SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Pelican, brigantine, from Picton. To-day. Wanaka, as., from Wellington. Arawata, as., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Veteran, barque, for Oamaru. Ocean Ranger, barque, for Dunedin. To-day. Wanaka, b.s., for Akaroa and the Sooth. Arawata, s.s., for Northern ports.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, December 10. Mr. T. Bullock, at his Rooms, East street —Valuable Suburban Properties ; 2.30 o’clock. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Thursday, December 15. J. T. Ford and Co., at Friedlander Bros. ’ Saleroom —Valuable Freehold Pro perty ; 1 o’clock. Tuesday, December 20. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ac To-night, Thursday, December 8. Mr Purnell—Address to Wakanui Elect ors, Longbeach School, 7.30 p.m. Monday, December 12. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, December 13.

Horticultural Society—Monthly Meeting, Mr Jones’ Upper Room, 8 p.m. Friday, December 16.

United Masonic Ball, Masonic Hall, 8.30 p.m.

BIRTH.

O’Reilly. —On the 7th inst., at Wakanui road, Ashburton, Mrs F. P. O’Reilly, of a daughter.

TOWN EDITION.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. g THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1881. To-Morrow’s Contest.

Ere another impression of The Guardian meets the eyes of its Waka nui readers, they will have exercised the privilege of recording their votes for the one candidate out of the three on the ballot-paper, whom they think will best represent their interests in the counsels of the country for the ensuing three years. The franchise now is of such a liberal nature that almost every male adult of the country has a voice as to the manner in which the affairs of the country shall be conducted. This being so, we hope the elec tors of Wakanui will attach due im portance to the duty imposed upon them to-morrow, and that they will weigh carefully the merits and demerits of the various candidates, now seeking their confidence. Of the three gentle men bet iveen whom the electors have to decide, one has avowed himself as gene rally satisfied with the Ministry now in power, and willing to give them a fair support. Another candidate, while ad mitting that in the last Parliament it would have been difficult to find a more able and trustworthy set of men—has generally condemned the Ministry as having no policy, and severely criticised most of the actions, both of legislation and administration. The third candi date, has boldly come forward as the most virulent opponent of His Excellency’s responsible advisers, denouncing them as mere tools of the squatters and land monopolists. Those being the views, briefly stated, of the various candidates with regard to the present Ministry, it behoves the electors, in seeking for the best man to repre sent them, to consider for a moment what they owe to those gentlemen whp at present hold the reins of power irt New Zealand. First, then, we would remind them that it is this much abused Ministry to whom many of them owe the privilege of being able to record their votes as free men to morrow. But for the truly Liberal measures of electoral reform introduced and carried through both Houses of the Legislature by the Hon. John Hall and his colleagues, the “ virgin con stituency ” of Wakanui would be at present unthought of, and numbers of its'inhabitants would have no more voice in the management of the Slate’s affairs than the “ dumb driven cattle ” quietly browsing on the plains, oblivious of the struggle which is so soon to take place. Another matter well worthy the con sideration of the electors in this con nection is the fact of Ashburton having returned, without opposition, Mr E. G. Wright, a gentleman giving the Minis try a fair support. If Wakanui returns a man prepared to “ run-a-muck ” at every act of the present Government — or of any other, for the matter of that, unless that Government contains his own name, such is his almost boundless ambition—that constituency and Ash burton will be really disfranchised by the representative of each electorate walking into opposite lobbies on the ringing of the division bell. To come to the qualifications of the candidates as local men —The first name on the ballot paper to meet the eye of the voter will be that of Mr Joseph Ivess, a gentleman who can hardly be said to have a very heavy stake in the electorate which his ego_

tism leads him to suppose he is a “ fit and proper person ” to represent, and, if it suited him, he would no doubt pack up his carpet bag and smile an adieu, as he has done before, and try fresh fields. Mr Purnell is a gentleman of whose abilities we, in common'with most who know him, entertain a high opinion ; but, while not being of such migratory habits as the ’person whose claims we have just noticed, he cannot be said to possess any great stake in Wakanui, more than in any ether electorate in the colony. The third candidate, Mr Wason, is a gentleman farming about Tood acres of land in the ‘ distinct, ana as such stands pre eminently above his rivals as a local man. The welfare of the district is his welfare, and the interest of the farming class his interest. He has been accused by a vivacious opponent of being a “ land monopolistbut the Governor of the Bank of England might with as much reason be termed a miser, simply because he is the director of great wealth, which he speedily turns over, and in so doing benefits all classes of the community. Such a man as Mr Wason, if times get bad, must stay and bear the pinch with the rest of the people. He cannot simply “get up and get,” and leave others to bear the burden. This being the case—which we think the most enthusiastic partizan cannot deny—we are sure the majority of the electors of the district will have little hesitation in placing their interests in his hands, being fully confident that the fact of those interests being identical with his own is a guarantee that his voice will be heard in protest against any legislation which is likely to act prejudicially to to the agricultural portion of the electors. Briefly summarising them, the claims and qualifications of the three candidates are—Two are oppo nents of the present Ministry ; one is their supporter. Two of the candidates have little or no stake in the elec torate ; the interest of the-, other is almost inseparably - bound up in it. Trusting that every one qualified, who possibly can do so, will go to the poll, we leave the matter in the hands of the electors, and we feel sure that the good sense of the majority will prevent them being led astray by any mere blatan ■ demagogue who would make theit votes a: stalking-horse to gratify his over - weaning vanity, while knowing little of —and caring less for — their interests. We are confident that the farming portion at any rate of the electorate, after carefully weighing the merits of the three candidates, will obliterate all names from the voting paper but that of John Cathcart Wason,

whom we hope to see returned as the farmers’ representative for Wakanui.

Ashburton Bridge. Our attention has been called to an omission in our re port of the County Council meeting yes terday. A week or two back the Guardian, in describing how a woman had been nearly rushed by cattle in crossing the bridge, suggested that the rail in front of the escape-ways should be replaced, as those places of. refuge were at present of little use, being as open as the bridge itself. This question came up at the County Council meeting yesterday, when it was resolved that the should write to Government ajsking that the escape-ways might bo protected in the manner above indicated , without delay. The item was inadvertently omitted from yesterday’s report, and, strange to say, it was omitted from all the reports.

Wakanui School Committee. A meeting of the Wakanui School Com mittee, to be followed by a public meet ing, will be held on Monday evening next. A a the business to be transacted is of unusual importance there should be a large attendance.

A Per ambulating Ad ve rtising Medium. —A water-cart, chartered by Mr Lancas ter, butcher, of this town, was to be seen slowly perambulating up and down East street to-day bearing on it the words— “ Free Trade,” “ Bread 5d a Loaf.” Mr Lancaster is contemplating entering the bakery trade in addition to his present business. The Messiah.— This world-renowned oratorio will be produced for the first time in Ashburton at the Town Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Between forty and fifty amateurs are now engaged in re hearsing it, and rumor speaks highly of some of the vocalists. The idea of pro ducing Handel’s great work here was rather a bold one, but there is every pros pect, nevertheless, of the performance turning out a thoroughly enjoyable one. Tenders. —Messrs Poyntz and Co. in vite tenders for purchase of a crop of grass seed. Cheap Bread. —Mr Taylor, of East street, intimates that he intends selling bread at Gd a loaf from this date.

To Heaos op Families.— “ The compli ments of the season ” are presented in this issue to heads of families and others by Mr H. M. Jones, and a visit to his shops in East street and Baring square is in vited. In contemplation of the coming festive season Mr Jones has opened up a large supply of toys, etc., and his estab lishment presents somewhat the appear ance of a fancy bazaar. To Voters. —The supporters of Mr C. ~W. Purnell are referred to an announce ment in another part of this issue, ad vising them of the piace of rendezvous, for the purpose of conveyance to polling booths. To the- Impudent. —Some members of the “ larrikin” class having made use of a drag belonging to Mr M‘Rae, that gentleman announces that the matter will be put into the hands of the “man in blue ” unless tue conveyance is returned forthwith. Is it possible that the election to-morrow accounts for the mysterious dis appearance of the aforesaid vehicle ? Held Over. —The report of the monthly meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board is unavoidably held over owing to great pressure on our space. It will appear in our issue of to-morrow. Free Concerts. —Mr H. J. Weeks opened his new premises in Tancred street to-day. By way of celebrating the occa sion Mr Weeks purposes giving two pro menade concerts at his new and spacious premises. The programme comprises some thirty instrumental selections by well-known amateurs, pupils of Mr Weeks, and other performers. The first concert takes place to-night, when the visitors will assemble by invitation only; but to-morrow night the concert will be repeated, and the admission will be gratis. One of : the novelties to be seen and heard to-night and to-morrow is the newly invented orguinette, a clever “ notion ” of our American cousins.

CABLE NEWS

LATtST FROM EUROPE [per reuter’s agency.] Retired from the Contest. London, Dec. 5.

A Parnellite, who was a candidate for the seat for Londonderry in the House of Commons, rendered vacant

by the appointment of the Right Hon. Hugh Law to the Lord Chancellorship of Ireland, has retired from the contest. In an address to the electors announc ing his retirement, he urges the sup pprters of the Parnellite cause to vote, for Sir Samuel Wilson,. the Conserva tive candidate; Money and the Markets.

Consols remain at New Zea land securities are unchanged at yes terday’s quotations. Adelaide wheat, ex store, remains at 56s ; New Zealand ditto, 525; Adelaide flour, ex ware house, 41s 6d ; Australian tallow, best beef, 37s 6d ; best mutton, 40s 6d, At the wool sale to-day 5,800 bales were catalogued. The bidding was steady, but the demand for the lots of fered was not active. The Mails.

The mails via Suez and Brindisi, which left Melbourne on Cetcher 25th, were delivered here to-day. Congressional. Washington, Dec. 5.

The Congress of the United States met to day, but adjourned without transacting other than merely formal business. The delivery of the Presi dent’s usual message to the two Houses has been postponed for the present. In the House of Representatives, Mr Keifer, a Republican, was elected Speaker. AUSTRALIAN. [per reuter’s agency.] The Produce Market. Melbourne, Yesterday. New Zealand feed oats, per bushel, 3s 2d ; ditto, milling, 3s $d j wheat, 533 market dull and drooping; barley, 3s sd, prices ate depressed, owing to large supplies. One of the English Cricketers Sun strucu. Sydney, Yesterday.

A cricket match was commenced at Paramatta 10-day between the English Eleven and a local twenty-two. The former went first to the wickets and scored 61 runs, of which Midwinter contributed 26, not out. The twenty two then went in, and their innings closed for 78. The weather was very fine and hot throughout the day. lining, one of the English cricketers, at the close of their first innings, was attacked with sunstroke, and is now seriously, indisposed.

TELEGRAMS.

(pull PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

More Bad Luck tor the Insurance Companies. Auckland, To-day.

A fire broke out in Symonds’ buildings this morning which destroyed Tyre’s store, Gilmour’s store, and Lincoln’s cottage. The insurances were as follows : Tyre’s stock LBOO in the New Zealand',' building L 550 in the Standard office; Gilmour’s stock L 1,200 in the United, (reinsured), and L3OO each in the Union, Northern, and Norwich Union offices. The building was insured for L 450 in the Standard office, and Lincolns cottage was insuredifor L2OO in the Standard. News from the Camp. Pungarehu, To-day.

The camp was shifted at Parihaka Yesterday. The road work will soon be commenced.. The men stationed here have already commenced between Para para and Parihaka. It is stated that they are to have la per day on the road, as the duty is not heavy. Their monthly cheques will be considerably increased. The officers get 2s 6d per diem. Several recruits have already got tired of the force, and have put in applications for their dis charges and got them. Appeal Court. Wellington, To-day..

The following judgments were given in the Appeal Court this morning:—District Land Registrar v. Mitchelson, Auckland, appeal dismissed with costs; Rich and another v. Whitaker, Auckland, appeal allowed with costa. Leave was given to reply in the case of Wi Hironga, an ap peal from the Native Lands Court at Gisborne. The appeal was allowed with costs, and the Court adjourned till this afternoon, when, probably, other judg ments will be given. Mr “ Teddy” Wakefield at Geraldine. Timaru, To-day.

Mr Edward Wakefield met the electors at Geraldine last night. There was a "ery rowdy meeting, a few persons making a continuous disturbance. A vote of thanks was proposed and rejected. Pyke is Offered a Seat. Dunedin, To-day.

Mr Pyko writes to the Otago Daily Times that an offer of a seat in the Legislative Council has been made to him by Mr Herbert, of Lawrence. On the Decline. Messrs Murray and Roberts’ wool cable, dated sth Dec., reports the market weaker ; greasy has declined sto 1\ per cent. Another Flare-up. A fire occurred at Kensington this morning, which destroyed the shops of William Lennon, draper, John Jackson, ironmonger, an unoccupied dwelling, and partially burned the dwelling of one Barry. The only insurances ascertainable are—Jackson, LIOO in the New Zealand office, and Barry, L3OO in the Colonial office.

A Fatal Game of Play. Balclutha. To-day.

While two young girls, daughters of Alexander Ironside, coach proprietor, were yesterday afternoon playing with a raft in a water-hole both fell in. One managed to scramble out, but the other, seven years of age, was drowned.

THE TOTALISATOR CASE.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day,

In the Appeal Court, in the totalisator case of Franck v. Stead and others, judg ment was given for the defendant, with costs. The Court held that the machine of the defendant, while similar to the plaintiff’s in some respects, was not an infringement of his patent. Application was made for leave to appeal to the Privy Council. The Court, however, was of opinion they had no power either to grant or refuse leave.

THE WAKANUI ELECTORATE.

[from the CHRISTCHURCH “ TELEGRAPH.”]

Wakamii is one of those constituencies which Canterbury owes to the present Go vernment. In obtaining it they-sacrificed the friendship and support of the Nelson members, who had always been staunch allies of Mr Hall. But justice demanded the re-distribution of seats, and Nelson had to go to the wall. Wakanui is a gainer by Nelson’s loss. At the outset four candidates we.-e suppliants for the favor of Wakanui. But one gentleman, after performing, in his eventful electoral career, many strange parts, whispered, but not published, withdrew in favor of Mr Ivess. Mr O’Reilly was only acting in the humble capacity of warming pan for Mr Ivess. Of the candi

dates, Mr Purnell is not unknown in Christchurch ; but he must have taken tremendous strides if he has qualified him self to fill, with anything like efficiency, a seat in Parliament. Mr Ivess is some what more widely known to fame. It has been his aim, hitherto, to improve the shining hours of life in the establish ment of newspapers in various parts of the colony. We have many fathers in New Zealand —the father of Canterbury, the father of Otago, and Mr Montgomery, who is usually known as the Heavy father. We think Mi Ivess may be added to this paternal list, and go down to posterity as the father of newspapers in New Zealand. Apparently he has not found them a lu crative undertaking, for he is anxious to make a “ grab ” at the honorarium ; yet, if he has not found newspaper proprietorship profitable he has found it powerful. For in his address at a late noisy meeting he thieatened his hearers with “putting their names ” in his-paper: —And-he owes his present candidature to the fact that he is , proprietor, or part proprietor, and editor, or part editor to the Ashburton Mail. Mr Wason, the remaining candi date, is an old friend. ’ He' has been in the House before, and when there did good service as the Liberal member for Coleridge. He is a traditional Liberal, his father having been a member in the English Parliament of the Liberal inter est. Mr Wason said, in his address to the electors of Wakanui :—“ I am a Liberal in politics, always have been, and h®pe always to remain so ; but I am not a Communist, and I entirely deny the right of Sir George Grey and his Com munistic followers to arrogate to their faction the time-honored title of Liberal, a piece of impertinence which I trust you will resent on the day of the poll.” It is true that in these days, and in Christ-, church, it is sought to apply a new test to a man’s political principles : —The new test is—will he follow “ bogie Grey does he take the Lyttelton Times 1 Unless a man will swear by “ bogie Grey and the Lyttelton v Times,” it matters not that he has always held Liberal opinions ; that he has sucked them in with his mother’s milk; that he is even republican in sentiment; he is not Liberal. We trust, indeed, that the electors will re sent this “ piece of impertinence ” on the day of the poll. In his speech Mr Wason addresses himself in a powerful and con vincing way to disperse some of the many fallacies that have been interspersed in the speeches of a good many of the candidates for popular favor. The most telling part of his address is that which deals with Mr Sealey’s pamphlet. Here he appeals to the farmer’s practical sense, and does not appeal in vain. Mr Sealey is a man of figures. Like the leather merchant who would fortify the threatened city with leather, Mr Sealey would dispose of all political questions by a division sum. He appears to forget that there are other sciences than that of figures, the science of physical geography for example. Nature has an important part to play in all questions of political economy; and, as Mr Wason says, “ Let nature swing ;” let there be freetrade in land. “ Remove all restrictions from the sale of land ; pre vent it being tied up by wills and settle ments.” Let everyone—“the farming man who has his eye on the servant girl,” , and every industrious man be able fairly to acquire a holding. This is sufficient ; the country will surely prosper. For a specimen of good, plain, common-sense reasoning we cannot do better than com mend Mr Wason’s address to our readers, and we are much mistaken if the farmers of Wakanui do not show their appreciation by placing Mr Wason at the head of the poll on Friday next.

DISTRICT COURT.

(Before His Honor Judge Ward.) ASHBURTON— To-Day. CIVIL CASES. Wilkin and Carter v. George Bennison. —Claim L2OO. Mr Branson appeared for the plaintiff. There was no appearance of the defendant, and judgment was given by default for plaintiffs; immediate execu tion granted. , . IN BANKRUPTCY. Orders of discharge were granted to the following debtors : —Wm. Fergus, and John O’Connor (Mr G. D. Branson) ; D. Evans and Stephen Stokes (Mr O’Reilly). Re Robert Little, a debtor. This was an application by Mr O’Reilly for an order nisi,calling upon George Hutchinson, com mission agent, of Christchurch, to shew cause why he should not deliver up the property of Robert Little, a bankrupt, to the Clerk of Court, Ashburton, and also to show cause why he had not allowed the bankrupt to retain L 25 worth of furni ture and personal effects. The order was granted. PROBATE. Re Mary Smith, deceased. Mr Crisp applied that letters of administration might be granted to Hay T. Smith. Granted. The Court then rose.

ASHBURTON FIRE BRIGADE.

The regular monthly meeting of the Brigade was held last evening,- at the Borough Chambers ; Captain Dolman in the chair. A quantity of correspondence was read and dealt with. The Treasurer reported the following donations towards the funds of the Brigade since the fire in Wills street :—Mr S. S. Revans (Bank of New Zealand), LlO 10s ; Messrs Poyntz and Co., L 5 5s ; Mr R. Alcorn, L2s 2s ; S. M. Alcorn, L2 2s; New Zealand In surance Company (per Messrs Jameson and Roberts), L2l; Messrs Albert Roberts and T. Chambers, L 3. The Secretary was instructed to attend- to correspon dence and thank those who had con tributed as above. The Captain re ported that the Secretary had written Messrs Shand, Mason and Co., of London, asking the beat terms upon which a steamer could be procured, and that a reply had been received that upon pay ment of LIOO cash, and approved bills bearing interest at 5 per cent, for the balance, they would ship an engine to the Brigade immediately, and allow a dis count of 10 per cent, on the whole cost. This information had been to hand for some little while, but it was thought better to retain it until something should occur to exercise I'ie public mind a bit, and that now a good opportunity offered, to inform the ratepayers of the matter. Another length oi ladder was ordered for the hook and ladder company. The Com mittee were authorised to pay full wages and doctor’s'expenses to No. 1 branchman, Geo. Millar, who was hurt at the late fire. Lieut. Dolman and Treasurer Parkin were appointed delegates to attend the annual Conference at Tiraaru on the 9th January. As an idea has got abroad that donations made to the Brigade are divided amongst the members, it is as well that the, public be informed that this is quite erroneous, all such suras being paid to a special ac count, to assist men injured on duty and similarly deserving objects. Two fresh members were proposed, and the meeting adjourned.

MESSRS WASON AND PURNELL AT WAKANUI.

Mr Wason and Mr Purnell &di%a»d&r largely attended meeting of electors at the Wakanui schoolroom last evening. Mr Geo. W. Leadley was voted to the chair.; Mr Wason briefly recapitulated the views already so often expressed in his addresses to the electors at the other centres of the Wakanui district. He re ferred to the article in the Mail which spoke of him (Mr Wason) as the nominee of the squatters. He would deny this statement altogether, and those present were aware of its object. [Cheers.] He had voted with no body of squatters during the time he represented the Cole ridge district. [Applause.] He-read a portion of the Hon. W. Rolleston’s Speech, regarding the land law reform. He thought that no man should occupy a very large tract of land, [Cheers.] Mr Turn bull and Mr Stout were Communists,; and Messrs Gladstone and Bright were, as far different in their views as light was from darkness. He was not, and never said he was, a blind supporter of the Upper House or the Ministry. He thought they I should let well alone, and if any change 1 were made the entire abolition of: the Upper House would alone satisfy him. ■ [Mr Phillip McGuire here entered the room amidst applause.] He thought that a re form in law practise was required, and it matters were left to arbitration it would save great expense. [Cheers.] The fact was, that owing to Communistic policies no French colony was a success, a id■ the inhabitants were in a wretched state.- ] He alluded to the fact that Mr Taylor, of Buccleuch, who had been pointed out to him as a noble example, had been unable to sell his land, even on the most favorable terms which had been offered. Tjiere were now millions of acres of land open for purchase, and no one could say that there was no land left for selection: He: disap proved of the Income Tax, as the public must pay for it in the long run. F-yery farmer spent the value of his income in improvements, and these would eventually be taxed by the Income Tax Assessor. He thought that the duty on sugar; for breweries should be heavily increased, as good malt and hops were hardly used, and the consequence was that vile stuff knpwn as beer was sold to the public. He yyas opposed to the Hoads Construction Bill. No better representation could be ob tained in the Government if the colony for Canterbury than Messrs Hall and Bolleston. [Hear, hear, and cheers.] He thought the present Ministry had a policy which was in every way one cal culated to improve the condition of the colony and its people. [Cheers.] ilf elected, he would do his best to represent the district of Wakanui, and the farmers would always receive the most earnest con sideration for their welfare it was possible for one member to introduce and suppprt. 1 [Hear, hear, and loud applause.] Mr Purnell said that in again addres sing them he should follow the exatriple of the other candidates, and in order that he should not seem' disrespectful he had 1 determined to : address the electors again. During the campaign he had been very careful not to set class against class. Candidates for election should strictly

confine themselves to political .questions.

The electors should be careful not to ‘re turn a member who would advocate a “bursting-up” policy. [Cheers] He would give in to no one in the opinions' he held on the land law reforms which were required, and which he first of all promul . gated. Mr Purnell alluded to the land owners in Otago, and the manner in which they formerly monopolised the settlement of land. Unless they were very careful, they were told lately, the whole of the runs in Otago would:be taken up again. This was an error. The present Land Act would be found to work satisfactorily, and he should oppose very strenuously any measure opposed to it [Cheers.] He next alluded to the sums of money which the various systems of revenue had brought in during the past year. The licenses of nearly 3,000,Q00 acres would soon fall in, and there was not the slightest fear of the large blocks being tied up. They could not yet see the effect of the Land Act, and in the course of ten years they would find a great change for the better. He could not see’ that the fact of a man holding a large tract of land was to be considered as criminal. They had no right to confiscate a rich man’s land any more than that of a poor man. [Hear, hear.] He was pre pared to support any measure that would conduce to increase the number Of free holders, but this could never be effected by Socialistic measures. There was no question more difficult than the : land tenure system. Speaking on the local go vernment measure, which he thought affected every colonist, he considered the Government simply treated the matter as one of finance only. The Government could not now find the way to retain the land fund for local and he thought they never would do so. Ever since the time the Provincial Govern ment system had been abolished the General Government had by degrees swallowed up the revenues of local bodies. If taxation was put on the local bodies the eye of public criticism would be taken away from the General Government at Wellington. The only way was to de centralise - the functions of the Govern-

. ment. He would favor a system of one ! governing board for each island. By doing this they would save a vast amount i ot taxation which now threatened them. He was the first of the candidates who drew public attention to the importance of the subject of railway management. So long as the North ' and South Island railways were linked together they would never be worked satis factorily as regard a fair tariff for freights. Speaking of local industries, he thought that in the country places they should taken a greater interest therein, and ho thought that by opening up any kind of local industries, the farmers would be able to tide over any bad times. He ap proved of the extra duty on ham and bacon, and also on jams, jellies, and pre served fruits. The last industry had grown to a very large extent in Australia, and there was no reason why it should not be as successful in New Zealand. Free trade and protectionist duties should not prevent us from exercising our rights as colonists, and, let them say what they liked, it was the only way to encourage local industries. He was opposed to the appointment of members of the Upper House for life. He could not see that an elective Chamber would work well. All sorts of schemes had been propounded ; but, as a matter of fact, none were in his bpinibh suitable, and he himself thought that all classes of men should be ap pointed. (Cheers.) An argument had been adduced in favor of Mr Wason’s election that he was likely to work well with Mr E. G. Wright, the member for Ashburton. He thought that those who put this view forward had a bad memory, as Mr Wright said distinctly at his meet ing in Ashburton that ho was to the present Ministry on several most im portant questions. He (Mr Purnell) thought that Messrs Wasou and Wright would not work in harness well together. (Cheers.) Whoever was elected should not be too tightly tied with regard to the Ministry, as, in all probability, there would be after the election a great change effected in the constitution of the As sembly. He concluded by stating that ho was politically at a great disadvantage as regarded any support from the local papers— The Ghakdian and the Mail— both of winch were opposed to him. If they thought ho was the proper man, and t-king into consideration the many pro mises that were made to him, he thought that there could be no doubt the electors would place him at the head of the poll. (Loud cheers.) t ,

In answer to Mr Brown, Mr Wason said he was not a shareholder in the Ash burton and Rakaia Forks Railway Com pany. He would favor the work of the Assembly being done early in the morning instead of the evening. Did not believe that soy candidate should refuse to be pledged to a certain course, if his con stituents wished it. In regard to educa tion, the present Act was as near perfec tion as possible. Mr McLauchlan said that he considered it unfair to ask any candidate to pledge himself to the present system of educa tion, and read two short quotations from gentlemen who, Mr McLauchlan said, would be looked up to by the Govern ment of any country, and their 11 views might, if carried out, be found to be far more satisfactory thanthe present system. Mr Wason said he cordially agreed with the views held by the gentlemen quoted by Mr McLauchlan, and would' support those views if brought before the Govern ment.

An argument here ensiled between the Chairman, Mr McLauchlan, stpd Mr Brown oh a certain matter oh the education question which occurred thepfevioUk evening, Mr Wason, in replying to further- ques tions, said he was in favor, of 'reducing the cost of Bellamy’s. Mr Brown said that he differed with Mr Wason’s political views, especially on the question of reforming' the Upper House and' his approval of the-JSLall ad ministration. There was one thing quite certain that if Mr Wason was returned the farmers would have! no Sparrow l : Bill. He disagreed on; the railway tariff, and thought the Government had lost the con fidence of the country for having such an excessive railway tariff established. He considered it was quite as easy for the rich man to leave the country as the poor man, and a great deal easier.' [Gheorri.'] He refered to the New Plymouth Harbor Board works, and the present. Govern ment still carrying on this useless ex penditure. He,would move ing resolution— “ That—this meeting thanks Messrs Wason and Purnell for their-addresses, and is of. that the Candidate who' in satisfCd with 'the consti tution of-our Legislative GqpnciJj and with the Hall administration, andj with the contin uanceof the.plurality of voting, and who has , never opened his mouth against the New Plymouth “fraud on the colony,” is not a fit person, to repre sent, in the Parliament of . Kew Zealand, the liberal, and enlightened!., electors of Wakanui.”

Mr Megson said that there were not three men in New Zealand'like' Messrs Hall, Rolleston, and Bryce. Hjoud cheers.]- Did not-Sir ! Georgc Greynsend Home for 16,000 paupers to come- out and live on,a lot of poo thard-working farmers? [Loud applause.] He considered that there were only two more meirwho could make thatGovernraent perfect, and these were Messrs E. G. Wright and Saunders. [Loud and continued cheering.] Mr Wason said that the resolutidh' was a double-barrelled one. He could not see that Mr Brown's resolution as touching the reform in the Upper House,- and the New Plymouth Harbor Board job, could be brought ip any Way against the present Government. [Hear,*hear.] If he was in the House next session he would favor a commission being appointed tb in* quire into the Harbor Board as well as any other Board in the. colony. If the question had been asked him he would have answered it —as to having never opened his mouth on the property qualifi cation for dual voting, he considered it was unfair of, Mr Brownto say so. Mr Brown said that after the explana tion given by Mr Wason,. he would with draw a portion of the resolution, and make it read as a vote of thanks to-both candi dates. Mr Kilgour seconded ' the resolution, which was carried . unanimously. , Mr Wason said he would like to draw the attention of the meeting to a most ex traordinary document which.- had emi nated from one of his opponents, viz., Mr Ivess. The document was in the form of a ballot-paper, and curiously enough gave particular instructions how to vote by bal lot, and to strikeout all the names except Mr Ivess’. [Mr M‘Guire, I will it outthen.] [Laughter.] Of all the jeloc tioneering tricks, this was perhaps the most extraordinary that he had yet seen. .He hoped the gentlemen present would not act as instructed by Mr Ivess,: or take: any notice of the unique dodge, (Loud ap plause.] . A. vote of thanks to the chair, proposed by Mr Wason, seconded by Mr Purnell, was carried unanimously, and a most > or derly meeting adjourned.: ■ .i ;t

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1881.



fjl H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory, noted throughout the Colony for the best fitting.and Genuine Well-made CLOTHING Of Every Description, are the LARGEST PRIZE-TAKERS At the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition having been awarded FIRST ORDER OF MERIT, AND AISO HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THE INTELLIGENT JURORS. One trial will prove the Superior Quality of all Products. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Branches at all the principal Towns. HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, BLANKETS, RUGS, TWEEDS, At Wholesale Prices. NEW SEASONS GOODS NOW SHOWING. Ashburton Retail Branch : East Street. W. SPARROW, gjjc Branch Manager. AOK FROM THE FRONT.—The scare at "Parihaka is over; our vo hmteers have proved themselves equal to the occasion, and although no fighting waa done, they were the “ boys” to do it had it been required; a brush with the blaokfellows ” was what they went for. Nevertheless they did a good deal of hard tramping up hill and down dale; and the astonishing fact is that most of them, having been provided with STOUT BOOTS from 0. HAWKINS’ never-to-he excelled Boot and Shoe Warehouse, came back with their “understandings” nearly as good as when they left this go-ahead little township. Try 0. Hawkins’ Shop before you go elsewhere. 998 c HD. MONK’S * ORIENTAL BILLIARD AND REFRESHMENT SALOON is NOW OPEN DAILY. Tables by Alcock and Thurston of the highest quality. Carved in solid walnut. Come and see one of the JTNEST BILLIARD SALOONS In the Colony. FLEMING’S BUILDINGS, TRIANGLE Next A. Wilson, Tobacconist, 250 Christchurch. m I E ACID CURE. F. OOUTTS and SONS’ Guaranteed ACETIC ACID is a safe and sure remedy for Rheuma'ism, Neuralgia, Sore Throats, etc. May be obtained from Mackay Beds, Manchester street. South, Christ church, Wholesale and Retail, or from Wr Thomas Collins, Main South Hoad, Timara. AN AGENT WANTED FOR ASH BURTON. 734 c FW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANY (LIMITED). AN AGENCY has this day been OPENED at Ashburton, with Mr Walter B. Moss in charge. TEMPORARY OFFICE — CORNER OP WEST AND HAVE-



LOOK STREETS. JOHN COOKE, Manager. Christchurch, October 1, 1881. 782 c Easy Chairs, Couches, English and American Chairs, Single and Double Iron and Wood Bedsteads. All kinds of Carpeting, Matting, and 'Oilcloth. 'A. large assortment of Repps and Cretonnes at lowest prices. Suites of Furniture from Ll 3 and upwards. All kinds of furniture re-covered and repaired at the very lowest prices. All wo.k guaranteed and completed at the shortest notice. Furniture exchanged, SSd highest prices given for second-hand John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the 3fai! Office. Note the address— Cheapest House in Ashburton, opposite Mad Office, Burnett on Side at Ti Office of tliu. i’ar er - Pnce,jt2a 6d. Furniture.



Wanted. WANTED— a good PLOUGHMAN. Apply, Jameson and Roberts. 294 d WANTED— A General SERVANT. Apply to Mrs Hands, The Parsonage, Ashburton, between 9 and 12 a.m. 282 d WANTED— Assistants, Improvers, and Apprentices to the Dressmaking. Apply at once, S. W. Alcorn. 285 d WANTED— A good General SERVANT for a small private family. Apply, Office of this Paper. 185 d WANTED —Everybody to see Ready Money Richard’s advertisement. 119 d WANTED KNOWN—That from this date (7th Dec.) Thomas laylor will sell BREAD at SIXPENCE per loaf for cash. 290 d WANTED KNOWN—If you want to Grow a splendid crop of Turnips, Purchase some of Mayo’s Bonedust. —Address P. Mayo, Hamstead Mills. 255 d WANTED KNOWN. —SPRING AND SUMMER MILLINERY. MISS VERRALL is now Showing her First Display of Spring Millinery.- - Co lombo street (opposite Cookham House.) 827 c WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 760 c WANTED KNOWN.—Just received a consignment of “ Novelties,” together with new, rare and generally esteemed varieties of Flower Seeds, annual and perennial, in addition to those cata logued, Those of my customers who have not had their orders for Garibaldi Bulbs, Carnations, &c., will oblige by calling for he same. A very fine stock of bedding out Plants will be ready in September and October. W. Gimblett, Colombo street, Christchurch. . 580 c



Special Advertisements. H. MESSENGER, HIS LORDSHIP’S LARDER, In thanking his numerous country patrons, and the public generally, for past favors, begs to intimate that, having com pleted extensive alterations and improve ments, he is now in a position to offer them unequalled accommodation. The increased accommodation for Ladies is a special feature in the improve ments, W. H. M. also begs to add that in addi tion to the above he has made provision, from the First day of November next, to supply a want long felt in Christchurch, viz.:— A GRILLED CHOP OR STEAK, At any hour of the day, which will be ac companied with a Glass of Bass’s cele brated Bottled Ale. FOR ONE SHILLING. Dinners, Banquets, Ball Suppers, Wedding Breakfasts, and Picnics pro vided for, in the very best possible style. THE undersigned will be prepared, during the coming season, to supply the following articles at the lowest rates: — REAPERS and BINDERS EXTRAS for DO. BINDING WIRE CORN SACKS TURNIP and RAPE SEEDS PLOUGH SHARES And all kinds of Agricultural Imple ments. FREDK. PAVITT, Corn Merchant, &c. , Ashburton. Agent for John Anderson, Canterbury Foundry, Christchurch; Geo. Booth and Sons, Importers of Agricultural Imple ments, Christchurch; and Agent for the OF 987 c W. H. MESSENGER, Purveyor. United Insurance Company. 150 d



Scottish imperial insurance go. Capital ... £1,000,000. Head Office, 151, West George street, Glasgow. General Manager: W. W. W. Reid. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH : J. STUART REID, General Agent, Wellington. Messrs Tucker andßestell havingbeen appointed AGENTS for the Ashburton District for the above Company, are now prepared to accept risks at lowest current rates. FRED. H. BARNES, 248 d Agent for Canterbury. THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. Heads of Families, and all who wish to obtain suitable articles for CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR’S GIFTS Are respectfully invited to inspect the unrivalled assortment of Toys, Fancy Goods, Christmas and New Year’s Cards, etc., just opened up by the undersigned. Also STATIONERY. Plain and Fancy Note Paper and Enve lopes, Account and Memorandum Books, School Books, etc. An extensive stock to select from. Schools liberally dealt with. H. M. Jones, EAST STREET AND BARING SQUARE. Pianos, Organs, Harmoniums, and all kinds of Musical Instruments on Deferred Payments. A quantity of SHFi E T MUSIC very cheap. Lowest Prices for Cash. 293 d Bank of Australasia. (Incorporated by Royal Charter, 1835) The Bank of Australasia has RE MOVED into new premises, corner of West and Tancred streets, where Business will now be carried on. H. K. BETHUNE, Manager. Ashburton, 6th December, 1881. 263 d O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Coa jertinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Or jans, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a*



Special Advertisements. ffIENDERS are invited for Purchase of I CROP of GRASS SEED, now growings on Farm known as Christie’s, Wakanui; . Tenders to be sent in by MONDAY next, to the undersigned. 291 d • ' POYNTZ & CO. GOD’S TWINE BINDERS. A few of these Machines still ON SALE. 291 d POYNTZ & CO. Ashburton registry office, For Male and Female Servants. All orders for Servants by letter or otherwise receive prompt attention. L. F. ANDREWES, Labor Agent, East Street, 765 c • Ashburton. jy RESSMAKING. WANTED KNOWN—S. W. Alcorn’s, Dressmaker, commences business on MONDAY next. 12th inst. I 284 d CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S CARDS. Just arrived—The Best and Newest Assortment ever seen, including Scented Satchels and Fringed Cards L. F. ANtofeewES, Bookseller and Stationer, East street, South Ashburton. 672c* AVING ASHBURTON, GIVING UP BUSINESS. EVERETT BRO . Will on Saturday, Decembers, commence A GREAT CEEARING SALE Of their new and well-selected Stock of GENERAL DRAPERY, And to effect a speedy clearance will, in addition to the already very low prices, offer, as an extra inducement, a discount OF Ten Ter cent. The Shop To Let. The Fixtures, 1 Fit tings, Arc., For Sale. NOTICE. In future all disclaimers sent in for publication in this Journal will be charged for as advertisements.



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



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



[For continuation. of reading matter see first page."] ...



Meetings. ELECT! O X A MEETING of Mr Wason’s Com mittee is called -for THIS EVEN ING, Dec. 8, at the Central Committee Room, at 7.30 p.ni. sharp. At.t. Mb’.m-bp'.r.ci Requested to Attend. S. E.""POTNTZ, 270 d Clerk to Committee;, AKANUI ELECT I 6 N. Mr C. W. Purnell Request the Electors to MEET him at tbb MAINS CHOOLHOUSE, LONGBEACH, ON ■■■,■;' THURSDAY, Bth DECEMBER, At 7-30 p.m. 260 d



Amusements- OWN HALL, ASHBURTON. MONDAY AND TUESDAY, December 12 and 13. THE AMATEUR Dramatic, Club Will perform that splendid Melodrama entitled “THE MILLER AND FITS MEN-’ With New Scenery and Effects by Charles liburk. Efficient Orchestra. Admission—-3s, 2s, and Is. P E N I N G Promenade Concert ASHBURTON MUSIC SALOON, Tancred Street (Below Orr and Co.’s). ~ H. J.- Weeks has touch pleasure in an nouncing that the above establishment will be opened THIS EVENING by an INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT, commencing at 8.30 p.m. The performance will consist of moat excellent selections on the Piano, Organs, Organetto, Violin, and Flute, by the prin cipal players, as well as the little stars in Ashburton. In consequence of limited room, Thurs day Evening will -be byinvitation Only * but on FRIDAY FREE to ALL, from 7 Doors open at 7.30 : commence at 8 p.m. 231 d OP THE H. J. WEEKS, Agent for t. i;