SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Go-Ahead, s.s., from Wellington. St. Kilda, s.a., from Wanganui. Sailed. Yesterday. St. Kilda, s. 8., for Dunedin. Wanata, 8.8., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed —Brig Syren, for Sydney. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Penguin, from the North ; Charles Edward, from Nelson and West Coast; Comet, ketch, from Lyttelton. Sailed—Penguin, for Nelson; Jane Douglas, for Kaikonra and Lyttelton. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Behington, barque, from Mel- to load for London. - - Poet Chalmers, Yesterday. Arrived—Taiaroa, from Auckland ; Kakanui, from Invercargill. Sailed—Bhoderick Dhu, for Auckland ; Palmerston, for Invercargill; Taiaroa, for Napier and Auckland; Fray Bentos, for Lyttelton. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed. —Albion, for the Bluff, this afternoon. Arrived—Peninsular and Oriental Com pany’s steamship Cathay, from Galle.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office for the following places (subject to the neces sary alterations) as under : Saturday, June 18. For the United Kingdom, via San Fran cisco, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, Sandwich Islands, Northern Ports ef New Zealand, &0., per Wanaka, as foliows :—Ordinary letters at 6.30 p .m. ; late fee letters, at 7 p.m. ; books and newspapers, at 6 p.m. ; money orders, at S p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; guard’s van, 8.30 p.m. train. Mails close at the Ashburton Post O ffice as follows: — For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Bangitaia, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.zn., and 420 p.in., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, OB Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a. m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longheach, at 430 pan. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Wait* arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.60 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.36 p'm. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 ,p.m. daily. . Frond Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a. m. 5.36 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St.' G. Douglas, ]■ ' Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

I AUCTION* SALES. Fbiday.June 17. Mr Alfred Harrison, at the Town Hall— Fruit, Biscuits, Shop Fittings, Ac.; IX o’clock. Matson, Cox, and Co., at the farm of Mr Thomas Prendergast—Live and Dead Farm Stock ; 12 o’clock. Saturday, Juke 11. Mr Alfred ; Harrison, at his rooms— Furniture, Ac.; 1 o’clock. MEHTINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-night, Wednesday, June 15. Lydia Howarde and Company, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Local Industries Association —Meeting, upper room, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Tea Meeting and Entertainment, Fleming ton School. To-morrow, Thursday, June 16. Thistle Lodge, S.C., Monthly Meeting, Masonic. Hall, 7.30 p. m. Monday, June 20. Toung Men’s Mutual Improvement Asso ciation, Tinwald, at the Schoolroom, 7.30 p.m. Monday, June 27. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Thursday, June 30. Concert to J. S. Savage, Town Hall, 8 p.m. Monday, July 4. Newland School Committee Monthly meeting. Tuesday, Judy 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.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE..

Trains Leave Ashburton foe Christ church and intermediate stations at 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and (Express) 5.48 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timabu and South, at 7 a.m., 10.36 a.m. (Ex press), and 460 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 24 a. m. (Express), 435p.m., and 7.60 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timabu and South at 10.15 a. m., 5.34 p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

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.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.20 p.m.]

Ploughing. —Tenders for work of this description are invited by Loudon Bros., Kyle. Bankrupt Stock. — The bankrupt stock in the estate of W. Davison, a debtor, will be disposed of by auction sale by Mr Harrison on Friday next. Creditors’ Meeting. —A meeting of the creditors of G. P. Hoatten, a debtor, is convened by advertisement appearing in this issue.

Opening in Business. —Mr A. Weston’s announcement respecting the establish ment of a haircutting and shaving saloon in Tancred street appears elsewhere.

Library Concert. —We would remind our readers that a concert in behalf of the Library funds will take place in that building to-morrow evening. The gentle men and ladies who have kindly vol unteered their services on this occasion have had several rehearsals, and the entertainment promises to be everything that can be desired in the way of a success, excepting of course as re gards a guarantee of a bumper bouse, and even in this respect things look very pro mising, a large number of tickets having already been disposed of. Added to the fact of the object on behalf of which the concert is being held, the small charge for admission should ensure the filling to standing room of the Hall. Tickets may be obtained of Mr H. C. Jacobzon, boa. sec., and at the office of this paper.

Clsan Charge Sheet.—There was no business for disposal of at the R.M. Court this morning. Ashburton Hotel. —A notification affecting this hotel appears in our ad vertising columns. Postal. —Mails for Australian colonies and United Kingdom, per Ringarooma, close at the Bluff on Friday next at noon. Washed Gee. —Tt turns out that the stamps were washed off Speight’s casks of beer winch were seized by the Dunedin police on Monday.

Our Resources. —Last week four men at the Seventeen Mile Beach obtained 17i pound--! weight of gold (nearly LSOO sterling) for one week’s work. The Christchurch Jewellery Rob bery.—The Dunedin police yesterday re covered LIOO worth of the jewellery recently stolen from Hooper’s shop, Christchurch. It was found hidden in sandhills on the Ocean Beach, Flemington School. —This evening an opening tea meeting and entertainment will be held at the above school. Several lady and gentlemen amateurs have kindly given their services to render the enter tainment as great a success as possible. The affair will be wound up with a dance. A Narrow Escape. —Mr E. F. Grib bon, a well-known Tongan trader, while endeavouring to get a good view of the Whangarei Falls, Auckland, fell over a cliff some thirty feet down. He was caught in the brushwood and rescued. Some difficulty was experienced in bring-

ing him to the top a? he was unconscious. He has new recovered. The Lydta Howards Troupe. —This talented company gave the amusing musi cal extravaganza eniSided “ Robinson Crusoe.” to an excellent house at the Town Hall lastnigbt. Miss Lydia Ho warde, as Robinson Crusoe, was extremely gay, her acting and singing being particularly effective. Miss Jennie Nye and Mddlle de Glorian were also practically happy in their respective parts, the former pleasing the audience —as indeed she always does —with her excellent step dancing. Mr F. W. Fisher, as Jem Cocks, acted his part in an irresistably laughable manner, and with Mr Harry Power as Crusoe’s man Friday, they succeeded in keeping the house intensely amused throughout. Mr J. F. Marshall looked and acted the pirate of a most diabolical if not reddish dye, and his powerful voice was heard to advantage throughout the various choruses. The dresses were very good, and the acting of the various members of the Loupe showed careful study. To night “H.M.S. Pinafore” is announced, and there should be a large house to hear this popular opera. We understand that the circle seats will be in the upstairs part of the building this evening.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter’s agency.] Consols. London, June 13. Consols have risen per cent., and are now quoted to-day at iooo. The Wool Sales. At the wool sales to-day, 9,900 bales were offered. The market was firm. The Land Bi’L In the House of Commons con sideration of the Irish Land Bill in Committee was resumed on thegth inst., after the Whitsuntide recess, and has continued at each day’s sitting since that date.

London, June 14

In the’House of Commons last night; in the course of the debate on the Irish Land Bill, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone made a speech in which he remonstrated against the action of the Opposition towards the Bill, and hinted that the Government was prepared, if necessary, to demand “urgency,” in order to insure its speedy passage through the House.

Prance and Algiers. Paris, June 13.

Intelligence has been received from Algiers that an engagement has taken place between French trcops and a body of Algerian insurgents. The latter were totally defeated, with a loss of 50 killed.

AUSTRALIAN.

[feu redtee’s agency.] Accepted. Melbourne, June 14 Mr Byron Moore has accepted the Secretaryship of the Victoria Racing Club. The Reform Bill Abandoned. At a caucus of Ministerialists held to-day it was decided, by 33 to 4, to abandon the Reform Bill. On Parlia ment re-assembling to-day, Mr Berry made a statement in which he con firmed the announcement of the de cision of the Ministerial caucus. Sir Bryan O’Loghlen thereupon moved that another Conference of the two Houses should be held on the Bill. A desultory debate followed, and still continues. Melbourne, To-day. A long and animated debate took place in the Legislative Assembly last night in regard to the Reform Bill. Messrs Fincham, Deakin, and Groves strenuously opposed its abandonment, and the Opposition unanimously sup ported Sir Bryan O’Loghlen’s motion that another Conference of the two Houses should be held. Finally a motion for the adjournment of the de bate was carried, although opposed by Government. The Brindisi Mail.

The steamship Albion, which sailed yesterday for the Bluff, took the Eng lish mails, dated London, May 6, which arrived per R. M. Cathay.

TELEGRAMS.

[PER, PRESS ASSOCIATION.] The Local Bodies Conference and the Premier. Wellington, To-day. A deputation of local bodies waited on the Premier, urging the Government to give effect to the resolutions passed at the Conference. The Premier replied that in reality the Conference wanted more money, and he promised that the whole of the resolutions should have ths con sideration of Government. University Honors. Duned'n, To-day, The University of Glasgow has con ferred the degree of D.D. on Professor Salmond. The Dunedin Presbytery. The Dunedin Presbytery has rejected the call to the Rev. Mr Inglis, of Ballarat. Sudden Death. Frederick Reeves, a laborer, died suddenly to-day of heart disease.

THE CHRISTCHURCH JEWELLERY ROBBERY.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. At the City Police Court, John Anderson and Edward Hughes, charged with burglary and larceny of jewellery at Christchurch, were remanded till to-morrow. At the gaol yesterda- Hughes made a voluntary statement to Inspector Weldon implicating himself and others, and took the Inspector to the Ocean Beach, where he unearthed from the sandhills a bag containing a large quantity of the stolen property. Christchurch, To-day.

Charles Henry Preston was charged at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning with being concerned in the burglary at the shop of Mr Hooper, jeweller, on May 2, and was remanded till June 22.

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, June 14. The Council met at 2.30. Five batches of papers were laid on the table by the Hon. F. Whitaker. A long Address in Reply to the Gover nor’s Speech was brought up by the Committee, the Hon. Mr Lahmann giving notice of moving its adoption to-day. The Hon. F. Whitaker said the return of all moneys paid to Sir J. VVogel by the colony would be presented immediately. He also gave notice of new Bills _to pre vent fraud and improvidence in alienating native land, and to extend the jurisdic tion of the Land Courts to the lands of dead natives.

The following Committees were elected : Local Bills (three), Waste Lands, Stand ing Orders, Private. Bills, Reporting, Selection, Printing, Library and Petitions. The Council adjourned at 3.35 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, June 14. The House met at 2.30. NEW MEMBER. ■ Mr Leveatam, member for Nelson, was formally introducedlWHrtook bis seat. NOTICES OF MOTION. The following notice* of motion were given : Sir George Grey to ask for all corres pondence relative to the visit of the De tached Squadron and the Royal Princes. Mr Macandrew to ask if Government intended making any provision for a direct steam service to Great Britain. Mr Hutchison to ask if Government would produce all circulars issued by the Inspector of Prisons. Mr Murray to move—“ That, in the opinion of the House, local Government is conducted under great disadvantages—l. from defects in the system ; 2. from local funds for payment of rates to effect local improvements being absorbed by General Government expenditure’; 3. from the Counties being deprived of 20 per cent of the Land Fund, except in the case of New Plymouth, and that Government be re quested to bring in a Bill this session to remedy the above causes of complaint, ; and others which may bo established during the debate on this resolution.” — To ask if Government will give effect to the recommendation of the Committee on Agriculture to impose the same duty on maize as other imported cereals. And— “ That for the administrative economy andpublic convenience postage stamps should up to a certain limit be substituted for revenue stamps.”

QUESTIONS. Replying to questions the Hon J. Hall said that Government had received an invitation to attend the opening of the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition. They regretted they could not attend. Every facility would, however, be placed at the disposal of private members desirous of attending.—Major Atkinson said Govern ment did not propose to make any amendment of the Shipping and Steamers, Act, or to legislate so as to prohibit small steamers in the coasting trade going to sea insuficiently manned. The Act as it stood was based on the English Act, and unless a strong case was made out, they did not see any necessity for interfering with the regulations at present in force.—The Hon. T. Dick said Government would intro duce a Bill to consolidate and amend ex isting legislation, regulating lunatic asylums. JRe prison labor the Govern ment desired as far as possible, to avoid interfering with free labor by the intro duction of prison labor competition, but it was absolutely necessary that em ployment should he found for prisoners, and it was but right that that employ ment should be made as far as possible reproductive ; the Government was not yet prepared to say whether an amended JBankruptcy Act would be in troduced this session or not.—The Hon. J. Hall said the Government had reported to the Colonial Office regarding native affairs. He hoped shortly to lay the de spatch on the table. —The Hon. T. Dick said it would be impossible to put the House in possession of the census returns of the number of children of school age within a few weeks hence, as all these re turns would most probably not have been received. BILLS INTRODUCED. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—Licensing, Hos pital and Charitable Institution and Dis tribution of Charitable Aid, and Chinese Immigration. COMMITTEES. The following sessional committees were appointed, viz.—Library, Local Bills, Native Affairs, Waste Lands, Goldfields, Reporting Debates, Standing Orders, and Petitions, and Petitions Classifications. DISCHARGED CIVIL SERVANTS.

On the motion of Mr Bunny it was agreed that a return should be made giv ing the names of members of the Civil service whose services have been dis pensed with since Jan. 1, 1880, stating the department they severally belonged to, the salary paid to each ; also the compen sation received by each. Also a return giving the names of persons appointed to the public service from the same date, showing the department to which each is appointed, and the salary payable to each, and if the services of any so appointed had previously been dispensed with ; this re turn to show whether the compensation received was repaid to the Treasury, or in what manner the same was dealt wi' h. PETITIONS COMMITTEE. The motion on the election of this Com mittee came forward, but no action was taken previous to the rising of the House at 5.30 p. m. * TIJB ADDRESS IN REPLY. Mr Collins ipoyed the Address in Reply. In speaking of the improved state of affairs throughout the colony, he said they might fairly reciprocate all his Excellency’s congratulations. He charac terised the Speech as temperate and statesmanlike. The cost of the public service had been reduced, and, in his opinion, its efficiency had in no way been impaired, but increased. Railways were now paying well, and their working had been very much improved. He thought the policy of the Government might be improved, Large reductions were hard upon some, but the colony must h e careful that it did not under-pay its servants. The return of 3| per cent from the railways was bettsr than they could reasonably have expected. Ho had

some doubts about assisting private com panies to make lines, as unless very care fully guarded complications might result. At the same time he approved of opening up the country. He congratulated them on the aspect of native affairs, but urged Government to deal justly, and at the same time firmly, with them. He hoped the system of laying out roads through the Crown lands of the colony would be carried out, as many parts had been neglected hitherto. He thought that good would result from Intercolonial Confer ences. Ho attributed the success of New Zealand’s position at the Melbourne Ex hibition as greatly due to the skill and ability of Dr. Hector. Ho spoke of the way in which New Zealand would be stimulated to further endeavors in industrial as well as scientific pursuits. Mr Fulton seconded the motion. He congratulated the previous speaker on his return to political life. The satisfactory state of the native affairs was due to Mr

Bryce. He also paid a similar compli ment to the Native Commissioners. He congratulated them on the release of the Maori prisoners, as he thought they were excoptionably treated under the circum stances. He believed much larger reduc tions remained to be made in the Civil Service expenditure. He referred in terms of satisfaction to the expressions contained in the Speech, acknowleding that it was the duty o! members to promote success in their nndertakings. Sir George Grey said he was disap pointed with the Governor’s Address. Was the policy set forth adequate to the circumstances of the colony 1 The Address was hot so, and he would tell them what the Address ought to have contained. The steady progress of the colony was not duo to the measures of the Government, but they tended to retard national progress. Public confi dence had not been restored, although it had been revived, owing the people having obtained such liberal measures as a Triennial Parliament. He denounced the imprisonment of the natives as most unjust. Great injustice had been done for the purpose of enriching the Colonial Treasurer and his Taranaki friends. No attempt was made to relieve the more distant settlers of the New Plymouth

Harbor burden. It was an insult to rejoice under such circumstances. What had the Intercolonial Conference done for thorn ? Surely they could frame a Chinese Bill without the intervention of an Australian Conference. It was the fault of the Government that the leases of certain runs had not fallen in long ago. Such being the case, how could ho have any sincerity in the promises now given 1 The Government had, as indi viduals, received the landed estate of Canterbury, and he could not trust those who had so abused thepublic trust to do what was right in the future. He scouted the talk of renewed confidence, as the statement# of the Colonial Treasurer had caused wide-spread alarm. He referred to Sir Julius Vogel’s letter, in support of which he had said ho did not believe that large reductions in the expenditure had been made, as the deficiency in the public accounts for the past year was L 259,000. He spoke of the tendency there was to tax the'poor and struggling, and relieve the rich. They had to revert to a system of land taxation, such as his Government had imposed, and so cut up the large estates which had been given away.. One large estate at Paterori had been given away since last they met. If these estates were properly dealt with they would have ample funds to defray cost of hospitals, charit able aid, etc. The ten per cent, reduction on the income of the Civil servants was most unfair, and was no-

thing more than taking away from those who could not resist. Was it right to be asked to rejoice under such circumstances 1 Ho said no. They ought rather to mourn. The Governor was made to say that he trusted God in all His goodness would maintain the stability of these in stitutions. He would say that hs trusted God in His goodness would overthrow such abominable and detestable institu tions. He believed the wish was from both north and south of New Zealand to have these institutions overthrown. He considered that the great omission in the speech was that there was no allusion made to the question of local self-govern ment. and if no such measure intro duced he would do it himself. His idea was that two or three counties should be grouped together and made as one, with similar power to that of the old provinces. He alluded to the benefit each province would have by possessing control over their own revenues, and in proportion to population endowment from the general revenue. One Chamber was all that is necessary for the good Government of New Zealand, and in that opinion he was more than ever fortified by recent authorities elsewhere. He was deter mined that the opinion of New Zealand as a whole should bo taken on his pro posals for local self-government, and he would lose no time in bringing in his Bill.

Mr Wakefield made a lengthy reply to Sir George Grey’s remarks, condemning the same as wanting in good taste, that gentleman having, instead of throwing light on the subjects of the day, raked up old sores, and otherwise gave a most im proper tone to their debate at this early period of the session. He felt sure the speech had not expressed the opinion of one single individual. It had been in spired, not from above, but from below. They had been told that such measures would be passed, and such other things would be done. Such language should have come from one enjoying the con fidence of the House and the country, whereas Sir George Grey stood amongst them solitary and alone, after having been ejected from an office which he had abused. Indeed, he questioned very much if ho enjoyed the confidence of a single member even of that select circle over which he once reigned. They were congratulated in the Governor’s Speech upon what they, one and all, knew were facts—not congratulated upon something that might possibly occur. He was not in favor of approving of the measures alluded to in the Governor’s Speech until he saw them ; at the same time, he deprecated the idea of condemning them until they saw what they really contained. He was disappointed that the Speech contained no reference to the question of local self-government. What they wanted was local government. Dr. Wallis considered the Speech dull, vague and unsatisfactory. It neither guided, instructed, nor diverted them. It dealt a fatal blow to party Government, and that was what they had all along been aiming at. The framers of the Speech appeared to have been destitute of politi cal principles. They were neither Liberals nor Conservatives, but just a bit of each by turns, but neither long. Colonel Trimble having replied to the imputations cast on him by Sir George Grey regarding the Now Plymouth Harbor scheme, and denying same, the House was adjourned at 11.55 p.m.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE .

An ordinary monthly meeting was held last evening, there being present Messrs St. Hill (Chairman), Hodder, Orr, Robin son, and Andrews. CORRESPONDENCE. From the Board of Education, notifying the granting of the Committee’s applica tion re desks. Forwarding circular re attendance of children under 5 years of ago. Re salaries. Me returns of children under 5 years of ago. Me examination for Sir W. Fox’s prize. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of L 5 Iss 6d were passed for payment. - NOTICE BE ABSENTEES. The matter of obtaining and forwarding forms to parents re absentees was left in the hands of the Secretary. PAPER. The Secretary was authorised to obtain a supply of paper for the school, and to refund to the master 5s expended iji this direction. WINTER HOLIDAYS. The winter holidays were fixed to commence on the 24th inst, and terminate on the 9th prox. REGISTERS. The Secretary was instructed to report on this matter at the next meeting. THE BATE EXAMINATION. It was restated that the Secretary write to the Education re examination held in April last. COMPOLSART CLAUSES. The discussion of the bringing into force of these clauses of the Act was deferred till next meeting. COKE SUPPLY. Resolved—“ That a ton of coke be ob tained for the use of the schoels.” VISITING COMMITTEE. Messrs St. Hill and Hodder Jwere ap pointed a visiting committee for the en suing month. GRANT REQUIRED. ' f The Secretary was instructed to com- municato to the* Secretary re a grant of Ll 5 for repairs to school building and ex | penses of firing. MASTER’S REPORT. | This report stated that the attendance . during the past week had been low, the | number on the roll being-—boys, 202; girls, 223 ; total—42s. Average atten ! dance for week ending Jane 3rd, MS. | Highest attendance- 325. This difference - ( of number on the roll and the average at r tendance was accounted for by the bsd J state of the weather recently. The front r rooms of the school were flooded during the late heavy storm. ’ ' p The report was adopted, and the meet ing then terminated.

THE RANGITATA TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

At the meeting of the Geraldine County Council, held yesterday, the following letter on this subject was read : ■ • ■

Dunedin, 10th April, 1881.—To the Engineer in Charge, Middle Island.—The; 1 drivings of experimental trial piles has been completed, as far as-lean see * - necessity for doing it, - We.havea’ttemptgd- • to drive six of the wrought-iron piles im-r . potted by the Ashburton County Council, of which three have I enclose tracings of the section of the river at the proposed bridge extension,'showing the r ; two piles which we attempted ,to drive.. Pier was the first, and after, considerable trouble, is in the position shown in the ; r sketch. No. 1 pile wants 13 feet, and , broke off at bad weld while going one inch per blow with 25 cwt. monkey, 8 feet drop; No. 2, driven in place of No. 1 down to full depth, finished at tain, per blow; No. 3, about 13 feet, broke off clean; very bad iron indeed; 4kand 5, both down to full depth, drove (easily; After . the pier was sp far completed* i deter- * mined to try in another point in the river bed, in order to make the test more oomT plete, and at the same time gave most . particular instructions to keep it twitched up tight, in order to prevent it shattering. r The first raking pile in pier B drove stifijjr;: •. for the first 10,feet, going J inch per blow ; with a drop of . 6 feet, then 2 inches pec blow for the next 4 feet, thence 1 inch till . within 7feet of its position; when 13 feet in length broke off near tlje ground surface. This fracture is in the same position as the *' others, showing very bad iron and care less weld. As soon as this occurred I stopped the work, having come to the conclusion that it was useless attempting to drive any more, having broken three piles out of six. The piles were jdriven very fairly, and had the material been , good I believe no fracture could have occurred. They seem to be of mdat worthless iron, and badly welded at a • point 13ft from the top. lam extremely sorry that these Sin diamster wrought . iron piles have proved a failure, but * believe it to be entirely owing to the bad material of which they are composed ; at the same time I think their success is open to doubt, even if they had been per fectly sound.—H. P. Higginson. The Council drafted out the follow- . ing letter for despatch to the Minister of Public Works : To the Hon. the Minister of Public Works.—Sir, —ln reply to yours of June 2nd, informing the Council of the Rangi tata traffic bridge having now been vested in tfie Ashburton County Conncil, we desire to submit for your reconsidera tion that it is somewhat arbitrary and un just to adept this course at a moment when the mode of construction is under discussion, and when so very decided a variance of opinion exists on the point between the two Councils. The Geraldine County Council respectfully submits to you that the use of these solid iron piles is condemned by every competent author ity connected, and if the Government is resolved to support the Ael}burt<m County Council, and to ignore the re peated protests which this Council has made, the Hon. Minister for Public Works must be understood to bear tfie respon sibility pf the success or failure with the Ashburton County Coimcil. f We ahp beg to submit that since the Ashburton

County Council had no authority in the matter prior to the date of yours of June 2nd, both County Councils were evidently on a par in the matter, and deserve equal consideration at your hands. We would therefore suggest that a Commission of competent engineers should be authorised to prepare plans for this bridge extension,

to which wo should be perfectly willing to submit, but at present we are disposed to resist that which we regard as a deliberate waste of our resources.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY JUNE 16, 1881.



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BUfi?fETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest Hoaso in Town for New and Secondhand Tumitura. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex - changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND , HAND FURNITURE, 819 ffIHBESHING BOOKS printed on the JL: shortest notice, at the Office of this



Wanted. WANTED— A general SERVANT. Ap ply to Mrs Douglas, Post Office,46c ANTED—A Smart BOY, Apply, Dodson's Corn Store, Havelock street. 38c TTTANTED, for Mrs Williamson, V\ Flemington School, a GIRL, to . make herself generally useful. Apply im mediately to Mrs Cakstens, Burnett : street, opposite Mail Office. 29c | WANTED KNOWN—That ladies can l obtain the SERVICES of a com- i petent WOMAN, todo Cooking,Cleaning, ] Ironing, and Washing. Apply, Office of this Paper. 47c > ANTED 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 O dabdian Office. Apply, Office of this Paper. 990 a ANTED 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



TT7ANTBD KNOWN. —Young Ladies’ ▼ V Journal, la 7d ; Bow Bells, Is 7d; Family Reader (Monthly), Is 2d ; (Quarterly) do., 2s 2d; Family Herald, la ; London Journal, Is 4d ; &c., &c. A large assortment of School Books and Stationery of every description. Hymn and Prayer Books, &c., <fco. Subscribers wanted for every Newspaper and Periodical published. Books, Piece Music, &c., not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices. L. F. Andrewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a ANTED KNOWN— That Miss Verrall ia now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN—That the “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), New Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi cations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. 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 ANTED KNOWN—That Visiting vv Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the “Guardian” office, opposite the Railway Station. Special Advertisements.



IjJULLO! WHAT’S THIS? A. Weston’s Agricultural, Pastoral, Commercial, and Fashionable HAIRCUTTING SALOON, Tancred Street, Will open about the 17th inst. 6d. HAIRCUTTING 6d. SHAVING —well, as local industry is all the cry, and ought to be supported, Weston will shave you for s|d, but mind, no change. And if you grumble—what ! do you think he will shave you for nothing and give you a drink ? N.B.—A liberal discount'to local bodies, families, schools, widows, orphans, Ac. Ladies’ and girls’ hair cut and trimmed in the fashion. Hair Dyed any color. Invalids and others waited on at their residences, if required. Razors ground and set. 17c



EID & GRAY’S NEW ZEALAND AMERICAN R Grain Drill, 15, 16, and 17 Counters, With all latest Improvements, and of best Material and Workmanship. ASHBURTON BRANCH : Cameron street. 898 a rjl H E NEW ZEALAND Clothing Eactory. ASHBURTON BRANCH. NOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS— East Street. W, SPARROW, sg a * i Branch Manager,



Special Advertisements. Ashburton Hotel, ASHBURTON (Next to the Bridge). UNCAN McKENZIE, late of the firm of Mutch and McKenzie, har ing purchased this well-known and old established HOTEL, now takes this op portunity of thanking his numerous friends and customers for the liberal sup port accorded him during his connection with the late firm, and trusts in his new undertaking he will meet with a full share of public patronage. D. McK. trusts his long experience in the trade will be a suf ficient guarantee for the contents of the cellar, as nothing but the best quality of Ales, Wines and Spirits will bo kept in stock. The well-known reputation of the TABLE will be fully maintained, under the personal supervision of the proprietor, who will spare no effort in making his patrons really comfortable. GOOD STABLING. 50c D. MoKENZIE, Proprietor.



George St. Hill, ■gUILUER AND CONTRACTOR, Burnett street, A shburton. Flans prepared and Estimates given at the lowest rates. Terms as may be arranged. Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be required. (Anyone hiring an ' instrument and subsequently wishing to k Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase > of same. , H. M. JONES, r Stationer and Bookseller, East street and TWing Square, t 365 a ' OTICE TO FARMERS. The Undersigned can SUPPLY Prime Samples of SEED WHEAT on favorable terms. , P, CUNNINGHAM & CO., 870 a Ashburton. i . ; Hr Janies Murdoch, i s JJAYING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCE 1 PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, 6th June, 1881. 951 a gPECIAL NOTICE. We hare JUST OPENED TWO BALES of WHITE and COLORED [BLANKET S, , Bought at a great discount, and which we , have marked at ; MARVELLOUSLY LOW PRICES. ■ Diecount of 2s allowed in every pound. [ EVERETT BROS., i Havelock street. 822 a



44 A LL work and no play makes Jack f\ a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDRESSER, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., Ac. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO : —Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES : Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery’s Buildings. 720 a



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Pair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 527a* W. H. SPACEMAN'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 OTI 0 E . MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. Pudmcombb is authorised to collect money and transact" all business in connection with The Ashburton Guardian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts. W. H. ZOUCH, Proprietor. THE GUARDIAN is published every evening, giving every day’s news, up to the hour of going to press. This is better than buying a sixpenny weekly *



Special Advertisements. Hayes’ rjp IMB 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



SHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. Notice is hereby given that THROUGH TRAFFIC for carts and other vehicles in Burnett street west, between West street and Park street, will bo STOPPED dur ing the re-formation of the roadway. By order. Ashburton borough COUNCIL. PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the south-eastern end of Tancred street, at its junction with the Town Belt, is CLOSED until further notice. By order. FOOKS & SON, Borough Engineers. 20th May, 1881 847 a TINWALD YOUNG MEN’S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT AS SOCIATION. A MEETING of those interested in the above will be held in the Tinwald School, on MONDAY EVENING next, the 20th inst., at 7.30, to elect officers, adopt rules, &c. FOOKS & SON, Borough Engineers. June Bth, 1881. 999 a 40c J. T. ALLSOP, Hon. Sec., pro tem. S A L E .



A FARM of 125 acres, well fenced. The land is of good quality ; all laid down in English grass, and abundantly watered. Haxton & Beattie's Patent FLEXIBLE HARROWS, and Kell, Meat, and Co.’s Anglo-American CORN and SEED DRILL. POYNTZ AND CO. THE School Commissioners of the Canterbury Provincial District, in vite TENDERS for LEASE, for fourteen years, of EDUCATION RESERVE, No. 1999, situate near Seafield, and containing 1,000 Acres. Conditions of Lease and other particu lars may be obtained from Mr fl. H. Pit man, Government Buildings, Christ church, either by letter or personally, on any Saturday. Tenders, addressed to the Chairman of the School Commissioners, Christchurch, will be received up to MONDAY, the 11th of July next. JOHN MARS HMAN, Chairman. Christchurch, June 9th, 1881. 27c



p R I N TING, Of Every Description, NEATLY AND CHEAPLY EXECUTED, AT rjIHE QUARDIAN OFFICE. PLACARDS AT AN HOUR’S NOTICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, East street, ASHBURTON.



“ What is your wife’s particular little game ? ” asked a friend of a hen-pecked husband. When she gets thoroughly mad,” he answered, “ it’s poker.”



The editor of the Cartersville (Ga.) Ex press says :—“ There is a little brown eyed, enthusiastic, high-spirited lady, who, after she has cooked breakfast, cleared the things away, set the house to rights, attended the call of the bread wagon, and milked the cow, dons her hat and cloak, comes into this office, yanks us out of the editorial chair, pounces on the exchanges, amputates every item of interest, stacks them on the copy hook, grabs up a Faber, travels it over a quire of editor’s manuscript paper, removes her snowy white apron, shoves up her sleeves, grabs a stick and rule, and sets it all into type, reads the proof and corrects every error. That’s our wife, and she’ll get her reward in heaven. ”



A stalk holder—The flower pot. No man thoroughly recognises , the danger of orange-peel tiU his head .is on the pavement and his heals are in the air. What is the difference between a Christian and a cannibal?—One enjoys himself, and the ether enjoys other people. A bashful young clergyman, recently rising to preach for the firrit time an nounced his text thus:—“ And in»-im mediately the cock wept, and Peter went - and crew bitterly. A great deal of humbug is often talked by people who profess tq be judgps ol ’ handwriting. I showed a professor of caligraphy a letter which I had received He took a very unfavorable view of the hand's riti'ig. It was the handwriting of a " man without learning, without geniua, > - without feeling. “ And now, sir,”l said/' -■' “will you look at the signature?” The letter was written by Lord Macaulay.