SHIPPING.

; i: PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Lutterworth, barque, from Loudon. Elizabeth Curie, schooner, for Auck land (put back). Aurora, schooner, from Havelock. Croydon Lass, schooner, from Wai tapu. Sailed. Yesterday. Penguin, s.s , for Wellington and North. Te Anau, s.s., for Melbourne. Wakatipu, s s., for Port Chalmers. .SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Hokitika, Yesterday. Arrived in the roadstead—Wanganui, schooner, from Timaru; Alert, from Lyttelton. Wellington, Yesterday. Cleared out —Kentish Lass, barque, for Hokianga. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived Rotomahana, from Mel bourne via Hobart and Bluff. Sailed —Merksworth, for Westport.

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 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a,m. daily. For Temnlca, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., nily. 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, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longheach, »t 4.30 p.m. daily. For Fleming ton, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. in. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — m w From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 440 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a,m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuta and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. 8.38 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and ‘Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long heach 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, *nd Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Saturday, July 15. Air Alfred Harrison, at his yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-Night, Wednesday, July 12. Orange Dinner —Power’s Hotel, 8 p.m. Friday, July 21. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association—Annual Exhibition, Town Hall Monday, Judy 24 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. 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. Thursday, August 3. Wakanui Road Board—Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Feains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.in,, 11 a.m., and (Express)s.4o p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at G. 50 a.ra., 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), 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 5.28 p.m 4 (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must bo sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number of insertions written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will ho inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Ite placo Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to bo inserted. Special notices can ho received up to 3.30 p.m. for insertion over the Leader, but will he charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must he accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Maxauer ; literary communications should bo addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 1882. Ashburton Bridge.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.40 p.m,j

The letter recently addressed by the energetic member for Ashburton to the Minister for Public Works, and which we published in our issue of Monday last, directs attention to a matter of very considerable importance to the people of Ashburton and the surround ing districts. The present combined bridge over the Ashburton river was erected eight years ago, and for a time undoubtedly served its purpose well enough. But the Ashburton of eight years ago was a very different kind of place to the Ashburton of to-day. There were but few indications then of the flourishing town which has sprung up, thanks to its excellent site and the push and energy of its business men. In short, what did well enough when there were a mere handful of people settled hereabouts, is now no longer suitable for the growing requirements of the place. That Government should have determined to build a combined bridge (1.9,000 being contributed by the Province) when it would have been so much more desirable to have kept the rail traffic and the road traffic across the river entirely distinct, was unfortunate. No one appears to have foreseen the future that was in store for Ashburton, although, from its position and surroundings, it was bound to become a place of some importance. The error of judgment has been matter of regret ever since the bridge was built, and increases daily. Everything under the present system has to give way before the train arrangements, and

pedestrians, equestrians, and persons driving are alike frequent!}' inconveni enced by having to wait for some train to pass before venturing on to the bridge, while, should they happen to be crossing a lew minutes before a train is expected, they have to hurry along to get clear of the bridge in time. And this hurrying process is attended with considerable danger. Every driver knows the difficulty of avoiding the grooves upon the bridge, and the ease with which vehicles may come to grief while passing along the “ iron road.” Under all the circumstances of the case Mr Wright’s reminder to the Government, with reference to the proposal of the County Council, made to Government two years ago, to con struct a separate bridge for the road traffic provided Government would contribute for that purpose one-half the amount originally paid by the district towards the cost of the present struc ture, is a very timely one, and in seek ing to bring such a consummation about Mr Wright will have the best wishes for his success of every county resident, as well as their hearty thanks.

Hark Forward 1 The hounds will meet on Saturday, at 2 p in., at Mr John Corbett’s, Digby’s bridge. Mu Pilkington’s Successor. —A tele gram from Invercargill informs us that Mr Thomas Arthur, late station-master at the Bluff, is to be Mr Pilkington’s succes sor hero. The latter proceeds to Oamaru almost immediately. Gold. —The men who have been pros pecting the Guiding Star quartz lease at Mohikinui returned to Westport yesterday morning, bringing a largo quantity of fine specimens showinggold thickly. One reef is 2 feet thick.

Stan moke Election. —Mr Pilliet was yesterday returned for Stanraore. He polled 409, Mr Richardson coming next with 345, and Mr Cowhshaw secured third place with 244. Mr Pilliet thus won his seat by a majority of 124

Messrs Poyntz and Co.—Attention is directed to (he announcements of this well-known firm in our advertising co lumns. Messrs Poyntz and Co. have houses to let and sell, land for sale, farms for sale, agricultural implcmerts, and last, but by no means least, money to lend. For particulars, see advertisement. A Double Presentation. —Mr Edward Button, who has held the position of manager of Longbeach station for the last four years, was, on the evo of his leaving, presented by a number of the employees with a very handsome gold Albert and locket, made by Messrs G. Coates and Co., Christchurch. Accompanying the above was an -address expressing the regret of the donors at Mr Button’s leaving, and wishing him every success and happiness in the future. At tho same time Mr James J. Isbister, late accountant and corresponding clerk, was presented with a very handsome meerschaum pipe, as a small token of the high esteem in which lie was held during his residence at Long beach.

The Attempted Suicide Yesterday.— The man who attempted to commit sui cide in the Ashburton river yesterday was examined during the afternoon by Dr Partrige, who pronounced him insane, and expressed the opinion that his mental state was not the result of drink. The poor fellow, who still asserts that his name is Wilson, says he comes from Geraldine, and from his remarks it is gathered that he is a carpenter by trade. When taken charge of yesterday, he said ho wanted to get some wood to “ make two coffins,” and that was the reason of his visit to the river bed. He was sent up by the express last evening to Addington, to which place he is remanded for eight days for medical treatment.

Music 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, symbuls, triangle, drum, accordian, concertina, etc., all of which require learning and skill, before music can bo produced, and wo consider the large number that often con gregate to listen to music performed on these various instruments, we might well say music’s everyv. here. Now, what every lover of music wishes to know is where they can get their wants well supplied, whether it be for instruments, music, timing, or tuition. The address is H. J. ■Weeks, Messrs 0. Begg and Co’s, branch, Tailored street, Ashburton. Pianos by Brinsm ad, Mr.ml, Ibacli, Rmiisch, Selial !er, Baucor, Hummel, Ward, Sciedmayer, and Smith organs, all guaranteed and kept in tune for six months.—[ \uvr.] The Electric Light. —A preliminary meeting was held at Hokitika last even ing to consider the advisability of intro ducing the electric light. An influential committee was appointed to ascertain the cost and all information connected with the undertaking. The electric light ex periment at Ross and Glendining’s woollen mills, Roslyn, near Dunedin, is eminently successful. '(’hero are nine lamps iu the main building, and one in the finishing room, and it is proposed to light the smaller rooms with Swan’s in candescent lamps. The lamps used are the “Joel,” and the power is supplied by one of Siemen’s D Q dynamo machines, driven from the main shaft. Five horse power is required for the ton lamps, and the machine is driven at the rate of 820 revolutions a minute. The light has no glare, is steady and mild, and casts no deep shadows. An estimate of its cost shows this to be less than one-seventh that of gas at the current rate in Dunedin, and it is calculated that the saving effected will iu six months pay the entire cost of the plant.

Ciikistg h UHCir Supreme Jourt.— At the Supreme Court, Christclmrcli, yester day, Patrick O’Shannassy and John Kellar were indicted for having, on the 2Gth December, 1881, assaulted one Richard Cluidley. The prisoners pleaded “ Not Guilty.” Mr Holmes appeared for O’Shannassy, and Mr Wilding for Kellar. Mr Holmes applied for a separate trial. His Honor thought that this was a case in which a separate trial should be granted, as unless this were done, the only other witness besides the prisoners and the pro secutor would be prevented from giving evidence in favor of Kellar. At the same time ho desired to say that he granted this application on the ground of the peculiar circumstances of the case. The case of O’Bhannassy was first proceeded with. Mr Duncan prosecuted on behalf of the Crown. Mr Duncan then called John Kellar as a witness, first stating that ho intended to enter a nolle prosequi as against Kellar, but ultimately he did not do so. The jury, without retiring from the box, returned a verdict of “Not guilty. ” The Crown Prosecutor intimated that lie did not intend to proceed against Kellar. Roth prisoners were then dis charged. Victor Perez, charged with indecently assaulting a little girl nine years of ago, was found “Not guilty,” but there is another indiefment to bo taken against the prisoner George Hall charged with indecently assaulting a little girl of ten years of age, was found guilty, and sentence was deferred. Frank Wil- with the embezzlement of certain cheques, was discharged, as it was shown that the prisoner had appropriated cash and not cheques. He was discharged, but re-arrested on the charge of appro pi iating money as ho was leaving the Court.

Not on Sunday. —The Invercargill tramway directors have decided to discon tinue running cars on Sundays. The Waipara. —The Waipara was suc cessfully launched last evening at Hoki tika, and has sustained no damage. Cap tain Bignell is progressing favorably.

Telephonic. —Telephonic communica tion between Port Chalmers and Dunedin is now established. There are 1(33 sub scribers now to the Dunedin exchange.

Presbyterian Church at Fort Chal mers.—The Presbyterian congregation at Port Chalmers have accepted a tender for a new church, at a cost of L 4,905. It will seat 700 persons.

Our Slice of the Loan. —It will be observed from the Puolic Works State ment published in another column that the sum of L 15,000 lias been allocated for the purpose of forming the Upper Ash burton branch extension line. A Strong Recommendation. — Says Mr W. S. Caine, M.P., writing to an En glish temperance organ : —“ The tee totallers number just below thirty nowin the House of Commons. One of the most notorious members told me that ho could obstruct two hours longer onzoedone than on whiskey.” The O amaru Tragedy. - The coroner’s inquest on the body of Sarah Adams or Beattie, found lying in a creek under cir cumstances which point to murder having been committed, concluded_ at Peebles, near Oamaru yesterday, the jury return ing the following verdict : —“ That Sarah Beattie or Adams came by her death by the hand of some person or persons to the jury unknown.” The Egyptian Crisis. —Some startling news —that of the bombardment of Alex dria— will be found in our telegraphic columns this evening, and will doubtless bo eagerly devoured by the public. The storm long brewing lias burst at last, and a panic prevails amongst the residents of the city of Alexandria. The nows was, of course, not unexpected, but it is none the less exciting on that account.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per REUTER’S AGENCY.] Not to be Trifled With. Alexandria, July 10. Admiral Seymour has announced that he will commence the bombard ment of the city at four o’clock on Tuesday morning unless the forts are surrendered before that time. The French fleets will not join in the bom bardment. Mr Cookson, the British Consul, has suspended relations with the Egyptian Government, and has in formed Dervish Pasha that he will be held responsible for the safety of the Khedive.

AUSTRALIAN.

[pur rkutkr’s aok.ncy.] A Break-Down- Melbourne, Yesterday. The steamship Durham, which left London on May sth, arrived here this morning. Her machinery broke down during the voyage, and she was com pelled to put into Portland to effect the necessary repairs. Sir Julius. Sir Julius Vogel is now staying at Menzies’ Hotel, Bourke street west. His departure for New Zealand has been postponed owing to an attack of gout from which he is suffering. It is stated that Sir Julius’ stay in the colonies will be but a brief one.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Colonial Defences. Auckland, To-day. At the Harbor Board yesterday a tele gram was read from the Lyttelton Board suggesting co operation to effect the adop tion of Soratchlcy’s recommendations re defence of our principal ports. The Mayor states the defences proposed for Auckland insufficient. Commodore Ers kine, of H. M. S. Nelson, informed him that long-range heavy guns were neces sary Finally it was resolved to co-ope rate with the Lyttelton Harbor Board, and to urge Government to erect a battery of heavy guns at the North Head. Criminal. Ar. the Supreme Court yesterday Hen nclty was found guilty on two charges of forgery, and got three years’ imprison ment, Joseph Hays, for stealing from a dwelling, got eighteen months, and Emanuel Rodrigue*,, found guilty of an unnatural offence, will ha sentenced to day. No bills re David Johnston (horse stealing), James Jacob Biwer (forgery), and true hills re Eliza Davison (bigamy), Henry Goldsmith (stealing from a dwel ling), Samuel Bowden, James Troy, and Samuel Duffy (forgery), were returned. The Grand Jury have made the following presentment:—That there are numerous bills of indictment brought before us which shovid bo summarily dealt with by the Justices of the Peace of this Judicial district. That, iu consequence of these needless commitments to the Supreme Court the country is put to considerable unnecessary expense. That in some in stances the accused escape one punishment for lesser crimes whilst being charged with greater ones.

Obituary. Archdeacon Lusk, yesterday, aged G 5. Perjury. Thomas Gorman was committed for trial for perjury at the police court yes terday. Highly Satisfactory. The half-yearly meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company’s report, showed that after making ample provision for all liabilities, and carrying L 20,000 to the re erve fund, there remains L 21,584 for division. A dividend of 15 per cent, was paid, and L 6,584 carried forward. Accident at Sea. Wellington, To-day. Ai-rived, Birkor, barque, Captain Jones, from London, 80 days out. A fortnight ago an apprentice named Gar ringham fell from the spanker gaff and had his thigh-bone broken. Supreme Court. Christchurch, To-day. At the Supremo Court to day James Wilkinson, for larceny as a bailee, got six months. The Oamaru Murder. Oamaru, To-day. Alexander Beattie was charged, on remand, at the Magistrate’s Court to-day with the murder of Sarah Beattie, or Adams, .and was further remanded until Tuesday next

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 11. NOTICES. The Hon. Mr Nurse gave notice of a motion to prohibit the importation of snakes and wild animals for, exhibition ; also of a motion that all railway guards should be made special constables, so that they might deal with drunk and disorderly people. question. In reply to a question it was stated that Government were considering the advis ability of separating the passenger from the goods traffic over the Rimutaka, so as to prevent a recurrence of the accident of July Ist. POLICE PROTECTION. The Hon. Mr Oliver said the police had received instructions to attend the arrival and departure of steamers to prevent drunken and disorderly persons from using disgusting language. The Hon. Mr Scotland said similar police protection was required about the Parliamentary buildings KAILWAY BILL The Railway Construction and Lind Act Amendment Bill was passed through committee after a long discussion. BILLS. The Mining Companies Act Amend ment Bill was read a second time, and the Fisheries Bill a third time. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES- Tuesday, July 11. The House met at 2.30. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. The report on the Ashburton County Council Empowering Bill was agreed to. WELLINGTON HARBOR AND CORPORATION LAND BILL. Considerable discussion took place on this Act Amendment Bill. The report was adopted. QUESTIONS.

In reply to questions it was stated : That of the four district companies only the Ashbnrton-Forks Company had ap plied for a special rate, which, however, was not levied. An auditor had been ap pointed for it, and would be appointed for the other companies. The quarter pay ments amounting to L 1,044 on the Ash burton and Forks line had been paid, and the cost of all four lines had been pro perly certified.—An opportunity would be given the House to consider the report of the Volunteer and Military Land Claims Commission, as a Bill would be required to give it effect—A vote would be asked for a light in the French Pass, and a beacon on Jackson’s reef.—A late Attorney-General’s opinion was that the governor of Lyttelton gaol had power to award twenty-four hours’ solitary confine ment to prisoners in certain cases.—Go vernment did not propose making any fur ther amendment in the Corrupt Practices Act —Government would cause an inquiry to be made into the present unsatisfactory state of things existing in the north between sawmill owners, bush contractors, and bushmen, with a view to amend the Con tractors Debt Act, 1871, so as to protect bushmen from being defrauded of their wages by unscrupulous contractors.—Go vernment did not intend making any alteration in the site of the police station at South Rakaia.—Government would, in accordance with the recommendation of the joint committee on bankruptcy, bring down a Bill to amend the Bankruptcy Bill.— The increased charge of one penny per word recently imposed on cable messages to Australia was collected by New Zealand simply as agent.—No subsidy had in any case been paid to the Road Boards on rates collected up to March 30th, 1881. NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE. Mr Sheehan having consented to with draw his proposed amendment to the mo tion of Major Atkinson respecting his scheme of national life insurance, the de bate was adjourned until Monday next. ADJOURNMENT. The Public Works Statement (an abridged report of which appears else where) was then delivered, and the House rose at 8.30.

BOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held last evening at the school house. Present—Messrs St Hill (Chair man), Williamson, Boyle, A. Orr, Ro berts, Robinson, and J. Ward, (Secre tary). HEAD master’s REPORT. This report (for the three weeks ending 30th June) was read as follows : —“ The average attendance since my last report was—ln the upper school, 200 4 ; and in the infant department, H7'3l. Total, 317'7. Number at present on rolls, 458. The school was closed on 30th June for three weeks (midwinter holidays), hut re assembled on the following Tuesday, when about 180 of the pupils proceeded by rail to Christchurch in order-to visit the Ex hibition. A great many of the children had already been there, which accounts for the small number who took advantage of the opportunity offered them through the School Committee. The day passed off very pleasantly. About four hours were spent in viewing the sights in the Exhibition building : the last of all (to me a most pleasing sight) being our youthful and happy family pattaking of delicious tea, accompanied with a substan tial luncheon, provided by the Commit tee. After leaving the Exhibition we en joyed ourselves for about an hour in the Gardens, to the no small alarm of the caretaker, who was in a terrible state of excitement lest we should trample on his borders. However, when he heard we were from Ashburton his austerity re laxed, and ho even delayed closing the gates so as to give ns a few minutes longer to breathe the odours of the flowers. I wish to convey to Mr St. Hill my warmest thanks for all his help and attention, who, I am afraid had occasional anxious moments when some of the little ones were reported as missing. I wish also to thank Mr Roberts, who, although new to his work, was not the less attentive to his duties. I should be neglecting my duty if I did not mention to you the attention which Mr Pilkington showed to us from first to last, and the deep interest that ho took in our comfort. We were supplied with excellent carriages and had none of that crush which is so ofen the characteristic of a children’s trip.—Rooks sold during the month of June, L2 2s 7d. The report was adopted, and on the motion of Mr Boyle, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Messrs St. Hill and Roberts for their exertions on the day of the late excursion trip to Christchurch/ On the motion of the Chairman, a vote of thanks was then unanimously passed to the head master and mistress, the infant mis tress and that portion of tlie staff who gave up a portion of their holiday to at tend upon the children and contributed 1 by their watchfulness and assiduity so much towards the success of the excur sion. ■

PUPIL TEACHER. The agreement with Miss Emma Bean, as pupil teacher, was laid upon the table, h iving had the seal of the Board of Edu cation affixed to it. Miss Bean’s appoint ment dates from the Ist of May last. SCHOOL FENCES AND FIREPLACE. The Chairman reported that the sci 00l fences wore now in a thorough state of repair. He had requested that the schr ol room fireplace might be rebuilt, and in a substantial and proper manner. VISITING COMMUTE!. Messrs Robinson and Roberts were ap pointed visitors for the mouths.

ACCOUNTS. Sundry account? having been passed for payment, the meeting adjourned.

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

The above statement was delivered last night. The following is a summary of it: —Although the amount voted last session for survey and construction of railways, including additions to opened lines, was L 1,026,630, yet the amount spent was only L 454,333, and the liabilities out standing on the 31st March were L 320,254. The length of railways in various stages of progress during the year was 234 miles, and of this length 46 miles were opened for traffic within the year— -23 miles in each Island. The total length of railways opened for traffic on the 31st I March last win 1,333 miles, there being open in the North Island 458 mile?, and 1 in the Middle Island 875 miles. I will now make a brief reference to each of the lines of railway, to what extent they have been proceeded with or improved is stated in detail in the reports from the engineers in charge, but it is customary to refer to them in the Statement itself, and on this occasion to do so will make a desirable and convenient preface to the proposals for the expenditure of the new loan. The working of the open lines during the past year shows good results. The increase in revenue being L 55,592 against an increase of expenditure of only LI, 142, whilst the tonnage carried shows an increase of 50,931 tons; and the number of passengers, 561,916 more than the preceding year. As a matter of fact, the reductions made in the rates in all parts of the colony have been large. The concessions made in the grain rate alone being estimated to benefit the producers to the extent of about L 15,000 during the current year. While the goods traffic, however, shows largely increased commercial activity, tha passen ger traffic has not as yet entirely re covered from the heavy fall which took place during 1880-81, that having been the period of the greatest depression of rail way traffic in the colony. The passenger traffic is not, therefore, as great as pre vious results might have led us to expect, and this fact suggests that it is desirable for us to consider whether it might not bo advantageous to reduce the faros, a sub ject which must receive attention at an early date. It will require, however, to be treated with caution. The passenger receipts for the year having been L 361,705, it will readily be seen that a reduction of fares, if not followed by a corresponding increase of passengers, would considerably diminish the profit of the railways—more so because it would be necessary to make a very substantial reduoiion in order to give the experiment

any reasonable chance of success. The total expenditure up to the 31st March

last upon railways, including the cost of the provincial railways taken over, is 1)10.974,000. Of this sum it is estimated that L 1,531,000 was not in a position to contribute to the revenue during the past year. The cost of the lines open for traffic was, therefore, L 9,443,000 and the surplus of receipts over expenditure, L 369,000, give a return of L 3 18s 2d per cent. The lires in the North Island cost

L 3,194,000, and yield a net revenue of T. 08,000, or L2 2s 8d per cent. Those in the Middle Island cost L 6,249,000, and

give a return of L 301,000, or L 4 16s 3d per cent. The increases over the pre ceding year being—for the North Island LI,BOO, and L 37,000 for the Middle Island, which upon the total cost gives an average increase of 10s per cent. This

great difference between the traffic carried on the lines in each island points unmis takably to the advisability of completing

the connection between the separate por tions of the railway systems of the North Island. It must be borne in mind that the total expenditure of L 10,974,000 covers not only the expenditure upon all works in progress to date, and for plant

on hand, but also upon all extensive ex plorations and trial surveys, together with that on some harbor works and wharves in connection with the rail ways, the revenues derived from which are retained by the local bodies. With regard to roads, exclusive of the vote taken for “roads to open up lands before sale,” amounting to L 50.000 for the year for both islands, and for “ roads

through lands recently purchased,” amounting to L 7,853, which was placed under the control of the Minister of Lands, there were votes taken last session

for the construction of roads and load bridges in the North Island, amounting to L 116.825, and in the Middle Island to L 53,539. Of these sums the expenditure in the North Island was L 09,871, and the liabilities on the 31st March last, L 32,103; total, L 101.974 In the Middle Island the expenditure was L 28.896, and the liabilities, L 28,798 ; total, L 57,694 On harbor works altogether the expenditure out of Public Works Loans within the year has been LIB,BIO, and the liabilities on the 31st March last were L 4,755; total, L23,5G5. Under the heading lighthouses the works completed during the year have not been very extensive or costly, but they will bo of considerable utility to shipping. For public buildings generally the amount voted last session was L 191,106, of this sum L 128,356 was ex pended during the year, and the liabilities at the end of March last amounted to

L 84,457; total. L 212,813. The portion of this expenditure, including liabilities, devoted to the North Island was L 71,634, and to the Middle Island, L 141,179. In

the Middle Island the lunatic asylums at Sunnyside and Seacliffe are the principal works in progress. At Sunnys'de con siderable additions have been made during the year, and others are being proceeded with, while designs have been got out for still further additions at Seacliffe. The works, which are of a large magnitude, are being gradually carried out. It is ex pected that these two asylums, when com pleted, will compare favorably, both in appearance and utility, with the best in stitutions of a similar kind in England. The coal now used on the New Zealand railways is entirely raised in the colony. The only New Zealand coal in the market of a description suitable for marine pur poses is that of the Kawakawa coalfield, the Kamo mine, and the coal of the West Coast of the South Island. The former is very largely used by the Union Steam ship Company. It is expected that when tiie Orepuki line is completed, the fine coal seam in this locality will also bo worked, and Southland will thus become entirely self-supplying in the matter of coal. Mines ai’e now opened in South land, Otago, Canterbury, and Auckland, which are capable of supplying the local wants of these districts, and the mines of Greymouth and Westport are being fur ther developed, yielding very superior gas and steam coal respectively. The published reports upon the control and and inspection of mines show that the quantity of coal raised in the colony during the years 1878 to 1881 has steadily increased, while the quantity imported has steadily decreased. During 1831, however, there was a slight increase as compared with 1880, but the increase in the quantity raised in the colony during 1881 is relatively as great as in previous years, and far exceeds the increase in coal imports daring the same year. In view of the facts, and bearing in mind the in creased facilities which are being provided by railway for transit of coal from mines to the centres of population near the sea board, it may reasonably bo assumed that the consumption of local coal will become far more general than it is at pre sent, and that the importation of the commodity will gradually cease. For waterworks on goldfields the sum of L 22,000 was voted, of this amount L 13,272 has been expended, and there were liabilities at the end of March last to the extent of L6,G66. Total, L 19,938.

I now come to the proposals for the cur rent year, which comprise the scheme t£ distribution of the loan so far_ as it is available for railways construction ovtr such of the works authorised as the Go vernment consider should be pushed on as rapidly as possible. The loan was ap portioned thus Railway?—Kawakawa, to comploto, L 17,500; Whangarei and Kamo, to complete, L 7,500; Hamilton and Cambridge, to complete, LOO,000; Hamilton and Te Aroha, to complete, L 92,000; Thames, Te Aroha, Grahams town to Kopua, L 23.000; main trunkline from Te Awamutu southwards, L 10,000; Napier and Woodville, to complete, L 160.000; Wellington and Woodville ex tension from Masterhon, L 200,000; New Plymouth-Foxton, to complete line of 195 miles L 75.000; Nelson-Roundoll ex tension from Belgrovo, L 40,090; Grey mouth-Reeftoa extension towards Reef top, L 100.000; main trunk line through South Island extension southwards from Blenheim, L 90,000; completion of Weka Pass and Horsley Downs sections, includ- , ing bridge over Hurunui, L 75,000; main trunk lino extension northwards, L 180,000; Upper Ashburton branch ex tension, L 15,000; Lincoln and Little River, to complete, L 30,000; Albury Creek branch extension to Burke’s Pass, L 33,000; Oxford to Sheffield, to com plete, L 12,000 ; Livingstone branch, to complete first section, L 22,000; Palmer ston and Waihemo, to complete, L 18,000; Gatlin’s River branch, to complete section from main lino to Port Molyneux road, , L 22,000; Waipahi and Heriotburn, to complete section to Swift’s Creek, 1 L 12.009; Edendale Tol Tois, to complete section to Mokoreta, L 13.000 ; Otago' Central extension, L 300.000; Lumsden and Marroa branch, to complete to Centre Hill, L 35,000; Riverton-Orepuki, to com plete, L 16,000; total, L 1,650,000. Pur chase of Native lands, L200,00d. Public buildings, L 200.000. Immigration, L 200.000. Roads to open up Crown lands, L 200,000. Roads and bridges, LIOO,OOO. Roads, wharves, and bridges north of Auckland, LIOO,OOO. Gold fields, LIOO.OOO. Harbors, Lloo,ooo. Telegraph extension, L 500,000. Total, L 1,350,000. Grand total, L 3,000,000. The immigration proposed is solely a nominated immigration, except for single women. It is believed the amount de voted to it is sufficient, although I am glad to say as evidence that the colonists who have come to New Zealand have prospered here, that the Minister for Im migration has in hand at the present mo ment more than 5,000 nominations of persons whom their friends in the colony desire to bring out, and there is no doubt that when the Government advertises throughout the colony that they are pre pared to receive nominations this number will be largely increased. I need not say that the expenditure upon immigration is exceedingly profitable. Wo have spent upon it altogether since 1870 rather less than L 2,000,000, or incurred an annual charge of about LIOO.OOO, and have in troduced in all 101,214 persons. Since 1870 our population has increased from 248,400 to 504,900, whilst our revenue, exclusive of revenue derived from rail ways and Crown lands, has increased from L 935,000 to L 2,414,000— a sure indication that the introduction of this large body of immigrants, besides being very advan tageous and profitable, has enabled the immigrants themselves to attain to a con dition of comparative comfort in their new home. To the course which has been adopted during the past few years of opening up Crown lands before offering them for sale by a systematic plan of pioneer roads, bridges, and drainage works, the Government attaches very groat importance. The fact that nearly half a million of acres will be surveyed and available for sale during the current year, under the different provisions of the Land Act, will show honorable members that largely increased facilities, as com pared with previous years, are being afforded for settlement throughout the country. Possibly the amount set aside for roads and bridges may seem needlessly large, seeing that the Government pro poses to make special provision for works of this class, but it must be remembered that, owing to the necessity which has ex isted of extending the expenditure of the balance of our Public Works fund over the interval until we can borrow again, a considerable number of the works auth orised last year have not been com menced. But, nevertheless, the localities interested look upon the grants as being still available, and there are, moreover, works still to be carried out upon such roads as the one from Christchurch to Hokitika, or that between Greyraouth and Nelson, or upon the roads north of Auckland. Indeed, seeing that the por tion of the colony lying north of Auckland is excluded from any farther railway con struction out of the loan now proposed, the Government deemed it only equitable to specially allocate for the roads, wharves, and bridges in that district the sum of LIOO.OOO It is the intention of the Government to afford no further, as sistance to local works otherwise than under the Bill proposed to be introduced, and it is hoped this class of expenditure will soon cease to be a charge upon our Public Works fund. Referring to harbor works expenditure, the speaker said that generally it would be the effort of the Government to make to a much greater extent than had hitherto been the case, all further loans to be loans for railway construction. There could be no doubt about the enormous benefits which had accrued to the colony from its railways. The colony (the speaker con tinued) has largely gained by the promotion of settlement and by the greatly increased prices ob tained in some cases for Crown lands, as, for instance, on the Waimate Plains. I may be permitted to express here my regret that the State did not from the commencement of the public works policy take possession, at the then value, of considerable areas of land in suitable localties in the vicinity of the proposed railway lines in order to cut them up or sell them insmall homesteads. Thiscourse would not merely have largely diminished the cost of railways, but would have added to their earnings, and the direct and in direct taxation which this additional popu lation would have contributed to the Treasury might have made it possible to alleviate to some extent taxation generally. Ic is therefore almost superfluous for me to add in conclusion that tho Government is thoroughly convinced of tho advisability of completing our railway system ; that, it is an essential part of its policy to com plete the construction as rapidly as possi ble of the main trunk lines in both Islands and of desirable branch lines as soon as circumstances will permit ; and that it will gladly see private enterprise supplement the work undertaken by the colony, by taking advantage of the Railways Con struction Act of last year and of the District Bail ways Act. With this policy tho colony will continue to make the pro gress and enjoy the prosperity which we now happily experience, and if the policy is carried out with prudence, there is no reason to doubt that the prosperity will bo enduring.

FIJI NEWS.

[by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. The 5.3. Taiaroa arrived from Fiji this morning. She brings the following items : A mineral deposit has been discovered at Yanni, Lovu. Petty larceny is daily committed at Levuka. Advices from the Duke of York Island state that a trader named Martin, mad

THE ASHBUBIOS GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 18S2.



w ra TER BOOTS. WINTER BOOTS. 0. HAWKINS, Bootmaker, East street, Ashburton, and Tinwald, has just received a Urge assortment of Strong and Useful Boots for this season of the year, which he is selling at Christchurch prices. 998 e The latest novelty from PARIS. THE WONDERFUL ANTI POPIJIKUMPTUARI. 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



gUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invite his friends to inspect his mrge stock of New and Second-hand Fur aiture, consisting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Cases Wardrobes Chests 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 lIS HI T I BTK K E Opposite the Mail Office.



Wanted ■STTAN'IED A MAN COOK for V V Men’s Hut. Must be good baker. O. H. Dowding, Coldstream. jl 10 i'ITANTED KNOWN—The American \ V Gem Studio will be OPEN for a short time longer. PORTRAITS, Is per dozen. Come early. Opposite Mail Office. jl 3 WANTED KNOWN—That the best place to get Short Firewood and the best Coals (delivered) is from Hayes’ Coal and Wood Yard, East street, 669 e 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. 7GOc ANTED Known—The late Propric , f tress of the A 1 Restaurant has Removed to those new and commodious premises of Mr Quill’s, Wills street, now called the London Dining Rooms, ad joining Elz Pros., Coach Builders, and to cope with dull times she is now offering BOARD ami LODGIN'! at 18s per week ; HOARD only, 13s. Meals at all hours. Gs3e TXT'ANT ED KNOWN —Every dnscri p- VV tion of Plain and Fancy P-inting, executed on the shortest notice, at the Ouadian Office, next Matson, Oox, and Co.’s, West street. IUI . ,~„ Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. £50,000 TO LEND, in sums of £O 0 0 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, WILLIAM HORNE, 518 e Agent. O. Carstens & Co., (Late ’Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods and stationery. Meerschaum Pipes, G. B. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. flaircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASH BURTON. 257 a



SCHOOL BOOKS. SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from 16s per Ream, Cash. Envelopes ~ (is Gd 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. BL M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseldhii, 293 d



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. G92c



G-. Adams & Co., PRACTICAL ENGLISH WATCH MAKERS, JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fishery), 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. 13. —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 Years. •A splendid assortment of the Newest Patterns in Gold and Silver Jewellery. Novelties in Greenstone. 4710 FLOUR STORE East street. S, F. W. QUAIFE Begs to inform the Residents and Farmers of Ashburton and vicinity that he has taken tho Premises lately in the occupation of Mr Henry Bowers, Miller, where he intends offering the following goods : Flour, by the sack, „ 601 b Sharps, per bag Bran ~ Oats, per bushel Oaten Sheaf Chaff, per ton 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 par bar Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 12s per box Candles—Good Composite, 6d per lb Gandies —Superior Wax, Is per lb Candles -Carriage, Is 2d per lb. CASH. Ashburton. 732 e /N OVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS. \Jf District Court Rules, Land Transfer Handy-Book and Acts, Joint Stock Com panies Acts, &c., on Sale at Office of this Paper CASH RECEIPTS Printed at “The Guardian office.



Special Advertisements. PECIAL NOTICE. TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SOR ROUNDING DISTRICTS. GL R. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, Peinces street, Dunedin, Have great pleasure in announcing that they have appointed MrG. F. HENRY, of Saunders’ Buildings, East Street, Asbuv ton, as their Sole Agent and Representa tive in this district, and that it is their intention to cater for the Music-loving population of Ashburton in such a man lor as has never before been attempted. Messrs G. R. West & Co. are the Largest Direct Importers of PIANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, BRASS, WIND, AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS In the Colony, and a large and varied stock of the above will always be found at their Agent’s Depot. Mr G. R. West, being at present in England, is shipping direct to Dunedin all the latest novelties in MUSIC ! MUSIC ! ! MUSIC !! ! And G. F. Henry respectfully solicits a call from his friends, teachers, the public in general to inspect his magnificent stock of Music, personally selected by himself in Dunedin. In connection with the above, we have retained the services of Miss Gates (organist of St. Stephen’s Church) who will he in attendance daily from 10 a.m. till 5 pm., to receive Pupils for the Piano, Organ, and Harmonium. Terms on application. S t UNDER S’ BUILDINGS, East Stke et, Ashburton. 820 e



E W COAL YARD. Coals. Coals. Coals. The Undersigned desires to intimate to his Customers and tho Public generally that ho 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 tho Town and Suburbs at the LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber and Coal Merchant, 4680 East street, Ashburton.



ori o e . MOUNT SOMERS AGENCY. Mr W. H. Puodicombb is authorised to collect money and transact all business n connection with Tun Ash button Guahoian in the Mount Somers and Alford Forest districts.



pA K B NOTICE. Everett Brothers Are still in Ashburton, and aro SELLING AS CHEAP AS EVER. Special : CALICOES FLANNELS WINCEYS, ami DRESS STUFFS. Bargains in LADIES’ ULSTERS, COSTUMES, aid WINTER SKIRTS. We have still a Stock of MEN’S SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, &c. Note the address ; EVERETT BROS.. Havelock street, Next Harrison’s Auction Rooms.



Holloway’s Pills. —The sudden changes frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system. Holloway’s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matteis, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bowels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkably effective, especially when aided by friction of the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will soon be re-established.—Advt.