too strong to allow any restrictions to be placed on their own peculiar sins. But the Bill comes out very strong against sinners who cannot fight their own battles very well. The per sons who use the totalisator on race courses —an invention, specially de signed to supersede the swindling adopted by the bookmakers—are told in effect by the Legislature that their oc cupation must be banished, and that the practises of the bookmakers, how ever shady in appearance, are somehow thoroughly respectable. Even Mrs Grundy indulges sub rosa in transac tions with the bookmakers, and, as they truly boast, horse racing could not be kept up without them. So again, raffles atTancy bazaars, got up for charit able or religious objects, are henceforth to be put down, because a few foolish people call them gambling and swind ling. To apply those terms in such cases is really a very gross absurdity. The evil of gambing lies mainly in the fact that it enables people by mere chance, and without any labor on their part to acquire money, or the equivalent of money. Now, what man ever goes into a fancy bazaar and embarks his shilling or half a crown, or, it may be, his ten shillings, for any such preposterous purpose ? A man who should attend fancy bazaars with the view of making a living by investing in the raffles would be one of the most remarkable persons ever yet known out of the lunatic asylums. People are not really swindled at all at fancy bazaars, for they know perfectly well before they enter the room that they are not going to get the worth of their money, and if they are only sufficiently impenetrable to the charms of the fair sex, may quit the fond scene without having embarked any more capital than the shilling en trance fee ; even not that in some cases, where the doors are flung open to the public, and with a sublime faith, charity, and religion, rely on the lovely toilettes and personal charms of the presiding matrons and damsels. One thing, however, is tolerably certain, and that is that this part of the Act will be a dead letter, and that the ladies will set it at defiance. In Victoria some years back Mr George Higinbotham determined to be severely virtuous and to enforce the law against raffling in fancy bazaars, and about a dozen ladies of good social standing and position were summoned to attend the Mel bourne Police Court, and did so. Not one of them was vulgar enough to follow the example of Ingoldsby’s holy sacristan, —

As for the holy sacristan he expressed not a doubt, ’ But he put thumb unto his nose, and he spread his fingers out. But each one comforted herself so as •to present a lady-like equivalent for that remarkable conduct. Of course all the cases broke down on some legal technicality, and the virtuous pro prietor of the Bill got so unmercifully chaffed for his pains, that the law was thenceforth allowed to remain a dead letter.

But the greatest absurdity of all in the New Zealand Gaming and Lotteries Act is that it makes no provision what ever against the grand emporiums of gambling and betting—the race courses. Every one knows, and any race horse owner will at once admit it, that racing would come to an end if it were not for thebetting and gambling connected with it. Nor is this all. From a variety of circumstances, every evil that could be associated with the worse kind of gambling is found here. The horsey man is notoriously a person of the most shady character. The jockeys and stable boys, from whom the ex perts in horse racing derive the larger part of their information, are of all rogues and blackguards the most utterly roguish and blackguardly, and their blasphemy, obscenity, and dishonesty on the course are entirely unparalleled in any civilised country. On these places of rendezvous the evils of loafing and excessive drinking can better be seen exemplified than anywhere else ; and it may very fairly be said that no where can so good a senior wrangler’s degree for the gaol competition be so well acquired as on the race course. Even the race horse owners themselves

—sometimes very respectable men— take no interest whatever in the races for the sake of what is said to be their real object—the improvement of the breed of horses ; but if you listen to their conversation, they will dwell with eloquence and unction on “ the amount of money to be run for.” The jockeys bear this in mind too, and, as their masters know to their cost, often avail themselves of it to pull their horses, or arrange with other young blackguards to be allowed to win. Very often this happens when the uninitiated, seeing one horse win by a neck on the post, exclaim, “ What a splendid race !” Is it possible then that there are no stringent penalties imposed on horse racing, betting on horse racing, or even on bookmakers, who attend to ply their nefarious trade? There is nothing whatever. The horse racing interest is strong, and Mr Whitaker knows that he dare not attack it. Why then make such an illogical and cowardly attempt to coerce and punish the small offenders and those who are no offenders at all, while the great sinners come off scot tree? “Datveniam cotvis, vexat censura columbas .” Well might a French onlooker at any of our race meetings, if he has ever read our Gaming and Lotteries Act, exclaim, “ What a set of Pharisees and humbugs these Britishers are!”

Crowded Out. —Our Sydney letter and correspondence is unavoidably held over. Risking. —This seasonable recreation can be indulged in to-morrow afternoon by those fond of such like amusement, and an announcement elsewhere states that the fair sex will have an excellent opportunity for learning the art of link ing.

Phrenology.— Professor Simon gave a Phonological entertainment in the Town Hall, Rakaia, last night. The weather was fine and consequently the Hall was well filled. After a few introductory re marks, the Professor requested one of the audience to blindfold him. after which he invited any ladies or gentlemen to fill the chairs on the platform, and twelve well known townspeople, four ladies being amongst them, readily accepted his invitation. The acute manner in which the Professor hit off their characters, created great astonishment. The Pro fessor kept his audience in a good humour throughout, and was well applauded for the ability he displayed. The Professor will be in Quill’s upstairs Commercial Room, all day to-morrow, and will give his entertainment in the Town Hall in the evening. Acknowledgment. Wo have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the revised edition of the New Testament from Mr Andrewes, stationer, of this town.

Proposed Co-operative Company.—A meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of a co-operative company in Ashburton was held at Quill’s Commer cial Hotel last night. The following re solutions were submitted to the meeting and passed : —(1) That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable to form a joint stock co-partnery for the establish ment of a co-operative store in the County of Ashburton, having its headquarters in Ashburton. (2) That the capital of the proposed company be L 1,500, in 1,500 shares of 20s each ; 5s to be paid on appli cation, 5s on allotment, and calls of 2s fid per share at not less intervals than one month. (3) That a Committee, consisting of those now present, with power to add to their number, be appointed to draft a prospectus under which the proposed com pany would be floated, and to submit the same to an adjourned meeting, to be held at an early date. (4) That the adjourned meeting be held at Quill’s Commercial Hotel, on Friday evening next, at eight o’clock, to appoint a provisional directory, banker, solicitor, and secretary for the proposed company, and that the same be convened by advertisement in the local papers. The meeting then terminated. To Heads of Families. —An announce ment from Mr O. Digby, in another column, relative to the price of meat, should be read by heads of families. Co-operative Store. —A icportofthe meeting held last night appears elsewhere, also an advertisement setting forth the business to be transacted at the next meeting, which takes place on Friday next.

Tenders. —ln our advertising columns it will be seen that the South Rakaia Road Board are inviting tenders for a quantity of road forming, <fec. ; and the Wakanui Road Board also require about 30 chains of re-formation of part of the Wakanui road. Tenders are also invited by Messrs L. and E. Coster, at Somerton, for a quantity of ploughing. New Business. —Notification appears elsewhere that Mr R. S. Bean (late of Montgomery and Co., limited) has taken over the coal and firewood business of Mr Joseph Clark at Tinwald. Wo wish him every success in his new venture.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE [per rbutbh’s agency.] The French and Tripoli. London, July 28. A blue book has been published containing the despatches which have recently passed between the British, French, and Turkish Governments on the subject of North African affairs, and more especially in regard to Tripoli. In one of his despatches Earl Gran ville, the present Foreign Secretary, states that England will oppose any interference by France in the affairs of Tripoli, and his lordship further ad vised the Porte to act with prudence in its policy towards France in regard to that province. In a communication by the French Government, M. St Hilaire makes a reassuring statement disavow ing any designs on the part of France in regard to Tripoli. On the March. Calcutta, July 28- Telegrams are to hand from Afghan istan announcing that Ayoub Khan’s army is crossing the river Helmund some distance below Girishk, and has commenced its march on Candahar, Acquitted. Capetown, July 28. News is to hand from Pretoria that the trial of several of the Boers ar rested for the murder of Mr Malcolm during the war, has resulted in their acquittal. The jury was composed of Boers. Exiled. Constantinople, July 28. The Ulemas (the clergy and chief legal functionaries) having refused to confirm the sentence of death passed upon the murders of Sultan Abdul Aziz, and the Turkish Ministers having, moreover, urged upon the Sultan to commute the sentence, Midhat Pasha and Others found guilty of the crime have been transported?!© Arabia, where they will be detained in exile.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Small Pox. Sydney, Yesterday. Small pox is again increasing in the city in spite of the stringent measures that have been adopted by the Board of Health for preventing the spread of the contagion. Another case has been reported to-day from Wooloomooloo. Are they Coming ? Sydney, To-day. Nothing definite has transpired with regard to the movements of the squadron, but it is now srid to be uncertain whether it will now 'after all visit Auckland. The admiral is known to be waiting further instructions from the Admiralty. Arrived. Melbourne, To-day. Arrived last evening—Union steam ship Hero, from New Zealand. Parliamentary. Parliament resumed yesterday. It was announced that Mr David Gaunson had resigned the portfolio of Minister of Lands. It was further announced that the prorogation will take place on Wednesday, and the new session will commence on Friday next. In the Legislative Assembly a discussion took place in regard to the action of the late Commissioner of Trade and Customs, Mr A. T. Clarke, in admitting barley free. Mr Clark was charged with partiality, and with acting ultia vires, and it was stated by Mr Graves, the new Minister of Customs, that the system would be discontinued. Mr Clarke defended his conduct, and then left the Chamber.

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, July 28. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Hon. P. Whitaker informed the Hon. P. Buckley that Messrs Seed and Batkin’s report on the South Island would be received in a few days. The Imprest Bill was read a second and third time. The Adoption of Children Bill was read a third time by 22 to 6 votes, and the Married Woman’s Property Protection Bill was read a third time by 15 to 11. The Vagrant Act Amendment Bill and the Hawke’s Bay and Marl borough Riveis Act Amendment Bills were read a third time. The Taranaki County Council Loan Bill was read a second time. On the motion for the second reading of the Waitara Harbor Board Loan Bill, the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse moved that it should be thrown out, as there would be no security for the bondholders. The debate was adjourned at 5 p.m., when tho Council rose.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, July 28. The House met at 2.30 p.m. PETITION. Mr Weston presented a petition from the legal profession at Christchurch com plaining of the Law Practitioners Bill, introduced by Sir G. Grey. BREACH OF PRIVILEGE. Mr Reeves called attention to an article appearing in that morning’s New Zealand Times accusing the Government of favorit ism in letting certain contracts. He asked that it should bo dealt with as a breach of privilege. Mr Speight said he proposed to put a question to the Government on the sub ject, and on that understanding the request was withdrawn. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions, various Ministers stated The proposal for extending the use of railway return tickets on the Auck land and Waikato line to the day follow ing their issue was one which affected the interests of railways throughout the whole colony, as the principle of return railway tickets was regulated on the one basis throughout 'the colony. They would, however, consider the point, and afford such relief as they deemed practicable in the circumstances.—lt would take some months to prepare census tables showing the adult male population in each county and electoral district in the colony. —Government had no power to appoint Deputy-Registration Officers, but as the office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages a t Christchurch was deemed an eligible place, a supply of elec tion forms should be provided for.—Go vernment would take steps to prevent Chinese working on goldfields without miners’ rights, as provided by the Mines’ Act, 1877.—The Middle Island Native Land Purchase Commission evidence was most voluminous, and Government saw no necessity for having it printed.— Messrs Seed and Batkin’s report on the Middle Island service had only recently been received. They had not yet con sidered it. In all probability it would contain remarks which would make it un ad visable to place it before the House.— With the view of better protecting the seal fisheries, Government had under con sideration a proposal to lease sealing rights at the Snares and other islands, where these fisheries were liable to abuse. —Government would not bo disposed to remove further restrictions provided for by section 6 of the Arms Act, as to selling and purchasing fire-arms, gunpowder, caps, etc., in so far as it applies to the Middle Island. NEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time:—Westport Coalfield and Harbor Administration (Mr J. B. Fishei), to Amend the Gold Duty Act, to Amend the Mines Act (Mr Reeves), to Amend the Contractors’ Debt Act, 1871 (Mr Finn), the Waimate Racecourse Reserve (Mr Studholme), Fencing (Mr Bryce). NO CONFIDENCE DEBATE. The debate on Mr Ormond’S “ no-con fidence” motion was resumed by Dr Wallis, who said the Government were a mixed lot, but he desired to see them kept on the Treasury benches until the end of the session. Mr Tomoana said he should vote against the Government, on account of the injus tice they had done to the Maoris. He concluded by stating that there would soon be three parties in the House—the Government party, the Opposition, and the Maori members would form the third party. Mr Jones complained that the Govern ment was strong in its centralising ten dencies, and its whole aim was to legislate for the wealthy classes. In support of that he quoted from speeches made by the Premier on the Ballot and Electoral Bills, and he challenged him to reconcile those speeches with the assumption now put forward by him to represent the great Liberal party. The debate was inter rupted by the 5.80 adjournment, and re sumed at 7.30 by Mr Jones, who went on to condemn the Government on various grounds, and said—Even if they were not turned out on this occasion, the time was not far distant when Ministers would sink into their political graves unwept, un honored, and unsung. They would die by their own act. Messrs Pyke, Seddon, and J. B. Fisher announced their intention to vote for the amendment on various grounds, and the question was put, the following being the division list: —Ayes, 41—Messrs Allwright, Atkinson, Bain, Beetham, Bowen, Bran don, Bryce, Bunny, Colbeck, Dick, Sir W. Fox, Messrs Fulton. Gibbs, Hall, Hirst, S., Hurst, W. J., Hursthouse, Johnston, Kelly, Kenny, Levin, Mason, McCaughan, Murray, Pitt, Richardson, Rolleston, Russell, Saunders, Seymour, Shanks, Stevens, Studholme, Sutton, Swanson, Trimble, Wakefield, Weston, Whitaker, Whyte, Wright. Noes, 37 Messrs Andrews, Ballance, Barron, Brown, DeLautour, Finn, Fisher, J. 8., Fisher, J. T., George, Gisborne, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Hamlin, Harris, Hutcheson, Jones, Levestam, Lundon, Macandrew, McDonald, Montgomery, Moss, Ormond, Pyke, Reeves, Reid, Seddon, Sheehan, Shrimski, Speight, Taiaroa, Tawhai, Te Wheoro, Thomson, Tole, Turnbull, Wallis, Wood.

Pairs.—Ayes—Messrs McLean, Oliver, Moorhouse, Collins. Noes Messrs Stewart, Bastings, Tomoana, Shephard. The Bill was read a second time, and after discussion was ordered to be com mitted that day fortnight. The House rose at 12.30.

UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday the 25th inst. Present Messrs McLean (Chairman), Harper, and Sargeant. The Overseer’s report was read, where in he mentioned that a portion of the Alford Forest road, near McLeahy’s and downwards towards the cutting, nas being greatly damaged by the overflow of water, supposed to be through the late floods. The Board requested the Overseer, along with Mr Sargeant, to see this damage with a view of ascertaining the cause ; he was also requested to meet Mr Sargeant, and examine the approach from the Mill road into the south branch at the same time. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mu E. G. Wright, enclosing a copy of the minutes referring to large estates being cut up for sale.

At this stage Mr Stitt took his seat. was read as follows From T. B. Craig, trustee in Sutherland's estate, asking for information as to what amount was owing to the bankrupt, and ' the probable cost to finish the work.

The Clerk stated he had replied giving the necessary information.—From the same trustee in reply to the Clerk’s letter de clining to take up the contract.—From the Under-Se jretary, asking for a return of amounts paid for valuing property and making up the Valuation Roll, The Clerk stated ha had forwarded the desired infor mation. —From J. R. C. C. Graham, ask ing upon what terms the Board would grant him the gravel reserve near Mr McLeahey’s. The Clerk was requested to reply that tho reserve would bo granted on condition that a belt of two chains wide by five yards long at the back of the reserve be planted and fenced off, that the front of the reserve be fenced, and a gate put up, and that the Board should have access when gravel was required.—Frank Jones wrote asking if the Board was dis-. posed to let for a term of years the piece of vacant land cut off by the Mount Somers railway on reserve No. 2064. The Clerk was directed to reply that the Board declines letting it privately, and intends to let it by tender at some future time.— The Rangitata Road Board wrote agreeing to arbitration between the Upper Ashbur ton and their Board, and nominating Mr George Roberta as arbitrator. From the same, asking to be acquainted with the dates on which the Board purpose inspect* ing the works let by this Board in the Rangitara district, so that their official would visit them at the same time. The Overseer was requested to send the speci fications of the works and not to interfere further. —lt was resolved to pay Furneaux's account, as the matter would be left to arbitration. It was decided to ask Mr John Grigg, of Longbesch, to act as arbitrator between the two Boards ; and failing Mr Grigg, Mr Hugo Fried lander. _

The Clerk was requested to write to the County Council asking what amount' of the grant for planting purposes is due to this Board. Mr Sutherland interviewed the Board relative to his late contract for road ■ repairs. 1

The Clerk was requested to call for tenders for ditch, &c., on the Maronan and Tinwald road.

Accounts were then passed, and the Board adjourned.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. -To-day.

(Before Mr J. N. Wood, R.M.)

Drunkenness. —James Porter, a drunk ard, was fined ss, in default twenty-four hours’ imprisonment.—George Auohin, a drunkard, a second offender, who had taken away two horses which did hot be long to him, was fined Is, in default,, six hours’ imprisonment.—James French, another drunkard, from Longbeach, was fined Is, in default six hours’ imprison' ment.

Attempted Suicide. —George Shrimp ton was charged with attempting to commit suicide by stabbing himself in the arm on the 18th July. Mary Painter, servant at Butler’s Hotel, deposed to her seeing the defendant just after he had stabbed; him self in the arm with a penknife. He told her at the time he had done it. himself. Constable Smart deposed to having gone to Butler’s Hotelwnd he saw the prisoner’s arm and the sheets on his • bed covered with blood. The prisoner said he was mad at the time. He had been drinking.—The prisoner said he had been drinking, and had become mad. The loss of blood sobered him. The Bench discharged him with a caution. Furious Riding. —William Duncan was charged with riding furiously through East street on the 30th June. The defen dant did. not appear. Henry Zander proved the commission of the offence. The Bench fined the defendant 20s with costs. ,

Horses at Large. —Benjamin Smith was charged with allowing his horse to wander in the public street. Defendant admitted the offence, but said he had left the horse tied up. Fined Is, with 2s costs. —Frederick Betts was charged with allow ing three horses to wander in the public street. Fined 3s, with costs 2s.

l Insulting Language. —Maria Jones v. * Elizabeth Church—Mr Purnell for plain tiff. No appearance of either plaintiff or : defendant. Mr Purnell asked for an ad journment. The case was adjourned until next Friday week, 9th August, i emu CASES, i Orr and Co. v. Pearce. No appearance; case struck out. Armstrong v. Murphy—Claim for Li 15s.—Defendant said he could not pay more than LI a month ; he would pay by _ instalments ; he admitted the debt.— ;i Order for amount, with costs, Ba. Trustees of Quinton Bros. v. Harper— Claim for Ll2 Bs.—Mr Crisp for defen dant. —Mr Gundry deposed to the debt being due.—By Mr Crisp : The entries in the ledger are all in my clerk’s hand writing. The claim is all for liquor.— Mr Crisp submitted that the claim had not been proved.—Plaintiff was nonsuited, with LI Is costs. W. Solomon v. A. Hewson—Claim for L9.—Mr Branson for plaintiff.—Mr Crisp, for defendant, objected to the service of the summons, but afterwards waived it.—This was a claim for burning bricks, and plaintiff had agreed to be paid by a share of the profits on the bricks made and sold. Defendant was to supply clay, food, and tools, plaintiff the.labor. —Mr Branson stated the case, and contended that the fact of the plaintiff being paid, out of profits did not make him a partner legally, but only formed prima facie evidence to that effect. He called W. Solomon, who deposed that he had worked for Hewson in making bricks for nine weeks. Was to be paid for the work out of the profits of 10,000 bricks. 3,500 were actually burnt. Hewson asked him not to make any more. Witness asked him what ho would pay him. He said witness could take half the bricks if he paid the man working with me. Hewson used the bricks for a chimney at his own house. Was mould ing and burning for Hewson for a fert- , night and three days. Was three days working in his garden. The rest of the time was engaged in cutting drains. The usual rate of wages is 5s per day.—By Mr Crisp ; I have been fop nine years making bricks. The bricks were good enough for a chimney. Hewson wrote the agreement between us. He gave me the clay and v showed me the ground from which it was to be taken. He found me clay, firewood, and grub. Hewson asked me not to do any more than the 3,500 until he saw how they would turn out. They were not the best nor the worst of bricks. I could have sold them. I did say that there was iron in the clay. That was the cause they went so small. They wore burnt but not. properly burnt. I did say that there was' so much iron in the bricks they could not be properly burnt, in consequence > of which the bricks shrank and were too small. I was paid 10s for work in the garden. The work 1 did in cutting the drains was to make the clay fit for bricks. Nobody told me to do it. I never was paid any more than the LlO. I was paid LI, but that was before I began to work for him under the agreement. —By Mr Branson : H per week is a fair charge for - the work I did.—By the Bench: The drain improved Hewson’s land. —A Hew son, defendant, examined by Mr Crisp, deposed : That he had found the clay, fire- v; wood, and the grub mentioned in the agreement'. Did not tell plaintiff to cut the drains. There was not a * saleable brick in the whole kiln. Some burnt white, and some burnt Into ' No

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1881.



DAILY MEMORANDA. AUCTION SALES. : To-morrow, > Saturday, July 30. Mr J. Ivess, at his yards and mart— -1 Furniture, &c.; 12 o’clock. r MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c \ To-Night, r Friday, Jury 29. | Somerset Lodge, Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, Tanored street, 7.30. To-morrow, I Saturday, July 30. I Phrenological Entertainment, by Profes “ sor Simon, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. j Tuesday, August 2. ’ Ashburton Permanent Building and In | vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, [ from 6.30 to 8.30 p. m. , Wednesday, August 3. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. ; 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 best value for ready MONEY is the MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured by THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Beat Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET, WM. SPARROW. 75c Manager. John Meech, ’PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, JL 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



Wanted. WANTED— To APPRENTICE at once, a respectable Youth, aged 12 ; the Bootmaking or any light trade preferred. Apply, E. A. Garnett, Hair dresser, CaEAelstreet^Clirißtchi^k_3^^ WANTED A First-class General SERVANT. Apply, Mrs John Okr, Alford Forest Road. TS7ANTED KNOWN—To stop argu » » ment, twenty persons can testify that Miss Griffin and Miss Cotton were the BELLES of the Farmers’ Ball on Tuesday last. 362 c ANTED TO PURCHASE A small HOTEL BUSINESS near Ashburton. Apply to S. Saunders. 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 ANTED—2O,OOO Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mayo and Hunt. 201 c W" “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. Lino, Mayo’s Block. 185 c ANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED EVERBODY to know that HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 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 Broad wood 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 ; &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. Andbewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.— L. F. Andbewes 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. Andbewes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. N.B. Orders by post or otherwise promptly attended to. 102 c Special Advertisements. T^rURSE. —Mrs Pauling begs to in -1>( 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 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. Revised edition of the new TESTAMENT now on sale by L. F. Andrewes, Bookseller, Stationer, &c., East Street South. 338 c 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 I 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 be—and 1 am—in the now famous pure blended tea. I'm in pickles, in sauces, in coffee, in spice, in lollies and sweetmeats, and 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, Moate, A Co. ’s Pure Blended Teas, in boxes and packets (see advertisement and handbills). 3c TINWALD COAL AND FIREWOOD DEPOT—R. S. BEAN (late of Mongomery and Co. limited) having taken the Coal Business of Mr Joseph Clark, begs to inform the inhabitants of Tinwald and surrounding districts that he is prepared to sell Coal, Firewood, Post and Rails, Stakes, at the lowest cash prices, and hopes," by doing so, to obtain a fair share of support, N.B. — Orders taken for Bricks, Cement, Lime, Timber, &c. 356 c TENDERS will be received by the Undersigned up to noon on TUES DAY Next, for ALTERATIONS and ADDITIONS to Cottage. Joseph Ivess. 3660 Hayes’ fJIIMBER YARDS. Fresh supplies of Building Timber at from 12s per 100 ft, sup. Fresh Supplies of Black Pine and mixed Firewood at from 27s per cord. Fresh supplies of SHORT WOOD cut from 30a per Cord ; Also, Totara Shingles, Flooring, Lining, &0., 1 sawn and split Totara. Posts and Stakes in j any quantities. 1 ALPHEUS HAYES, I TIMBER MERCHANT, ] ■ Ashburton. " 367 1



Special Advertisements. ATEW TESTAMENT, REVISED jy EDITION. Wanted Known. J ust received, a few copies. H. M. J ones, Stationer and Bookseller. 339 c



(i 4 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, “ 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. 0., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, i Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS ■ and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a i large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomerys Buildings. 720 a



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, OBACOONIST, FANCY GOODS, 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. AND STATIONERY. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a*



T. [a card.] S. L A M B E Architect, HEREFORD STREET, Christchurch. R T, 325 c



Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be required. (Anyone hiring an instrument and subsequently wishing to Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase of same. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 365 a 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, 7s 6d yearly. Sole Agent for Christ church. 342 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. OTICE 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. ZOUOH, Proprietor. THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING. PRICE ONE PENNY. ADVERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for i very reasonable. N 0 T I C MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. E . Mr W. H. Puddicombe 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.



The “ No-Confidence ” Motion. —The debate on this motion was brought to a close last night, and ended, as had been expected, in a majority for the Govern ment, the numbers being 41 and 3?. The only members who did not vote. In “ pairs ” on the question being the Hon. the Speaker, and Mr Henry Driver.