SHIPPING.

' POET OP LYTTELTON. u i Arrived. ■ii To-day. Eftngitikei, ship, from London, with 34 passengers, all well. J. Cornisp, the ship’s butcher, died of dropsy on April 27. Sailed. Y ESTERDAY. Kangaroo, s.s., tor Westport. Arawata, s.s , for Southern ports and Melbourne. Go Ahead, s.s., for Dunedin. ‘ Grafton, s.s., for Timaru. Hawea, s.s., for Wellington and North ern ports. Hinemoa, 0.G.5., for Wellington. To-day. Janet McNeil, for Falmouth,

, SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yeste. day. Sailed —Queen, for Noumea ; Lapwing, for Melbourne. Auckland, To-day. Arrived —Glenlora, barque, from Lon don. Wellington, Yesterday. Sailed—Awaroa, schooner, for Lyttel ton. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Beautiful Star, from Dune din ; Annie Bow and Young Dick, from Newcastle. Sailed —Linda Weber, for Auckland ; latlin, for Gatlin’s River ; Beautiful Star, f«r Dunedin. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived Bingarooma, . from Mel bourne. Sailed—Akaroa, for San Francisco ; Southern Cross, for Auckland.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a- m., and sp. m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. in. and,s p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. in. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., aily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 A.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a. m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, »t 430 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. m. For. Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m.

Mftilw arrive at the Ashburton Post •Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 4.m., 440 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. and 440 p.m. daily. FrppiJDunedin and intermediate places at 6.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a.m. 6.85 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and f Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long headi at 10 a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Thuksday, July 6.

H. Matson and Co., on the Sherwood Estate —Great Clearing Sale of Live Stock, Implements,' Furniture, &c.; 12 noon. . Davies and Winter, at Rakaia—Fruit and Forest Trees and Sundries ; 1 o’clock. Saturday, July 8. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; L3O p.m. Wednesday, Judy 12. Mr Alfred Harrison, at Mr Sycamore’s Farm, Winslow—Farm, Live and Dead Stock; .12 noon. * ‘ Tuesday, July 18. Matson,' Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-Night, ' Wednesday, Jult 5.

Debating Society Ordinary Meeting, Saunders’ Buildings, 8 p.m.

To-morrow, Thursday, July 6. Wakanui Hoad Board—Monthly Meeting, Eoatfßoard Office, Moore street T . j, July 10. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Friday, July 21.

Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association —Annual Exhibition, Town Hall.

Tuesday, August 1. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 2.

County Council, at the County Council -.Chambers, at 11 o’clock.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton fob Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m.,-11 aim., and (Express)s.4o p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Tim arc and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.32 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p.m. —the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. bains., Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 4.35p.m., and 7.60 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m. (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 1882. The New Eldorado.

TOWN EDITION.

[lssued at 4. 40 p. m. j

The news to hand from Woodstock continues to be of the most cheering description. That an extensive and highly important gold-field is being opened up there is no longer any doubt. The alluring metal is there, and plenty of it ; enough, in the opinion of those who ought to know, to afford employ ment to a large number of men for some years to come. Upwards of 1,200 diggers are now upon the ground, and their number is being added to every day. The new rush has of course given an enormous impetus to trade upon the coast. “ Dark is the hour before the dawn,” says the proverb. r l he Coast, in common with other parts of the colony, was suffering very se verely from the general depression but a few months ago. Business was in a stagnant state. There was “nothing doing,” and, as a consequence, the population had dwindled away com paratively speaking, to nothing. The town of Hokitika, distant only about four miles from Woodstock, was in a terribly sleepy state, and the number of empty houses in and about it quite ap palling. Now the tide has turned. The lane was a long one, but the turn ing has been reached. '1 hings are looking up; business has suddenly re vived ; property has rattled up in value ; the empty houses are becoming rapidly re-tenanted, and very soon, it is said, the demand will far exceed the supply. Of course there is the usual proportion of unlucky or dissatisfied people at Woodstock, but the great majority of those who are there appear to be well contented. In a word, the bad times have passed away from the Coast, and are now almost as completely for gotten as if they had never ex isted. Happy West Coasters ! And yet the treasures of Upper Wood stock had been long suspected to exist before they were unearthed, and their

discovery, it is stated, was due, as is generally the case with goldfields, to a mere accident. The new rush is said to have originated thus : A couple of needy Italians put in an appearance one day at Lower Woodstock, where some mining operations, on a small scale, were being carried on. The foreigners were clearly “ hard up,” and, as evidently, wholly unacquainted with gold digging. They consulted some of the diggers they met as to where they thought it would be well for them to make a start at looking for gold. Wishing to take a rise out of the new chums,” the miners told them, with many winks and knowing looks, to go to Upper Woodstock and try their luck. The advice was taken, and very excellent advice the “ new chums ” found it. They joined some other “ duffers,” and bottomed with such golden results that the people came flocking about them—the rush set in. Even now the extent of payable ground cannot be estimated. An immense area of country, it is said, yet exists, of which little or nothing is known. The value of this land cannot he ascertained until it is prospected, and Government does not hold out adequate induce ments to men to become pioneers. Rewards for new gold discoveries are confined to a radius of two miles from old gold workings. This is, in our opinion, a very great mistake. The prospector, for gold trying new ground, has to undergo many hard ships and privations little recked of by the general public, who “ sit at home at ease.” What possible difference can it make whether gold is found two or twenty-two miles from old workings, so long as it is found, and in sufficient quantity to justify a rush?

Tue Youngsters’ Trip. —Last night the Ashburton juveniles returned from their trip to the Exhibition, all evidently well pleased with their day’s outing, which fortunately passed off without the slightest mishap. The Electric Light.—A company to light Christchurch by electricity has been formed, with a capital of L 25,000, in LI shares. Between Friday afternoon and four o’clock yesterday 4,900 shares had been taken up, mostly in lots of 100. A Make’s Nest. —The intelligence which we published yesterday regarding the attempt on the life of his Royal High ness the Prince of Wales turns out to be a mare’s nest. The supposed dynamite was merely fireworks, so says the same authority (Reuter’s London agent) which yesterday told us it was dynamite. European Flax. —A meeting of farmers and others interested in the promotion of the European flax industry was held in the Ellesmere district on Friday, when those present decided to assist as far as possible the provisional directorate estab lished in Christchurch for the formation of a company having in (view the manu facture of fibre and oil. A New Zealand Plumpton.—A meet ing of coursing men was held at Christ church yesterday, at which the proposi tion to form a Coursing Ground Company was affirmed, and directors elected. The shares were LSO each, and the capital L 2,200. About 2,500 acres of land near Rollesion Junction, 18 miles from Christ church, will be bought and laid out after the fashion of English and other coursing grounds. Severe Criticism. —“The prophetic mantle of Te Whiti (says the Otago Daily Times) seems to have fallen on the Rev. Mr Byng. On Sunday last ho startled his hearers with a prophecy of a singular ghastliness. Quoting a certain passage (Matthew, chapter xxvi, verses 52 and 53), Mr Byng remarked —‘ Let any of you say that was a mere oratorical demonstration, and you will be struck dead. Now, stand up in your pew and say it.’ Awful pause. No one had the courage to say it, and so the impious audacity of the speaker was not as satis factorily exposed as it ought to have. And this abominable trash is popular preach ing.”

I. O. G. T.—An open Lodge meeting and entertainment were held in the Library Hall, Waterton, last evening, in connection with the Clear Brook Lodge. Mr Geo. Andrews (in the chair) opened the meeting with a short address, exhort ing all those present to come forward and work for the cause of temperance. Songs and readings were contributed by the fol lowing : —Mr Jennings, song ; Mrs Beau mont, reading ; Mrs Jennings and Miss Cate, duett ; Bro. W, T. Norrish, read ing ; Mr Tomlin, song ; Bro. I. Scott, address ; school children, song ; Mrs Jennings and Mias Cate, duett; Sister Hockings, song ; Bro. VV. T. Norrish, reading; Mr Tomlin, song; Mrs Edge, song ; bro. Hockings, song ; school children, song. After the usual vote of thanks to the ladies and* gentlemen, the singing of the National Anthem brought a very enjoyable evening to a close.

Musio Everywhere. When it is known that there are more than one hundred pianos in this district, besides a much larger number of smaller musical instrument?, such as the organ, har monium, violin,guitar, clarionet,flageolet, flute, cornet, bugle, trombone, eupho niam, saxhorn, bombardon, symhals, triangle, drum, accurdian, concertina,etc., all of which require learning and skill, before music can be produced, and we consider the large number that often con gregate to listen to music performed on these various instruments, we might well say music’s everywhere. Now, what every lover of music wishes to know is where they can get their wants well supplied, whether it be for instruments, music, tuning, or tuition. The address is H. J. Weeks, Messrs C. Begg and Go’s, branch, Tancred street, Ashburton. Pianos by Brinsmuad, Erard, Ibach, Ronisch, Schal ler, Baueer, Hummel, Ward, Sciedmayer, and Smith organs, all guaranteed and kept in tune for six months.— [Advt.]

“The Complete Home." —We have received from Messrs Porter and Sons, wholesale book agents, of Christchurch, “ The Complete Home : An Encyclopaedia of Domestic Life and Affairs,” an, Ameri can work of between 500 and GOO pages, replete with wrinkles on affairs domestic. Of cookery books and books on household management, ,the name is legion, the choice bewildering. Mrs Julia M'Nair Wright, the “ Aunt Sophronia ” of the work before us, has, however, taken a new departure from the beaten track pur sued by most writers on the subject she handles. “ The Complete Home " is written in narrative style, and combines the interest of a story of domestic life with the information usually sought, for in purely technical works. And it is not only of culinary affairs that the book treats ; morals and manners are also dis cussed, and innumerable invaluable hints given for the guidance of young and inex perienced housewives. For instance, on turning to the well arranged index we find a page or two devoted to, “ How to keep accounts,” and also some information on that most interesting topic, “How to obtain money ” —also to save, waste, and spend it. One would have thought that instruction on the last-named topics was superfluous. The proof of the ; pudding lies in the eating. We have not put the “ Complete Home ” to a practical test, but fancy that when tried it will not be found wanting. Mr Gaut, Messrs Porter and Sons’ representative, will shortly be in Ashburton again. The work is well printed and got up.

The Alleged Murder at Oamaru.— Richard Beattie, the husband of the woman found dead in a water-course near Peebles, has been arrested by the police on suspicion of having caused her death.

The City op Perth. — The ship City of Perth was submitted to auction yesterday. The bidding started at L 2,500 and reached L 5,200, at which she was passed in. The damage to the vessel is thought to be more serious than at first supposed.

Children’s Fancy Dress Ball. —This ball took place in the Art Gallery of the Exhibition, and was well attended. The dresses worn were appronriate and ex ceedingly handsome. Dancing com menced shortly after seven o’clock, and was kept up till midnight.

Dunedin Benevolent Asylum En quiry.— At the Benevolent Asylum en quiry yesterday, the evidence was nearly all favorable to the manager, Mr Quin. He stated that he had been eleven and a half years in the police, and seven years a Provincial Government servant. When he left the force he was senior first-class sergeant, and during his service was only reprimanded once, the matter being a very trivial one. He became master of the institution in 1874. International Juvenile Industrial Exhibition. —To the Editor, —Sir, —Will you kindly allow us, thorough your columns, to address a few lines to the young people on behalf of the intended Juvenile Exhibition, to be opened on the 9th November, 1882, in the Garden Palace, Sydney ? Young Friends, —The schedule of regulations and prize list is now published for your information, and we hope you will carefully read them through. In drawing your attention to it, allow us to tell you great care has been taken in framing them ; much attention has been given to embrace all supposed articles that, may be prepared for exhibi tion. But should any omissions have been made, or any part not quite clear to you, apply by letter or personally to the Secretary, who will give you every infor mation. If you desire to exhibit any articles not enumerated, it can be entered in Group 23. We hope every young per son, who is able, in your district will make an attempt in some form to prepare an exhibit, and thus show the colony at large that they have energy, talent, and industry. Do not look on with indif ference ; do your best to help to make the Juvenile Exhibition worthy of your native land ; and then in after life you will have the gratification of being able to say that you took part in making it so. Many are already at work—the simplest specimen of industry will be acceptable let all work with a will and enthusiastic. The object is a good one, and intended to show to the world that the young Austra lians are an industrious and intelligent community. Remember, much depends on you to make the Exhibition a success; for without your handiwork it would be a failure, and you will have to share in the disappointment. The committee will do their part, and trust their young friends will do theirs, and every colonist do their best to help in the good work ; let no one stand aloof, for when the busy and interesting event is over, and you have not taken some part, you will feel remorse that you had not in some way contributed to it; it will then be too late to share in the honor. Bear in mind there is dignity and honor in labor. The committee are anxious that the young people should take the matter up warmly, and set a good example to others in mak ing their homes hives of industry and con tentment ; that in to coma it may bo the theme of many a pleasant hour—the Grand International Exhibition Juvenile Industrial Exhibition of Sydney, 1882. R. D. Bannister, Secretary and Superin tendent. Offices, Garden Palace, Sydney.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuteu’s agency.] Mobilisation. London, July 3. The Government have decided that the mobilisation of the army reserve shall at once be proceeded with, in the view of the possibility of that force being required to fill the place of the regular troops which may be despatched to Egypt. Cricket. The Australians commenced their match against eleven of Northampton, at Northampton, to-day. The Home team went in first, and were all dis posed of for a total of 122. The Aus tralians then commenced their first innings, and at the close of the day’s play had scored 143 for the loss of only four wickets. McDonnell was bowled for 38, and Giffen was not out for 41. Aquatic. The sculling match between Lay cock and Boyd, for L2OO a-side, was rowed on the Tees to-day, and was won by Laycock by five lengths. Postal. The Homeward mails via Suez and Brindisi, which left Melbourne on May 23rd, were delivered here to-day. The Australian mails via Naples, which left Melbourne on May 30th, per steamship Orient, were also delivered to-day. Money and the Markets, Consols have further advanced togg%. New Zealand securities are quoted to day as follows :—Five per Cent. 10-40 Loan 106 ; Five per Cent. 1889 Loan 106; Four and a Half per Cent. 1879-1904 Loan, 102. Adelaide wheat, ex store, remains at 51s, and New Zea land ditto at 495. Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 355. Australian tallow is unchanged at 42s fid for best beef, and 43s 6d for best mutton.

Not Tip Top. London, July 4,

Half the cargo of frozen meat ex steamship Cuzco, has been sold. The carcases are not in first-class order, an examination having proved that 10 per cent, of them are affected by mildew. A Disorderly M.P.

. In the House of Commons yester day the disorderly and obstructive con duct of Mr O’Donnell, M.P. for Dun garvan, when the House was in Com mittee on Saturday last, was brought up for discussion. Mr O’Donnell, who with other Irish members was sus pended on that occasion for obstruc tion, also made use of insulting language in alluding to the Chair. A motion was, therefore, put and carried in the House yesterday that he should be suspended for a fortnight in conse quence of continued obstruction to the Irish Repression Bill. The system of voting urgency has been revived and adopted with the view to expedite the passage of the measure through the House.

A False Alarm. It has been ascertained that the material which was found in the bridge near Bradford, at the time of the Prince of Wales’ recent visit to that town, was merely fireworks and not dynamite, as at first supposed. The Conference. Constantinople, July 4.

The Conference of European Am bassadors has resumed its sittings

here. The question of permitting the Sultan to intervene in the settlement of affairs in Egypt, is now being discussed by the envoys.

AUSTRALIAN.

fpRU rbuter’s agency.] The Finances. Melbourne, To-day. The Treasurer’s Financial Statement was again under consideration in the Legislative Assembly last night. Recovering. The Marchioness of Norraanby is re covering from her indisposition, but is still confined to her room. A Surplus. Adelaide, To-day. Harges, the Auckland levanter, was examined yesterday in bankruptcy. His liabilities were shown to be Li,486, but the estate shows a surplus of L 876. Opening of Parliament. Brisbane, To-day.

The Queensland Parliament was opened yesterday by his Excellency the Governor, who, in his speech on the occasion, announced that proposals had been made by certain syndicates for the construction of the Trans continental railway, which would pro bably be accepted. The speech fur ther stated that immigration to the colony would be encouraged, and that communications were being exchanged with the Indian Government on the subject of immigration of Coolies to Queensland.

Railway Extension. Sydney, Yesterday. The railway extension from Naran dara to Hay was opened by his Excel lency Lord Loftus. Sir John Robert son, Sir Alfred Stephenson, and a large number of distinguished persons were present at the ceremony, which passed off with great rejoicing. The Suez Mail. Albany, Yesterday. The P. and O. Company’s steamship Mirzapors with the inward mails via Suez and Brindisi, dated London, June 2nd, arrived in King George’s Sound this afternoon.

TELEGRAMS.

[pee press association.] The schooner Torea.

Auckland, To-day,

The schooner Torea went ashore at Kaipara during a gale on Saturday night, by slipping her anchor in the Wairoa River, near the north head. She is in rocky ground, under a high cliff. The garboard streak on port side is damaged, causing the vessel to mike about four feet of water. No further damage. She lies quite safe with present westerly wind, and is discharging her deck load, and will kedge off to-morrow. The Torea was laden with timber, most of which was for Ashburton, and some of it for the Roman Catholic Church there.

Later. The schooner Tores floated off safely, with very little damage. Body Found.

The body of William Neil, lost in the bush at Dargaville three months ago, has been found in a creek. He was lying on his face with a large bundle of nekau on his back, which had evidently prevented him rising. The Result of Carelessness Wellington, To-day.

Judgment was given to-day in the Westport enquiry case. After reviewing the facts at length, Mr Havdcastle said, in his opinion, the loss of the Westport re sulted from the wrongful act and default of Captain Gibbs (1) in not heaving the lead when he sighted the land ; (2) in not navigating more cautiously in a dense fog when he knew he was close to a rocky shore and out of his course ; (3) in not having swung his ship in this hemisphere: (4) in going to sea from Lyttelton in an unseaworthy condition ; (5) in attempting to press his disabled vessel across the Straits in the face of bad weather, until she was unable to retreat ; and I suspend his certificate for six months, and order him to pay the costs of the enquiry—viz., Ll 4. In answer to Mr Shaw, the Court said that they would recommend that Captain Gibbs be allowed to act as first mate during the suspension of his master’s certificate.

Substantial Sympathy. Dunedin, To-day.

Nearly L4OO has been collected for the Kitcheners in Dunedin. The Kitcheners remain in about the same state.

THE NOMINATIONS FOR STAN MORE.

[by telegraph.] Christchurch, To-day. The nominations for the Stanmore dis trict took place at noon to-day. The fol lowing was the result of the show of hands ; Cowlishaw ... ... ... 70 Richardson ... ... ... 58 Pilliet 47 Mr Pilliet demanded a poll.

THE ALLEGED MURDER AT OAMARU.

«. [by telegraph.] Oamaru, To-day. Alexander Beattie was formally charged at the Magistrate’s Court to-day with the murder of. Sarah Adams, whose body was found in a creek at Papakaio on Sunday. He was remanded, at the request of the police, for a week, till after the inquest on the body of the unfortunate woman. The police will not give any information, but from what fell from Sergeant-Major Thompson in the Court, the inference is that the woman did not die of drowning, and that there has been foul play. He said very plainly that he had evidence that the woman had been killed by some person, but declined to go further. A post mortem examination was held yester day, and probably Sergeant-Major Thompson’s remarks were based on dis coveries made thereat.

THE MISSING MAN ANDERSON.

He Foretold his own Disappearance, and that he would Never be Found.

On Saturday another search parly of twelve, including Messrs J. Mcßae and H. Briton, of Ashburton, met at McFar lane’s cutting at 9.30 a.ra., and proceeded to institute another thorough search for Anderson’s remains. The only halt was for lunch at mid-day, the search lasting until after dark, by which time the party had reached Mr McFarlano’s house. On Sunday morning the same party went out again, with one or two exceptions, the places of the absent ones being filled by fresh arrivals, the total number turning out being 17, including Mounted Con stable Neill, of Ashburton. Messrs Mcßae and Briton were again present. The hunt was once more very thorough, the party proceeding up one side of the river from the bridge, and down o.i the other. Every patch of tussock and bush was explored, and all sorts of out-of-the way holes and corners visited—but with the same result. Not a trace could be found to indicate what has become of the missing man. The-adventures the party went through were rather exciting. Foi-

Kmately, no accident occurred, but several got severely scratched and got their hands, faces, and clothes soiled. We must not omit to mention that Mr Patton, of the Methven Hotel, received Messrs M‘Rae and Briton very kindly on Saturday, and entertained them at his house on that and the following day, besides finding them horses, for all of which he refused to accept one penny in payment. It is not a little remarkable that Anderson’s words, spoken in his sober senses, to the Meth ven people, not once, but again and again, have come true, although they were not regarded at the time. He is said to have repeatedly remarked that he would be missing one day, and they would never find him.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

An ordinary meeting of the above took place last evening at Mr Jones’ upper room. There was a large attendance, Mr Alfred Harrison in the chair. Mr R. Elston read a paper on the cultivation of vines under glass, after which a long dis cussion ensued on the relative qualities of old and new bones as fertilisers genor-' ally, but more especially as a bottom for the vine trench. The opinions expressed on the subject were so conflicting that Mr S, E. Poyutz suggested that a paper should be prepared, showing the chemical qualities of bones in their different stages. The idea was approved, and it will be carried out at an early date. Mr Elston received the usual vote of thanks for his paper, and then the question of the desirability of holding a spring show in connection with the Society was discussed. Ultimately it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Collins, that the matter be deferred until after the annual meeting in May nest, the great objection raised to the holding of a spring show being that it would be impossible to get up two successful exhibitions a spring show and an autumn show—within three months of each other, the number of exhibitors who have hitherto supported the Society being limited. After the pass ing of sundry accounts the meeting ad journed. Mr Poyntz will read the next paper, the subject as yet being undecided upon.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held to-day. Present —Messrs W. C. Walker (Chairman), Taylor Win ter, Jackson, McFarlane, Lambie, and Bullock. CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT. The Chairman read hia monthly report as follows :—The Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association has intimated to you that, in view of the difficulty in rais ing money for enlargement of the Cattle Yards, the Association does not see its way to renewing with the Council the leise after the expiration of the current one. The Government have asked you to explain more clearly how you proprose to obtain grain statistics, especially from persons who have private threshing ma chines. The Selwyn and Akaroa County Councils have written to you re this sub ject. You will notice that the Mount Hutt Road Board has recommended the appointment of its Overseer as forest ranger for that district. The answers from the Longbeach and Upper Ashbur ton Road Boards, and from the Borough Council, regarding the widening of the approaches to the Ashburton combined bridge, will be placed before you today. The South Rakaia Road Board state by letter that they are willing that the boundary road should be placed under the control of the Mount Hutt Road Board. A letter from Mr Murdoch Bruce will be read to you to-day, in which he says that in accordance with a resolution passed at a public meeting held in the Sea tield schoolroom, he requests you to in struct the County Engineer to visit the site of the proposed bridge over the Rakaia, at Dobbin’s ford, and report to you as to the practicability and coat of same. Tenders for eight miles of water race near Springfield property will be placed before you at this meeting. The return asked for by Mr McFarlane is ready, and will be put before you. The Planting Committee meets during the ad journment, and will report to you in the afternoon its proceedings. The report was approved. engineer’s report.

This report was read as follows : Ashburton-Rangitata Water Supply : The dam in gorge of South Hinds is now very nearly complete, as is also the head-race along terrace connecting the dam with the big gully which opens out on to the plain in the Mont alto district. The greater number of falls for this head-race have still to be put in, after which the supply from that source can be led on to the race recently executed next the Ran gitata river. Meantime, a good supply has been obtained by the cutting of that portion of the race across the swamp at the base of the hills. The dam at Limestone creek has also been satisfactorily finished during last month, but owing to a delay in supplying the totara timber, the contractor has been unable to finish the flume over the river near dam, thus preventing the opening of the Limestone creek branch race. Notwithstanding the heavy floods experienced during the month, neither the head-works in Hinds gorge nor those at Limestone creek sustained any injury, although being at the time in an unfinished state, they were all the more liable to damage. The dam and weir at south Ashburton river are also uninjured, but as a re sult of the flood, the river changed its course to some extent near the inlet, rendering necessary an extension of the intake channel for a short distance, and leaving a short supply in the vari ous connecting races during the time occupied with works at intake, which took three days. It will be necessary to have about a hundred lineal feet of sheet piling or other protective work at this point to secure the inlet. The various races fed from this source are now in operation, and between the Hinds and Rangi tata the water in each of the races is now in the vicinity of the main line of railway. The percolation in this district is by no means ex cessive, but some extra expense has had to be incurred in bringing the water through various sections of undulating ground. For the pur pose of testing the Mayfield branch race the water has been let into it, and it is so far acting satisfactory ; but the fords on this line have still to be executed. With the exceptions of Mr Fagan and Mr Ap pleby, the various owners have sent in their contributions to make up the cost of the race. All the owners on the proposed Lismore branch lace have not yet settled the question of route near the lower end, but I anticipate the arrangements can be made to commence the work in about a fortnight. The flow of water in the race which passes through the Westerfield district is still improving. It ad vances and recedes by turns, but has at length reached to within a mile of Winslow. The Willowby extension races will be ready to receive the water when it arrives ; meantime two of the fords on that extension have still to be executed. With reference to the supply asked for by Mr Boyle and others, it was the original intention of the Council to bring the main race that way, but the fall was found to be insufficient. As, however, the main race is carrying such a quantity of water as provides a surplus at the crossing of the Mount Somers railway, it appears to me that this might be very well be utilised in giving the service re quired, and it might also be carried in such a direction as would provide for extension on the best possible line hereafter, if the proprietors lower down were willing to carry it on. Messrs Aiken and others are pressing for that portion of the race near their properties, which the Council authorised conditionally on there being a sufficient supply in the main for it. I will at once call tenders for this and the extension of main race in lieu of dry gully, on receiving the authority of the Council. Tinwald drainage— The enlargement of outlet below Great South road for the new main drain made by the Council, is much required for a distance of about half a mile. At last meeting the Council decided that the owners through whose land the creek passes, and which extends for many miles on either side of the railway, should keep the creek clear of weeds, etc., and otherwise improve the course so as to preserve the con tinuity of flow to the lower end of the summer supply, which is somewhat meagre; but

the improvement of that portion of the creek for flood-water purposes is a separate que’stionj and that is, I understand, more particularly what Messrs Graham, Houston, and others referred to when asking the Council to deal with it. I would set down the cost of this part of the work at Ll 5 to L2O.- Approaches to Ashburton Bridge : The improvement of these approaches can now be commenced as soon as I receive instructions from the Council. The most opportune time to begin would be when the river is fordable, as the traffic would temporarily have to be diverted from the bridge while the earthwork was being done.— Wakanui Flat Water Supply : The recent fresh in the river caused a considerable deposit of silt at the head-works, and otherwise caused a a deviation of the water, which rendered some additional work necessary to restore _ the original supply. With the exception of pitch ing the channel at sluice and the erection of a small flume on River road in lieu of embank ment recently washed away by overflow from river, the works of the various contracts are complete, but I observe that scarcely any of the owners have placed the requisite field crossings over the races, which are generally much cut up at these places, or are partially refilled with earth or rubbish to afford temporary access. The attention of owners to this matter is in dispensable to the efficiency and proper main tenance of the races. The lengthened period in which the river has been in flood has mainly caused the delay of opening these races. I understand the balance still due by the owners in connection with this scheme is just about to be paid up, and, so far as I can see, the races can be set in operation in a very short time now. With reference to. the service re quired by Messrs Jameson, Brown, and others, I have gone over the district, and find that the greater part of it is already supplied from a race connecting with the Ashburton mill race, and distributed on the lines indicated on map by full red lines. The dotted lines represent the extension which would be necessary to supply Mr Jameson and those lower down, and if the owners above kept their respective lengths in proper order, I shauld say there would be water enough for alk Meantime, through inattention to those races, the water is allowed to take pretty much any course which numerous {obstruction may lead it into, and it is, I believe, with the view of having the scheme treated as a whole that the owners wish the Council to take it up. So far as I

can learn, the right to the water was obtained by a few of the owners only on sufferance, so that no permanent right exists, and the Coun cil would probably have to consider this ques tion of water right in the first instance. So far as work is concerned, it would not cost much to put the scheme in a fairly workable shape, but meantime I have made no detailed estimate until the Council decides on what footing the scheme is to be placed.—Rakaia Plains Water Supply : The question of fenc ing the upper portion of the concrete channel, near the head works, has been left in abeyance till now, but so many sheep are being drowned for want of this, that a fence there seems in dispensable. The length required will be about 30 chains only, and I beg to ask the Council’s permission to get it done. _ A con- , siderable quantity of shingle was carried down the concrete channel during the recent floods, and some damage has been caused to the bot tom of it, which must be restored. The works of the auxiliary water supply are now well for ward. The earthwork of No. 1 contract is already completed, and the earthwork of the other contracts is well in hand. The contract for flumes is considerably behind, the contrac for urging as a reason his inability to piocure the timber long since ordered from Waimate. Tenders will be placed before you to-day for the race authorised for Mr Power and others, and which will connect with the auxili ary channel near its source. Mount Somers Water Supply: I hope to be able to get out the plans, etc., for the head works of this scheme in time for next meeting of Council, after which tenders could be called for these works. —Rangitata Traffic Bridge ; As requested by the Council, I have prepared plans for the superstructure of this bridge ex tension, which I now beg to submit for the ap proval of the Council. I have ordered the iron caps for piles. The decking of the present bridge is now under repair.—Plantations ; Tenders will be placed before you to-day, for the fencing and ploughing of plantation blocks, for which tenders were received last year,* but which the contractor failed to carry out—Cer tificates : I have granted certificates for works done under the various contracts during the month of June. DAM AND WEIR OVER SOUTH ASHBURTON RIVER. It was resolved—“ That the short piling referred to by the Engineer in his report should be obtained.” WATER WANTED. Mr John Boyle wrote, asking the Coun cil for a branch water-race through hia property near Valetta. This application, with that of others, ia referred to in Engineer’s report. It was resolved to grant Mr Boyle’s request, and, on the motion of Mr Bullock, seconded by Mr 'laylor, it was further resolved—“ That the Chairman and Messrs Winter, Jack son, and Lambie should be appointed a committee to consider applications for looplines within the County.” With regard to the application of Mr Aiken and others, alluded to by the Engineer, it was resolved—“ That the latter should be

instructed to proceed with the water-race as far as the Mount Somers railway cross ing.” TINWALD DRAINAGE. With reference to the Tinwald drainage scheme (see Engineer’s report), it was re solved, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Bullock —“ That the En gineer should be instructed to see the pro prietors concerned, and if they contribute half the cost the Council will contribute the other half. ” Ashburton bridge. Letters were read from the Borough Council and Longbeach and Upper Ash burton Road Boards, referring to the pro posed widening of the Ashburton bridge approaches. The Borough Council agreed to contribute its fourth share of the cost of the work, ‘ 1 provided the share does not exceed L2O the Longbeach Road Board also agreed to give its fourth share, but the Upper Ashburton Road Board would only consent to contribute an eighth part of the cost (LSO), “ that being as much as in justice they could _ give the work being a public one, the Rangitata and Wakanui Boards, as well as those near the hills, should con tribute their share.” —It was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Bullock—“ That the work be pro ceeded with at onee, and that the Chair man be empowered to accept tenders, also that another application be made to the Upper Ashburton Road Board for the balance of its share. ” WAKANUI FLAT WATER SUPPLY. The building of the field-crossing re ferred to by the Engineer, was left in the hands of the Chairman to arrange. mb Jameson’s application. With reference to Mr Jameson’s and others applications for water supply it was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the Chairman. SOUTH rakaia water supply. It was resolved that the Engineer be authorised to fence and restore a concrete channel used in connection with the above supply. want looking after. It was resolved that the Chairman write to the Provincial-Rlantaticn Board at Christchurch, and inform them that the fences of plantation want looking after, as cattle get in. rangitata traffic bridge. The Engineer submitted his plans for the superstructure of this bridge, which were approved, and tenders were ordered to be called for the work, same to be advertised in the local, Wellington, Dune din, and Christchurch papers. Tenders are to bo in by the next meeting of Council. It was further resolved that the Geraldine County Council be informed of what had been done. RATEABLE VALUE OF ROAD BOARDS. In accordance with the request of Mr McFarlaue, a return showing the rateable value of the County Road Boards was laid upon the table. It was as follows : Wakanui Road Board ... £24,836 13 0 Upper Ashburton ... 24,058 3 0 Mount Somers ... ... 22,440 15 0 Mount Hutt ... ... 28,517 18 0 South Rakaia ... ... 29,225 16 4

THE ASH3UBTCLN G OAUDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 1882.



QUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, CABINETMAKER* UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invite' his friends to inspect his urge stock of New and Second-hand Fur niture, consisting of Dirawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Cases Wardrobes Ohests.of Drawers Tables' Wash Stands Wood and Iron Bedsteads Cots,, Cradles Perambulators And everything required in household urnishing at the very lowest prices. ■ Practical workmen kept for all kinds of repairs. . Furniture bought, and high prices given. Furniture lent, on weekly and monthly payments //JOHN MEECH, B CBS, ■T I BTB * a '■ Opposite the Mail Office. .-■ i ——



Wanted WANTED KNOWN.— J. C. Dctncak, Agent, has for Sale, Cheap, Large Consignment Splendid Posts, Rails, Stakes WANTED KNOWN —The American Gem Studio will be OPEN for a short time longer. PORTRAITS, Is per dozen. Come early. Opposite Mail Office. WANTED KNOWN—That the best place to get Short Firewood and the best Coals (delivered) is from Hayes’ Coal and Wood Yard, East street. 6b9e ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. ANTED Known—The late Proprie tress of the A 1 Restaurant lias Removed to those new and commodious premises of Mr Quill’s, Wills street, now called the London Dining Rooms, ad joining Elz Bros., Coach Builders, and to cope with dull times she is now offering BOARD and LODGING at 18s per week j BOARD only, 13s. Meals at all hours. 653 e \\7ANTED KNOWN—Every descrip • » tion of Plain and Fancy Pointing, executed on the shortest notice, at the Guadian Office, next Matson, Cox, and 7COc Co. ’s, West street. Special Advertisements.



SCHOOL BOOKS. SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from IGs per Ream, Cash. Envelopes ~ Cs 6d per 1,000 ~ Note Paper, Five Quires, Is ~ A-GOOD ASSORTMENT of Ledgers, Cash, Day Books, and Ledger Books IN STOCK. Toys Fancy Goods, Crewel Wools, &c. H. M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseller, 293 d



THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. And upwards, on the security of Freehold Property, at Lowest Current Rates. ADVANCES to FARMERS are also made on Growing CROPS of Grain ; and also on Growing Clips of WOOL. Seed Wheat, Oats, and Barley supplied to fanners on most favorable terms. They have For Sale at Lowest Rates — FEED OATS CHICK WHEAT FLOUR, BRAN & SHARPS CEMENT. Gr. Adams & Co., PRACTICAL ENGLISH WATCH MAKERS, JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fisher s), Christchurch. Rotherham’s English Lever Watches, guaranteed genuine, capped and jewelled, £5 10s to £lO 10s. American Waltham Lever Watches, of world-wide celebrity, English Hall-marked cases, £3 10s to £5 10s. N.B. See that the words “ Wal tham, Mass.” are engraved on the works. None are genuine without. Ladies’ Watches, in gold or silver cases, from 455. Every Watch is Examined, Timed, and Guaranteed for Two A ears. A splendid assortment of the Newest- Patterns in Gold and Silver Jewellery. Novelties in Greenstone. 471 e LEND, in sums of WILLIAM HORNE, 518 e Agent.



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 for READY MONEY. Ashburton Branch: EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. 692 c



O. Carstens & Go., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Or jans, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257 a The ' latest novelty from PARIS. THE WONDERFUL ANTI POPIJIKXJMPTUARI. On being wound up, it flies round and round upwards in the air, ascending to an immense height, flapping its wings in the most life-like manner. Price Is Od. ANDRE WES BROS., Booksellers, Stationers, etc., East street south. 334 e



TO TOWN SUBSCRIBERS. Mb Charles Bouek is authorised to COLLECT Subscription Accounts due to Guardian, and hia receipt will be a suffi cient discharge. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, street. ori c e . MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. Puddicombb is authorised to collect money and transact all buaiueis n connection with The Ashburton Guardian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts.



Special Advertisements. B W COAL YARD. Coals. Coals. Coals. The Undersigned desires to intimate to his Customers and the Public generally that he has OPENED IN THE COAL TRADE, in conjunction with his present TIMBER and FIREWOOD BUSINESS, and has now on Stock and to Arrive, a large supply of the best Newcastle Coals, (From the Old Lambton Mine), which will be delivered to Customers to any part of the Town and Suburbs at the LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber and Coal Merchant, 4680 East street, Ashburton.



Albe r» t FLOUR STORES, East street. F. W. QUAIFE Begs to inform the Residents and Formers of Ashburton and vicinity that he has taken the Premises lately in the goods : Flour, by the sack „ 501 b Sharps, per bag Bran ~ Oats, per bushel SOAP. CANDLES. Soap and Candles at unprecedentedly low prices, in large or small quantities, to suit all purchasers, viz.: — Good Pale Yellow Soap, 6d per bar Good Pale Yellow Soap, 10s per box Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 8d per bar Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 12s per box Candles—Good Composite, 6d per lb Candles—Superior Wax, Is per lb Candles —Carriage, la 2d per lb. CASH. Ashburton. 7320



boots, winter boots, C. HAWKINS, Bootmaker, East street, Ashburton, and Tinwald, has just received a large assortment of Strong and Useful Boots for this season of the year, which he is selling at Christchurch prices. 998 e TENDERS are invited to be sent to the undersigned by WEDNESDAY, the 12th instant, for the purchase of a Lean-to. For particulars apply to FREDK. PAVITT, East street. TENDERS are invited to be sent in to the undersigned by WEDNESDAY, the 12th instant, for the purchase of a Sewing Machine. For particulars apply to FREDK. PAYITT, East street. JN JAMES BEGG’S ESTATE. A DIVIDEND will be Paid at the Office of Messrs Friedlander Bros, after to-day. MAX FRIEDLANDER, Trustee. fJIAKE NOTICE. JEverett Brothers Are still in Ashburton, and are SELLING AS CHEAP AS EVER. Special : CALICOES FLANNELS WINCEYS, and DRESS STUFFS. Bargains in LADIES’ ULSTERS, COSTUMES, and WINTER SKIRTS. We have still a Large Stock of MEN’S SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, &c. Note the address ; EVERETT BROS., Havelock street, Next Harrison’s Auction Rooms.