SHIPPING.

POET OF LYTTELTON. Sailed. Yesterday. Mary iting, schooner, for Auckland. Rotorua, s.s., for Wellington. Jane Douglas, s.s., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived —Steamers St. Kilda and Go. ahead, from the North. Sailed—Sea Gull, for Auckland ; Rmga rooma, for Melbourne.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. •The weather has been very favorable tor faming operations during the past week, and very hard frosts have been the exception. Usually at this time of the year severefrosts generally follow the the heavy winter rains, but this whiter we have, so far, experienced most opposite results. Ploughing is being pushed on vigorously throughout the country, and large blocks of virgin land are being brought under cultivation. We note with pleasure the fact of there being a ploughing match held next month. The market for grain still continues much the same. Prices have in no way receded, hut appear, if anything, slightly firmer for all descriptions of grain— particularly wheat and oats. For prime samples of the former 3s 9d can be ob tained, and for. oats from Is 6d to Is lOd are offered for delivery here. The recent rise and demand for the latter cereal in Melbourne has not caused any appreciable rise in our market, although the demand still continues good. In all probability very little difference will be made, as there is a very large supply on hand and awaiting shipment. Barley remains un changed, and large quantities are still in store, and holders are desirous to quit, almost at any price. Grass continues to be plentiful, a matter which at this time of the year is a source of satisfaction to all formers and graziers.

Ashburton Retail List. Butter, inferior to best, per lb, 9*l to J*s eggs, per dozen, is gd ; cheese, prime quality, {ier lb, 4d to 6d ; bacon, prime smoked, per b, is; hams, in cloth, per lb, is to is 2d; flour, in bags, per loolbs, 12s; oatmeal, per 35lbs, 4s; lard, per lb, yd. {Auctioneers’ Reports. Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, &c., for the week ending Thursday, June 16th, 1881, as follows For yesterday’s weekly sale at Addington, an extra heavy supply of - prime quality mutton was sent to hand from all parts of the province— in fecti the yards were more closely packed than we, have seen them for some months. In crossbred sheen, Messrs C. T. Dudley, Gouldrand Cameron, L. White, Chas. Hurst, R, Wright, arid John Grigg were contributors of some of the best lines, whilst Messrs McLean and Rutherford and John Grigg were especially good in merinos. As might be ex pected, the full market had a somewhat de pressing effect upon the sale, and values oscillated considerably during the day. Several lines Of the bestj however; changed owners at prices little, if any, below last week’s quota tions, while jri others there was a diflerence of is to is 6d per head; the first-named .price representing^'about the average decline of the day’s sale. In store sheep there were but few on offer, most of .which were sold at late rates. Fat cattle were in'increased supply, and com petition flagged considerably. Owners were not inclined to : iccept : any material drop in price, and a lame quantity of beef was turned out ri&AM- ...Towards the closed of the sale there ’was a little better demand, and a few lines ofbund . buyers.. at prices decidedly in advance of earlier transactions. The general tone »| the auction was, however, quiet, aad slightiy reduced values had to be accepted all rounoT Useful'Steeps sold from Ly to L 8 10s;

extra heavy weights, to £.lO ios. Heifers and light-treight steers, I# ios to L 7. The entry of store ca,ttle was limited, and of the few on offer ine' hulk .were sold at unaltered rates. In pigs the entry was much larger than for many-weeks past, hut for any that were fat goed iipriceS were - obtained. Small or low conditioned stores were at a discount, and several, lines were unsold. • The totals yarded -for the day comprised—7,ll6 sheep, 286 he*)d •of cattle,, and 328 pigs, cf which' our , entry included 3,803 sheep, lot head of cattle, and zoo pigs. In fat sheep our principal sales . were 94 crossbred wethers at 17s M, S 3 at 16s 3d, 100 at 14s 6d, 100 at 14s, 241 merino wethers at 103, 56 cross breds at 15s pd, 56 at 14s 3d, 142 at 14s, 40 at 15s 6d, 150 at 14s 6d, SPat 14s 3d, 45 at 16s 6d, 73 at 16s, 46 at 16s 3d, 30 at 16s 6d, 34 at 14s 6d, 55 at-MSs. igS abiSs gd, 40 at 16s, 80 at 15s 9d»4bat 15s sd, 40 at 14s 9d, 50 merino wethers at ns gd,22P at ios6d to ios 9d, 62 crossbreds atlds 3d. /Stores—3B merino ewes at ss, 388 do-at 4s 3d, 96 mixed crossbreds at Us pd, 30 at 12s 6d, 146 at ns6dto 12s fid, 96 atßs6d, 107 shorn hoggets at 7s 6d, etc. Fat cattle—6 at L/l?s 6d, sat L 7 15?, 3at LB, 4 at L 6 ss, 2 at L 7 ios, 3 at L 7 7s 6d, 2 at L 7 28 6d, 3at L 7 10s, 2atL6 2s 6d. Stores—7 at L 3 15s, Sat l 3 ios > S' at Li ios, 10 at L 3 as 6d. Pigs—lo at 22s 6d, 7at 15s, 9at 12s, 13 at 138,10 at 6s 6d, it at Js, 6 at 19s, 8 at us, 19 at 9s. Fat- 9at 30s, 9at 26s 6d, 11 at 275, 6 at 28s, 5 at 345, 5 at 31s, 3 at 555. On Friday last we held our usual bi-

monthly sale at Leestoa. The yards were fairly filled, and most of the stock sold at prices equal to town rates. Canterbury Horse Market,—Owing to the terrific gale of last Saturday, the supply of horses for our weekly sale was very limited, in feet, not more than 25 head out of 160 entered came to hind. For the same cause there was scarcely a buyer in the yard, and beyond a few private sales.there was, comparatively speak ing, no business done. 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 the average attendance of fellmongers, tanners, and soapboilers. We hid a very large entry of rough fat and sheep skins, but, owing to the muggy weather, fell mongers did not appear at all anxious to operate; at protracted and uneven sale being the consequence. We would draw the butchers’ attention to the necessity of (at this , season of the year) keeping their sheepskins dry, otherwise the pelts become damaged. Our catalogue.for the'day consisted 0f—3,311 sheepskins, 174 bags rough fat, 62 hides, and several casks 7 and packages of tallow, all of which were sold at prices as under, viz. Butcher’s,best crossbreds, 5s gd, 6s, 6s Bd, 6s Sd to 6s gd each; second quality, 4s, 4s 3d, 4s 6d, 4s gd, Ss, Ss 3d, to Ss Jd each ; medium, 3s, 3s 3d, 3s 6d 38 gd, to 3s nd ; butchers’ best merino, 3s, 3s 3d, 3s Sd, 3s gd, to 4s each; second quality, 2s, 23 3d, 2s 6d, 2s gd, to 2s lid each; medium, is 4d, is Bd, to is nd I each; country skins, for best, from 4s 6d to 6s each; second quality, 2s, 3s to 3s gd each ; Inferior, lod, is, is 6d, to is lod each ; pelts, 3d, 4<3, 6d, to gd each; butchers’ best dry rough fet, z)4d to zfiA per lb; second quality, 3d to 2sd; discolored, I%d per lb; hides (salted), ad; calfskins, 4d per lb; damaged hides, per lb ; tallow (in bags and tins), 2d, 2}ia, to 2f£d per lb ; do, in casks, 23s 6d to 24s 6d per cwt.

■; Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. report on the live stock market for the week ending Thurs . day, the 16th inst., as follows : —The market on Wednesday - wns over supplied with fat stock, both sheep and cattle. Sales were ef jpjcted with difficulty at a reduction in sheep of at least is per,head all found on late ruling ' rates. The yards.were filled with fat cattle of . better quality- than we have noticed for many weeks past. ,A great number changed hands aboui 23s per loolbs. We quote mutton at r»:- at/d per ib. The demand for store sheep is - not quite so ! active as it has been, and at pre- S - Sent ruling rates for the different classes it is wiser to buy-fat,than stores. The total entry -Slock yaided-'On Wednesday comprised li|efetl6sh«p, 286 head of cattle, and 328 pigs, eilpWe sold the BlttoXliffs -sheep, crossbreds at and theJPaieommerino wethers at 14s ■hjthfcdatter. price -topped the market t day. , Mr Carter’? merino wethers sold at us each. We at-15s each, the above answering to our quotation per lb for the

day. We sold fat steers at from L 8 5 s 1° Lp iSs, and fat heifers at L 6 15s each. Fat cows at L2 5s each. During the winter months we occasionally get a glutted market of fat stock, and when stock have come forward by rail from long distances, they have, as a rule* to be quitted, and to do this lower rates have to be accepted. Yesterday was one of those days, but we do not contemplate any general de cline in prices of fat sheep or fat cattle. Our opinion is rather the other way, and that fat stock have not seen by any means their maxi mum value. Country Auctions.—Last week we held a clearing sale on account «f Mr Earle in the Ashburton district. The attendance was good, and fair prices were obtained for the live stock, farm implements, etc., clearing every thing to the owner’s satisfaction. At Tinwald, on Tuesday, the 7th, we sold, on account of various owners, several lines of fat and store stock, clearing all our entries at market rates. Property Sales.—At our Land Sale Rooms, in Cashel street, on Saturday last, we suc ceeded in quitting the Lincoln mill, with twelve acres of land, for the sum of L 3,000 cash. At the same time offered the Wakanui property, but failed to find a purchaser at our reserve. During the day we also offered Mr Fumival Lee’s farm of 157 acres, situated in the Lincoln road district. We failed to sell at the auction, but the property has since changed hands at owner’s reserve. Wool, Skins, Hides, Tallow, and Rough Fat.—rAt our weekly sale yesterday we cata logued over 3,000 skins, 93 packages of tal low, and a large number of hides. Best butchers’ crossbred brought from 4s, 4s 6d, 4s gd to 5s fid each ; best merino skins sold at from 2s fid to 3s 4d and 3s fid each ; country skins brought from 2s to 63 each ; hides 4d per lb.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Saturday, June 11. Mr Alfred Harrison, at lus rooms— Furniture, &c.; 1 o’clock. Friday, July 1. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their salerooms —Freehold Farms. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Monday, June 20. Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Asso ciation, Tinwald, at the Schoolroom, 7.30 p.m. Monday, June 27. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Thursday, June 30. Concert to J. S. Savage, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Monday, July 4 Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Tuesday, July 5. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, July 7. Ashburion Library—Committee Meeting. Tuesday, July 12. Ashburton School Committee.

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 bo accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

BIRTH.

Page —On June Kith, the wife of W. C. Page, Moore street, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Praevalebit. FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.30 p.m.]

Seeking Converts. —Elder Sorronson, the Mormon missionary, has left for Parihaka, with a view to converting the natives there to his faith. More Maori Vagaries.— lnformation has been received at Napier that the natives have pulled down the ferryman’s house at Manawatu crossing, owing to a dispute with the County Council. Run over. —A heifer, the property of Mr Shears, was run over yesterday on the railway line near Saunders’ mill and its leg broken. The animal was subsequently destroyed.

Looking After Their Interests.— The Licensed Victuallers Association of Dunedin are likely to send a delegate to Wellington to watch the progress of the Licensing Bill. Aquatic. —Albert White, of Mercury Bay, leaves on Friday for Wellington. Ho has brought out two outriggers, in one of which he will contest the champion ship of New Zealand with Hearn, of Wel lington, on July 9th, for LIOO a-side. Marriage Hoax. —The perpetrator of a hoax in the shape of a marriage an nouncement, which appeared in the Lyttelton Times, has, we believe, been traced, and the mighty limb of the law has been put into force, much to the chagrin of the offender. Parliamentary Papers. —We have to acknowledge the receipt of a number of Bills and Papers from the General Go vernment. Amongst them are the Licensing Bill, Roll of persons in Go vernment Employ, Unauthorised Ex penditure, Minutes of Inter-Colonial Conference, Education, Counties and Road Districts, Final Return of Settled Land Claims, abstract of Revenue and Ex penditure, Appropriation, Accounts, The Agent-Generalship, Civil List Account, Sir Julius Vogel and his claims, Inter colonial Tariff, The Report of the Management, Accounts, and Audits of the Public Revenues of the Australasian Colonies, Letters Patent and Registration, Reports of Inspector of Prisons, the In surance Commissioner, &c. i

Freemasons’ Hall. —The Freemasons in Invercargill have arranged to erect a Hall, which, together with the site, will cost nearly L 2,000. They propose laying the foundation stone on St John’s Day, June 24th. Vagrancy —Yesterday a man named Alexander Campbell was brought up before 0. P. Cox, Esq., J P., on a charge of this character. Accused presented a most deplorable appearance, and was sen tenced to one month’s imprisonment, with hard labor.

Poisoning.— The local referring to the death of a little boy, through drinking some sulphuric acid, which appeared in our town edition yesterday, did not state at what place the accident happened. This was owing to the carelessness of the Christchurch agent of the. Press Associa tion, who omitted to send the necessary information. We find on enquiry that the boy’s name was Ernest Freeman, and the accident happened in Rangiora, where his parents reside. Referred Back. —The Board of Edu cation, at its meeting yesterday, resolved to recommend the Ashburton Teachers’ Association to consult the local Committee on the question referred to the Board, namely—Whether it was imperative for a master, on behalf of the committee, to keep a detailed account of books sold to pupils, and whether it was necessary to obtain the consent of the committee before closing the school on Good Friday and other public holidays. Guides Wanted. —lf a representative of the local police force were to peram bulate the Wakanui road, in the early hours of the morning, it is just possible he might find employment in directing not a few individuals to their homes, or to equally safe lodgings. One man, at about two o’clock this morning, had so far forgotten his latitude and longitude as to be seeking Montgomery’s brickyards in the vicinity of Mr Ray’s workshop, and the citizen who was aroused out of his sound steep, and requested to escort the wayfarer home, breathed out anathemas not loud but deep. People in that neighbourhood are looking out for a good bull-terrier for keeping midnight prowlers off their premises. The Hinds School Affair. —At a meeting of the Board of Education yes terday, correspondence was read with reference to the suspension by the Hinds School Committee of Mr Chichester, the master of the school at that place, for flogging one of the pupils. The charge against Mr Chichester had been dismissed with costs, and the parents of a number of children attending the school for warded a petition, saying that, after making enquiries, they found that the teacher had never been guilty of any im propriety, and praying that he might be re-instated and the school re-opened. The Chairman of the School Committee wrote to the Board, reiterating the charges of misconduct against the teacher. The Board decided to instruct the Com mittee to re-instate Mr Chichester unless they were prepared to substantiate the charges of gross misconduct made by them. . Tinwald. Notwithstanding the low prices which farmers obtained this year for their crops, there are a great number of ploughs turning over a large area of land between the Ashburton and Hinds rivers, and should they be fortunate in getting a good crop next season, the grain that will be consigned from this station will equal any in the county. This town ship is certainly looking up, as a second butcher’s shop is about opening and also two general stores. The manager of the bank of New South Wales is in treaty for premises to open an office, and this will certainly be a boon for this place, and a great convenience on sale days to the general public. j|We arje also i informed that a hotel license will be applied for next quarter, as the license was partly promised by the Commissioners when last applied for, and it will probably be granted. Resident Magistrate’s Court. At the sitting of this Court this morning there were several cases set down for hearing,; but in the majority.,adjqnrnments were granted, whilst in others there was no appearance of either party. No cases were heard, and the Court adjourned till 2 o’clock, at which time the case of Smith v. Tiseh was set down for hearing. The case was proceeded yithat that hour, Mr Purnell appearing on behalf of the plain tiffand Mr Wilding for the defendant. The claim was L 32 9s 2d, work and

labor done, and against this sum the defendant advanced a set-off to the ex tent of L 64 16s 9d, for money lent, board, etc. Mr Purnell pleaded the Tippling Act agaidst some of the items contained in defendant’s set-off. The plaintiff, when put in the box, was evidently suffering from the effects of intoxication, and Mr Purnell, after vainly attempting to elicit particulars from him, applied for an ad journment, but the Court having notified its intention to grant special counsel’s expenses if this were granted, decided to proceed with the case, which was pro ceeding when we went to press.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per eedter’s agency.] The Wool Sales. London, June 15. At the wool sales to-day 10,600 bales were catalogued, and a firmer demand was experienced. Prices for greasy wool are about higher ; greasy crossbreds and coarse wools rule about the same prices as in the last sales. Closed Houses. In the House of Commons to-day a Bill providing for the closing of public houses in Wales on Sundays was read a third time and passed. The Fine Paid. Capetown, June 15. Telegrams are to hand reporting that the Basutos have paid the fine which was levied upon them by the Cape Government, in accordance with the terms of peace agreed to in April last. Very Backward. New York, June 15. In nearly all the American wheat growing districts, the wheat crops this season are very backward.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Looks like a Settlement. Melbourne, Juno 16. At a sitting of the conference of the joint committees of the Council and Assembly to-day, Mr Ramsay’s pro posals for a possible compromise on the Reform question were agreed to, and a Bill embodying the same was in troduced in the Legislative Assembly to-night. Amicably Settled. Melbourne, To-day. The Reform Bill, framed on the basis of proposals made by Mr Ramsay and adopted by a conference of joint com mittees yesterday, was passed through the Assembly last evening, forth with transmitted to the Legislative Council, where it was also carried through all stages without discussion. Great satisfaction is expressed on all sides on the compromise which has been effected between the two Houses. J

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, June 16. The House met at 2.30. notice of motion. Mr Barron gave notice that he would ask if the Government intended to take (' \y steps for the suppression or otherwise <«sc\)uraging of gambling, more especially tyit form known as race consultations. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence was granted for one week to Mr A. McDonald. Mr Whitaker gave notice to ask for fourteen days’ leave of absence for Mr Sheehan. questions. In reply to questions the following was elicited :—Government did not intend to introduce a Bill to amend the Harbors Act, 1878, but it the Harbor Boards thought any alterations necessary the Go vernment would assist in getting them made. —The marine engineers and nautical adviser had been instructed to report upon the necessity or otherwise of erecting a lighthouse on Waipapa Point, and the Land Department as to a site ; and if the report, as was probable, warranted it, provision would be made on the Estimates

for the building.—Government fully re cognised the services rendered by the police at the wreck of the Tararua, but they did not consider any bonus or other consideration for their services necessary beyond what had been paid as compensa tionfor clothing destroyed.—An important document was required to be printed in the Government office by an early hour on Monday morning, and the printers were given permission either to do it late on Saturday night or on Sunday. They elected to complete it on the Sunday.— Although no exhaustive step had been taken for conserving the native forests or establishing Crown land plantations, yet certain efforts had been made in that direction. Plans were being prepared showing the extent of and furnishing other information relative to these forests, with the view of a more complete con servation being made.—Government had under consideration the question of amending the Tobacco Act, 1879, in the direction of inducing growers, by means of a minimum duty, to successfully establish the industry in this colony.—Government did not intend to propose any amendments or changes in the Education Act, 1877, or the regulations made thereunder. — Government had come to the conclusion that their responsibilities in reference to railway accidents and damages wore equivalent to those of a private railway company, and that a Bill defining their responsibilities on that basis would be brought forward. —A circular had been issued by the Inspector of Prisons to Justices of the Peace. Two circulars had been issued to prison officials, one for bidding them giving any information to the press. That was done in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Regulations, 1873. These circulars were issued by the direction of the Govern ment.

NEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time ;—A Bill to amend the Oama.ru Harbor : Board Ordinance Amendment Act, 1876 (Mr Shnmski) ; Wellington Queen’s Wharf and Store Sale Bill (Mr Levin); Port Chalmers Cemetery Bill (Mr Macandrew) ; Drainage Bill (Mr Murray). MISCELLANEOUS. The following motions were passed : That a plan be prepared showing (1) the boundaries of the Maorewhenua goldfields within.the said county as .from time to time proclaimed ; (2), land sold within the said goldfield from its first being pro claimed to May 30th, 1881 ; (3) nam^a, of purchasers and acreage.—That a Standing Orders and Private Bills Committee be appointed, to consist of Messrs Brandon, Montgomery, and the mover ; that a joint committee on Bills be appointed, to con sist of Messrs Brandon,' Pitt, and Mr Seymour.—For a return showing the amounts received yearly by the Govern ment for tolls in the County of Eden from 1876't0 31st March last, together with a return of the expenditure on the main roads in the County of Eden, main roads leading from Auckland City to the said County, the road through the Borough of Parnell included.—That a return be laid before the House showing (1) what real property has been dealt with under section 8 of the High School Reserve Act, 1880, the nature of any such dealings, the amount received in money by the trustees of any property so dealt with, and the manner in which such money had been applied ; (2) what mort gages, if any, have been given by the trustees of any of the reserves, or of the profits of any investments made out of any moneys accruing from the, sale of any reserves subject to the said Act, under clause 12 of the said Act.—For a return

of the amount paid during the year 1880 by the various Borough and County Councils, Road Boards and other local bodies upon the valuation rolls in their respective districts. CHARITARLE AID Bill,. The Hon. J. Hall moved the second reading of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill. The principle of the Bill was similar to that of last session. The speaker then detailed the provisions of the Bill at length, and pointed out that in deference to the opinion of the goldfields members, a provision had been inserted whereby funds might be raised by means of a poll tax. Replying to an objection that it would encourage pauperism, the hon member said he did not see the force of that argument. The present state of things was more likely to lead to that effect than the system proposed by the Bill. The endeavor had been made to make the Bill as general and comprehen sive as possible, and he therefore hoped that members would not object to it solely because its provisions did not happen to fit in with the scheme in force within their own particular districts. Dr Wallis complained that in introduc ing a measure of this kind more full and

complete information had not been fur nished. In his opinion a sepai-ate Bill should have been brought down, one for curing disease and the other for relieving the poor. The Bill in its present shape meant nothing more than fresh taxation. What he suggested was that out of the 25,000,000 acres of waste lands they had still in hand sufficient areas should be set apart so as to provide endowments for the support of these institutions. By that means they might avoid further taxation. Mr Moss looked upon the Bill as a measure which would saddle them with a class of permanent paupers. It would bring them to regard this pauperism as a permanent institution in their midst. It was a matter whiph any local body, if properly organised, could deal with much better than they could do. If the House took up their time with this and other such matters, the result would be that the time would bo wasted away, and then towards the end of the session the really

important business of the country local administration, for example—would come down after they were tired out and ready to break up. He would advise the Go vernment to withdraw this Bill until the more comprehensive system of local ad ministration was before them and had been dealt with; and to test the point he would move that the second reading be deferred until the Government had had an opportunity of bringing down a general scheme for local administration. Mr Murray seconded the amendment. He concurred in the view expressed by the previous speaker. Mr Shephard could not concur in the adverse criticism passed upon the Bill. Mr Shrimski spoke in opposition to the

Bill. He charged the Government with' being responsible, by its land administra tion, and in other ways, for the poverty the Bill proposed to relieve, and advised that it should be withdrawn, and a Local Government Bill be brought down. Mr Ballance spoke in condemnatory terms of the Bill, but his remarks were interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30, when Mr Ballance continued the debate. He com plained that the Bill proposed a poll-tax to be imposed by bodies upon which the persons so taxed had no representative. Little dependence could be placed on the subsidies. The local bodies were not in funds, and could not possibly contribute the share falling on them, for they had not funds to defray the cost of works already devolving upon them. An amend ment of the constitution of the local bodies as they at present existed would obviate the necessity for the creation of this body proposed in the Bill. They had too many local administrative bodies already. He objected to the principle of the Bill, because it was the thin end of the wedge of State pauperism. He would suggest that the Bill should be remodelled in the direction he had indicated. He also sug gested the withdrawal of the amendment, and that the Bill, after its second reading, should be remodelled in Committee. The Hon. W. Johnston said he saw no reason why the Boards proposed to be constituted by the Bill should not be formed solely by representation from amongst those who were asked to contri bute the cost. In committee he thought an alteration of that nature might very well be made.

Sir George Grey wished to explain that he was in no degree responsible for the amendment. The member for Parnell had moved it on his own responsibility. He did not concur in the opinion that it should not be considered a political ques tion. It dealt with a subject of the high est political importance ; but it ought not to be deemed a party question. He thought it was quite possible to deal with this question under a scheme of local self-government. Under a proper sytem there should be no poor persons in New Zealand. If a fair share of the public money was fairly dis tributed there would be no want of em ployment, and consequently no poverty. Let the wealthy absentees residing in

England and elsewhere give back what they were entitled to ; and there would be no poor. Let the Government tear up this Bill, and say that charitable institu tions should be supported out of. the* legitimate source of taxation—the un earned increment. He hoped that the Government would withdraw the measure, and say that until local self-government was established they would allow this question to remain in abeyance, and that the member for Parnell would also with draw his amendment. He would be pre pared to follow any leader who would take up the whole question of local government in a right spirit. Mr Wakefield congratulated the last speaker on his conversion to the idea of local self-government. He supported the second reading of the Bill. Mr'Turnbull advocated at great length tliei delaying of the Bill till Government had disclesed its intentions on the matter of local administration.

Other hon, members spoke on the Bill, and, following-thp Hon. John Hall’s reply, the adjournment'of the debate was moved by Mr Barron, but, negatived. Mr asked- leave to withdraw his amendment, but .this,, was, ref used, and, on the. motion for tile second reading of the Bill being put, it was agreed to, and the Bill ordered to he committed a week from date. The House adjourned at 1.10 a.m.

TELEGRAMS.

' [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Opening of Public Library on Sunday. * Auckland. To-day. The City .Council ,by 5 to 4,) yesolved to open the Free Public Library on Sundays, between the hours of ttvb and six ih the afternoon, and seyqn and ten at night.: Resigned. Messrs- Russell and .Devqwi, the city solicitors, have resigned, in consequence of a resolution of the legal committee of'lhe Council, that they cuuld not consistently act for both the Council and the Harbor Board. Washed Overboard. Arrived—Barque, Camilla, 122 days from Londonalso the Loch Boon, which loft on the 14th March. An. apprentice named John Whytes, sixteen years old, was washed overboard from the Look Boon and drowned. An Intercolonial Football Team. The Auckland footballers, at a meeting, resolved to adopt the suggestions, of the Wellington Club, for formation of an In tercolonial team, and a committee was ap pointed to carry out the proposal. Appointment. Wellington, To-day.

The appointments of three agents, under the Consolidated Stock Act, 1877, has been revoked.

SPORTING.

THE ASCOT GOLD CUP,

[by cable.] London, June 16. The Ascot Gold Cup was run for to-day, rnd resulted as follows : Robert the Devil ... 1 Petronel ... ... ... 2 Exeter ... ... ••• 3

SMALL POX IN SYDNEY.

The City of Sydney in Quarantine.

(by cable.) Sydney, June 16.

Small-pox is increasing in the city, two fresh cases of disease having been reported to-day. Rigorous measures have been adopted to arrest the disease, and every precaution has been taken to prevent the spread of infection. Great alarm continues to be felt in the city generally.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, June 16. The Government are making en quiries as to the extent of the outbreak of small-pox at Sydney, with the view of ascertaining if it is necessary to take any precautionary measures here. Wellington, To-day. In consequence of small-pox in Sydney, the Government here, after considering an official telegram from the Government of New South Wales, resolved to proclaim the City of Sydney and the harbor of Port Jackson an infected place.

Box Culverts. —The County Engineer invites tenders in this issue for box culverts, particulars of which will be found elsewhere. Otago Central Railway.—- The Dun edin Chamber of Commerce committee held a meeting yesterday, at which Messrs Oliver and Stewart were present, re the Otago Central Railway. A resolu tion was come to to.urge Parliament to confirm the resolution of the House in 1877, setting aside certain areas of land for sale for the specific purpose of con structing the Otago Central Bailway, by passing a special Act for the purpose, and also to obtain a vote towards the further extension of the line.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(from our own correspondent.) Sydney, June 4. It is now announced officially that Parliament is to assemble on the sth of July for the despatch of business. The session which will be commenced on that day promises to be a lengthy and important one, and members are not likely to be relieved from their duties till Christmas, seeing that the business initiated last session for consummation in the next was very weighty. It embraces the oft-promised Local Go vernment Bill, and a measure to pro vide for the better regulation of the* Civil Service. Then the licensing" question will have to be considered in all its bearings, more especially those which relate to packing of Licensing Benches. It is only a day or two ago that the correspondence referring to the Dimond license was made public. It appears that Dimond’s house was re fused a license on several occasions, but a few days ago, after the last refusal, a number of magistrates appeared to preside at the Bench of the Water Police Court, out of their day, and the application was restored to the business , sheet in a most mysterious manner, whilst no opportunity was afforded the police to organise the case in opposition, and the license was granted- The Colonial Secretary ordered the house to be treated as one which had no , license, and very soon the whole matter was before the Supreme Court. Then the Chief Justice (Sir Jas. Martin) strongly deprecated the action of the. magistrates and held that their con-' duct was wholly unjustifiable and illegal. The Colonial Secretary then called upon the magistrates to explain their conduct, and the replies which he re ceived were ■ certainly mighty pisca torial.” However, Sir Henry Parkes did not strike the Justices off the Cord- ~ mission of the Peace, but contented

himself with a rebuke scathing enough in itself to lead to the resignation of the whole of the magistrates who presided on the day ih question. Ah extraordinary controversy has sprung up between Sir- Henry Parkes, Mr Daniel O’Connor, M.L.A ? , and the, Daily telegraph, which may 'fitly' be described as a triangular ; duel The newspaper reported that Mr Oi’Gotfrior had informed a that the - Colonial Secretary, was busy buying all the public land along the new rail way routes to attend to the Chinese question. Sir Henry Parkes demanded. an explanation, where Upon Mn O’Cqnfj. nor repudiated the repprt, The graph forthwith .proceededlo~ justify ‘ the report,: and t)ie public are 9 f glorious state..,of uncertam|;y r ' 7r the; matter is clearedit 'yrjlC ; |4qubtn j less be,found'that Sir ' Henry Has es caped damage, nnd tbat taken effect upon onejpfthejother r|wor ppriies. - ' "Slot a . little sensation has, .-been- r caused by the ruling of'Sir William Manning in ~thp libel action brought r by tl - L Mr' 'Gipp?i, ‘prompter . of Hillwater scheme,against Mr? John-i;- M'Elhone, the now. celebrated, flrbuily; of debate.” M‘Elhone tabled-dfettaiH 1 ‘ questions,/casting a reflfectionr-ifpbn f Mr Gipps’ abilities as ; a hydraulic engineer, B and k was proved that he had- written- - in the pocket-bopk of another rpetpher of parliament, Mr- to the same-effect; Jiiz.—that iGippfe / had: tried to'Make water rUn iUpihilh at R the Turoq. The writing was done out-. ; , side Parliament HWse,hrid‘,;it: contended that the defendant cou|dH< easily have, satisfied .himself t>j statements were incorrect! His Honor ruled* the communication *' to ; 2 therefore directed a^hpni' LW suit ’to be entered; A filing "of grfeat hXf

uneasiness at present prevails in thepubr i. Uc mind, aftd it is felt thStUetk be; a change in the law- of libel td prevent such patent injustices ”as have been endured in the Clohtarf • libel! action against the Bulletin, and : the gift of unlimited tether ”to the ... mbst unscrupulous and violent indi-;.' vidual whd has ever sat iii a : cbloniat ~ - House of Parliament t , . On the 26th ult. two . very ; old colonials passed away— Dr Lindeman, of Cawarra, Gisford, aged 70, and the Hon. T. W. Smart, Mona, Darling Point, who was in his' 71st year: The former gentleman was well known as a vigneron in the Hunter district. Mr Smart was known to public life during the agitation of 1848, and subsequent years, against transportation to New South Wales. He held successfully the offices of Colonial Treasurer and Secretary for Public Works, In 1870 he was nominated a member of the Legislative Assembly. Modern Sydney will yet astonish the world, notwithstanding the many and almost insurmountable drawbacks. ■ against which she has to contend in the narrowness and irregularity of her streets. A new light has broken in upon us, and progress is now the watchword. As far as buildings are concerned, ours are very much superior to those of other colonies, if they could only be seen to advantage. A determination seems to exist on the part of the authorities to get rid of everything offensive to the eye. Old buildings are being pulled down, the proper alignment of the streets is pro gressing as fast as the rights of property will permit, irregularities are being cor rected, streets paved, drainage im proved, and other important changes are taking place. One thing is par- •• ticularly noticeable, and that is that the sandstone era is passing away, and most of the modern structures are being built of brick and cement, the most noticeable of these being the new L shaped arcade, from George to King streets, and the magnificent palatial drapery warehouse for Horden and Sons. This establishment far sur passes anything in our city, both in • extent and appearance, and it is said, that on an average Li,ooo per dayis taken over its counters. j. -, !;

Mr Marshall Wood, the well known, sculptor, arrived in Sydney this week, overland from Melbourne. Mr Wood is the sculptor to whose handiwork this. -.;, colony is indebted for the : statue -of the Queen, which has attracted so much attention as it has stoo4 under the dome of our Garden Palace. His stay amongst us will be short,; as he intends visiting all the colonies. Mr W. H. Traill, the author of the paragraph which brought about the action for libel Moore Bros’, v. Tht . Bulletin, has now accepted the editor* , ship of the journal named. ... Another maritime disaster has OC*

ffHB ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY JUNE 17, 1881.



John Mcech, i x> RACTIC AL CABINETMAKER, \f UPHOLSTERER, &d., BU R NETT ST R EET, 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 gPE'CIAL NOTICE. We have JUST OPENED TWO BALES of WHITE and COLORED B L A N K E T S, Bought at a great discount, and which we have marked at MARVELLOUSLY LOW PRICES. Diecount of 2s allowed in every pound. EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. 822 a



(i A LL work and no play makes Jack XjL 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., &a. 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 fc F. 0., and to preserve the right to cals title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO :—Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c.,anda large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, -Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a OTICE TO FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton.



Dr James Murdoch, JJAVING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, 6th June, 1881. 951 a Hayes’ rjIIMBEB YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, far cash, in order to clear it. ALPHEUS HAYES. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, &c., to hand. ■ 608 a



Wanted. XT7ANTED— A general SERVANT. VV Apply to Mbs Murdoch, Burnett street. 60c WANTED— A MISTRESS for the Main School, Longbeach district. Salary for the current quarter, £62. Ap plications will be received by the Chair man of the Committee until JULY 2nd, 1881. THOMAS TAYLOR, 62c Acting Chairman. ANTED KNOWN TINWALD QUADRILLE ASSEMBLY, owing to the inclemency of the weather on the 10th inst., the Long Night was POST PONED until next FRIDAY, the 17th, at 7 p.m. 55° WANTED KNOWN—That ladies can obtain the SERVICES of a com petent WOMAN, to do Cooking, Cleaning, Ironing, and Washing. Apply, Office of this Paper. 47c WANTED TO LEI’—A Four-roomed COTTAGE. Apply, Office of this Paper, 63c WANTED KNOWN That John Walsh has invested in CAB No. 3, and solicits a share of the public support. 33 c WANTED— TO LET, a splendid SHOP, adjoining the Guardian Office. Apply, Office of this Paper. 000 a WANTED EVERBODY to know that HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s Od (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to harm an unim proved freehold. For particulars apply to W. H. Gundry, or W. 8., Box No. 1, P. 0., Ashburton. 801 a WANTED KNOWN.—Young Ladies’ Journal, Is 7d ; Bow Bells, Is 7d; Family Reader (Monthly), Is 2d ; (Quarterly) do., 2s 2d ; Family Herald, Is ; London Journal, Is 4d ; &c., &c. A large assortment of School Books and Stationery of every description. Hymn and Prayer Books, &c., &c‘ Subscribers wanted for every Newspaper and Periodical published. Books, Piece Music, &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



ANTED KNOWN—That Miss Veukall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery Ac. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House, 630 a TTTANTED Purchasers for Pianos, W Organs, Violins, &c. 1 Brinsmead Piano (second-hand), 45g5.; 1 Broadwood Pianette (do), £2B, cheap; 1 Smith Organ, powerful, 6 stops, £36 ; 1 Mason and Hamlin Organ, 5 stops, £3O ; 2 Violins, Bows, and Cases, £5 5s and £6. H. J. Weeks, Teacher of Music, Cameron Street West. Dresden Model Pianos to arrive. 931 a Special Advertisements.



W. H. SPACKMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a Reid & gray’s new zealand- AMERIOAN Grain Drill, 15, 16, and 17 Coulters, With all latest Improvements, and of best Material and Workmanship. ASHBURTON BRANCH : Cameron street. 898 a George St. Hill, JgUILDER AND CONTRACTOR, Burkett street, Ashburton. Plans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. 409 a rp H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH.



NOTE THE BRANCH A-ODRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, 369a* ' Branch .Manager.



Special Advertisements- 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. 11. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 3G5a 0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, rnOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, 1. 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. 527a* ANTED THE GUARDIAN tolls your Wants for Is., cash, U 1 LDING and FIUENDLY SOCIE TIES’ ACTS, on Sale at the Office of this Paper ; Price 6d. OTI C E . MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. 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.



METHVEN AGENCY. MORGAN and lIIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorisep 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. A FARM of 125 acres, well fenced. The land is of good quality ; all laid down in English grass, and abundantly watered. Haxton & Beattie's Patent FLEXIBLE HARROWS, and Kell, Meat, and Co.’s Anglo-American CORN and SEED DRILL. THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN PRICE ONE PENNY. DVERTISERS are reminded that the ASHBURTON GUARDIAN commands the LARGEST CIRCULA TION in the Borough and Suburbs, and the prices for advertisements are very reasonable. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor. 0 R SALE POYNTZ AND CO. PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING.