SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Lurline, barque, from London. Cabana, barque, from Hobart. Orient, barque, from New York, via Dunedin. To-day. Jane Douglas, s.s., from the North. Hawea, b.b., from Wellington. Rotorua, 8.8., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Go-Ahead, s.s., for Dunedin. To-day. Castle Horne, barque, for Cork. Hawea, s.s., for Akaroa and Port Chalmers. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Wanaka, from the South ; Hawea, from Picton and Nelson ; Austra liad, from Newcastle; Elizabeth Conway, from Greymouth. Sailed—Charles Edward, for Nelson. Port Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Napier, ship, from Glasgow, after 100 days* passage. She met a fearful sea off the Cape, and the third officer was considerably injured, one sea man had his leg broken, and considerable damage was done on deck. —Rotorua, from Melbourne ; Ringarooma, from Lyttelton.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. To-morrow, Friday, June 17. Mr Alfred Harrison, at the Town Hall— Fruit, Biscuits, Shop Fittings, Ac.; 11 o’clock. Matson, Cox, and Co., at the farm of Mr Thomas Prondergast—Live and Dead Farm Stock; 12 o’clock. Saturday, June 11. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his rooms— Furniture, Ac.; 1 o’clock. Friday, July 1. Matson, Cox, and Co., at their salerooms —Freehold Farms. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-night, Thursday, June 16. Lydia Howarde and Company, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Thistle Lodge, 5.0., Monthly Meeting, Masonic Hall, 7.30 p.m. 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. Rowland 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.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Praevalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1881. Report of the Judicature Commission.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5.10 p.m.]

Though it may be an illustration of the Ministry’s weakness, it is also a sign of their prudence that they have lately taken to referring all difficult questions which need settlement to Com missions to report upon. Retrench ment in the Civil Service, railway con struction, establishment of local in dustries, and native disturbances on the west coast of the North Island, have already been disposed of in this way, and perhaps education and one or two other subjects may follow suit. For the advantages are obvious. If the Ministry don’t quite understand a sub ject, they can take the evidence of ex perts to enlighten them as to the facts of the case, and ponder over that evi dence in a concise form at their leisure. If, on the other hand, they have already formed definite opinions, they can pro duce the reports of the Commissions to back up their own authority, when it requires strengthening. The acute Mr Spenlow can always refer, in case of need, to an imaginary imperious Mr Jorking in the back office, who insists that an unpleasant duty shall be dis charged. The latest published of these Com mission reports is that which appears in our columns elsewhere, and is the result of the wisdom or otherwise of the Judicature Commission. As usual, it is a mixture of sound sense with unsound crochetiness. It purports to simplify legal proceedings and lessen law costs, both of them most desirable objects. It is doubtful, however, if the simplifi cation is to be attained by the correct method. Thus, for instance, it is doubtless desirable that where the Supreme Court holds its sittings for the trial of the heavier civil cases, local Courts should be established with a jurisdiction for petty debts up to LSO, for these cases must be heard, and it cannot be expected that the Supreme Court Judges will have time to hear them. But we see no re form whatever in the extension of the jurisdiction of the local Courts to L2OO in places where there are no Supreme Court sittings. Too much is at stake for it to be left to the decision of either a non-legal Police Magistrate or of an ordinary District Judge, a barrister certainly, but as often as not of no standing in the profession. Still more objectionable by far than this proposed alteration is the next one suggested, for trial without juries by the Supreme Court in cases up to LSOO. A strong dislike to juries has been openly expressed of late years by the legal fraternity. Practically the craft of Demetrius, the silversmith, is in danger, and that is the reason why. We are not going to rave about the glorious right of trial by jury, the Palla dium of British liberty—whatever that may be, and so on. But we are very cer tain, and so are thinking laymen gene rally, thatriotwithstanding the numerous blunders of juries, judges make quite as many, and those of a more danger ous kind. For the twelve laymen in the box almost always aim at awarding substantial justice, which is really che ultimate end of the existence of all Courts, judges, and pleaders. On the other hand, the judge frequently aims at nothing of the kind, but at a decision in accordance with a technical some thing which he calls the law, a totally different matter very often. An acute District Judge in a neighboring colony was once remonstrated with by a learned counsel upon the injustice done to his client by a decision of the bench. “Justice! Justice! Mr So-and-so,” said his Honor, “ you are quite mis taken; this is not a Court of justice, but a Law Court; we have not the article you speak of in stock.” Indeed, it is notorious that the most conscien tious counsel prefer greatly to win a verdict on some technical law point, not in the least affecting the merits of the case, to obtaining it by the mere force of the obvious facts. An in genious technical law point raised secures kudos and future pelf for the practitioner; a clear and forcible state ment of facts, and the necessary deduc tion fo be made from them only shows that the client was in the right in com ing into Court. In one other respect, namely—in abolishing the division between law and equity procedure, we are entirely at one with the Commission. The fancy of many of the uninitiated that the so-called Equity Courts are estab lished for the administration of justice rather than of mere law is one of the wildest delusions. For the Equity Courts are really nothing but Law Courts, with numerous adjuncts in pro cedure, apparently established only for the purpose of putting heavy fees into learned counsel’s pockets, and of swell ing up expenses. Swift tells us that Gulliver’s father lost a large fortune by gaining a Chancery suit, which is the same as an equity suit in the colonics —for Li 5,000, and costs. And nothing

that even Swift ever wrote could well be a more bitter satire on the proce dure of our Equity Courts than a case which came before our own notice some years ago. A dispute between two mer chants respecting the sale of a piece of land, which could have been settled by arbitration by any two merchants or land agents in an hour’s time, was taken into the Equity Court. The case lasted thirteen months before it came on for hearing; five days were occupied in taking evidence, and two days by coun sel’s speeches. The costs ran up to L6oo, or four times the amount at issue; the person whom the judge stated to be the only one entirely free from blame in the whole transaction, namely —the defendant, was the heaviest loser, and to crown the absurdity, within a fortnight from the time when the verdict was given, the learned judge privately informed the defendant’s counsel that he was not sure whether he had given the right decision ?

Extensive Sale. Messrs Matson, Cox, and Co. announce elsewhere an ex tensive sale of freehold farms, to be held at their rooms on Friday, Ist prox. Fire Brigade.— The Brigade held their usual practice last evening,‘and the engine and hook and ladder drill were both gone through. At a Committee meeting held to consider correspondence, it was decided to accede to the request of the Committee for Mr Savage’s complimentary concert. It was also decided to meet on Friday next at the captain’s residence for the consideration of other business. Cutting ur the Runs. —An important letter was read at the Otago Land Board meeting, yesterday, from the Government showing the course the Government pro posed to take with regard to cutting up the runs in Otago whoso leases shortly fall in. A largo number of runs are to be laid off in areas under five thousand acres.

Fire. —Mr Kitching’s woolshed at Moa Flat, said to be the largest structure of the kind in the colony, has been burnt. Acclimatisation. The Auckland Acclimatisation Society has decided to import quail and grouse from California. Found Drowned. —The body of a man named W. H. Matheson was found drowned in the Tauranga harbour yester day. Ho had been missing for some days.

The Lydia Howarde Troupe. —Last evening this burlesque company gave another very clever performance at the Town Hall, to an excellent house. The Pinafore ” opera had to be abandoned at the last moment, owing to any injunction having been received from the Supreme Court. One of the members of the company informed the audience that they had played the opera in Christchurch, Dunedin, Oamaru, and Timaru, but had never been compelled to withdraw it until now. The burlesque of “ Ivanhoe ” was substituted. Miss Lydia Howarde as Sir Brian, Miss Nyo as Sir Wilfred, Miss Andrews as Prince John, and Mddlo De Glorian, as Wamba, were extremely happy in their parts, and played them with charming naivete. The latter lady in singing “ Don’t believe half that you hear,” was loudly applauded. Miss Vincent acted well, and made a pleasing Rowena. Mr Fisher was exceedingly good as Isaac, and he was also in capital voice. Mr Power was very amusing as Rebecca, his get up adding greatly to the the effect. Mr D’Almaine as Cerdic, Mr Marshall as De Bracy, and the other characters were very effective, and all acted with spirit throughout. Mr Hydes played the piano with his usual skill, and nothing was wanting in this respect to make his particular part a prominent feature in the evening’s enjoy ment. To-night the company intend playing Dibden’s . celebrated operetta “ The Waterman,” to be followed by Byron’s burlesque “Aladdin,” Miss Lydia Howarde and Mr H. Power taking the principal parts. Wo expect, therefore, to see a good honse, as this is is the last night of the season. Local Industries Association.—A meeting of the above was held last night in their usual meeting room. Present — Messrs W. Roberts (chairman), Bradley, Braddoll, F. Mayo, G. Compton, Jacob son, and the Hon. Secretary, Mr Poyntz. The committee appointed to report on the establishment of a tannery and creamery stated that both matters had been con sidered, and with regard to the former, it was found that it would not be remunera tive unless means were taken to make use of the leather manufactured, and, further, there existed the doubt as to there being a sufficient number of hides in the district for tanning purposes. The committee had deemed it better to postpone any further action or discussion in the matter of creameries until the result of the Orari shipment of butter and cheese had been ascertained. Mr Poyntz said that two other questions had been mooted since their last meeting—viz,, the possibility of establishing a paper-mill and also a land ing service on the coast. After some dis cussion on these matters, Mr Braddell moved—“ That this Association take the matter of the landing service into con sideration, and that the Secretary be re quested to write to Captain Dunsford for information regarding insurance on vessels visiting the coast in the event of a land ing service being established, and also that ho communicate with Captain M'Lellan, the Harbor Master at Lyttelton, on the subject.” After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned. Quadrille Assembly. The “ long night ”in connection with the Tinwald Quadrille Assembly which was to have taken place last Friday, was postponed in consequence of the weather, and an ad vertisement in this issue intimates that the dance will take place on Friday even ing next. R. M. Court, Christchurch. —A man named Patrick Dunn was committed for trial this morning for embezzling L 52 10a, the property of his employer, Mr John Cssscn.

Death From Poisoning. A boy named Ernest Frannan, aged two and a half years, drank out of a bottle contain ing sulphuric acid yesterday, and died this morning.

Flbmington. — A very enjoyable tea meeting and entertainment was given at Flemington last evening, on the occasion of opening the new school in that district. Mr Joseph Clarke presided, and alluded to the necessity for establishing the now school, as already there were upwards of 60 children ready to attend it as soon as it was opened. A very excellent pro gramme was gone through, consisting of readings, recitations, and some capital songs, rendered principally by some ladies and gentlemen who had come from Ashburton to assist. Miss Gates presided at the piano. Messrs H. Stephenson, Martin, and A. Harrison "ave some very good songs, which wore most effectively rendered, the latter, in reply to a most enthusiastic encore, giving “ A Father’s Love,” in a very telling man ner. Messrs Dunn, Tomlin, and Wheeler also sang some very humorous songs, some of which had to be repeated. Mr Minnis recited in his usual well known style, and after Mr R. Hodder had addressed the audience, votes of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who assisted, the pleasant entertainment terminated by singing “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the Queen.” The room was cleared afterwards and a dance commenced which was kept up till an early hour. A Fashionable Arrival. —Walsh, one of the traversers of the late State trials in Ireland, arrived at Melbourne recently. The object of his visit is to recruit hia health.

Chinese Immigration, The South i Australian Government have given notice i in the Assembly of the introduction of a ; Bill to restrict Chinese immigration. No Chinamen. —Mr Patterson, the Victorian Minister of Railways, has pro mised that no Chinese will bo allowed to compete with Europeans for fruit stalls at the railway stations. The Queen op Nations.—A Sydney item, under date the 9th ■ inst., says that it is doubtful if the wrecked barque Queen of Nations will hold together. The ves sel’s back appears to be broken. Ashton. —On Monday evening last, the Rev. A. M. Beattie delivered his lecture entitled “Perseverance,” at the school room, Ashton, to a very fair attendance. Mr J. Taylor, acted as chairman. The lecture was a very able exposition of the results attainable by those who study patience and perserverance in the duties of their daily life. The rev. lecturer pointed out that every man should take examples from men who, although often defeated, had crowned their labor with suc cess. At its close, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr Beattie for his able lecture. The chairman said they had chosen the present opportunity for showing a mark of respect to one of their church members, and who had been connected with the Presbyterian Church in their district for a number of j'ears —Mr John Dunn —who, the chairman said, was not only a good singer and leader, but as they all knew, a most amusing gentleman, and one who was liked by his neighbors because he at tended to his own business. In recogni tion of Mr Dunn’s services as leader of the church choir, and on behalf of the Presbyterians of that district, he had the pleasure of asking that gentleman to ac cept a present from them, which consisted of 16 vols. of well-chosen books. Mr Dunn suitably replied, and said he was very much pleased with their handsome present, and hoped they would all bo spared for many years to meet together, and sing God’s praise. As he himself was naturally fond of music, ho considered that what ho had done in the church, was only his duty. He hoped a choir would soon be formed, as he was willing to do all in his power to make it efficient. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the meeting was closed after the benedic tion had been pronounced. Appointment. —At the meeting of the Rangitata Road Board, ye»terday, Mr J. 0. Bell was appointed clerk and overseer, at a salary of Ll5O per annum. A report of the meeting is held over. Parliament. —The House of Represen tatives vave evidently settled down to business, and it is somewhat remarkable with what expedition one or two very im portant measures are being got through their preliminary stages. As will we seen from our report in another column, not only was the debate on the Address in Reply concluded yesterday, but both the Licensing and Chinese Immigration Bills passed the second reading, a stage which is not usually got over with considerable debate. The Library Concert. —ln conse quence of the Lydia Howai’de company having decided io give another perform ance at the Town Hall to-night, it has been deemed advisible to postpone the concert in connection with the Library until next Thursday night. An an nouncement to this effect appears in this issue.

Nautical Enquiry. —A preliminary enquiry was held by the Collector of Customs at Wellington yesterday morning into the circumstances connected with the barque Arabella striking a rock off Fitzroy Bay, near the heads, on the passage here from Loudon. No fresh facts were elicited, except the pilot’s statement that the captain, as a stranger, acting under instructions of the “ New Zealand Pilot,” was justified in bringing up where he did, although he'would not do so himself, as he knew it to be a dangerous spot.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Monetary and Commercial. London, June 14. Consols remain at New Zealand 5 per cent. 10.40 loan, 105 ; New Zealand 5 per cent. 1889 loan, 103 ; Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 48s 6d ; New Zealand wheat, 45s 6d ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 345; Australian tallow, best beef, per cwt., 34s 6d ; best mutton, 36s 6d. At the wool sales to-day a good demand was again experienced. Otago Harbor Works Loan. London, June 15. Tenders for the Otago Harbor Works Loan of Lioo,ooo were opened to-day. The total amount offered was found to be over L 200,000. Local Option. In the House of Commons to-day, a motion re affirming the principal of local option in connection with the licensing was, after a lengthy debate, carried. The Tunisian Difficulty. Constantinople, June 15. The Porte has issued a circular that it will not recognise the French pro tection of Tunisians residing in Turkish territory and under Ottoman rule.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] The Reform Question. Melbourne, Juno 15. In the Legislative Assembly to-day the debate on Sir Bryan O’Loghlin’s motion that the Reform Bill should be again referred to a committee of the two Houses was resumed. In the course of the afternoon and evening several speakers addressed the House in favor of the motion. The debate continues, 10.30 p.m. Melbourne, To-day. In the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr Ramsay, on behalf of the Opposition, announced that the Legis lative Council was prepared to reduce the candidate qualification to be pro vided by the Reform Bill to LIOO and to withdraw its demand for two Ministers in the Council. It was also •willing that elections should take place in one day, in order to prevent plural voting. Mr Ramsay, in his speecli following this intimation, strongly urged Government to agree to another Joint Conference of Com mittees of the two Houses, to agree, if possible, to a compromise in regard to the Bill. Finally, Mr Berry stated his acceptance of the proposal, despite protests by several of his supporters and members of the Corner Party. It is expected that a favorable result will be arrived at by the Conference.

TELEGRAMS.

[PRR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] A Petition to Parliament. Gbahamstown. To-day. The Thames County Council intend to petition Parliament to appoint a Commis sion of inquiry into the validity of the timber leases, with special reference to the powers claimed thereunder by the holders

to close such lands for settlement. The subject will affect large interests in the province. The Lawyer and the Journalist. An information has been sworn by Mr H. E. Cambell, solicitor, against the editor of the Star for allowing a paragraph to be inserted calculated to cause a breach of the peace, and asking to have the editor bound over. Tea. Wellington, To-day. A cable message received here states that the steamer Bowen left Foo Chcnv for Wellington on the 16th inst. She brings a cargo of first season tea. The Wellington Unemployed. At an open air meeting of the unem ployed this morning, it was decided to petition the Minister of Public WorKs for ■work. The Mails. The P.M.S.S. City of Sydney, with the London mails of the 19th ultimo, left San Francisco for Auckland on Saturday, the 4th instant, time table date. She should reach Auck land on Sunday, the 26th instant. The Southern mails will bo brought on to Wellington direct from Onehunga. The Australia, with the May colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco on the 15th, two days in advance of contract date. Remanded and Committed. Dunedin, To-day. At the City Police Court this morning, John Anderson, alias Hunter, and Edward Hughes, alias Edwards, for the Christ church jewellery robbery, were further remanded. John Connell, for receiving the stolen goods, was committed for trial.

SMALL POX IN SYDNEY.

[by gable.] Sydney, June 15. A carpenter who has lately been working at a house in Lower George street, opposite the residence of On Chong, a Chinese merchant, whose child has been suffering from small-pox, has caught the disease. He resides with fourteen other persons in a house at Surrey Hill. The House has been quarantined by the police, and the neighbors are leaving the locality. Another European has been at tacked with small-pox. The sufferer resides in Cumberland street, some little distance from the scene of the first outbreak at the residence of On Chong in George street. The alarm throughout the neighborhood and city generally is increasing.

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, June 15. The Council met at 2.30. A message from the Governor notified that leave of absence had been granted to Colonel Whitmore and the Hon. E. Gray, for the remainder of the session, A return of all money paid to Sir Julius Vogel from 1869 to May 1880, by the colony, was laid on the table. The Land Court, Extension of Jurisdic tion Bill, and the Improvidence and Fraud Prevention Bill (Native lands), were brought in and read a first time. A return was ordered of all bonuses offered by Government, giving detailed information. A Joint Committee on Bills was ap pointed. The motion of adoption of the Address in Reply, was, after a debate, carried— and the Council adjourned until Tuesday, at 2.30 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, June 14. The House met at 2.30. PETITIONS. Sir George Grey presented a petition from 493 inhabitants in Auckland re certain alterations in the constitution of the Auckland Grammar School. QUESTIONS. In reply to Mr Macandrew, the Hon. W. Johnston said the Government were fully alive to the importance of establish ing! direct steam communication with the Home Country, and the Agent- General would be instructed to procure all information relative to the matter. In reply to Mr Murray, Major Atkinson said proposals would be made for increas ing the number of lighthouses on the New Zealand coast, and that it was now the best lighted coast in the world. In reply to Mr Murray, the Hon. John Hall said Government recognised the im portance of increasing the facilities for improved drainage, and would give the hon. member every facility to introduce such a Bill himself. Mr Murray then gave notice to intro duce a Drainage Bill. CENSUS RETURNS. The Hon. W. Gisborae moved—“ That certain returns showing the number of different sexes in the population of the colony, and the excess ot births over deaths, the number of assisted immigrants brought into the colony between the year 1878 and 1881, also a return of the popu lation residing within and without cor porate boroughs (distinguishing sexes). Motion carried.

GRANT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES. The Hon. W. Gisborne moved —“ That on June 22 the House resolve itself into Committee to consider an address to the Governor, praying that ho will recom mend for appropriation this year the sum of L6,000.f0r public libraries.” The Hon. W. Gisborne then read the system under which the grants were, as proposed by him, to be made. The Hon. John Hall suggested that the motion should be postponed until the Financial Statement was made. Ho thought that the matter was one which might bo taken in hand by the districts themselves. Mr W. J. Speight accused Government of having been guilty of a breach of faith. Many districts had gone to tho trouble and expense of establishing libraries, and the sudden withdrawal of aid had in terfered -with their operations to a great extent. Mr. J. Sheppard agreed with the Hon. John Hall. Captain Russell also considered the motion ill-timed, and considered it no great hardship to raise a few pounds in any district, if a desire for literature existed to increase their means. Mr H. Bunny spoke in favor of the motion being passed. The motion was amended so as to fix the Committee for Wednesday, July 13, and as such was then put and carried. THE ROYAL VISITOR*. Sir George Grey moved for all corres pondence relating to the visit of the dcr tached squadron and Royal Princes. The Hon John Hall said there was only one short letter, which ho laid on the table. The Governor had, however, a private letter stating that the squadron would proceed from Melbourne to Auck land, and thence to Fiji, and no other New Zealand port was to be visited. THE ADDRESS IN REPLY. The debate on the Address was resumed by Mr Bunny, who said that the Govern ment had done their best to pull tho colony out of its difficulties, but he blamed them for not dealing with the Local Go vernment question, and leaving the ad ministration too much in the hands of the heads of departments. He instanced the increased railway tariff on timber, and other mistakes, made without consulting district representatives previously; He

said there were 500 local governing bodies in New Zealand, and yet the whole thing was a mass of confusion. He would favor the uniting of several counties in one, and the chairman of such to be a member of the Waste Lands Board, and money should be voted to them to open up lands for settlement in each district. With reference to railways he thought a com mittee should bo appointed to go into the whole question of their management. He blamed the Government for not allow ing Mr Bryce to pursue the course he proposed dealing with the native affairs. Mr Beetham spoke in favor of the pre sent system of Government being retained, and strongly deprecated any return to Provincialism. Mr Hurathouse spoke in favor of the motion, and Mr Collins, on being asked, said he did not wish to reply. The motion was then put and carried on the voices. XiIOENSINQ DILI, The Hon T. Dick moved the second reading of this Bill, and said that as it had already been read twice last session the contents wore sufficiently explained. He referred to the fact of the legislation in other countries giving control over the sale of spirituous liquors, as being rapidly changed, and at some length spoke of the action of the American Legislatures on this matter. He quoted statistics to prove that the drinking habits of the people of New Zealand were more moderate in re sults than those of many other countries. And from this fact argued that the effects of temperance societies were beginning to bear practical results. After alluding to the various features in the Bill he went on to say that the Government had brought the Bill down early so that there should be plenty of time for its mature consideration and to accept any reason able amendment the House might decide upon. Sir W. Fox would not object to the motion, but, at the same time, he con sidered the Bill was founded on false principles, and would do no good. On resuming after the 5.30 adjourn ment, Sir W. Fox said the Bill was a re trograde movement, as the principle had been affirmed of giving the people direct control over the traffic, but this Bill re jected that principle in regard to existing licenses.

Colonel Trimble argued that as druken ness had been shown to be on the decrease in the colony it showed that natural agencies had been at work to modify this evil, and that coercive measures, such as proposed by the previous speaker, were wholly unnecessary. Mr Speight spoke in favour of the local option system, and the Hon. T. Dick having replied, the Bill was read a second ti me. CHINESE IMMIGRATION. Major Atkinson moved tho second reading of this Bill. He admitted that the case was not very urgent, as the Chinese population was 200 or 300 less than it was in 1874 —but as the number had in creased lately, and was now 4,600, the precautions arrived at in the Bill should be taken at once. Sir W. Fox said that this attempt to exclude any race was not in accordance with British history and institutions. Ho admitted some circumstances of a peculiar character against tho Chinese, but he thought a strong case ought to be estab lished before they proceeded to the step proposed. Although the Home authori ties had been induced to assent to a measure of the kin dproposed, still he questioned if this was not an infringe ment of the’ Treaty entered into with China. Colonel Trimble spoke in similar terms, and asked whether the Government would enforce the LlO tax on Chinamen with letters of naturalisation. Mr Turnbull thought that this matter was simply an attempt to pander to a cry raised through personal motives by a few who feared competition. Mr Murray thought they were all in terested, having in that character in truded themselves upon the Maori.pos sessions of the crounty. As it had been said that New Zealand was specially adapted for the cultivation of tea, was not a Bill of this kind likely to burke such industries i Mr Fulton felt that he could notjsup port the Government in a measure like this, and was sorry that in a free country such a measure had been introduced. Mr Sheppard spoke in favour of the Bill, as it was a fact that the Chinese in troduced disease and vice, and he denied that it was simply a wages cry, Tho com petition created by Chinese was a most unfair one. Mr Lovestam spoke in similar strains, and was quite convinced that all that had been said about disease and vice was well founded, aud the competition side of the question was one they had a right to give attention to.

Sir George Grey supported the views of the previous speakers. Mr Whitaker complained that more notice had been given members. Ho argued that , the question was, whether British civilisation, which was progressive, should be brought into close relations with that of China, which was Tetro aadin<r 1 The Hon. John Hall thought they should take time by tho forelock and provide restriction, as the Chinese wore not at all fitted to make domestic ties, which was requisite to make them per manent settlors.

Mr Andrews and Mr Hutchinson sup ported tho Bill, and the motion on being put was carried on the voices. The House adjourned at 11.5 p.m.

EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Arawata, at Russell.] London, May 6. The successor to Lord Beaconsfield in the leadership of the Conservative party has not yet been chosen. In a recent speech delivered at Kettering,]Sir S. North cote said that there was no one at the present moment to supply Lord Beacons fiold’s place. A dfficuloy seems to be felt in making a choice between the Duke of Richmond and the Marquis of Salisbury, the leader of the Lords. It is generally expected, however, that the Marquis of Salisbury will ultimately become the supreme leader, as he is the only person of the age possessing an adequate share of the qualities requisite for such a post. Irish affairs continue to show a very gloomy prospect. During the last fort night murder, attempts at murder, audacious outrages and violence of every kind have multiplied alarmingly. After forbearance, carried in the opinion of many to the verge of weakness, the Go vernment arrested John Dillon on the 2nd of May. Just previously Dillon made a series of most violent harangues, declaring that the evictions should bo re sisted by an armed force, and using lan guage calculated to inflame the passions of the populace to the highest pitch. Dillon was lodged in Kilmainham Gaol with others who were arrested under the Coercion Act. His arrest has greatly exasperated the Parnellites. At a meet ing yesterday Parnell declares that in consequence of the arrest of Dillon, and the inadequacy of the Land Bill, the Irish Parliamentary party would leave the House in a body when the division was called for. Moreover, Parnell intends moving amendments for a restrictive measure. This extreme policy is not, how* ever, unanimously supported by the Home Rulers, some of whom appear dis posed to support the Bill, if amended in certain respects. The Irish defection will considerably embarrass the Government, and not only increase the chance of the measure being upset by amendments in committee, but will be held to justify its rejection by the Lords. If Ireland will not I

be conciliated, it i« asked, why should Parliament pass a Bill and the landlords be asked to consent to the depreciation of their property. The resolution introduced by Lord Manners and supported by the Conservative party, declares that the House, while anxious to remedy the proved defects in the law, is disposed to rely for the moral and material improve ment of Ireland upon the development of the industrial resources of the country, rather than on a measure which confuses without settling on a permanent basis the relations of landlords and tenants. The amendment proposed is an unqualified re jection of the measure. London, June 8. Alarming discoveries continue to be made of Nihilistic plots to murder the Russian Sovereign, and considerable anxiety exists for the safety of the Czar, in consequence of numerous preparations being made to ensure his destruction. One of the latest discoveries made by the police is the existence of a dynamite mine underneath the railway station at Gaths china, about 100 miles from St. Peters burg. A battery was connected by wire with the telegraph office, and this led to the suspicion that the telegraph clerks were implicated in the plot. All the clerks have therefore been arrested. The police also discovered a dynamite infernal machine beneath the Czars seat in church England and Russia have agreed not to interfere in the event of war breaking out in Afghanistan between the Ameer and Ayoub Khan. The French Government havo ap pointed M. Joulin da Court to the posi tion of French Consul in Sydney in place of M. Ralliere, who is about to be trans ferred to Mauritius. The money market in America is tight ening. The London stock markets are declining, but trada returns are very little changed. The most serious riots that have yet been reported from Ireland occurred yesterday in County Munster. There were disturbances in various parts of the country, but the most alarming took place at Ballydehob and Skibbereen, county Cork. The bank was wrecked, and the telegraph lines and bridges destroyed in one place. The mob holds complete pos session of the town. The holding of meetings has been prohibited in some parts of the country, and little short of anarchy prevails.

THE JUDICATURE COMMISSION.

New Zealand Code of Civil Procedure. (New Zealand Herald.) Tho Commissioners have made their report, and the new code has issued from the hands of the printer. It embraces every stage and form of legal practice, and will be found to contain some radical changes. As was the case with the English Judicature Act, the New Zealand, code abolishes the old system of pleading. It establishes local Courts with a jurisdic tion limited tc LSO, in places where the Supreme Court holds its sittings, but where there is no Supreme Court the local Courts will have jurisdiction to the extent of L2OO. The Suprema Court will have jurisdiction over L6O, but up to LSOO it may decide without the interven tion of a jury, except where a wish is ex pressed by the parties to the cau£e, that verdict should proceed from a jury rather than the Court decide. Even beyond the jurisdiction of LSOO the Supreme Court shall try the cause with a jury of four. The writ of summons, the form of writ, the issue of writ, service of writ, substituted ser-, vice, and renewal of writs, are provided for . by specific clauses. In framing the code the following considerations operated upon the mind ef the Commissioners(o) That the laws of the colony shall he ad ministered as one organic whole, irrespec tive of any division into law and equity. (6) That in every case such relief shall be given to the parties bfore the Court as they shall prove themselves entitled, irrespective of defects in the form in which they have invoked the assistance of the Court, (c) That the mode of approaching the Court should be simplified as much as : possible, (d) To secure uniformity in the practice of all Courts. («) To lessee delay and cost of proceedings. For the pleadings heretofore used the Commission ; have substituted upon the model of the English Judicature Act concise and simple statements of claim and defence. This does away with complicated rules as to periods intervening between the various steps of pleading and process in an action. On applying for a writ of summons the plaintiff shall file in Court a concise statement of his claim ; this statement shall be annexed to the writ and every duplicate of the writ. The defendant, -, within a given number of days, shall file a ' simple statement of the facte upon which .. he relies. It is to boa “ plain and concise . statement.” The defendant may'file a ‘ counter claim. The judge may, if he , pleases, order the plaintiff’s claim and the t .,_ defendant’s counter claim to be triea together. “ Each paragraph of the claim or defence shall contain one separate allegation, and dates, sums, and numbers may be expressed in figures, and not in words.” It is provided that the same facts shall not be stated in an altered form so as to constitute a separate cause of action. The Commissioners, in compil ing the code, have had regard to Courts of civil judicature in other countries, and have accepted suggestions from the New York Code of Civil Procedure, from the Indian Code of Civil Procedure, from the English County Courts, and the Old District Court of New Zealand. . The simplification of procedure is secured by; following the English mode, and its cost

is reduced by the abolition of most qf those forms which were as so many traps for the unwary suitor. The drawing up _ of this code would appear to be prelimi nary to the consolidation of the statutes upon any extensive scale. They state this very plainly as follows :—“ When the code is brought into force,” say the, Commissioners, “it will be necessary, either at once, or as soon as possible, to pass a Consolidation Act, dealing with all. _ the Courts of civil jurisdiction in the colony, for the purpose of defin ing their jurisdiction, and other mat ters not properly coming within a code of procedure.” The sub-committee haVe' ‘ given as much attention to this matter as the time at their disposal would allow, and expect to have the scheme, if not the actual draft of such an Act, ready by the time " the Commission meets. The code deals with the means of evidence, discovery and inspection, admission of documentary evi dence, evidence generally, witnesses’ affidavits and consolidations of actions, payments into Court, judgment by de fault, trial, nonsuit, new trial, stay of pro ceedings, executions, incidental proceed ings, special procedure in probate, and ma trimonial causes. The code will be laid before Parliament on the first day of next ■ ' ’ session. The final sitting of the Commis sion will be held in Auckland on Monday or Tuesday next. It will be presented to Parliament for adoption in globo. Should the House in Committee see fit to alter auy of the clauses, the Commission stipulate that such alteration shall be re ferred to them. It is not probable, how*« , ever, that any member of the: House of Representatives would presume to alter a clause recommended by the whole of the law practitioners in the colony, for the Commission lias really a representative capacity ip matters of this kind. The effect of this code and the consolidation of the statutes cannot fail to have the best affect upon the administration of justice. Only those who have had experience of the law’s delay, its cost, its worry, and its disappointments, can thoroughly appre ciate the advantage of reform in thiq direction.

THE ASHBURTOM GUARDIAN, THURSDAY JUNE 16, 1881.



W ANTED KNOWN—That the “Crown Lands Guide” (No. 3), New - Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can. .he obtained by applying at Office of this. Paper. John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, : UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest Eonse in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND .. HAND FURNITURE. 819 gp E C;.I A L NOTI OE. We hare JUST OPENED TWO BALES of WHITE and COLORED B k e t s‘ Bought at a great discount, and wliich we have marked at MARVELLOUSLY LOW PRICES. Discount of 2s allowed in every pound. EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. 822 a ** A LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the, truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, H A I. R D R E S S E R, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith .tp, 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>, &o. . Those, having favorite Authors should, to preyent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and topreserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO;: —Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &0., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of. novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircntting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery's Buildings. 720 a OTICE T O FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton. Dr James Murdoch, TTAVING taken the House in Bur- Mtt street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE ■ PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, eth June, 188 L 951 a



Wanted. WANTED— A good general SER VANT ; must be a good plain cook. References required. Address, Mrs Carter, Grove House, Tinwald. 22c WANTED —The person who STOLE a brown retriever DOG, answer ing to the name of “Mingo,” to RETURN the same at once, or he will be PROSECUTED. 57c WANTED 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. 55c ANTED KNOWN—That DOGS Trerpasing on my premises will be DESTROYED. John Gordon. 34c 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 KNOWN That John Walsh has invested in CAB No. 3, and solicits a share of the public support. 33c WANTED —TO LET, a splendid SHOP, adjoining the Guardian Office. Apply, Office of this Paper. 990 a WANTED EVERBODY to know that HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED A PARTNER, with small capital, to farm 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 WANTED KNOWN —That Miss Verrall 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 WANTED Purchasers for Pianos, 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. jyj-R W. H. SPAOKMAN’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



T Hayes’ I M B E R YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. ALPHEUS HAYES. FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, &c., to hand. 608 a



T>EID & GRAY’S NEW ZEALAND IX AMERICAN Grain Drill, 15, 16, and 17 Coulters, With all latest Improvements, and of best Material and Workmanship. ASHBURTON BRANCH : Cameron street. 898 a FJIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W. SPARROW, toa* Branch Manager,



Special Advertisements. George St. Hill, pUILUER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, Ashburton. Plans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may bo arranged. 409 a Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may bo required. (Anyone hiring an instrument and subsequently wishing to Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase of same. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Baring Square. 3G5a POSTPONEMENT. The LIBRARY CONCERT lias been Postponed from To-night to THIS NIGHT WEEK, June 23, in consequence of the performance of the Lydia Howarde Troupe at the Town Hall to-night. 59c