MAIL NOTICES.

Moils close at the Ashburton Post Office ■3 follows: For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ghertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. »ad 6 p.ta. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, ond Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 a. m., and 4.30 p. m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, ■ ob Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, ahd Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. . Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post dfiee— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m-, 4.40 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and , 4.40 p.m. daily. Dunedin and intermediate places . at 6.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. ,5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge op Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long- V 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.

AUCTIQN SALES. To-morrow, Thursday, Jury 21. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at Matson, Cox, & Co.’s Store —Horses, Implements, &c.; 12 o’clock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-Night, Wednesday, July 20. Phrenological Entertainment, by Profes sor Simon, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Lecture in the Ashburton Presbyterian Church. Public meeting, Elgin Schoolhouse, 7 p.m. Ashburton Hnnt Club—Meet at 1 p. m., at Fairfield. To-morrow, Thursday, Judy 21. Thistle Lodge—Monthly Meeting, 7.30 p.m. July 23. Amateur Dramatic Club and Georgia Minstrels, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Monday, July 25. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, August 2. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 3. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Monday, August 8. Rangitata Road Board —Monthly Meet ing. Wednesday, August 10. Local Industries Association Annual meeting, upper room, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Thursday, August 11. Library Committee —Monthly meeting. Mount Hutt Road Board, Monthly Meet ing. i-

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.5 a.m., 11a.m.,,and (Express)s.4B p.m. .Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timaru r and South, at 6.55 a.m., 10.36 a.m. . ' (Express), and 4.50 p. m. —-the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from ; Christchurch at 10 24 a.m. (Express), 4.40p.m., and 7.45 p.m. ' Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10,50 a.m., 5.34 ■■ p.m. (Express), and 8.15 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssxted at 4.10 p.m. j

Postponed. Safe Retreat Lodge, 1.0.G.T., had proposed holding an open meeting this evening, but the same has been unavoidably postponed. The Will-andthb-Wat Lodge. —This Lodge intend holding an open meeting at their Lodge-room this evening,

Poultry Exhibition. —At the annual Poultry Exhibition, which was opened to day at Christchurch, nearly 500 exhibits were shown, but owing to the unfavorable weather the attendance was poor. Auction Sale. —Mr Alfred Harrison announces an important sale at Messrs Matson, Cox and Co.’s store to-morrow, for particulars of which we refer our readers to the advertisement in another column.

Barley. The Victorian Minister of Customs has allowed a large quantity of N.Z barley to enter the port for malting purposes, to be afterwards exported. The experiment has succeeded, and has given employment to hundreds of hands. Phrenology. —ln consequence of the unusually rough weather last night, Pro fessor Simon’s phrenological entertain ment at the Town Hall, was postponed until this evening, when, it is hoped, there will be a good audience. Mr Simon is still visited daily at Quill’s Hotel by many persona desirous of obtaining charts of their character. He proposes to remain in Ashburton all day to-morrow, and per haps later if inducement offers.

The Rain. —All last night the rain fell heavily and continued this morning and afternoon without intermission. So much has fallen that we fear heavy floods have occurred at some places. A telegram from Christchurch informs us that “the south-west gale is subsiding, but heavy rain still continues.” The usual express from Christchurch did not arrive at the usual hour, and, on enquiry, we found that part of the railway line had been washed away between Chertsey and Rakaia. The passengers and mail bags arrived at Ash burton at 13 minutes to 4 o’clock this afternoon. It appears that for a distance of between two and three miles the line is down at intervals, and it is impossible to say at present how soon it can be repaired. A train was sent from Ash burton this afternoon to the spot, and the passengers and mail bags came by trolly from the train on the other of the broken ground. We learn from Mr Cookson that the country between Mount Somers and Ashburton is completely under water, and some difficulty was experienced in piloting the coach to town to-day with the country mails. In some places the bed ofe thcoach was completely swamped.

A Novelty in Marriage Settlements. —Mr Frank Bush and his wife, of Clarion, Ohio, agreed at their marriage that if any quarrel aver arose between them it should bo left to the decision of three referees. Mrs Bush lately visited her mother, and refused to return home. The case was fully presented to the referees, who decided that the wife was wrong, and must go back to her hus band. They also voted to censure the mother-in-law.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. [per reuter’s agency.] A Tornado. New York, July 18. A very severe tornado passed over the greater part of the State ofMinesota to-day Immense destruction has been caused to property, and heavy financial oss has resulted. The Irish Land Question. In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone announced that the Irish Land Commission had been appointed and would consist of the following members : Lord O’Hagan (Lord Chancellor of Ireland), Mr E. F. Litton (member for Tyrone), and. Mr Vergon, land agent. Death of Dean Stanley. London, July 19. Dean Stanley died to-day, aged 66. General Surprise. Very general surprise is expressed at the names of the members of the Irish Land Commission. The ap pointments are considered weak, and will be strongly opposed by the Irish members in the House of Commons. Arrivals. Albany, July 19. The P. and O. Company’s steam ship Maleva, with the English mails, dated London, June 17, arrived at King George’s Sound this morning from Galle. AU STR A LI AN [per reuter’s agency.] Melbourne, July 20. Sailed—Yesterday afternoon, Union Company’s steamship Rotoraahana, for the Bluff. Smallpox. Sydney, July 19. No fresh cases of small-pox have occurred in the city since the 15th inst., and all patients in quarantine are progressing favorably towards recovery. The authorities, however, have in do

wise relaxed their vigilance, and are making every effort to prevent the spread of the infection and to stamp out the disease. A Dividend. Stdnbt, To-day. The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney has declared a dividend for the past half year at the rate of twenty five per cent per annum. Lio.ooo is added to the reserve fund, and L. 10,887 is carried forward. A Handsome Donation. Mr P. B. Walker, Assistant Superin tendent of Telegraphs, has made a donation of 1.5,000 for the foundation of bursaries to assist poor students at the University.'One half ofTthe amount is to be reserved for female students.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Inspecting the Damage. Thames, To-day. Mr Hales, district#engineer for Auck land, is here inspecting the damage done by the flood on behalf of the Government. Information Against Brewers. The Collector of Customs has laid in formations against two firms of brewers for breaches of the Beer Duty Act. It is said the same stamps ware used re peatedly. Road Board Petition. Auckland, Yesterday. A petition, signed by the members of the thirly-four District Boards north of Auckland, has been prepared for presen tation to the Assembly. It prays that the Counties Act, 1876, be abolished in Road Board districts. Arrest of a Fijian. A Fijian has been arrested at Mercury Bay by Constable Kelly for stealing a watch from a man nameed Wilson, alias Colbeck. Wilson appears to have been recognised by Kelly as the man suspected of committing an indecent assault on a little girl in Western Park, Auckland, last May. Ho was arrested and sent to Auckland. The Albion. The Albion was released from quaran tine to-night. Gold. The Zealandia took 7,0000zs Thames gold for California. Racing. A match for LSO aside at Papakura, between Mr Rowestone’s Bide-a-wee and Mr Rutherford’s Sportsman, 2 miles, over eight flights of hurdles, was won by Sportsman, hands down. Archbishop Steins. Private letters received hero from Arch bishop Steins states that he despairs of recovery from his illness. Railway Tender Accepted. Wellington, Yesterday. The following tenders were received for the Pigeon Rock contract of the Weka Pass section of the Hurunui - Waitaki Railway: Accepted—B. Johnston, Wai kari, L 599. Declined—l. Bailey and Co., Heathcote, LGC6; Gregg and Gould, Tin wald, LCBS; J. Coates, Palmerston, LBIO. H. Mackie, Waikari, L 820; J. Cranston, Dunedin, L 1,077. Perils of the Deep. Wellington, To-day. A telegram has been received here stating that the steamer Wakatu is ashore at Patea, but she is expected to be got off this evening. The Penguin, which arrived from Napier this morning, after a thirty nine hours’ passage, met with very severe weather. One of the boats was carried off the stocks and stove in, rendering it useless, and damage was done to skylight and fore part of woodwork. The severity of the gale interferes with shipping busi ness, and departures of all small steamers is postponed. The Mohaka, which left Blenheim at midnight on Monday has not yet arrived, and it is thought that she has taken shelter at Port Underwood. The Oil Companies. Gisborne, Yesterday. Shares in the Oil Companies here are selling for double their paid-up value. Proposed Benevolent Institution. Christchurch, Yesterday. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Board are urging on Government the necessity of establishing.a Benevolent Institution here. Bottle and Wine Licenses. Dunedin, Yesterday. The Licensed Victuallers Association here have sent further telegrams to the Premier objecting to the bottle license and wine license, and have agreed to form themselves into a political association to return members supporting their views at the general election. Legal Practitioners Act. The Law Society in Dunedin have passed a resolution disapproving of Sir George Grey’s Bill amending the Legal Practitioners Act as to admission. Murderous Assault- The man Petersen, who committed a murderous assault on Sunday evening, with a billhook, was remanded to-day for medical examination, the Bench having expressed doubts as to his sanity.

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per a.s. Zealandia at Auckland.] London, Jtlyll. There are grounds for believing that the reported commutation of the capital sentences upon the condemned Pashas is incorrect. The Sultan is being beseeched to spare the lives of Midhat Pasha and his confederates.

Sir Theophilus Shepstone, who took a leading part in the annexation of the Transvaal, has written a letter deploring the recent action of the British Cabinet in connection with the Transvaal.

A shocking accident is reported to have occurred in a Catholic church in Mexico. One Sunday, while the congregation were assembled at divine service, the roof of the sacred edifice suddenly fell in, killing fifty people. A large number were seriously injured. A large exodus of Jews is taking place from the southern districts of Russia, in consequence of the hostile and threaten ing altitude of the Russian population. The destination of the outgoing families is America. An insurrection is reported at Mecca. An encounter took place between the Turkish troops and the insurgents, in which the latter were successful. The loss on. the part of the Imperial troops was 250 killed.

WRECK OF THE MAGGIE PATTER SON.

* (bt telegraph. ) Wellington, To-day. The topsail schooner Maggie Patter son ran ashore at the Heads, near the lighthouse, this The pilot was unable to cross to her, owing to the heavy sea running, but a signal has been hoisted from the scene of the disaster that the crew are saved. She is in sured in the National for L2OO, of which L 450 is re-insured in the New Zealand. A strong southerly gale is blowing. The vessel is 81 tons register, and is from Greymouth bound to Dun edin, with coal, and is owned by Messrs Keith, Ramsay and Co., of Dunedin, and the captain. The vessel is not likely to be much damaged

OUR SYDNEY LETTER

(yaosc OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Stdnbt, July 2, 1881,

Parliament is to re-assemblc on Thursday next, the 6th inst., so that for once members will be able to transact business in the cooler and altogether more suitable season of the year. It is well that such an arrangement has been made, because one would fancy that many a diligent legislator would fight shy of such a mass of business as that which has to be dealt with during the next few months, if the debates were to be as prolonged as they were in the session of last autumn, when the Chamber was overcrowded, and con sequently overheated. Though there is not likely to be ,any decided party contest, the measures to be introduced by the Government are bound to be discussed at the same extraordinary length as were those presented at the first sitting of the enlarged House. There is altogether too much talking power in the Assembly, and until some smart man is moved to show up the absurdities ot a crowd of members and frothy demagogues, Sir Henry Parkes will find the progress of legislation very slow. The new member who rushes in where the angels fear to tread is coughed down in the House of Com mons, and in some colonial Parliaments, notably that of Victoria; his blatanf uttering and nonsensical verbosity are drowned amid an uproar of derisive cheers, which converts the chamber into a Pandemonium of croaking bull frogs. But here, in this God-granted colony, where the standard of public speaking is about the lowest in Austral asia, every inflated country magnate is allowed full fling until the only occu pants left on the benches are fast asleep or are reading books with their ears stopped. Of course every word of this rubbish finds its way into the splendidly compiled Hansard, thus working a double mischief in the expense of pro duction and wear and tear upon the reporters. Sir Henry may very truly be likened to Frankenstein, for this Electoral Bill of his has proved a signal failure so far as the expedition of the business of the country is con cerned. Perhaps the fertile brain of the Premier will evolve some sort of cloture to put a stop to the prolixity of troublesome representatives. JSsferons h.

The Treasurer will be able to meet his censors with a beaming face, for to-day the published returns show that the revenue for the first half of this year has exceeded the immense in come of the corresponding period of last year by L979,i49. These figures are stupendous, and are calculated to astonish anyone but him who has an opportunity of watching the extraor dinary progress which this colony is making. Some of the reasons for the great increase were stated by Sir John Robertson (the Minister of Education) and Mr Lackey (the Minister of Works) during the tour in the northern part of the colony, whence they re turned, on the first day of this week. According to the latter gentleman, our railways pay better per mile than those of any other colony, and this great fact is accomplished with a system no toriously incomplete, and, for the pur poses of trade, remote from the deep waters of the principal port. But the railways are not the only source of increase, for our customs revenue con tinues to advance, despite the limited number of articles on the tariff. The land revenue is also an important item, seeing that the receipts, especially under the head of conditional pur chases, are largely in excess of those for last year. This indicates a greater tendency for settlement upon the lands, and perhaps is the most satisfactory feature in the returns.

After all sorts of misgivings and frightful stories of the dire effects of small-pox had been industriously circu lated by the Victorian press, no doubt with the object of showing that it was not worth the while of Earl Clanwilliam and his detached squadron to come on to Sydney, it is now officially announced that the ships leave Melbourne on the Bth for this city. The Bacchante will remain in Melbourne for a day or two beyond the date named in order to complete her repairs. It is probable that the Princes will come in advance of the ships overland, as the stay of the squadron here is limited to ten days. When the squadron is anchored in Farm Cove there will be quite an array of men of war, seeing that H.M.S. Wolverine and Miranda are already in port. Apropos of naval matters, it is announced that Captain James Erskine, the new commodore of the Australian squadron, will hoist his pennant on board H.M.S. Nelson, a new ironclad of twelve guns and 7,000 tons. This vessel is more than 1,500 tons larger than H.M.S. Inconstant,

Small-pox at last, I am glad to say, is looked upon as a thing of the past ; our port is no longer an infected one public vaccinators, health officers, and‘> numerous other Government officials have been instructed to leave the public alone. Travellers by water can leave the port without being suddenly pounced upon and enquiries made as to “ Have you been vaccinated ? When ? And did it take effect ?” The patients at the Quarantine Station are all doing well. Dr Foncart furnished his official statement yesterday, and early next week the doctor’s incarcera tion will cease, and he will once more be restored to the bosom of his family. The burning of a blue light and firing of a distress gun on board the steamship Ocean in quarantine last evening caused no little consterna tion to those on shore. On the pilot going off the captain stated there was no food or water on board, and that unless some was immediately sent he would be compelled to break the regu lations and steam straight up to Sydney. The matter was reported immediately to the authorities, who at once sent a few days’ provisions and water on board. To supply 400 people on board with food during the several weeks they must remain in quarantine is not a trifling matter. The agents are en deavoring to arrange with the Govern ment to be allowed to coal and proceed to Melbourne with her Chinese passen gers. May the Government consent, is the earnest wish of all, Q hinese being at a discount here at present. The Buckly poisoning case has oc cupied the attention of the Bench at the Water Police Court for the greater part of the week. John Cocks, licensee of the European Hotel, where the,

deceased lived in Sydney up to the date of his death, being arraigned on a charge of manslaughter, was, after the hearing of a lot of evidence of a tedious nature, committed for trial at the next sitings of the Criminal Court. The rumor that Mr. G. A Lloyd, M.P., is to succeed Mr W. A. Duncan, C.M.G., as Collector of Customs is denied. The latter gentleman not having resigned, the matter, therefore, has not been before the Executive.

Mr G. R. Dibbs, of Shepherd v. Dibbs notoriety, and who has only re cently served his sentence of twelve months within the walls of Darlinghurst gaol for contempt of Court, provoked some amusement at a meeting of the Synod held a few evenings ago. In course of a discussion in reference to the resumption of St. James’ School property, by a statement that the re sumption of that property was in ac cordance with law, and, “The law must be submitted to, no matter how dis agreeable it might be,” he said, amid laughter, “ Those who had had some experience of the inconveniences of the law would readily admit that it was no good kicking against the pricks, and when they found the law against them they should accept the inevitable with the best grace.” The arrival of the Orient Company’s steamship Sorata, on Thursday morn ing, was quite an event of some interest. Between nine and- ten months ago, this noble vessel (4,014 tons) went ashore a mile from Cape Jervis light house. For some time, it will be re collected, the prospects of ever remov ing the ship from her rocky bed were exceedingly small. But, Captain Fow ler, her commander, all along enter tained a belief as to the practicability of floating her. After many reverses, the history of which is too well known to need repeating. Captain Fowler suc ceeded in floating his vessel, and she was removed from the rocks amid the enthusiastic cheers of a gratified crowd on a South Australian shore. She was conducted to a place of safety for temporary repair, and thence taken to Melbourne for more perma nent repairs. From time to time my readers have been made familiar with the work that was done, and after the lapse of the greater part of a year one of the most magnificent vessels of the Orient Co.’s fleet once more lies in Sydney harbor, resuming her place on the London and Australian line. The repairs cost La 4,000. She made a splendid trip from Melbourne, her engines working well, and from her appearance it is hard to realise that she has gone through troubles little short of a total wreck. Thousands have visited the Sorata at the Circular Quay, and a great deal of interest is manifested.

A great deal of excitement has been caused in mercantile circles by the fact that the s.s. Sorata, of the Orient line, has been seized at the instance of certain consignees of goods, lost through the mishap which occurred to the vessel last year at Cape Jervis. The ship was attached yesterday by the sheriff, and there is likely to be heavy litigation over the matter. Of course the fine steamer will not be detained when an alternative arrange ment can so easily be made, but the question whether the goods were lost through the carelessness of the com pany’s officers will certainly be fought out in the Supreme Court. The case after all will only be one of many, and will be taken as a test action.

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 19. The Council met at 2.30 p. m. The Regulations of Elections Bill was read a first time. The Otago University Reserves Vesting Bill was thrown out, on the motion of Dr Pollen, by 13 to 11. The Volunteers, Lunatics, and Fisheries Bills were read a second time without debate.

The Affirmation in Lieu of Oaths Ex tention Bill was thrown out, on th* motion of Dr Pollen, by 14 votes to 12. The Banks and Bankers’ Act was re committed, and on amendment it was earned by 13 to 9 “ that any person de facing a bank-note should not be able to pass it.” The Council rose at 5 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Tuesday, July 19. The House met at 2.30 p.m. NOTICES OF MOTION. Mr Reeves gave notice he would move —“ That it is desirous Resident Magis trates and Wardens of Goldfields be removed every three years; also that an export duty be imposed on wool.” Mr Murray gave notice he would move “ That in view of the plentiful supply and cheapness of money, it is advisable railway works should be pushed on with out delay.” s INSPECTOR OF PRISONS" REPORT. Replying to Mr Turnbull, Mr Dick said the Government had not yet considered the report sent in by the Inspector of Prisons, and were not yet prepared to say what would be done regarding the recom mendations to abolish schools in different prisons, to weigh prisoner* periodically in order to test whether they are losing or gaining flesh, to alter the present dietary scale so as to check any propensity on the part of prisoners to increase in weight, the appointment of a Medical Board to de cide upon a dietary scale, and that gaolers be permitted to punish prisoners without the consent of Visiting Justices. FIRST READING. The following Bill was introduced and read a first time : —Harbor Act 1878 Amendment No. 2 (Mr Wright). ABOLITION OF PROVINCES. Mr Sheehan, before moving the intro duction of a Bill to repeal the Abolition of Provinces Act of 1875, asked Govern ment to state what course they intended pursuing in the matter. All manner of rumors on the subject had been in circu lation about the lobbies. Mr Hall said the motion was one which raised the vital question of policy, and it was desirable as little business as possible should bo gone on with until it was brought to an issue. Government would not object to the Bill being introduced and read a first time as proposed, but that in order that it should be disposed of with as little delay as possible, they pro posed to oppose the motion to fix a date for the second reading, and to take the debate on that question that evening at 7.30 o’clock. Mr Sheehan said that he had brought in the Bill entirely on his own respon sibility ; but if those with whom he usually acted were opposed to taking the debate that night, he would not be pre pared to go on. Mr Macandrew demurred to Govern ment accepting the notion as a vote of want of confidence. The Government was not responsible for the abolition having been carried*

Mr Brown moved that it be postponed until that day six months. Mr Gisborne said that Government had a Bill on the paper that would raise the whole question of local government, and it was not necessary to push it on this issue. This was simply an attempt to draw a red herring over the track. He contended that this Bill should not be taken out of the ordinary course. Mr Sheehan said then in that case ho would not ask leave to introduce the Bill.

Mr Hall said that it was arranged to take the debate that evening, and the attempt to retreat from the position in the way proposed was most unfair. He moved the adjournment of the House pro forma. Mr Sheehan said that the proposal of Sir George Grey re local government was quite as radical as his proposal, and ho challenged Government to accept that as a vote of want of confidence. Referring to the reference made about an arrange ment, he said he had only answered the Premier for himself when he assented to taking the debate that evening. He and his friends had no desire to see the business interrupted, and furthmore he desired to see an exhaustive debate on the subject. He would therefore with draw the motion for leave to introduce the Bill. If Sir George Grey’s Bill did not achieve the purposes aimed at, then most assuredly he would take steps to have the House divided on the point. Mr Montgomery would have preferred that the debate had gone on, and the question been settled at once. It was not a motion put forward by the Opposition, accordingly he would vote against it, and he knew of others of the party who were prepared to follow the same course. Mr Sheehan said he was known to be a provincialist to the core, and the previous speaker had no right to blame him for bringing forward a motion in accordance with his belief on the subject. Ho could assure him that within the next few days he would give him an opportunity for re cording his protest against any return to provincialism. Mr Macandrew objected to any ques tion of provincialism being discussed in the present aspect of the question, and on his suggestion the motion for adjournment was withdrawn, and the business of the Order Paper proceeded with.

LICENSING BILL. Mr Dick moved that the report on the Bill be agreed to. Mr Lundon took exception to the Bill, in respect of no provision being made for compensating publicans from whom the licenses might be withdrawn under the options of the Act. Mr Seddon also objected to the Bill, ex pressing a hope that the permissive clauses would bo thrown out by the Coun cil. He blamed Government for nit having stuck more firmly to the text of their Bill.

The Bill was then reported, and Mr Dick moved that it be read a third time. Mr Macandrew moved as an amend ment—“ That no License Bill will be suitable to the requirements of every part of the colony unless there be reserved to such Provincial Districts a right to deter mine the nature of the licenses and the fees payable therefor within the district.” On the suggestion of Mr Hutchison, Mr Macandrew agreed to substitute County Councils and Boroughs instead of Provincial Districts.

The House divided on the motion for the third reading—Ayes, 46 ; noea, 26. The Bill was then read a third time and passed. SECOND READING. On the motion of Mr Hall the Public Works Bill was read a second time. CROWN AND NATIVE LANDS RATING BILL. Mr Sutton renewed the debate on the second reading of the Crown and Native Lands Bating Bill. He reviewed the whole financial proposals of Government, and spoke in favor of the property tax as it stood, expressing regret at the announcement that it was proposed to be reduced. Regarding the Bill before the House, he said that he would not oppose the motion, but in Committee would itserve the right to make certain alterations which he believed would make it more workable.

On the motion of Mr Tomoana, the debate was adjourned till the evening. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. and resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr Saunders resumed the debate on the second reading of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Bill. He referred to the Treasurer’s speech has being highly unsatisfactory. It proposed nothing, did nothing, and said nothing, and he did not believe two members of Government were agreed as to what local government should be. He had never changed his opinion on the subject. It was to give districts as much power as possible to take the same out of the hands of the central power. The Treasurer was purely a Wellington man in his associations, and if he went about the colony a little more he would find that a strong feeling existed in favor of decentralisation. The effect of the Bill would be to take from districts in which money could be profitably spent what money they l ad, and to spend it on land in the midst of uninhabited localities—in the wilderness. As a representative of Kaikoura the proposals of the Bill would be good, but as representing the whole colony, he could not look upon them other wise than vicious. The Treasurer said that some idea appeared to be abroad that they could raise money by some kind of jugglery, and yet this Bill simply pro posed to propogate the delusion. .There were millions of acres of land in the colony that were not worth one farthing an acre, and yet they were proposed to be rated at 6s 8d per acre. The great mistake was that they had ranged too far and induced the settlement of isolated patches in districts wholly separated from the bulk of the population. What they should have done was to keep the population as much together as possible, and allow it to radiate as necessity arose. This Bill was calculated to aggravate this description of evil. When they were told the provinces were to be abolished they were given to understand they were going to get some thing great in their place. Now what had they got but another sort of Road Boards alongside of those Boards then in exist ence ?J His idea was they required some body with more power than the Boards. He thought that the Treasurer had been so long in office that he had come to the conclusion that the people of New Zea land were of opinion that he should have sole power, and that the smallest possible portion of that power should be parted with to the district. Before abolition there was in each province a Superinten dent who was responsible to the people, and that was a greater advantage to the people than they were aware of. He did not propose that they should re-establish provincialism as it was before, but they might improve on it. He was disap pointed with Sir George Grey’s Local Go vernmont Bill. Its financial proposals were weak. After this House had taken what it wanted, very little would be left for the districts. He believed a modified provincialism would save, over and oyer again, their expense and great saving would be effected had they never been swept away. Amongst other evils con nected with provincialism was their law making power. He would establish exe cutive bodies, but would give them no power of law-making. Then again pro vincialism allowed selfish men to manipu late the land laws of their particular dis tricts. These were some of the great evils they had to guard against in any system of local Government they might adopt. Provincialism had been com plained against from the extent to which i it gave rise to log-rolling in that House ; but he contended that log-rolling was rampant as ever amongst thsm. He be

lieved they could secure all the advan-' tages of provincialism in their loeal .go vernment . system “without disadvan tages. He would divide each island into four provinces, with a Superin tendent and six Councillors, elected by the people of each electorate, exercising only one vote, and he would give a vole to every man and woman. He thought perhaps the provinces should be divided into six sub-districts, each dis trict returning a member., Then he would have three members elected by the com bined vote of the Road Boards. That would make in all nine members. Ho would multiply the Road Boards, as they were most inexpensive bodies. Instead of a number of small rates he would collect what they wanted at once by a tax im-.. posed by that House, and would leave most of it to the Road "Boards to expend. He would double the property tax, and leave at least two-thirds of it with the Road Boards of the districts it was raised in. That would put an end to the scrambl ing for money in that House. He would also put a tax on unimproved land which was capable of cultivation. Unimprov able land he would exempt, but improv able land he would not allow to be held •

by any one for merely speculative pur poses. That tax he would devote, not to the Road Boards, but leave it in the hands of the Superintendent and executive for works outside the jurisdiction of the Hoad Boards. His great aim was to take the distribution of money out of the hands of that House. The one great evil of that House was they were called to distribute which ought never to come to the House, thereby losing the respect both of them selves and the country. Mr Ormond said his remarks would follow somewhat in the course of the pre vious speaker. Government had invited them to debate the whole of their propo sals, and he would confine his remarks to local government and local finance. He sketched the progress of events which had led up to the present debate on local go vernment, aud blamed Government for not having brought down the whole of its proposed Bills on the question. He also regretted they had not the Public Works Statement before them. The question of railway reform was one largely mixed up with the question of local government. The Premier invited them to discuss the alternative proposals by Sir George Grey. He argued that Government ought to lead the House on a question of that kind, and he for one was not going to be led away by a side issue of that kind. He was obliged to say he was unable to see anything satisfactory in the Government proposals. The present system of local gTvernraent— the co-existence of County and Road Boards—was a wrong system. If they had a proper system of finance, and would enable the Road Boards to develope into Shires, then they would be able enough to perform all the necessary functions without the County Councils at all. If he could not get his own views carried, he would rather be inclined to go further, and meet the views advanced by others than continue things as they were. Then again, when it was complained that the doing away with provincialism had swept away an important means for redress, the Treasurer told them that the House was the place for the redress of* their grievances. Now, what were the facts of the case ? They had certain Committees, and what was more common for those Committees than to report on petitions, and that they had no recommendations to make. That showed that this was not a suitable tribunal Ifor the redress of grievances. He believed that the people fooked back with regret to the days when they could state their grievances to a local body, and if they could not obtain redrew from them, at least obtain it through them. Then they had'been told that the waste lands administration was to be re modelled, and its administration centered in Wellington. That was a kind of de- I centralisation which he could not under stand. Whatever became of the Govern*

ment proposals, he hoped the House would not consent to allow the waste lands administration to come to Welling ton. It was one of the functions which, above all, should devolve on local bodies. He ridiculed the idea of Road Boards ab sorbing Counties. Regarding the Bill be ! fore the House, its principle was that all lands should be rated. In the case of native lands that would, to a great ex tent, amonns simply te confiscation. To his mind the whole of these proposals were of a most indefinite character. They had no finality. Then, again, the pro posal to devote L 160,000, extending over three years, for the purpose of opening Crown lands, thei proposal was to charge the making of these roads on the land. That simply meant stopping the progress ef settlement in the North Island, at all events. Then again, how were the deferred payment lands to be dealt with ? Nothing whatever was said about how they were to be treated in this - respect. Altogether it appeared to him that these proposals were no proposals at all. They did not propose to give local government, but were of a highly central ised tendency. The finance was equally unsatisfactory. The colony could not afford to pass such a scheme of finance. It was for these reasons he moved— -1 “ That the proposals of Government in respect to local government and finance are unsatisfactory. ” Mr Johnston said the reasons given were entirely out of accord with the mo tion itself. He contended that the last speaker had shadowed out nothing in the shape of a complete scheme of local go vernment. He defended the Govern ment against the charge of having done nothing, stating that during the present session they had only had 12 days for transacting Government business. In all parts of thetcolony abolition had met with universal acceptance, therefore the state ment that provincialism was looked back to with regret was wholly without founda tion. Sir George Grey’s Bill set forth provincialism in its very worst form. Centres of population were to he endowed with waste lands of the Crown, which simply meant that there was to be no thing given to the more remote districts. When he heard one member prescribe one cure for the disease, and another pre scribe another cure, then he could not help thinking that there was no disease at all. The statement that the proposal for opening up Crown lands by putting a corresponding price on the upset price of the land stop settlement in the North Island was completely refuted by what had actually been their experience in that reepect. The fact was that , unless their waste lands were opened up in that way they could not be sold at all. The principle of their proposed Public Works Board was no new principle. It had been in operation for a long time in Great Britain, where it had operated most satisfactorily. The objection that the fund provided for the local Public Works Board would be too small, would be met in this way : the various applica- I tions would be restricted to a specified amount each year for each local body, sufficient to allow them all to participate. That was the course followed by Great Britain under a similar system. He would like to know what colonising powers the provinces possessed before abolition. He instanced the case of Wellington. The outlying districts were perfectly paralysed, and had not abolition taken place, the in habitants must have left the settlement altogether. If that went to the country he asked what scheme of local government they would go upon. Mr Ormond had proposed nothing. He concluded by say ing that the proposals would do more to advance their colonisation scheme than anything that had yet been heard of in the House. Mr Whitaker wanted to know what was wanted to-be achieved. Suppose the

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1881.



Late Advertisements- I N OF THE DISTRICT COURT ASHBURTON, i the matter of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, of the Acts amending the ' same, and of the bankruptcy of ARTHUR RAPLEY. 1 ; Notice is hereby given that the creditors .fbf the above-named debtor having failed to elect a trustee, I have appointed Fredk. • • Pjlvitt, a certificated accountant in bank jUptcy, to be creditors’ trustee in the said estate, and the said Fredk. Pavitt has to me in writing his acceptance of said trusteeship. Dated, at Ashburton, this 16th day of July, 1881. r . ’ W. MARTIN, Clerk to Court. T OST—On Sunday morning, between I J Council Chambers and Brighton House, small GOLD CHAIN. Finder (Warded on bringing same to Brighton House, Triangle. 293 c ■N EW AND LARGE DISCOUNTS. 4s. in the £ RETURNED to all Customers purchasing Mens’ or Boys’ Clothing, For this Month only, EVERETT BROS., Havelock street. Two Shillings in the Pound returned to all customers purchasing in Mercery, Dresses, Manchester, Millinery, and Fancy Departments. SAVE 2s in the £ or 10 per cent, on purchases, 4s in the £ or 20 per cent. R I N T 1 IT G, Of Evert Description, TjTBATLT AND CHEAPLY S EXECUTED, AT r£HB Q.UARDIAN QFFICB. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, East street, ASHBURTON,



Wanted. Wanted —apprentices to Dressmaking and Millinery. Apply to Miss Buck man, Aitken street (house formerly occupied by Mr G. D. Branson). 280 c WANTED— 20,000 Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mayo and Hunt. 201 c W~ “ANTED KNOWN—That the Under signed is prepared to put and keep in ORDER GARDENS, by the day or year, at very low rates. Apply, J- Lins, Mayo’s Block. 18bc WANTED immediately—CHlCOßY DIGGERS. Apply at Works Moore street. E. B. Pearce. 180 c TK7ANTED EVERBODY to know that VV HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a ■\TC7ANTED KNOWN—That A. Farqu- W har has leased BUTLER’S BIL LIARD SALOON, and requests a visit. Pool every evening at 9 o’clock. 03c WANTED KNOWN —That Robert jiUf.-M-., Km-nclt street, Ashburton, havin'* procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. ftl n. 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 Yerrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Milunery, Drapery &o. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 680 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. 102 c 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 THE GUARDIAN tolls your Wants for Is., cash. WANTED KNOWN Promissory Note Forms on Sale, at the Guardian Office.



Special Advertisements. ■'VT'URSE.—Mrs Pauling begs to in timate that she has opened a Private Nursing Establishment and Hospital for Ladies and Gentlemen, and is prepared to receive Ladies to Nurse who require medical attention. Address Moore street, near Presbyterian Manse. 104 c



The best value for ready MONEY is the MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured by THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW. 75c Manager.



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), ' PROSPECT BUILDINGS, OBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS, Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a* A LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, g tne truin 01 uus auage 1U imuu, 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, Ac., Ac. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, Ac., Ac., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. Haircutting, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Buildings. 720 a DRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, JT UPHOLSTERER, Ac., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819 AND STATIONERY. John Meech,



Special Advertisements. Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be inquired. (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 Souare. 3G5a Dr Janies Murdoch, jjAYING taken the House in Bur nett street, at present occupied by Mr Cambridge, Chemist, will COMMENCfe PRACTICE in Ashburton, on MONDAY, Cth June, 1881. 951 a Hayes’ |J| 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. (Joßa